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