| The coastal towns of Tofino and Ucluelet one at | | | | and your strongest binoculars or scope to get really |
| either end of the Pacific Rim National Park, are | | | | great views of grey, humpback and killer whales, also |
| located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in | | | | known as orcas. |
| British Columbia, Canada. These small towns used to | | | | Spas, yoga, massage and wellness retreats are part |
| rely on the abundance of the forestry and fishing | | | | of a healthy holiday regime. Tofino offers world class |
| industries, but with these resources dwindling, local | | | | designer spa treatments, expert beauty services, |
| businesses have begun to turn to their environment | | | | professional esthetics and holistic and alternative |
| to provide once again. Via planes, boats, bikes and | | | | massage programs. Lomi lomi, swedish massage, |
| automobiles; tourists travel from all corners of the | | | | shiatsu, acupuncture, relaxing therapy, chakra |
| world to experience the pristine beaches, succulent | | | | wellness are offered both in the privacy of your own |
| rainforests and incredibly photogenic scenery. | | | | accomodation or in one of the many high class |
| Unlike most of Canada, the weather here is fairly mild | | | | facilities. Tofino based facilities also offer hair salon |
| all year. Winter temperatures rarely dip below | | | | service, an ocean view steam room, salt water pools |
| freezing, but as these towns are both located in | | | | and sauna. Private and group hatha, ashtanga and |
| temperate rainforest climate be sure to bring your | | | | chakra yoga sessions are offered within the |
| waterproofs. The Pacific Rim is very wet indeed. | | | | community on a daily basis. Keep your eyes on the |
| Layers of warm clothes, boots and hats are | | | | community boards for special guest yoga instructors |
| imperative for a comfortable visit. | | | | often flown in for exclusive workshops. |
| Storm watching has recently become a new tourist | | | | Hot Springs Cove is a luxury in Tofino that shouldnt |
| phenomeneon. Visitors will stand witness to the fury | | | | be missed. Winter and spring are definitely the best |
| of the Pacific ocean while epic winter waves rise and | | | | seasons to visit Hot Springs Cove located about an |
| fall. You may be standing in the rain, bundled in heavy | | | | hour north of Tofino by boat or 20 minutes by float |
| raingear watching from the beach. Or warm and cozy | | | | plane. A tree canopied boardwalk tour takes you |
| by a fire, sipping a martini as the waves smash | | | | through the mystery of the rainforest from the |
| against the rocks below. Several of the upscale | | | | landing dock to the hot natural pools. Seismic activity |
| lodges and hotels in the area offer both beach | | | | heats water bubbling to the surface and over a |
| access and luxurious ocean view facilities for their | | | | waterfall high enough to beat down onto a tired neck |
| visitors. | | | | and shoulders. The hot water flows, decreasing in |
| The variety of beaches along this coast are perfect | | | | temperature from pool to pool before finally flowing |
| for walking, hiking and running. Miles and miles of | | | | into the ocean. The most bottom pool tickles the |
| sand, ocean waves, wild shorebirds and mountain | | | | senses as hot water flows in and meets the cold |
| views make the Pacific Rim a perfect holiday | | | | ocean water as you sit within the tidal pull. Soak in |
| destination. Wrap up warm and take a walk on the | | | | the peace and quiet and let the stresses of |
| beach, while bald eagles and hunting ospreys soar | | | | everyday life melt away. |
| above. Marvel at the flocks of tiny shorebirds and | | | | Tofino and Ucluelet have some world class |
| abundant sea life washed ashore. If you are lucky, | | | | reasturants. What better way to cap a day exploring |
| you may even catch a rare sight of spray as a grey | | | | the natural wonders than with a delicious meal? Fresh |
| or humpback whale vents through its blowhole. | | | | wild and local seafood are the highlights of the Pacific |
| Whale watching is one of the most popular activities | | | | Rim. Salmon, halibut and dungeness crab are the |
| in the area. The migration of the grey whales are | | | | signature dishes of the area. For landlubbers there is |
| celebrated with the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival | | | | also a great assortment of local lamb, duck and triple |
| in March, however whales can be seen all year round | | | | A tenderloins as well. All meals can be paired with |
| in these parts. Viewing with binoculars or a scope is | | | | local Vancouver Island wineries or microbrewed beers. |
| good in several areas. Radar Hill and Amphitrite Point | | | | How's that for taste! |
| Lighthouse are two of the best. Pack a chair, a flask | | | | |