Tofino, Vancouver Island
Once a tiny Vancouver Island fishing village, the town of Tofino is now a beachside resort town. Its wild surroundings within the Clayoquot Sound provide plenty of room to find peace and remote relaxation. Surfing, whale watching and storm chasing are just a few of the ways to explore Tofino’s landscape.
During the summer, relax on Tofino’s beaches. Chesterman Beach is the closest to the village of Tofino, and Cox Bay. Or, trek into Pacific Rim National Park to find the aptly named Long Beach, where huge waves attract surfers. Sign up for surf school to build your skills. Explore the tide pools or head to Frank Island, accessible only at low tide.
Pacific Rim National Park also features excellent hikes. Beginners can take Big Tree Trail, lined with redwoods up to 1,500 years old. See the Hanging Garden Tree, which is a whopping 60 feet (18.3 meters) wide. If you are an experienced hiker, attempt the near-vertical Lone Cone Trail. From the peak of Lone Cone, enjoy a fantastic view of the hills and countless islands of Clayoquot Sound. Or, simply relax and enjoy the sunset against the backdrop of Tofino’s stunning landscapes.
Get close to Tofino’s incredible wildlife on a boat tour. An estimated 20,000 whales pass along the west coast of Vancouver Island each year, so you are likely to see a gray, humpback or orca whale on a whale-watching tour. Bear-watching boat tours are available as well; safely watch black bears feeding along the coastline at low tide.
Explore Clayoquot Sound on your own in a kayak. Paddle 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) west to reach a beautiful, remote beach on Vargas Island, or fish in the sound to catch delicious salmon.
While outdoor activities are Tofino’s main attractions, another great way to enjoy the area is to relax in a cozy waterfront cabin during winter and watch heavy storms roll in, a popular Tofino passtime. Visit between November and March, when Tofino receives more than 10 storms per month.
From Vancouver, take a scenic ferry to Vancouver Island, then make the 3-hour drive to Tofino. Contact your local Vacation Consultant today to experience the remote Pacific paradise of Tofino for your next seaside getaway.
*Please Note: current travel restrictions and advisories may still be in effect for the above destination, please abide by provincial re-opening schedules.
St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador
The city was first settled by Europeans around the beginning of the 16th century. Fertile fishing grounds and a pivotal trading location has meant that St. John's has grown to a population of around 100,000 inhabitants today.
Begin your sightseeing with a stroll along Water Street in downtown St. John’s. This thoroughfare, believed to be one of the oldest in North America, has the city’s Visitor Information Centre and plenty of places to dine and shop. At the southern end of the street, you’ll find the Railway Coastal Museum. Browse its exhibits that tell the story of Newfoundland's century-old railway and shipping services.
Experience nature in a more wild setting as you tour the waters on a boat trip. Spot humpback whales swimming between dramatic icebergs. You can also look for whales on land at the Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, located at the most easterly point of land in North America. The Visitor Centre at the restored lighthouse has exhibits on the history and traditions of lighthouse keeping.
Head north along Water Street and turn into Duckworth Street to reach The Rooms, an important cultural space that brings together a museum, gallery and archives. Just a few minutes’ walk from here is the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The city’s other major religious building is the Roman Catholic Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
See where some of the stone that was used to build the basilica came from at Signal Hill. Admire sweeping views from this landmark of communications and military history. Nearby, learn about the geology of the area at the Johnson GEO Centre. Find out what native flora and fauna grows and lives in this part of the world at the Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) Botanical Garden.
Venture farther afield with a visit to the village of Quidi Vidi, a quaint fishing settlement. You can reach Quidi Vidi via the Grand Concourse, 75 miles (120 kilometers) of walking trails that links St. John’s to surrounding villages and attractions. Contact your Vacation Consultant for more information on the best ways to explore the maritime charm of St. John’s, and more.
*Please Note: current travel restrictions and advisories may still be in effect for the above destination, please abide by provincial re-opening schedules.
Souris, Prince Edward Island
Discover the warmhearted community charm of Souris, a seaside town nestled amid Prince Edward Island’s stunning coastal landscapes. Experience the town’s fishing and agriculture heritage, enjoy views from a lighthouse, or go bird spotting and relax at unspoiled beaches.
Wander the town streets and admire the colorful clapboard buildings. Spend summer days at the beach parks and campgrounds. Closest to the center is Souris Beach Provincial Park and a 15-minute drive east is Red Point Provincial Park. Travel farther east to Basin Head Provincial Park, home to Singing Sands Beach. Understand its name as you listen to the noise created when shuffling your feet in the sand.
For some laid-back outdoor fun, travel by foot or bike on the Confederation Trail. This picturesque trail traverses Prince Edward Island, passing undulating green landscapes, pretty villages and glorious stretches of coastline. Spot varied bird species, including duck, goldeneye and teal, at Black Pond Bird Sanctuary.
Walk to Souris Harbour, where you can experience the town’s fishing activities firsthand. Join a deep-sea fishing excursion and catch a ferry to beautiful beaches on the Iles de la Madeleine. Climb to the top of Souris Lighthouse for uninterrupted views over Colville Bay. Afterward, browse displays about the story of the lighthouse and harbor.
Visit historic structures such as the Romanesque Revival-style Souris Town Hall and the Gothic Revival-style St. Mary’s Church. Go to the 19th-century Matthew and Maclean Heritage Building, which houses the Souris Visitor Information Centre. Here you’ll find exhibits on the town’s history as well as area maps and an event schedule.
The nearest airport to Souris is Charlottetown Airport, about a 1-hour drive away. Fly here from Halifax, Montreal or Toronto and rent a car. Visit in late July for the Sea Glass Festival, a celebration of sea glass arts and crafts. Contact your local Vacation Consultant for more information on the best times to visit charming Souris, or the many other destinations in Canada’s friendly island province.
*Please Note: current travel restrictions and advisories may still be in effect for the above destination, please abide by provincial re-opening schedules.
