“Wild West Coast” by N&J

Whistler, BC (Jul 23/24) – This trip was in the works for many months, a plan to get a family camp trip in for N’s brothers birthday and while the nieces were still available (the oldest just graduated from high school & about to embark on an overseas trip; the youngest busy with her new job). So a week on BC’s ‘Wild West Coast’ was planned.

Meeting in Vancouver and staying on ‘Spirit Bear’ allowed time to have a visit with Nanna on the sea wall and go for lunch. A hippy start to the adventure required making custom ‘tie-dye’ shirts on the dock. Everyone’s creative spirit being channeled, a few hours later with purple fingers and smiles all the way around, each showcasing their work of art …the adventure could begin!

An early start on Saturday morning, catching the BC Ferries at Tssawwassen ferry terminal located south of Vancouver, a beautiful trip across Georgia Strait in warm sunny conditions. Sailing through Active Pass (between Mayne & Galiano Islands) with so many views to capture, terminating at Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Then off to Victoria for a day off exploring the attractions (Chinatown, the Inner Harbour, shops on Government Street), would not be complete without running into the aunties from Victoria!! With an overnight at the beautiful Harbourfront Hotel (N&J and Jesse camped in the parking lot – of course!!!).

The following morning driving up the west coast (Sooke to Port Renfrew), a winding (and windy!!!) spectacular ocean road. Once at Port Renfrew the travellers turned onto the Pacific Marine Highway, a now paved backroad (was once gravel a couple years ago) to Lake Cowichan. The journey then turned northwest along a logging backroad towards Bamfield BC. This road can be rough in places so slow and easy was in order making the experience remarkable with the days journey ending at Pachena Bay Campground (a short short drive from Bamfield).

A wonderful secluded spot right on the ocean, the surf & gentle warm ocean breeze gracing the campsite. The individual campsites quite a distance apart made the experience feel like being in solitude on the edge of the World.

After a night’s rest, the morning brought a day trip to Bamfield by taking a water taxi ride across the inlet to the west dock. The townsite’s boardwalk was quite magical along the waters edge, encountering seagulls, sea lions and fishermen showcasing their ‘catch’, while also walking past tiny residences with their well manicured properties, a local ‘general store’, and a new restaurant called Flora’s which was absolutely delicious and highly recommended. The goal, to touch the furthest West Coast tip – required traversing across the island on a gravel road that zig-zags with elevation and descent breaking through the rainforest to the deserted most beautiful sandy beach below …Brady’s Beach was well worth the exertion.

After two perfect nights at Pachena Bay, the journey continued to Port Alberni (about 90km on a reasonably good paved road, upgraded a year ago). Then a sharp left turn towards the west coast, Uculet & Tofino. The drive was easy, the climate change evident approaching the wild west coast, the trees become more weather beaten from the strong ocean winds & salt spray, the forest becoming very dense & dark, exposed trees showing signs of distress from the extreme conditions.

Finally reaching their destination at Surf Grove Campground at Tofino, becoming home for the next 3 nights. The campsites are very close to the beach (2 min walk), the roar of the ocean is always apparent …a beach visit happened even before camp was setup (couldn’t wait!!!).

A stroll through the village of Tofino to check out the shops & many fine restaurants happened on the 2nd day. A quaint town, although much bigger than the original surf town it was 30 years ago.

The beaches immense, white sand, weathered logs, dotted with people and pets enjoying the moment of simplicity. Wind rustling hair, lifting up energy and thoughts creating peace in mind and being.

Beach houses peeking behind from where the ocean meets the forest, offering many B&B opportunities, albeit at a premium price, but the benefits are numerous being so close to the beach, to watch & hear the endless surf.

On their last day on the coast the group took in a visit to Uclulet, the lighthouse being the prime attraction. You can follow a trail that winds along the ocean, enabling a spectacular view of the crashing waves among the massive rocks & outcroppings that dot the shore. The little town has many shops & restaurants.

Finally the week was over, a trip back to Nanaimo to catch the ferry back to Horseshoe Bay & the return trip home.

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