Taste of Tofino

Known for its majestic Pacific Northwest scenery and sensational surfing, Tofino is a Vancouver Island gem that, thanks to an abundance of fresh local ingredients and talent, also happens to be home to a stellar food scene.

breakfast: There’s no better way to start a Tofino day than with brekkie at Long Beach Lodge, where floor-to-ceiling windows in the Great Room overlook Cox Bay Beach and a wood-burning fireplace keeps things warm and toasty. Try the wild mushroom, chorizo sausage and roasted tomato Forager Omlette as you take in the view. If you’re in a hurry to hit the waves, opt for a Grab ‘n Go Breakfast of loaves, granolas, yogurt and coffee for all the fuel you need. Great Room at Long Beach Lodge, 1441 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, 877-844-7873, www.longbeachlodgeresort.com

lunch: Post-surf munchies deserve a trip to Tacofino, where you won’t go wrong ordering the tempura ling cod Fish Tacos (which should be washed down with a lime-mint slushy). After, treat yourself to a Chocolate Diablo Cookie (hey, you need the energy!). The communal picnic tables are a nice touch, too—a great place to strike up conversation with friendly folks as you await your fare. Tacofino, 1184 Pacific Rim Hwy (back of the Beaches/Live to Surf Parking lot), Tofino, 250-726-8288, http://tacofino.com

dinner & drinks: The Ahier family runs SoBo (short for "Sophisticated Bohemian"), a popular and unpretentious spot for fresh food and great service. Everything here is locally sourced from favourite fine food brands like Two Rivers Specialty Meats and Cowichan Bay Farms. Menu must-haves include the Smoked Wild Fish Chowder, Broiled Oyster and Braised Duck Ramen. Do not leave before trying SoBo’s famous Lime Margarita. SoBo, 311 Neill St., Tofino, 250-725-2341, www.sobo.ca

midnight snack: Good food, drinks and crowd are always a-plenty at Shelter Restaurant, where chef Matty picks organic ingredients from the back garden and uses only ethically raised meats. Here, dishes like the seafood-full West Coast Cioppino, panko-parmesan Grice Chicken Burger and warm apple pie keep everyone coming back for more (the libations may have something to do with it, too). Shelter Restaurant, 601 Campbell St., Tofino, 250-725-3353, www.shelterrestaurant.com

May you catch every wave that comes your way! —May Globus