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

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.

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

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

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/

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

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

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

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

By Jen Dart

The traffic hasn’t stopped at the Tofino Brewing Company since they opened their doors in April this year.

The microbrewery on Industrial Way is a first for Tofino and the reception from the community has been overwhelmingly positive say founders Dave McConnell, Chris Neufeld and Bryan O’Malley.

The partners, along with brewmaster David Woodward, are offering one flagship beer year-round – the Tuff Session Pale Ale – along with several seasonal brews.

The pale ale is described as a light to medium bodied pale ale with a toasty malt base, balanced with west coast hops.

At the moment the seasonal beer on offer is a heffeweizen, the Fogust Wheat Ale (fog-ust refers to the frequently foggy weather in August). In May and June, the Hoppin’ Cretin IPA was the featured beer.

Tofino Brewing Company sells their beer in kegs, half kegs, growlers and half growlers, or “growlitas.” Growlers are refillable 64oz (1.89 litres) glass jugs (growlitas are 32 oz.).

Many local restaurants carry Tofino Brewing Company beer on draught, as does the Alibi Room in Vancouver. Look for it at Shelter Restaurant, Long Beach Lodge Resort and the Wickaninnish Inn locally, to name a few.

Tofino Brewing Company’s beer was the top pick of festival-goers at the recent Suds and Scotch Festival at Mt. Washington.

A microbrewery is one that produces no more than 60,000 hectolitres of beer in one year (one hectoliter is equal to 12 cases of 24 standard bottles of beer).

Starting a microbrewery has meant a lot of research for the three partners, all of whom are relatively new to the brewing business. During the last couple of years of research, they’ve come up with several innovations.

First the entire brewery is powered by hydroelectric power.

And given the cost of water in Tofino, the partners were looking for efficiencies in that area as well. They’ve developed a water recapturing system whereby water is used twice – first to cool down the wort (unfermented beer), and then again in the actual brewing process.

The spent grain from brewing is transported to Port Alberni where it is used as animal feed on the Collins Farm.

The guys have also offered the “trub” – leftover hops and barley protein – to local gardeners to use as fertilizer.

It’s safe to say Tofino has embraced its brewery. And there’s good reason why these local partners have had such great success – the brews are tasty and visiting the brewery is always fun.

You can find out more about Tofino Brewing Company’s brewing process, and have a taste, during a brewery tour. Also at the brewery, growler holders, Tofino Brew Company clothing and other swag.

Located at 681 Industrial Way, the brewery is open from 11am until late every day. To contact Tofino Brewing Company call 250-725-2899 or email the guys at info@tofinobrewingco.com.They are on Twitter and on Facebook as well.

Happy tasting!

Image: Tofino Brewing Company