By Jen Dart

It looks like there will be unseasonably warm temperatures in many places in Canada this season, but Tofino is definitely one of the best places to experience a green Christmas. While it has been known to snow here at this time of year, the chances this year are looking quite slim. You’re more likely to enjoy a little wind, maybe some rain, and definitely some beautiful beach walks.

You’ll also enjoy getting away from all the hustle and bustle to focus on times with loved ones.

Leading up to the Christmas season, the community of Tofino hosts a number of fun, festive events. Christmas craft fairs and bazaars as well as some fundraising events help us all get in the spirit of the season.

The Pacific Rim Hospice Society Radioathon took place Dec. 9th. Over $10,000 was raised for this valuable west coast organization that provides much-needed end-of-life care and assistance. If there is a loved one you’re missing during this holiday season, visit Hospice’s Remembrance Tree at the Tofino Post Office and place a tag with their name on it.

Each year, the local Food Bank on the Edge organizes a Christmas hamper program for families in need in our west coast communities. The estimated cost of the program is between $7,000 and $8,000, and it is roughly $75 to sponsor a family (if you wish to donate please send a cheque to: Food Bank on the Edge, Christmas Hamper Program, Box 1146, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0).

The food bank also teams up with ReMax Mid-Island Realty’s Christmas Angel Program and the BC Liquor’s Christmas Bear program to provide children’s toys along with the hampers. Simply purchase a bear at the Liquor Store (with each bear purchased, one will be donated), and contact ReMax for information on how to get a toy to a west coast child.

For your own celebration, many local restaurants will be open during the holidays (check with them and it’s a good idea to make reservations at this time of year). If you prefer to do the cooking yourself, check this month’s issue of Tofino Time magazine for Tofino chefs’ own picks for holiday feasts. Most Tofino restaurants will also be offering New Years Eve special menus (reservations definitely recommended!).

A Christmas or Boxing Day surf or hike might in order to work off all the eating and drinking. Many surf schools are offering lessons throughout the holidays.

For hikes be sure to check the tide guide before heading out as conditions can change quickly. Low tide is always the best way to avoid potentially dangerous – and wet – conditions. Rolling logs are a danger at high tide, and there may not even be a beach to walk on!

However you spend your days, the Christmas season in Tofino will be well accented by finishing the day cozily in front of the fireplace in your condo overlooking Tofino harbour.

Happy Holidays from the Shore!

Photo: Roland Tanglao

Tags: The Pacific Rim Hospice Society, The Shore Tofino, Tofino Activities, Tofino Christmas
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By Jen Dart

Every three years in British Columbia there is a municipal election, and this year it falls on Saturday, Nov. 19.

Voters in Tofino elect six Councillors and one mayor. This is a rather large slate of candidates for a town with a full-time population of only 1,800. The original reason for this larger council was the amalgamation of the Chesterman Beach neighbourhood into the District of Tofino many years ago. Additional seats were added to council to represent the views of these “new” citizens. This larger number was never corrected, although voters did have the option to reduce the number of Councillors in a recent referendum and turned it down.

Both residents and non-resident property owners can vote in the municipal election. Non-resident property owners have to register as voters and meet several criteria including having resided in British Columbia for six months just prior to the election, and having owned a Tofino property for a minimum of six months. As a Shore condo owner, you can qualify to make your voice heard in Tofino’s election. The district recommends you visit their office prior to election day to fill out an Application to Register. You will be required to provide two pieces of identification and proof of property ownership. Visit this district webpage for more information.

There is an advance poll on Wed., Nov. 9, and voting on both election days take place in council chambers at the Municipal Hall at the corner of Campbell and Third St.

The local Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, along with the Tofino Business Association, is hosting two All Candidates meetings – on Oct. 26 from 7-9pm and Nov. 16 from 7-9pm. Both meetings take place at the Tofino Community Hall on Arnet Rd.

There are two sources for news in Tofino covering the election. The Westerly News is the local print newspaper that’s also available online. In election years past, the Westerly has posed a list of questions to candidates and their answers are published in the paper. The paper also provides coverage of All Candidates meetings.

Local resident Ralph Tielelman’s blog Tofino News is also providing coverage of the election. Ralph’s blog is more informal and readers have the opportunity to comment on his posts.

Friday, Oct. 14 at 4pm was the deadline for candidates to submit their nomination papers to run for council or mayor. For an up-to-date list of candidates, please see the District of Tofino website. At last check, there were 12 candidates for six Councillor positions and two for the mayoral post.

Council will be facing many issues during its next term, not the least of which is how to fund a secondary sewage treatment plant as the district has been mandated to do by the provincial government. Municipal politics are the closest level of access for most people, as the issues seem to most directly affect residents and property owners.

Image: Jennifer Stoddart

Tags: BC Municipal election, The Shore, Tofino, tofino events, Tofino politics
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By Jen Dart

An upcoming event recognizes and celebrates a unique culture in Tofino.

The Queen of the Peak women’s surf championships takes place Oct. 15 and 16 at local beaches.

Now in its second year, this contest is a testament to the number of talented female surfers here. This area is unique in that the number of women in the water easily matches the number of men. Some attribute this unusual phenomenon to Tofino’s relatively new surf scene; surfers have only been in the water in any number for about 15 years on the west coast.

It could also be the sandy-bottomed beaches that make this area ideal for beginners.

But Krissy Montgomery, owner of Surf Sister Surf School says it could also be the attitude of the local girls. Montgomery said there weren’t that many women surfing when she first moved to Tofino 12 years ago, but those that did were “inspirational.”

“They set the bar, they all pushed each other,” she said. “And the level of talent raised the bar.”

Montgomery’s Surf Sister, along with Shelter Restaurant, the Wickaninnish Inn and the surf brand Billabong, are the Queen of the Peak’s sponsors.

All proceeds from the event will go to the Westcoast Community Resources Society, a non-profit that assists families on the coast.

Last year’s inaugural run of the Queen of the Peak ran on one day just prior to the start of the O’Neill Coldwater Classic Association of Professional Surfers event.

There was only room for 50 surfers last year and Montgomery said the response was overwhelming, with all the spaces filling up within days.

It was clearly time to devote a whole contest to the girls, who are normally all relegated to one section in other contests.

This year the event will be separated into two days – one for the shortboard contest and one for the longboard.

There are also many associated events the week of the competition, starting with the Boogie Bash on Oct. 12 at North Chesterman beach. This is a boogie- boarding contest open to all ages, both males and females. The entry fee is $10 and all participants are automatically entered into a draw to win a 1972 Volkswagen Squareback (all surfers are also part of the draw).

A spa night and jewellery show is taking place the same evening at the Ancient Cedar Spa at the Wickaninnish Inn. The women’s surf movie Blue Crush is showing at Shelter following the spa night, with trivia and prizes.

Contestants will be treated to a wine and cheese orientation event at Surf Sister on the night before the competition, as well as a gala awards dinner at Shelter on the night of Oct. 16. The Volkswagen draw takes place at 10pm on the 16th, and the winner must be in attendance to claim the prize.

During the contest, there will be a massage tent, and babysitting and dog sitting services on the beach for surfers.

If you’d like to head to the beach to watch the competition on the 15th or 16th, check in with the Queen of the Peak’s Facebook page to find out where the action is being held (it will be either North Chesterman or Cox Bay, depending on waves conditions).

Photo: Sunny Goel

Tags: Queen of the Peak, The Shore, Tofino, tofino events, Tofino surfing
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By Jen Dart

Yet another festival is happening this fall, this time showcasing west coast carvers.

Carving on the Edge 2011: A Celebration of the West Coast Carver is a ten-day series of events, workshops, demonstrations, activities and exhibitions, including an ongoing exhibition at the Shore building.

The festival runs from Sept. 16-25 in various locations in Tofino, Ucluelet and First Nations communities.

Carving on the Edge began only last year as a way of recognizing both traditional and contemporary carvings artists that have influenced the west coast.

The Cedar Tree of Life First Nations carving exhibition will run for the length of the festival at the Wya Welcome Centre at the Tofino-Ucluelet junction. This exhibition will feature many First Nations local carvers.

Also at the Wya Centre on Sept. 17 and 18 from 10am-5pm is a carving workshop on two and three-dimensional designs, tool-making, storytelling and carving.

The Shore will be hosting a contemporary wood carvers show for the duration of the festival from 1-6pm at the building at 316 Main St.

A retrospective of the work of influential west coast carver Henry Nolla will be featured in the Salal Room at the Wickaninnish Inn.

Henry was a great influence on many residents of Tofino and Ucluelet, and a source of inspiration for many carvers. He lived on North Chesterman Beach near the Wickaninnish Inn for many years, and his handiwork is all over the hotel. He hand-adzed many of the cedar beams in the Inn, and did many additional carvings for the building. Henry’s touch is also visible at the Common Loaf Bake Shop and the Eagle Aerie Gallery in Tofino, as well on several signs and pieces of art around town.

Two Nuu-chah-nulth carvers will be passing on their knowledge of canoe-making during the Carving on the Edge Festival. Tla-o-qui-aht carvers Joe and Carl Martin are offering a 10-day workshop, as well as single days of instruction, during the festival.

Nuu-chah-nulth historian and artist Ron Hamilton will be giving a slideshow and presentation on Nuu-chah-nulth artfacts from Captain Cook on Sat., Sept. 18 at 7:30pm at the Clayoquot Sound Community Theatre. These artifacts are on permanent display at the British Museum in London.

On Thurs., Sept. 22 the Eagle Aerie Gallery is hosting “Legends and Carving,” an evening with First Nations carvers starting at 7pm. Learn about how First Nations legends are woven into various carvings.

Carl and Joe Martin will also be doing a traditional canoe steaming at Henry Nolla’s carving shed at North Chesterman beach on Sept. 24, and Carl will be doing daily adzing demonstrations at the carving shed from 10am-3pm.

There will be carving demonstrations and markets on Sat. Sept. 18 from 10am-2pm on the Village Green in Tofino, as well as on Sat. Sept. 25. In Ucluelet, local galleries and shops will have similar exhibitions on the 25th from noon to 5pm.

A Nuu-chah-nulth film called “The New Canoe – a visit to Nuu-chah-nulth Territories” is showing daily throughout the festival at the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

A community celebration and salmon barbecue will close the festival on Sat. Sept. 25 at the Wya Welcome Centre from 10am-5pm.

The Carving on the Edge Festival is a presentation of the Pacific Rim Arts Society, with the assistance of many sponsors.

Please visit the Carving on the Edge Blog for a complete listing of events and locations for the festival.

Images: Carving on the Edge Festival

Tags: Fist Nations carving, Henry Nolla, Nuu-chah-nulth, The Shore, Tofino, tofino events
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By Jen Dart

Tofino is synonymous with fresh air and clean living.

In part because this area attracts and inspires health professionals, and also because of the visitors looking for a wellness experience, means there are many spa and healing opportunities available.

From small to large, from a team to single practitioners, there are ample opportunities to experience relaxation and rejuvenation.

The Ancient Cedars Spa at the Wickaninnish Inn is an award-winning spa set on a rocky promontory overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Offering everything from massage to acupressure, facials to salt scrubs, and hydrotherapy to mud therapy and even yoga, the Ancient Cedars Spa is pampering at its best.

Sacred Stone Spa is located steps away from the Shore building on Main St. in downtown Tofino. Sacred Stone’s practitioners specialize in international styles of massage, combined with a west coast influence. Hot stones massage, Shiatsu, Thai, Aruveyda and their signature massages are offered for bodywork, as are facials and bamboo scrubs. Sacred Stone also has the only infrared sauna on the coast, which can be enjoyed before or after treatments.

Solwood Spa at 1298 Lynn Rd is right across the road from North Chesterman Beach. With a treatment room in the woods, this spa offers a full range of esthetic and body treatments. For more information, call 250-725-8883.

In addition to bodywork, Arbutus Health has acupuncture, private yoga, and herbal medicine services. With a team of practitioners operating out of the health centre above the Live to Surf shop in the Beaches complex, Arbutus offers a comprehensive approach to health. With a philosophy of treating issues before they become problems, Robyn and team provide a range of services under one roof. For more information call 250-725-2212.

There are several individual massage practitioners operating in Tofino. Breedom Massage Therapy operates out of Salty Dolls hair studio, directly across the street from the Shore building, at 381 Main St (250-266-0669). Robert Kowatsch is a massage therapist operating out of the Arbutus clinic (250-725-2212).

Therese Bouchard has a garden studio setting for her varied treatments; call her at 250-725-4278.

Affinity Massage Studio (250-725-2072) is located on 4th St. in downtown Tofino, and Sarah Platenius also offers therapeutic bodywork (250-725-3667).

Some massage therapists in Tofino will also come to your location with a portable massage table. Dawn Batenchuk is one of these traveling practitioners. She can be reached at 250-266-0086.

The Celtic Touch Healing Therapies has a studio on Neill St. in Tofino and will also travel to your location for Reiki and Shiatsu treatments. Please call 250-725-2870.

Linda Baril is a reflexology practitioner operating next to Arbutus Health. Linda’s treatments offer deep relaxation. Contact her by calling 250-726-5300.

Earth Acupuncture Studio is located at 110 Fellowship Dr. Shawna Bohlender offers acupuncture, along with aromatherapy massage and Reiki treatments.

Tofino also has two naturopathic doctors practicing here. Dr. Jeannie Doig and Dr. Nathan Gagne operate out of a space they share with Doctor of Chiropractic Jonathan Clow at the rear of 381 Main St. (again, right across the street from your condo!). Both naturopathic doctors specialize in nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal medicine. They also offer lifestyle counseling and other services for maximum natural health.

Dr. Jonathan Clow, DC has helped many west coasters with physical misalignments. His approach involves educating people about their health and helping them in the lifelong pursuit of health using chiropractic care. To make an appointment with Jonathan, call 250-726-2220.

Another wellness option in Tofino is regular yoga practice. There are several places to take classes from a variety of experience yoga teachers.

Coastal Bliss Yoga Studio is located above Studio One in the Beaches complex. With numerous instructors offering a variety of practice styles from beginner to advanced, there is something for everyone. Coastal Bliss has both morning, afternoon and evening classes.

Natalie Rousseau is a well-known yoga instructor in Tofino. She offers private classes and group classes at Coastal Bliss and the Ancient Cedars Spa, as well as yoga teacher training in compliance with Yoga Alliance standards. For more information about Natalie’s classes and to learn more about the practice of yoga, visit the Pacific Elements Yoga website.

There are so many inspired options for health and wellness in Tofino, it makes sense to add this element to your time here.

Photo (Main): Pacific Elements Yoga

Photo (Inset): Wickaninnish Inn

Tags: aromatherapy, health, herbal medicine, natural healing, Reiki, The Shore, Tofino, tofino acupuncture, tofino massage therapy, tofino naturopathy, Tofino spas, tofino yoga, wellness
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By Jen Dart

The Tofino Lantern Festival is an annual end-of-summer event that’s both a fundraiser and a favourite local festivity.

Now in its 11th year, the Lantern Festival supports the educational programs of the Raincoast Education Society, a local non-profit organization that’s dedicated to environmental stewardship and education.

The RES started the Lantern Festival back in 2001 and it’s grown into a truly magical evening set in the Tofino Botanical Gardens. There are a myriad of lanterns illuminating the many garden paths, live music, dancing and much more.

It happens this Sunday, August 28 from 7 to 10:30pm at the botanical gardens at 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy.

Both newly made and older lanterns from previous years lit up the evening sky, in more shapes and sizes than you can count. The RES boats a solid permanent collection of impressive lanterns from years past. And for a few weeks before the festival the RES hosts lantern-making workshops, giving everyone a chance to participate in the big evening by parading around their own lanterns and enjoying those on display.

It’s yet another opportunity for locals and visitors to display their creativity in Tofino – and it’s well worth checking out.

Made with papier mache and wire, the lanterns come in all sorts of elaborate forms. Well represented are the flora and fauna of the area, such as bull kelp, fungi, trees, flowers, banana slugs, and skunk cabbage.

Of course there is an abundance of sea creatures that also feature prominently, such as sharks, whales, sea lions, sea otters, octopus and fish.

Also look for a galaxy of planets, constellations of stars, a village of houses, amongst displays from years past.

As you wander the garden paths, you might hear local musicians, and this year there will also be a flamenco performance during the festival.

Darwin’s Café at the Botanical Gardens is open to offer snacks and libations.

Many locals look forward to this festival, both for its magic and as an end of summer celebration.

It’s an added bonus that the night raises money for a worthy local organization. The RES works in the areas of educational programming for local communities, as well as sustainability and stewardship.

In addition to running ecologically based programs with local schools and in the summer for children and teenagers, the RES also has regular interpretive walks, presentations and more. The non-profit is a leader in the area in the area of stewardship, supporting and developing the Tofino Mudflat Stewardship Program.

For more information about the RES, please visit raincoasteducation.org.

For more about the lantern festival, visit the RES’ home page.

The Tofino Lantern Festival is a car-free event, so most arrive by foot or bicycle. There is also a Tofino Bus shuttle bus running to and from town.

If you’ve never attended this magical Tofino event, check it out this weekend.

Image: Tofino Time Website

Tags: lantern festival, The Shore, Tofino, tofino events
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By Jen Dart

The restaurant at Long Beach Lodge Resort is located in the Great Room on the main floor of the resort. With floor to ceiling views of Cox Bay, it’s one of the best views in town.

Offering a lounge as well as a restaurant atmosphere, LBL has a lot to offer all types of diners – from casual to fine dining. Lunch, dinner and an après surf menu are available to all, and breakfast, beach side patio barbecues, and crab feasts to hotel guests only.

Chef Liam Paul focuses on farm fresh ingredients and local seafood, with many local and Vancouver Island suppliers. He also makes use of foraged ingredients in the local area to add west coast flair to his French-influenced menu.

In his own words, his aim is to “feed all the senses from the heart of the island.”

Lunch at the Lodge includes soups, chowder and salads, as well as salmon, halibut, mussels, pizza, sandwiches and a trio of sliders, which includes a beef, halibut and oyster “mini” burger.

Apres surf means peel and pull local spot prawns, oysters, lamb skewers, chicken wings, heritage angus beef “maui” ribs, and more.

Potato wrapped mushroom and vegetable terrine, and crab and cucumber roulade are two of the appetizers currently on the dinner menu, along with a coastal tasting plate of seafood “charcuterie” and much more.

The main course menu has sea and land sections, as well as pasta and pizza, fresh from the pizza oven.

Fraser Valley rabbit, Tofino Dungeness crab, local salmon and halibut, oysters and chicken from the island, Peace River lamb. These are just some of the dinner items that Chef Paul and sous chef Ryan Culford dish up daily.

Kids under 12 eat free at the 5:30pm seating with reservations at the restaurant (and an adult!), and there are daily specials, such as sushi made by kitchen brigade member – and Uculelet local – Kevin Kimoto. Fridays mean beer and pizza specials in the Great Room. Fresh oysters are another daily special, shucked by Chef Paul in the Great Room.

Crab feasts and beach side barbecues are popular with hotel guests.

To top it all off, pastry chef Ron Weeks’ dessert menu includes Lodge made ice creams and sorbets, flourless chocolate cake, lime-infused crème brulee, a cheese board, fruit tarts, puff pastry Napoleon, and more.

The Lodge’s wine list is quite extensive, relying heavily on BC selections with some French, Washington and California options as well. One of their principles is that there be “something for everyone,” on the list.

The bar also offers a great selection of beer, cocktails and after dinner drinks. In fact, the Lodge has won “best martini” at the local Martini Migration two years running.

Is your mouth watering yet?

Image Credits: LongBeachLodgeResort.com

Tags: Liam Paul, Long Beach Lodge Resort, The Shore, Tofino, Tofino food, Tofino Restaurants
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By Jen Dart

The Long Beach Golf Course has to be one of the most scenic courses in British Columbia. Surrounded by rainforest, mountains and a national park, this course is a golf experience unlike any other.

A nine-hole championship course located approximately midway between Tofino and Ucluelet, Long Beach was the vision of a group of locals who recognized the potential for a course to be carved out of the dense brush near the Tofino-Ucluelet airport, across the highway from Long Beach itself.

The course is technically part of the airport lands, and actually surrounds and runs parallel to two runways. Built during the Second World War, the Tofino-Ucluelet airport predates the formation of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, which was established in 1971. This explains why the course enjoys such close proximity to this jewel of a national park.

Considering the surroundings, it’s not surprising golfers frequently have wildlife sightings, including bears, wolves and deer.

The course is a par 36, and covers 3,330 yards from the back tees. It’s considered quite challenging, with narrow fairways surrounded by dense forests. Lost balls are not uncommon. The beauty of the course, however, eases the frustration of less than precise shots.

The course is run by a volunteer board of directors, made up of many avid, long-time local golfers. Keith “Gibby” Gibson is the current golf pro at Long Beach, and he has been instrumental in expanding the property to include a 76-site campground, an 18-hole mini golf course and even a paintball section. These new facilities added to the driving range, pro shop, and putting green already in place. Also at the location is the Back Nine Bar and Grill, featuring excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner options, as well as a full bar.

Numerous community events take place in the banquet facilities at the golf course, including weddings, meetings, and even art shows.

The community is also involved in many golf events at Long Beach.

Regular ladies night is Thursday during the more seasonal months, and men’s night is Wednesday. Monday is locals’ day, with half priced green fees throughout the day.

There are numerous yearly golf tournaments at Long Beach as well, starting with the Masters’ Tournament in April. A hospitality challenge and the West Coast Shoot-out are favourites for locals, as are the many tournaments sponsored by local businesses.

Private and junior lessons are available through the pro shop as well, for those who are just beginning in the sport.

It’s not just the locals who enjoy this course, when they were in town in 2010 filming the movie The Big Year, Hollywood actors Owen Wilson and Jack Black were spotted enjoying a game.

As Gibby says, the Long Beach Golf Course is a wonderful addition to the many activities that make the west coast a renowned destination. It’s unique location and surroundings make it an unforgettable experience.

For more information about the course, events and facilities, and to book your tee time online, please visit the Long Beach Golf Course website.

Image Credit: Long BeachGolfCourse.com

Tags: golf courses, The Shore, Tofino, tofino golf
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Some of the best food in Tofino is what would be considered street food elsewhere. Here it’s more like parking lot food – although it’s not your average parking lot.

The Live to Surf and Beaches Grocery parking lot (between Lynn Rd and Hellesen Rd at 1184 Pacific Rim Hwy) is home to a very eclectic group of businesses.

The Wildside Grill, which has already been covered in this blog is located here, as well as the surf shop and grocery store mentioned above. But there’s much more. A wellness centre, carving shack and glass blowing studio, movie store, chocolate shop, hair studio, and scooter rental are also in this hub.

Still another business has called the back of this parking lot home for the past 18 months or so. TacoFino Cantina, in the bright orange truck, is a Baja-style taco stand.

TacoFino occupies an auspicious space; it was the same location where SoBo first started in the purple catering truck (see blog posting about SoBo). And it seems to be working. The taco stand has been called, “possibly the best Mexican, or at least the best fish tacos in B.C.”

Kaeli Robinsong and Jason Sussman are the owners and operators of this catering truck, the menu for which was inspired by their travels.

TacoFino’s menu features fish, chicken and bean tacos and burritos, as well as tuna ta-takos, gringas (a cross between a taco and a grilled cheese sandwich), and freshies and liquados (iced drinks). Frequent specials include tortilla soup, spot prawn tacos, mushroom quesadillas, and the very popular Diablo chocolate cookie ice cream sandwich – two fresh chocolate cookies with vanilla ice cream.

The Mexican influence is evident from the Virgin de Guadelupe adorning the truck itself, as well as the menu chalkboard (she’s holding a taco).

“Tacofino was born out of a desire to create a unique dining experience by offering quality, freshness and affordability with an environmental and nutritional conscience,” says Kaeli. “Our menu is inspired by our world travels, taking the Baja-style taco to another level.”

It hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing for the husband and wife team, however, despite getting rave reviews and attention from cooking shows and other media.

The District of Tofino granted a temporary permit in 2009 for TacoFino to operate in its current location. This permit expired earlier this year, and for a while it was unclear whether they would be allowed to continue operating. During this time of uncertainty, Kaeli and Jason applied to be part of Vancouver’s food stall lottery. They were successful in getting two spaces before getting their permit renewal in Tofino. It’s going to be a busy summer for them as they operate TacoFino in Tofino and Vancouver, as well as a Vietnamese sandwich stall called Kiss Kiss Banh Banh.

For more information, and for current TacoFino locations in Vancouver (usually Robson and Howe, but they also roam around), visit their website or follow them on Twitter.

Image: Tacofino.com

Tags: Tacifino, The Shore, Tofino, Tofino food, Tofino Restaurants
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By Jen Dart

The artwork of First Nations is abundant in the Tofino area.

The distinctive artwork of both the Nuu-chah-nulth people and many others has become increasingly popularity over the past few decades. Along with the potlatch ceremony, First Nations art went underground for many years following settling by the Canadian government.

The art world – and the general public – slowly began to take notice and recognize the traditional artwork of First Nations over the past few decades.

Today, First Nations art takes many forms: masks, totems, carvings, canoes, talking sticks, jewellery, bentwood boxes, paintings, clothing and traditional hats, and basket weaving.

Red and black were the main colours used. Before the days of paint, the black was achieved using charcoal, graphite or lignite coal, and the red from ochre or other minerals.

There are many traditional and distinctive shapes used in the First Nations art of the Pacific Northwest, including the ovoid, the U-form and the S-form. Animals are featured in all types of art, from carving to painting to totems. All animals pictured have different significances. The eagle, for instance, can be a symbol of power, leadership and prestige, as the bird is thought to be a messenger to the spirit world.

In Tofino, two canoe carvers, Joe and Carl Martin, who learned the art from their father, continue to carve cedar dugout canoes regularly. Some of the canoes are used in Joe’s daughter Gisele’s canoe tour company, Tla-ook Cultural Adventures (www.tlaook.com). Local videographer Jackie Windh captured the Martins steaming a canoe on Chesterman Beach a few years ago:

There are several local galleries featuring First Nations art in Tofino. The House of Himwitsa, owned by an Ahousaht family, features jewellery, masks, and carvings. Himwitsa, in the Nuu-chah-nulth language, describes the tradition of elders sharing wisdom with the young through storytelling. The House of Himwitsa is located just down the street from the Shore, at the corner of Main and First Sts.

The Eagle Aerie Gallery, located on Campbell St. opposite the Village Green, is built in the form of a traditional longhouse. Featuring the artwork of Roy Henry Vickers, who is of coastal First Nations descent, the gallery also has carvings and jewellery from other artists. Visit the Roy Henry Vickers website for more information and to view these unique prints online.

The Reflecting Spirit Gallery at Main and 3rd Sts features a wide variety of artwork, including paintings, carvings, pottery, and glass.

There are also several galleries in Ucluelet, including the Du-Quah Gallery on Peninsula Rd. Featuring glasswork, carvings, baskets and more; the Toquaht First Nation operates the Du-Quah Gallery. The Huu-mees Ma-as or Cedar House Gallery is located in the Whiskey Landing Building at the base of Main St., and features a variety of local and other artists in both the contemporary and traditional styles.

There are also more informal opportunities to see native artists at work in the area. There are carving sheds on North Chesterman beach (near the Wickaninnish Inn), and also in the Live to Surf parking lot complex (tucked in beside Westside Surf School). These artists are open to talking to the public about their craft.

There is much to discover in the world of Pacific Northwest Coast art, and Tofino is the place to do it.

Photo Credits: Ecotrust Canada

Tags: canoe carving, Cedar House Gallery, Eagle Aerie Gallery, First Nations art, House of Himwitsa, native art, Roy Henry Vickers, The Shore, Tofino
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