BC Mags- Tofino beta needed!

[girlski0912]

My mom, stepdad and little sisters were supposed to be flying to the Gulf of Mexcio in Florida for the week for a family reunion and teh hurrican is pretty much making travel plans a bitch...as in they are probably canceling. They have their heart set on a vacation any way and were thinking of heading from Vancouver, WA (where they live) up to Vancouver/Victoria/Tofino for a quick, short notice and inexpensive vacation.

Beta on cheap places to stay, cool little places (possibly with access to the beach) that you can provide would be awesome. I am searching for web packages, but really don't know much about that area.

[hop]

I just got back from Victoria and Tofino and have some touristy info for you if you want... give a ring.

[Snow Dog]

You can make a loop of it by taking the Anacortes Ferry or the coho ferry from Port Angeles. Return via BC Ferries.

[Oarhead]

IF you are in Tofino then make sure you drop by SOBO for food. It is a bus that is parked jsut off the main road near Chestermans beach. The food changes everyday and they are open until the food is gone. Polenta fries, oyster burrito, fish taco (seriously), and a bunch of other treats were on the menu last time I was there. DAMN GOOD FOOD.

I am sorry to say that there is not otoo much that is not touristy up in the tofino neck of the woods especially at this time of the year. I recomend going south to Uclulet and going for a walk along that trail that hugs the coast (I have totally forgotten the name - brain fart). It is really nice and loots of tidal pools and beautiful panaramic shots of the coastline.

If you go south from Vic to Jordan river and sooke then visit the Old Hotel at the paintpots(?) (Shit I am getting old). The Sooke HArbour House is a fantastic restaurant but it is expensie and hard to get in. Everything is local grown or caught. I ordered a salad as an appy and I got a huge bowl of flowers - amazingly tasty.

Cafe Brio is a nice place in Vic city (assuming it is still open).

The drive from Nanaimo to THe west coast is gorgeous but don't be napping at the wheel, wildlife and bad drivers are all over that road.

[LeeLau]

when are you thinking of going. Tofino is gorgeous.

- baked goods at common loaf are superb
- Chestermans is a nice beach to go beachcombing or surfing
- Try the boat rides touring north of Tofino towards Clayoquot Sound.

There's more to do - re hiking; and beachcoming and generally lounging around. What are your interests? I'll check back in a bit with more info

[girlski0912]

I unfortunately don't get to join in on the fun because I have to slave away for the Bar exam. I am housesitting and having the fam out of the house and some quite time is critical.

Talked to Hop and decided that Tofino may be too remote and hard to get to for the minimum amount of time that they are thinking of. My sister is a city girl and so they are leaning more towards Vancouver/Victoria if they don't end up in Florida.

Thanks for the suggestions! If it were my trip...me, my Subaru and a tent would be chillin chillin in Tofino for sure. Throw the 15 year old pretty pretty princess into the equation and that roughin it shit doesn't apply.

[hop]

Thanks for the suggestions! If it were my trip...me, my Subaru and a tent would be chillin chillin in Tofino for sure. Throw the 15 year old pretty pretty princess into the equation and that roughin it shit doesn't apply.

I know a nice vacant lot you can poach... I was there last weekend in my Suby.

Otherwise, prepare to pay $$$$$ and reserve waaaaaay in advance!


(I'm still backing my Gibsons/Sunshine Coast suggestions)

[powder11]

Toffino is a hike, but the gulf islands are close to Vancouver and fun. Mayne island is cool, theres a national marine park with tons of seals, sea lions, eagles and creepy crawlies in the water. check out this place for kayaking tours: http://www.bluevistaresort.com/

[grrrr]

Hope they got raingear and fleece packed. Weather sucks round here right now.