Maybe it’s the fresh air, the pristine seafood or the rustic vibe, but food just seems to taste better in Tofino, British Columbia. And, to celebrate this fabulous, flavourful phenomenon, acclaimed local and regional chefs are gathering in the lush rainforest paradise (really, Vancouver’s version of the Hamptons) this month as part of Feast Tofino, which wraps up on May 21.
We were lucky enough to attend the festival’s early May kick-off, which saw Vancouver culinary firecracker chef Joël Watanabe of Kissa Tanto and Bao Bei join chef Nick Nutting of Tofino foodie fave the Wolf in the Fog in hosting an Italian/Asian street-food gathering at the Tofino Botanical Gardens. Smoked oysters on the half shell graced with pork jowl, rapini and finished in a rich sauce of butter, pork fat and oyster nectar created the very essence of a beachside fire in a single bite—needless to say, we ate well.
Upcoming Feast Tofino events include Main Street’s the Acorn joining Tofino’s SoBo for a six-course vegetarian-inspired collab with pairings (May 17) and an afternoon of tasting in the harbour (May 20). For those who can’t make it into town in time, no worries: the bounty runs all year long. Here are some tips on where to stay, shop, roam and, naturally, eat in Tofino. —Niki Hope
travel. You can always make your way to Tofino on the ferry but, if you want to avoid the crowds this summer and roll into town in less than an hour from the mainland, flying is the way to go. Orca Air and a handful of other airlines offer round-trip flights starting at approximately $350. Plus, once you land, if you can rent or borrow a bike, it’s a great way to get around town and alleviates the need for a gas-guzzler. flyorcaair.com
sleep. Long Beach Lodge Resort is authentic Tofino in every way, from the cedar-clad architecture to the earthy interior colour palette to the comfortable, relaxed vibe and friendly service. As an added bonus, it’s situated on one of the most popular surfing beaches in the area. The heart of the lodge is known as the Great Room—a vast dining/lounge area that looks out onto what could be argued are the best views of Cox Bay. Even if you don’t stay at the lodge, stop by the Great Room for a meal that includes freshly baked bread and killer scenery. longbeachlodgeresort.com
shop. Not your average gift shop, Salt is located in the heart of downtown Tofino and carries charming lines like Tofino Towels. Other goods to grab at Salt include Tofino Soap Co.’s handcrafted gems, charming and colourful Tofino city maps and a tonne of other genuinely wearable and fun pieces that celebrate B.C.’s favourite surf town. facebook.com/salttofino
roam. Surfing, beach combing, biking, hiking, fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, storm watching, foraging (it’s the big thing for foodies these days) … there’s an endless stream of ways to immerse yourself in the forest and/or the sea.
feast. Savouring delicious cuisine and cocktails is also a major pastime in Tofino. Consequently, there is no shortage of places to do just that. Wolf in the Fog is considered one of the best restaurants in town. In fact, it’s so tough to snag a coveted seat during the busy dinner hour, it’s suggested you call a month in advance to reserve a table during the summer high season. Those who don’t mind coming early or dining late, can sometimes grab a table without a reso, but don’t bet on it. With inventive dishes, a warm, handsome dining room and a cocktail list that includes the Cedar Sour—a cedar-infused rye cocktail—it’s clear as an ocean view on a bright day that the natural environment touches every part of life in Tofino. wolfinthefog.com
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