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 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

Tags: The Shore, Tofino, Tofino beer, Tofino Brewing Company, tofino businesses, tofino microbrewery
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By Jen Dart

The team at the Shore has developed an exciting promotion for their final release of units.

There are only five remaining residential units at this luxury mixed residential and commercial building on Tofino’s waterfront. And the buyers of these last remaining harbourside and penthouse suites are now eligible for free fast travel to and from Vancouver.

The Shore is offering free flights for two years from Tofino to and from the south terminal at Vancouver International Airport for those who purchase units before Sept. 15.

This scenic Orca Air flight takes you over the Georgia Straight and across the mountains and lakes of Vancouver Island. The final descent into the Tofino-Ucluelet airport brings you swooping down directly over Long Beach.

The Shore’s “Buy and Fly” promotion began July 30, 2011 and runs until Sept. 15, 2011. It entitles buyers during this time period to free flights for two years from the date of the sale contract. The offer is valid for up to four people per sale. Up to 48 flights to and from Vancouver are included.

At regular flight prices, this offer is worth roughly $8,000 before taxes.

Orca Air, currently the only air carrier offering regularly scheduled flights between Tofino and Vancouver, is the fastest option for travel to Tofino (other than chartered float plane). Driving from Vancouver, including the time it takes for the BC Ferries crossing, takes about five hours. Granted, Highway 4 from Port Alberni to Tofino is one of the most spectacular drives you’ll find on the coast, but the flight offers even more stunning views of the mountains and coastal areas of mid-Vancouver Island. And you can use the time you save for beach walking and relaxing in front of a breathtaking view of mountains, rainforest and ocean from your condo.

In terms of residential units at the Shore, only five of 24 remain. Two of these are first floor harbourfront condos. These units range in size from 828 to 1,168 square feet.

There are also three penthouses suites available, each with two bedrooms and two baths, from 1,890 to 1,953 square feet.

For a full listing of prices and further details, please see our Shore Information Sheet.

Part of the development plans for the Shore building including a waterfront walkway and a marina and restaurant on the foreshore dock.

Tags: The Shore, Tofino, tofino commercial real estate, tofino condo, tofino real estate, tofino waterfront
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By Jen Dart

The Shore recently celebrated the first ever event to be held in the restaurant space on the dock in front of the Main St. building.

The restaurant and adjacent commercial space and exercise studio are still under construction, but quickly nearing completion.

On July 15 the Shore hosted a kick-off event to the Tofino Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby in the restaurant space. Hosted by Calgary Flames NHL star Brendan Morrison, the Saltwater Classic is a fishing derby that’s in its second year.

Funds raised from the derby go towards various community programs in Tofino.

Morrison also hosted the party at the Shore Friday night to a packed house. Supporters, locals and anglers all attended the event, as did the Shore’s development team.

Guests enjoyed the culinary creations of Chef Tim May of Red Can Gourmet, a new catering and take-away business in Tofino. Chef May and his team wowed guests with their west coast creations and oyster bar.

Morrison mingled with guests and built excitement for the derby.

“It was great to host everyone in our upcoming space and to celebrate the Saltwater Classic,” said Maria Peters, the Shore’s marketing consultant. “Another great year of fundraising for Tofino community organizations and the elementary school.”

The Shore team is still looking for a tenant for the restaurant space, which is on track to be completed by the fall. A marina with boat slips will be located next to the dock, and a waterfront promenade will run along the shore in front of the condominium building.

At the Saltwater Classic kick-off event, guests had the chance to glimpse what diners will enjoy once this space is operational.

After all the fish had been weighed at the end of the derby, there was as tie for first place between Anthony Kelly and Shawn Karp. Both caught 34.5 pound Chinook salmon. Third place went to Mark Kosick with a 34.35 pound Chinook. Matt Harbour had the largest halibut, at 79.9 pounds, and the largest Coho – at 9.6 pounds – belonged to Sean Peach

Overall 98 anglers participated in the event, which raised a total of $25,000 for Wickaninnish Community School, the Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society, the Tofino Hospital Foundation and the Tofino Parks and Recreation Department.

Morrison has a home in Tofino, and he and his family spends time here in the summer.

In addition to the Shore event, Morrison also held a ball hockey event at the Tofino Community Hall for local kids.

For more on the Saltwater Classic Fishing Derby, please visit TofinoSaltwaterClassic.com.

Photo Credit: Salt Water Classic Website

Tags: Brendan Morrison, fishing derby, salwater classic, The Shore, Tofino, tofino events, tofino real estate, tofino restaurant opportunity
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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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Maria Peters of Leap Marketing in Vancouver has joined the Shore development’s team for the final release of units for this unique project.

Located at the “centre of town, edge of the world,” the Shore building is a mixed commercial and residential project on Tofino’s waterfront, looking out into the wilderness of Clayoquot Sound.

Peters is overseeing the final release of five residential and five commercial units, including the restaurant space located on the foreshore dock.

She is stationed at the Shore’s sales centre, located on the street level of the development at 368 Main St in Tofino.

Peters said she is thrilled to be in Tofino and involved with the Shore: “My partner Christa Frosch (of Sotheby’s Vancouver) and I are both involved and committed to the project.”

Her focus is to showcase the last few remaining units from the sales centre.

Currently, only five residential units remain – two one-bedroom waterfront units and three penthouse suites.

The waterfront harbourview units are priced from $525,500, while the penthouse suites range from $1,345,000 to $1,389,900.

In terms of commercial availability, there are four units fronting Main St. still available for purchase. Current tenants include Ocean Outfitters, Covet Boutique, and Westland Insurance. These units, which front Main St., range from $458,000 to $459,500 (1,032 to 1,061 square feet).

Maria has been in the Tofino office since early July, and has met a varied mix of people coming through the doors.

“Traffic in the office has been an international mix, with people from Hong Kong, Texas, Vancouver, and the UK,” she said.

“Tofino is international in the summer, and these visitors are finding the Shore.”

The owners of the Shore are also currently looking for a tenant for their dockside restaurant. This space is located on the foreshore in front of the building, and construction should be completed by the fall of 2011.

A marina is also under construction, and will be located next to the restaurant. Moorage is available first to residents, then to the public.

It’s not surprising that visitors are naturally drawn to Tofino’s waterfront; it’s a hub of activity, as well as a viewpoint for a glimpse of the beauty of the surrounding rainforests. Watch float planes taking off, wildlife and fishing boats and kayakers passing by.

Main St. is Tofino’s historic hub as well. In fact, the public walkway dedication that the owners of the Shore are providing in front of the building is reminiscent of a wooden boardwalk that once ran the length of the village of Tofino’s waterfront. In those days, the streamer from Victoria was the only contact with the larger world.

Today, as Maria noted, the world comes to Tofino.

Watch this blog for more updates about current sales offerings, as well as special events and promotions. The Main St. sales office for the Shore is open five days a week.

Tags: The Shore, Tofino, tofino commercial real estate, tofino condo, tofino real estate, tofino waterfront
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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

There are many stories that are part of the common vernacular of Tofino residents that are slowly discovered by new residents and visitors.

There is the story of the sinking of the American fur-trading vessel Tonquin following a battle with the local Tla-o-qui-aht in the early 1800s. Or the tales of preparing for more recent wars in the 20th century by driving wooden poles into local beaches to prevent enemies from landing here.

Few stories have the romanticism of that of Frederick Tibbs, however. An Englishman described as a short man with a round face and curly hair (some accounts say he had a facial disfigurement), Tibbs was an early arrival to the growing community of Tofino on Esowista Peninsula in the early 1900s (John Grice was one of the first to establish himself at Grice Point in 1890). As previously described in the History of Tofino post (LINK), the original town was located on Clayoquot Island in Tofino harbour before it was moved to its current location.

Fred Tibbs arrived in Tofino in 1908 and preempted land at Long Beach. He soon purchased his Dream Isle in Tofino harbour, visible from the Shore building.

Tibbs proceeded to clearcut the entire island, except for one 100 ft. spruce tree in which he built a platform. From this perch, he could often be heard playing his cornet, perhaps serenading the maidens of Tofino.

For a house, Tibbs built a four-storey wooden castle with large shutters. It is said that it looked just like an English castle if you looked at from the west.

When Tibbs went off to fight in World War 1, he left a detailed will that revealed his love for two local ladies. The will, which created much gossip in town, lefts his Dream Isle castle to Miss Olive Garrard and the island itself to Miss Alma Arnet.

“I give devise and bequeath unto Miss Alma Arnet (because she is the nicest girl I ever met and another reason she knows), Lot 1460 Tibbs Island and everything thereon, excepting the house and ten feet of land on either side including the house site. The house and contents thereof, except the gamophone, go to Miss Olive Garrard of Tofino (because it was built for her) so long as she remains single. In case of her marrying, the house goes to Alma Arnet if she is still single.” F. G. Tibbs.

Tibbs returned safely from the war, but never married. Upon his return to Tofino, he was appointed keeper of the lights on the harbour buoys. On July 5th, 1921, the skiff Tibbs was using while attended to a lamp near Mission Point slipped off the float. Being a good swimmer, Tibbs swam after the boat but wind and tides carried it out of his reach. He swam to a beach on Clayoquot Island, but succumbed to exhaustion and hypothermia, died.

Fred Tibbs is buried in the cemetery on Morpheus Island in Tofino harbour, which was in use until the current one outside of town was built in 1950.

The legend of Fred Tibbs and the two women he loved is part of the story of the area that lies just outside your door at the Shore in Tofino harbour.

Photo Credit: Tofino Photography

Tags: Fred Tibbs, Morpheus Island, The Shore, Tofino, Tofino history
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By Jen Dart

The real estate market in Tofino has been on a major upswing since the early 2000s. Many locals like to point out that when first subdivided a half century ago, lots at Chesterman Beach were moving slowly and priced at around $10,000. Today they sell in the $2 to $3 million range.

While on a smaller scale, the same growth is reflected in the market for the rest of this town of roughly 1,800 people.

Tofino’s real estate market can be compared to high-end ones such West Vancouver and Oak Bay, due to the volume of higher prices properties. This is evidently due to high-priced sales in neighbourhoods such as Chesterman Beach, Jensen’s Bay and Rosie Bay.

Adding to the desirability of this market is the finite number of properties available. Much of the land on the Esowista Peninsula remains undeveloped.

Buyers in this area are often looking for a second home or vacation property. This is the vision the project developers had for the Shore building, and it holds true for many other properties in town.

There are a number of different options available for such a small market. Condominums, homes, commercial properties – and even entire islands – are currently on offer.

The average price of a single-family home in Tofino is around the $600,000 mark, above the British Columbia average of $505,178. Condominiums start at around $300,000. These prices represent a significant increase over prices even 10 years ago, when single-family homes were in the $250,000-300,000 range.

In comparison, the average price in Vancouver for a two—storey single family home in 2010 was 1,007,500. A standard condominium in Vancouver was priced at $484,500 in 2010. Compare those numbers to Victoria, where the single-family dwellings average was $480,000 and condominiums were $285,000.

The Tofino market saw much activity – and spikes in prices – from 2000 until a couple of years ago. While things may have slowed down everywhere, this is one market where sellers have not opted to lower prices to make sales.

The desirability of living in Tofino means that buyers will always pay top dollar for all kinds of properties here.

The proximity to local beaches, the rainforest of Clayoquot Sound, and Pacific Rim National Park all make this a market that has much going for it, whether you are planning to vacation or make your home here.

And although prices have dropped across the country during the global recession over the last two to three years, this is one market that has held steady.

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