For those of us who have grown up in Tofino, the ocean has always been an integral part of our lives. Many of my fondest childhood memories are connected to the sea, most often with my best friend Dana by my side. Aboard a 12-foot aluminum boat with a 9.5 Johnson motor, we would tour the harbour, inlets and islands, fishing and exploring the hidden treasures of Clayoquot Sound and the surrounding shorelines only accessible by water. A stop at Whitey Bernard's place was an essential part of our adventures. We would scrape together a few dollars for boat fuel, always ensuring enough was left for a well-deserved fudgesicle from the freezer.

Dana and I were much like characters out of a Mark Twain novel, always in pursuit of our next grand adventure. One particularly memorable experience involved an ingenious, albeit short-lived, salmon-catching venture. At the time, fish were brought in on a 60-foot freighter from remote fish camps up the west coast, and a pike pole would be used to toss the fish from the boat onto iced boxes on a semi-trailer. Every so often, a salmon would slip through the gap between the dock and the vessel. We decided to capitalize on this oversight by positioning our boat beneath the gap, successfully collecting a few salmon on our first attempt. Thinking we'd discovered an endless bounty, we planned to repeat our feat the following week, only to find the gap covered by a net.

Decades later, this connection to the ocean is as strong as ever. Tofino's spectacular waters continue to offer unforgettable experiences, whether it's surfing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or kayaking. Exploring the interface between the vast Pacific Ocean and ancient forest, coupled with the biodiversity of the intertidal zones, is truly an unmissable experience. Numerous local outfitters, such as Tofino Sea Kayaking, Long Beach Nature Tours, Surf Sister, and Ahous Adventures, can help facilitate incredible on-the-water adventures on your next visit.

The Pointe Restaurant sits perched atop a rocky outcropping overlooking the ocean, and the culinary creations of our talented chefs pay homage to the bounty of the sea. This spring, one of our skilled cooks, Kareen Brown, showcased her culinary prowess at the Annual Chowder Chowdown competition against other fine establishments from Ucluelet to Tofino – proudly taking home both the judges’ vote and the people’s choice award. Should you find yourself visiting us with a craving for a hearty chowder, our delectable West Coast Clam Chowder awaits you at the On The Rocks Bar for a taste of our local waters.

As summer unfolds, I invite you to experience the magic of Tofino's aquatic environment for yourself. Whether you embark on a thrilling whale-watching expedition, test your skills on a surfboard, paddle through the serene waters of Clayoquot Sound, or simply indulge in a bowl of our lauded West Coast Clam Chowder, there's no better time to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and adventure to be found here. I look forward to welcoming you and your loved ones to the Inn this season.

Warmly,

Charles

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