Loving the DWC Lifestyle @ Long Beach Lodge, Tofino

This week I had the opportunity to enjoy a full Distinctly West Coast experience in Tofino thanks to Tofino Air and the Long Beach Lodge.  What a trip!  It’s funny, when I was growing up in the Okanagan, I always heard about Long Beach with its white sand that stretched for miles ’just like in California’.  I always wanted to go…  As I got older, I heard more and more about Tofino yet never made the trek because that’s what it sounded like, “a trek”.  I can’t believe it took me until 40 to realize Tofino is much, much more accessible than I ever imagined!  I should’ve been here 20 years ago… and maybe I’d actually be a good surfer by now.  Anyway, all is not lost.  I got to spend time in Tofino this week, and it was magical.

I chose to fly from Sechelt (I live in Gibsons) to Nanaimo – a 12-minute flight that Tofino Air does four times daily - and use a rental car from there.  For those of you in the Lower Mainland or flying into YVR (Vancouver’s International Airport), Tofino Air offers a daily scheduled flight - the only local floatplane company to do so!

It’s about a 2.5 hour drive from Nanaimo to Tofino but I actually wanted to enjoy the road trip.  It’s such a gorgeous drive.  I learned that on the windy part where it is 40 km/hour… you really only can do about 40 km/hour.  The lakes, huge trees, and breath-taking skylines keep your attention the entire way up the Coast.

Once arriving to the beautiful oceanside town, I took a couple nice deep breaths enjoying the vast open space, clean, fresh sea air, and the feeling of literally arriving at the ‘end of the road’.  I stopped for a bite of lunch with Corene, the lovely GM of Jamies Whaling Station.  We dined at the Shelter Restaurant and enjoyed an amazing salad and calamari with refreshing iced tea (okay, I almost followed my diet).  Corene has so much experience in the whaling/tourism industry.  It was great to chat.  I think Jamies is amazing – they’re currently celebrating their 29th season – super cool!

After popping by Surf Sisters ~ I’m SO learning to surf this summer!!! ~ the world-renowned Wickininnish Inn, and the budget-conscious Tofino Trek Inn, I finally arrived to the very place I’ve been waiting 30 years to get to… Long Beach… and the incredible Long Beach Lodge Resort.  Finally!  I enjoyed an incredible fish taco from Tacofino on the beach at a perfect ‘table for 1′ (a log on the beach) just taking it all in and thinking to myself, “Yup, it was worth the wait!”

Long Beach Lodge definitely has a Distinctly West Coast feel to it. I love all of the wood, attention to detail and friendly staff.  It feels upscale and special without feeling stuffy or pretentious.  Perfect.  Just what I was looking for!  My cottage-stay was top-knotch with a lovely soaker tub, wireless internet, and a huge king-size bed that allowed me to sleep in perfect starfish position.  During my stay, I got a chance to take a peak at a deluxe beachfront room in the oceanfront lodge.  This is the type of room that’s part of the amazing ‘Get It All’ package that Tofino Air is pleased to be a part of.  I love the fact that Long Beach Lodge has it all – you can fish, surf, enjoy incredible cuisine, or an incredible massage all without leaving the resort… If you wish.

The following day was busy, busy with a Tofino Air Open House for tourism partners, clients and guests.  It was much fun with pilots BBQ-ing, reggae music, scenic flights, and a whole lot of chin-wagging.  Everyone was very pleased to see whales during their scenic flights… it was the perfect ingredient to top off a great day! I love the friendliness of the Tofino community… it’s no wonder they are such a sought-after West Coast destination… and one of our amazing Distinctly West Coast partners.

Can’t wait to go back!