About Alberni Clayoquot, BC

Mackenzie Beach and the TinWis Resort Near Tofino, British Columbia.


It's a quiet, overcast New Year's Day and the perfect time to catch up on blogs reflecting on the past year.

I discovered some very beautiful places in 2009; places that I'll always remember and hope one day to return to.
One of these places was Tofino on Vancouver Island, British Columbia which I wrote about yesterday.

When we were exploring the Tofino area, we stayed at the TinWis Resort on Mackenzie Beach. The TinWis is a beautiful post and beam resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean just a short drive outside of Tofino.


The views from our balcony were absolutely stunning with the changing sky and tides filling my gaze everytime I looked towards the ocean.

The grounds at the TinWis are impeccable with many benches overlooking the Pacific Ocean to relax on after a long day sightseeing.

If you plan to visit Tofino, consider staying at the TinWis Resort. You won't be disappointed.

©2009JoSmith

Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia is one of those small towns that everyone must visit at least once in their lifetime.
A mysterious, uplifting energy envelopes the whole region and once you've been, you vow to return (many even devise a plan to move there).

When we visited in September, I absolutely fell in love with the whole Tofino area. Situated at the end of a long peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean, Tofino is at the Pacific terminus of the Trans-Canada highway.


A myriad of beaches line the coast of this breath-taking penisula and it is said that the cleanest air on our planet can be found here.
Perhaps this partly why a visitor feels so wonderful when walking around Tofino or strolling along one of the misty beaches near town.

The best restaurant I've even eaten at is found in Tofino. It's called 'SOBO' and is the only place I have eaten where the food is such a culinary delight that no matter how full you are, you continue to eat just to have one more bite of a taste experience you'll never forget in your entire life.

With an abundance of freshly caught salmon, scallops, crab and shrimp, Tofino is a seafood-lover's paradise.

For whale and other wildlife viewing, Tofino has an abundance of ecotourism outfits who will take you to the spots the whales are feeding. We saw beautiful Gray Whales when we visited.



Some residents enjoy the water so much they've built their little homes right on it!



If you plan on one trip this coming year, Tofino should be your destination. With the most beautiful natural environment I've yet to see on this planet, Tofino on Vancouver Island, British Columbia will stay on in your heart long after your vacation has ended.

©2009JoSmith

Radar Hill Near Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia - A Place You Have to See!








Of our many fascinating and beautiful stops along our drive to Tofino, BC in September, Radar Hill had to have been the most breathtaking.

In 1954, 5 years after the Soviet Union had launched their first atomic bomb, Canada and the USA constructed a series of radar stations as early warning systems should the Soviets decide to send an atomic missile our way.

Radar Hill was part of the 'pinetree line', the most southerly early warning defense line of stations.

Little of the original station is left today, however the view from the original station site is magnificent and well worth the hike up to see.

This site also has a memorial for the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry who fought during the Korean War.

©2009JoSmith

Robertson Creek Fish Hatchery near Port Alberni, Vancouver Island, British Columbia is a state of the art fish hatchery producing millions of Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Trout yearly.

It was amongst my favourite places to visit in September when we were in British Columbia. Of course, being a zoologist, I love all aspects of the animal kingdom and am especially fascinated with fish and their life cycles.

Here are some photos taken at the Robertson Creek Fish Hatchery. If you go, be alert and watch for bears who frequent the hatchery site looking for a free meal.


Adult salmon trying to return to the tanks where they began their lives.



The lake (filled with salmon - see the ruffling on the water surface?) at Robertson Creek Fish Hatchery, BC.


Fish tanks at Robertson Creek Fish Hatchery. When we were there, we saw a young river otter sneaking in around the tanks looking for a tasty morsel.

©2009JoSmith

In September when we were in British Columbia, one of the highlights was spending 3 days in the Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island. If you only take one trip in your entire life, visit here.
The natural beauty is breath-taking and much of it is still unspoiled.

Many people come here to visit and end up staying forever. Once you visit, you'll see why.

Here are some photos from our stop at Long Beach.

A tributary runs over the beach and to the ocean from the forest backdrop.


Giant kelp washed up on shore like some strange creature from the black lagoon.


Surfers wait for the perfect wave at Long Beach in late September. The Pacific Ocean is pretty cold this time of year so they wear full body suits.


Logs washed up on shore at Long Beach.


Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park is the longest natural beach on Vancouver Island.

©2009JoSmith