Tofino is the coastal village at the end of HWY 4 on the west side of Vancouver Island (the edge of the Pacific). It is the jumping off point for outdoor enthusiasts taking in the expanse of nature found in Clayoquot Sound, an area of untouched wilderness of ocean, beaches and mountains. A place where wildlife can be found in its abundant natural setting, whales, seals, sea lions, bears, wolf and deer. The ocean has a bounty of seafood, salmon, halibut, crab and prawns. The underwater scenery is equally dramatic for those that search below the surface in the many popular diving spots.

Tofino is also the coastal hub for the many smaller communities in Clayoquot Sound, as well, private retreats and outlying residents. Tofino is a safe harbour where you can shop for trip provisions and load you boat for a journey out on the Sound. Whether you are in a coast vessel or a kayak, this is the stepping off point. From the Center of Town it’s your access the Edge of the World.

If you’re a resident of the area you already know that finding moorage can sometimes be a challenge. The Tofino Harbour Authority manages four government docks in Tofino: the Crab dock, 4th Street dock, Wingen Lane, and 1st Street dock. Collectively these have 120 boat slips. Until the Shore was completed there were only four private marinas, one exclusively for residents of Kind Fisher condominiums and the other three for public moorage. The public marinas (Trilogy, Method Marine, and Weigh West) together add another 85 boat slips. With only 200 boat slips serving a community with a summer population of 20,000, the value of moorage space is at a premium.

With this knowledge in mind the Shore team allowed a public access area in their private marina dock for short term moorage so that more people could drop off, pick up and access the many services in the town of Tofino.

Now open for the 2012 season, this new marina will allow for access right at the center of town. The dock gangway attaches to the waterfront promenade and staircase leads right onto Main Street and the many amenities downtown Tofino has to offer. Centered between 2nd and 3rd Streets on Main, the dock is in close proximity to great restaurants like Tough City and the Spotted Bear and steps away from supplies at The Co-op or Storm Outfitters. This new marina makes it all completely accessible for the traveling boater.

The Shore marina also has 24 exclusive boat slips for its residents giving moorage access less than 100 steps away from their home. This was one of the key features of the development. For an outdoor enthusiast the residences at the Shore have it all, underground parking, kayak and surf board storage and deep water moorage. So once you have watched the majesty of the sunrise usher in a new day, everything that you are inspired to do is simply a few steps away from your doorstep.

Tags: The Shore Tofino, Tofino boat slips, Tofino boating, Tofino dock, Tofino marina, Tofino moorage
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By Jen Dart

There are only a three remaining commercial retail vacancies at the Shore on Main St. in downtown Tofino and the summer season is fast approaching.

Three retail units front Main St. in the heart of this bustling village. A larger space was just finished construction on the waterfront for the turn of 2012. This looks out onto the splendor of Clayoquot Sound and is perfect for a restaurant or a wellness center.

The Shore is a centrally located mixed development, one that combines waterfront living and playing with street-side commercial units, and what is sure to become a bustling waterfront area.

The residential condominiums at the Shore are nearly sold out, with only three harbourfront units and two penthouses remaining of the initial offering of 24 units. Thus far the owners of the condos are an international mix, representing the varied visitors to Tofino. A combination of Canadian, American and international owners have taken advantage in the value of the most unique real estate development to be available in Tofino.

The location of the building on Main St. is in the heart of Tofino as is the “Centre of Town” but on the “Edge of the World” overlooking Clayoquot Sound and the Pacific. When the settlement that would become the town was relocated from Stubbs (or Clayoquot) Island to its present site around 1905, Main St. was the town centre, boasting the general store, the Royal Canadian Legion and many homes.

The location of the Shore is that of the former BC Packers fish plant, an integral part of the town’s economy during the resource boom time of decades past.

As Tofino has shifted to a tourism-based economy, it seems fitting that this location is now part of that shift. Currently, the commercial units available at the Shore represent the bulk of a limited commercial market in Tofino. Other spaces available in town are for sale only, with prices ranging from $42,000-$200,000 and square footage from 800-4,000 sq/ft.

With its prime Main St. waterfront location, varied size, and flexibility between leasing and ownership, the Shore’s commercial spaces are unparalleled.

The Main St. units range from 500 to 2,000 square feet, and two are offered for sale or lease. A third waterfront building with 6,500 square feet is being offered for lease only. Current tenants of neighbouring commercial spaces on Main St. include Westland Insurance, Ocean Outfitters, a busy wildlife boat tour operator, and Plush, a boutique that carries women’s clothing as well as housewares and gift knick knacks.

The waterfront pier building houses the largest retail space and is ready for tenant improvements. This structure, located on the dock adjacent to the Shore’s 24-slip marina with a westward facing viewpoint into Clayoquot Sound, it’s truly one of a kind.

The Shore developers are willing to tailor this unique space to suit the needs of a retailer’s vision. Due to its location in the midst of a bustling development where both residents and visitors alike will be enjoying the waterfront, they don’t anticipate this opportunity to last long.

The Shore development includes a dedicated public walkway along the waterfront, as well as a public boat docking area. These two features ensure traffic on the foreshore of the development will be mixed with both residents and other users. Under any circumstance, the waterfront area associated with the Shore development promises to be a vibrant and exciting space. To become part of it, please visit the retail portion of the website at www.theshoretofino.com.

Tags: The Shore Tofino, tofino commercial real estate, Tofino commercial space, Tofino retail space
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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

The first time Shore condo owners Dave and Linda Hartzell visited Tofino they flew in and couldn’t leave.

It wasn’t self-imposed, however. It was September 2001 and all air traffic was grounded due to the attacks in their native United States.

“People were so kind,” said Dave. “It impressed us so much how kind Tofino was and we still feel that way.”

Now 10 years later, the Portland couple owns a waterfront condo at the Shore building on Main St. and they couldn’t be happier about their home away from home.

The Hartzells first visited the area for its exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities. They stayed because they found not only a great community, but also the perfect property for their lifestyle.

“The Shore concept made sense to us,” says David. “We have storage for our two kayaks, surfboards, boogie boards and wetsuits.”

Linda adds that they are constantly amazed by the ever-changing view from their floor-to-ceiling window.

“There’s always something happening here,” says Linda of Tofino harbour. “It changes all the time.”

You might be treated to a 45 minute display of eagles playing, like Linda was, or manage to take “about 200” completely different pictures of the same mountain, as the Hartzells have.

Dave also calls their view “the best desktop view I’ve ever seen.”

Both Linda and Dave often bring work with them to Tofino, enabling them to stay away for longer periods of time.

“People want to be able to work from anywhere,” says Linda. “I get up early and work from 7am-12pm. I’ve already gotten five hours in and then I’ll take the afternoon off and go kayaking.”

“Nature pulls you away from your work; I get my work done so I can play.”

Dave and Linda were only the second buyers of a condo at the Shore. They’ve been a part of the project from the get-go, even visiting the building during construction.

Seeing the building coming together allowed them ample time to choose the right pieces to furnish their second home. In their one-bedroom condo, one piece is a Murphy hide-away bed for visitors.

In terms of distance to get to Tofino, the Hartzells have a distinct advantage – because Dave is a pilot, they can be door to door from Portland in less than three hours.

But even if traveling here took longer, Linda says their retreat in this area would be well worth it.

“Tofino has it all – mountains and beaches,” she says.

“For people who like the outdoors, it’s the best of everything,” adds Dave.

Tags: The Shore Tofino, tofino condo, Tofino home, tofino real estate
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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

It seems as if buildings in downtown Vancouver were more affected by the Sept. 9 earthquake off the coast of Vancouver Island than those in downtown Tofino.

When the magnitude 6.4 quake hit approximately 50 km off the coast of Port Alice (northern Vancouver Island), many residents in BC registered a distinct shaking sensation for a few seconds.

In Tofino, those who were outside on beaches and in town seemed to notice a rumbling. Not so for many who were inside the Shore building when the event occurred at 12:41pm.

Ken Thomson, the proprietor of the marine charter company Ocean Outfitters on the ground level of the Shore building (facing Main St.), was making a coffee for a customer at the coffee bar in his business when the earthquake occurred. He noticed a ripple in the drink and also felt a slight rumble. At the time, he attributed it at the time to the construction currently underway on the dock for the restaurant that’s part of the Shore project.

“I felt it a little in my legs,” said Thomson, “but not much. I was the only one that felt it – and the store was full.”

His whale watching and Hot Springs trips departed as usual, with no one the wiser to what had just transpired. It wasn’t until later when his daughter called to check on him that Thomson realized there had been an earthquake.

The quake caused high-rise buildings all over the lower mainland to sway, generating more of an impact that it did in Tofino, which was much closer to the epicentre of the quake off Port Alice. In fact, the effects were felt as far away as Kelowna and Seattle.

The Shore building, which houses both businesses and residents, is ideally designed for the BC coast – an area prone to seismic activity. The building is entirely reinforced concrete and steel constructed, and it’s wide base and low elevation make it as stable as possible. The building rises only two stories from Main St., with a third story descending towards the shoreline and dock area.

Built with concrete and heavy timber, the Shore is also designed to withstand a harsh marine environment in general.

Living with the possibility of an earthquake is a reality all over British Columbia, but especially true in coastal regions. The province and municipal governments have done much planning in this area. And because Tofino hosts many visitors, it is especially pertinent here. You may have noticed the roadside signs indicating when you have entered and exited a tsunami hazard zone. This indicates the area is below the expected elevation to which a tsunami wave would rise.

For all areas of Main St., the evacuation zone is Wickaninnish Community School on Gibson St. It is recommended that you proceed there immediately in the event of a strong earthquake and the possible generation of a tsunami. For more details of emergency preparedness and for evacuation maps, please visit the District of Tofino website.

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/emmakatejackson/5591442537/

Tags: earthquake preparedness, Shore construction, The Shore, Tofino, Tofino earthquake
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By Jen Dart

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and Clayoquot Sound are home not only to roughly 2,000 year-round residents and some 20,000 daily visitors in the summer, but also several populations of large mammals.

Black bears, wolves and cougars are also year-round inhabitants of the Tofino area, and it’s important to be aware how to manage possible encounters with these remarkable animals.

Obviously, the safest type of viewing opportunity is a wildlife viewing tour by boat. Black bear sightings often also occur by the side of the road or while hiking in the area.

Parks Canada maintains a strict mandate of not disturbing or feeding any wildlife (feeding wildlife is in fact illegal within national parks), including bears.

Too many traffic accidents have occurred when excited motorists stop suddenly or worse, pull over to feed or disturb bears.

When hiking or otherwise enjoying nature in bear country, there are several precautions you can take to avoid an encounter, including hiking in a group and staying in open areas as much as possible.

If you do encounter a bear, don’t run. Bears can easily outrun you, and this behaviour could trigger an altercation. Stay in a group and pick up small children. Give the bear space while backing away slowly and speaking in a soft voice. Pacific Rim has issued further guidelines for potentially more dangerous encounters, which are rare.

There are many important steps to take when using wild areas, including observing any cautions or closures issued by Parks staff. Also, dogs should be leashed at all times.

When camping, never allow wildlife to access food, garbage, toiletries or any other camping gear.

Greenpoint Campground in Pacific Rim has been observing a bare campsite policy for many years, with great success and few wildlife encounters.

Another project, called the WildCoast Project, has been ongoing since 2003. This project, which is a collaboration between staff at Pacific Rim and several others experts, aims to minimize conflicts between those living in and enjoying the area and large carnivores.

While wolf and cougar encounters are uncommon, the project was precipitated by a wolf attack on a kayaker in Clayoquot Sound in 2000.

Encounters continued to increase, as did evidence of the increasing boldness and sometimes aggressive of the animals. There are many theories for this change in behaviour, including changing deer habitat (deer are prey for both wolves and cougars. When the area was being logged heavily, deer were often found in forest clearings. These spaces have diminished and deer may have become more difficult for these carnivores to locate).

Firstly, it’s important to keep wolves and cougars wild and wary of humans. That means not habituating them to the presence of humans or offering rewards such as food attractants left in the open.

Keeping attractants secure at home and in the wilderness, as well scaring the animals away if they get too close are the main things to keep in mind.

If you happen to encounter a wolf or cougar in the wild, pick up small children and maintain your group. Make and maintain eye contact with the animal while waving your arms and shouting.

In other words, do everything you can to appear larger and scare the animal away.

If the animal isn’t backing down, you must back away slowly while not turning your back and maintaining eye contact. As with bears, you must create space between you and the animal. If the situation escalates, use whatever is at hand, such as stones, sticks or pepper spray to strike out at the animal. Strike the animal in the eyes and nose if possible.

However unlikely it is that you will encounter one of the West Coast’s large mammals while enjoying the area, it’s important to be informed of how to defend yourself and those in your group.

In this area, reporting any sightings or encounters to Parks staff will assist in their ongoing research and public safety initiatives. Please also observe any trail or area closures posted.

For more information about living with wildlife, please visit the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve website.

Images: Shayne Kaye, Robert Dewar

Tags: Pacific Rim Nation Park, The Shore, Tofino, Tofino bears, Tofino cougars, tofino wildlife, Tofino wolves
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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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