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Pacific Blues: Victoria to Tofino

Explore British Columbia's Lush Pacific Coast

by Jeff Voth

At some point during any visit to supernatural British Columbia, the melodic sounds of a west coast shower are sure to play a harmonious tune on the windshield of your vehicle. As someone who likes weather in all its variations, the clatter associated with a steady rain shower is music to my ears.

Pacific Sands Resort

But rain is only one of the many natural elements that define this area as a masterpiece for an outdoor enthusiast like me. Vancouver Island rises majestically out of the Pacific Ocean a melting pot for artisans and eco-friendly tourism, while showcasing some of the most majestic scenery in North America.

Arriving at the Vancouver airport, I’d stopped briefly to pick up my rental car. A short 20 minute drive later, I passed through the checkpoint at the Tsawwassen terminal and boarded the ferry to the island.

The channel ride from Vancouver to Swartz Bay near Victoria passed quickly and without incident. With hourly service during peak summer periods starting at 6:00 am and ending at 9:00 pm during the week and 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, the wait is never too long. Walking the deck is an enjoyable way to experience the channel crossing and should hunger strike, indoor dining is only a short stroll away.

Leaving the terminal behind, I headed north taking Hwy 1 on the east side of the island towards Nanaimo, then crossed over heading west on Hwy #4 in the direction of Port Alberni and my ultimate destination, the Pacific Sands Beach Hotel in Tofino.

Arriving at the Pacific Rim National Park (home of the infamous West Coast Trail,) just over 4 hours after leaving the ferry, I checked in with a park attendant. In most cases a park pass is required to enter, but I was told for those just passing through on their way to Tofino, it wasn’t necessary.

The Pacific Sands Beach Resort is situated on Cox Bay, 8 km south of Tofino. Spread over 45 acres, David Pettinger, the owner of the resort has designed the property with four unique guest areas.

They include the Lighthouse Suites, Beachfront Suites, the Lodge and the newest and most luxurious addition, the Villas.

Studio accommodations located in the Beachfront Suites offer fireplaces and access to the beach. They represent the ideal setting for couples looking to get away for a weekend. Long walks on the beach are best taken when the tide is out. The incredible variety of sea life in this part of Vancouver Island is spectacular.

Pacific Sands Villas

My accommodations would be in one of 22 brand new two story/two bedroom Villas. Each comes complete with a kitchen and full-size appliances, a living room with gas fireplace and incredible views of the ocean through floor to ceiling windows with patio access. Heated slate floors provide added comfort in the early morning, or late at night when its time for snack.

Halfway up the stairs the first bedroom splits off to one side, while a second short flight of stairs is required to access the master bedroom, equipped with a jacuzzi tub, gas fireplace and equally stunning views of Cox Bay and the beach.

The sunrise on the morning of my first day revealed a land filled with dense old growth trees and rich coastal vegetation. Below my window, an eerie mist lay under a cloudless sky, the tide out as surfers took to their boards for a day of wave riding.

With sights this incredible, it was difficult to leave the resort and drive into Tofino, but I knew the sacrifice would be worth it. Behind the wheel of my rental car again, the short drive to the farthest tip of the park was over almost before it had started. Once in Tofino, I was struck by the timeless quality of this cultural refuge and fishing town.

An interesting twist to my stay at Pacific Sands Beach Resort meant finding places to eat on my own. Having no restaurant or dining facility on the property, guests are encouraged to dine out or prepare their own meals in the fully appointed kitchens of the various suites.

With a plethora of menus in town, the only difficulty would be deciding between seafood, steak or making my own. Among other places visited during my time in Tofino, I enjoyed take-out from Surfside Pizza and a fireside dinner at Schooner Restaurant.

Over the next few days I had the opportunity to go whale watching with the crew of Jamie’s Whaling Station. Aboard the 65’ luxury vessel Leviathan II, we spotted numerous Pacific Gray Whales, bald eagles and other pacific coast wildlife. It was an incredible trip, punctuated by sea spray and crisp ocean breezes.

As a whole, Vancouver Island is a treat for the senses on so many levels. Tofino and the Pacific Rim National Park are two of the most rewarding places on the island to visit. Though it takes time to drive across from Victoria, the trip is well worth it.

With its perfect location on the beach and superior accommodations, the Pacific Sands Beach Resort is ideally situated to take advantage of all this area has to offer. Just wait until you here the sounds of the Pacific Ocean at dawn. It’s completely melodic.

If You Go:


Pacific Sands Beach Resort
PO Box 237
Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
Canada
Toll Free: 1.800.565.2322
Fax 250.725.3155
www.pacificsands.com
BC Ferries
1112 Fort Street
Victoria, BC Canada V8V 4V2
Toll Free: 1.888.223.3779
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