Tofino and Ucluelet

Some people complain if places are too touristy, but I say, they're touristy for a reason. And Tofino and Ucluelet are just that. Yes, there are tourists, but that also means an abundance of beauty, restaurants and, in this case, beaches... large and plentiful enough for everyone.

The drive, westward on Vancouver Island's Highway 4, is an incredible journey, only to be topped by its destination.

Ucluelet (pronounced You-CLUE-let) is the more southern of the two destinations. It is home to the Amphitrite Lighthouse and the beginning of the Pacific Wild Trail. Its rugged coastline, from where sweeping views of the Broken Group Islands can be had, soon gives way to deep, sandy beaches. The town's population of less than 2000 welcomes visitors year round. In the summer, boating activities of every sort can be found; and in the winter, storm-watching is popular.

Tofino, 30- to 40-minutes north of Ucluelet is just as popular and just as scenic. In between the two cities is Long Beach, one of the most well-known and visited beaches on the coast.

The Amphitrite Lighthouse and the rugged coastline on which it sits are highlights of Ucluelet. Trails there run the length of the coast in both directions and is part of the Pacific Wild Trail. Looking south from the lighthouse, a wonderful view of some of the Broken Group Islands can be had.

It's easy to see why the Broken Group Islands are so named. Situated at the opening of Barkley Sound, a few of them can be viewed from the lighthouse. The small islands and islets number more than 100 and they are uninhabited and accessible only by boat. (They are not to be confused with the Broken Islands of the Canadian Arctic. )

Quisitis Point is a headland of Ucluelet that separates Wickininnish and Florencia Bays. A couple of easy boardwalk trails are there, offering beach access and stunning views of the beaches. This and the two pictures to the left were taken on Quisitis Point.

A highlight for me in Tofino was the Tofino Inlet pictured here. A busy place with boats and kayaks coming and going against one of the most picturesque backdrops around of the mountains and islands. The next several shots were taken from the shore along the inlet.

Since I retired and started stateside traveling in 2008 I have been blessed to see God's natural beauty. It has, many times over, left me speechless. beyond words. I never tire of it, nor do I take it for granted. But sometimes it's the smaller things that, no matter where I see them, they put a smile on my face, and my camera instinctively goes to my eye. And that's what buoys and cairns do. I fell in love with buoys (some people call them floats, others bumpers) ever since seeing them displayed on fenceposts, in trees and in every other coastal yard along the Oregon coast. Like cairns, they're whimsical...fun...and they show that not everything in life has to be perfect and 'in line.' Sidenote: If you're not familiar with cairns, click here and see the best 'collection' of them I've ever witnessed. (A link will bring you back to this page.)

A couple of summers ago, a disease spread through the waters of the Pacific Northwest that wiped out millions of sea stars. I hope that this one is either one that survived the epidemic, or that this is a sign that they are returning. It was found on Tonquin Beach, Tofino.

Long Beach, the area's most popular beach, comprises a collection of individually named beaches that cover a 10-mile (16km) stretch of sand within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Florencia, Wickaninnish, Combers and Schooner Cove create the longest sand dune on Vancouver Island. Pictured here is the Wickaninnish Visitor Center and Observation Deck.

A very short drive inland takes you to Radar Hill where sweeping views of the surrounding mountains can be had. During the Cold War era, Radar Hill served as a lookout site for long-range bombers and was part of what was called the Pinetree Line. The stations no longer exist, only the concrete foundations and the beautiful panoramic views.

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