Its criminal. I haven’t taken the Highway #4 to its terminus since the summer of 2003.
I first moved to Victoria that summer and like any recent immigrant I was a combination of excited for my new community and broke.
My brother CJ and sister Andrea borrowed Mom and Dad’s mini-van. Loaded it up with my girlfriend and Andrea’s friend Candice and off to Tofino we went.
We didn’t have much of a plan. A van full of kids and camping gear. Beer.
When we arrived in Tofino, the first camp ground took a look us and just said, “no.”
wow, friendly folks.
We drove around for awhile and it was getting dark. We found a camp ground that would have us and quickly fired up our tents and tarps. I mean it was July, the rains was about to come. My brother CJ got a fire going and we put on some over priced steaks and veggie kabobs from the Tofino Co-Op.
Beers.
Rain.
So.much.rain.
My brother and I stayed up till late. I was sitting in a puddle. Probably not piss. I hope. No it was cold. It was rain water.
The next day, all bleary eyed, I awoke to plane engine noise. Our campground was beside the airport. And by airport I mean strip of grass carved out of the rain forest.
We decided we wanted to surf, so into town we went to rent all the gear.
Like I said, it was July so obviously it was gray and misty and fucking cold.
Surfing was hard and brutal and I am not sure, but someone likely drowned.
It wasn’t beach time like you might expect at Willows. The beach was gorgeous and wild… and cold.
We went in to town for food, but everything was really expensive so we ate diner grub and headed back to camp.
The next day, we took that scary, twisting #4 back to the city. And that was Tofino for me.
I did enjoy it… but I’ve never had an excuse to go back till now.
Coral has never been.
Now I gotta go back!
But this time, hotel and maybe I’ll leave the surfing off the itinerary. Maybe I’ll watch surfing, but I’m not getting in the water. OK, maybe I’ll get in the water.
If you are a Tofino person or have a great recommendation of an affordable place to stay for me and Coral, please leave a comment.
Go with yourself.
The Morning After 
My boyfriend and I spent Thanksgiving weekend last year camping in Tofino (the provincial park). It was gorgeous! We explored the city, but made all of our meals over the campfire and with a backpacking stove – all of the restaurants in town are so expensive. We also really enjoyed the winding road to get there. A bit sketchy at some points, but nice. It was my first time there, and we can’t wait to go back. Camping again the next time.
I guess I have nothing really of value to say. No recommendations, just wanted to comment. 🙂
yeah I don’t camping is in our forecast. But I am looking froward ot checking out the village again.
What a great memory!
I’d love to visit Tofino but when I do I’m going full out. Liquidating all I’ve got and staying at The Wickaninnish Inn without the kids.
yeah Winninnikinish or however you spell it… looks magical!
I know you’ve already said not until after christmas… but you have to go! Tofino is magical. I tried surfing too and hated it – it was the hardest thing i’ve ever tried and i failed miserably. Plus that falling, tossing and turning while attached to a giant board? Scary!
I surfed in Hawaii with all the tourists and it was fun and easy. I thought… OK, Tofino, same thing but cold. Nope. WAY harder.
Yeah… we’ll try to go. we’ll see how things shape out. But i don’t mind waiting to after Christmas and then really doing it up or even booking off some work time and staying longer.
The name Bruhwiler is synonymous with ‘Tuff City’.. They operate a surf school there, are world class surfers and are local…
They’ll treat you right!
thanks Jim, I’ll check it out for sure when I make way to Tofino!
Hi there Jeremy,
Im bored, and found myself on the zone webite, and I couldnt help but notice your experince with Tofino. I must say, thats very disappointing! As a ferequent vistor to Tuff City, I thought Id pass on an affordable place to stay. The Dolphin. Its not the most beautiful place to stay, but its clean and not a million dollars a night! It ranges from $65 to $85 a night. There are rooms with 2 beds or one big bed. It is also super close to the beach, so if your brave enough to attempt surfing again, its not a huge pain in the butt to get to and from. As for the rain, yes, it is by a rain forest, but the beaches and environment are truly epic. I hope you give it a second chance and hope you get some better weather next time. Here are a few websites that might be helpful….
http://www.tofinotime.com/
http://www.islandlongboards.com/surf_report/
Truly, A
thank you Aleatha!
I do plan on going back. It was a rough time the first time I went, but I did kinda like it!
there is a hostel at the botanical gardens, 4 to a room, reasonable prices, well equipped kitchen for your use and a wood fire to warm up by.