I took BC Ferries to go camping in this island beach town and sleep under a blanket of stars

When spring rolls around I, like many people, am left daydreaming about past beach vacations — trying to throw together summer plans that will rival the ones of years past.

I always go back to one place, though — my hands-down favourite summer getaway spot that (unfortunately for me, now that I live on the other side of the country) can never be beaten.

That place is Tofino — the little town set on the west coast of Vancouver Island, flanked by mist-shrouded rainforest and white sand beaches. It's famous for its surfing, which you'll quickly realize as you drive through town and see shop after shop advertising board rentals.

It's a far cry from a "hidden gem," since it's gained global recognition and greets flocks of tourists every summer — but still, it stole my heart and probably will steal yours, too.

I lived in B.C. for a couple of years, and Vancouver Island became my go-to retreat when the rainy season came to a close and the sun started shining. Anyone who's been will understand what kept me coming back, because there's really nowhere else like it.

Small towns break up a road trip here, with Victoria as the beating-heart home base for your visit. While I only got to see a fraction of the expansive island, what I did see impressed me time and time again. From the emerald green waters of the Sooke Potholes and the rocky coastline of French Beach Provincial Park — each visit, I got to see more and more beauty.

The most memorable, though, goes to Tofino. From my three trips to the area, here's what made me tumble head over heels for this spot.

The journey there

A trip to Tofino starts out strong, with one of the most picturesque road trips you can imagine.

My first one though didn't exactly go as planned. My group was welcomed into town with torrential rain and having to set up a tent in the middle of the night — not exactly a fun experience. It's safe to say I learned a lot from that, including grabbing the early ferry (and getting there on time), not camping during rainy season and giving a big time buffer for road delays.

My following trips here, though, made up for the first flop and then some. If you do it right, your vacation from Vancouver can start with a scenic ferry ride bringing you to Nanaimo. People often overlook this little city, but it's a great place to stop for some food and a little shopping to break up the road trip.

Continuing on to the three-hour drive from there to Tofino, you'll want to sit in the passenger seat so you can glue your eyes to the window. First it's the expansive coastline, then the sparkling lakes and towering trees. It's a stunning taste of the beauty awaiting you at the destination ahead.

Road trip to Tofino.Morgan Leet | Narcity.

Finally, you'll reach the town, with its quaint shops, waterfront views and surrounding lush nature.

Waking up to the sound of the waves

If you visit in the summer, going camping is my advice. First, because accommodations in the town can get wildly expensive during peak season (even campgrounds are pricey). But also because you probably won't want to go inside once you're here.

The thing I love most about Tofino — and I'll take a guess and say this goes for most people — is the nature. The thick rainforest running alongside the sandy beaches and the salty breeze blowing through town is like nothing else. The views are a unique mix of lush greenery and bright blue ocean, along with rolling mountains in the distance.

You'll want to soak it all in as much as possible, and there are some incredible campsites that are nestled right in the best of it.

I stayed at Bella Pacifica Campground twice, and it has beachside sites so you can unzip your tent and step out onto the sand. Think campfires before bed under a blanket of stars and mornings set to the soundtrack of waves crashing along the shore.

If you want to opt for cheaper alternatives, you can also look to the nearby town of Ucluelet, which is just 30 minutes away. It's a bit more low-key and less touristy, so it often has less expensive options.

Renting bikes to get around

There are lots of tours in Tofino and things to do (that are worthwhile), but you don't actually have to spend a ton of money to see some of the best.

One of my favourite days here was renting bikes and pedalling down the paved path that leads from town and stretches out along the coastline. You'll wind through the forest and pass by massive trees, getting glimpses of the sand and ocean as you pass by the many beaches.

We biked down to Long Beach, which is one of the most popular ones in the area. It's, well, long — over 16 kilometres — and beautiful.

Speaking of rentals, you're also going to want to get a surfboard and head out onto the waves. There are a few spots offering lessons here, and it's a fun way to spend a day — and kind of a must if you're visiting.

A waterfront dinner and sunset

After spending a day exploring and a night sleeping outside, the comfort of a nice dinner with a waterfront view is unreal. Shelter was one of my favourite meals here (partly thanks to its great patio) but there are lots of local restaurants to choose from.

After supper, you can walk down to the wharf to see the sunset in the calm harbour.

A morning at the market

Another favourite of mine here is the market, running every Saturday throughout the summer. You can wander around the stands and pick up art, snacks and goodies from local artisans. It's a fun vibe and there's live music to enjoy.

After checking out the vendors, you should keep exploring town, because there are tons of local businesses here. It makes for the ideal balance of adventure and exploration, with the convenience of coffee shops, restaurants and shopping.

This is just a taste of my highlights in Tofino, but there's a lot to it — so much so you can't really squeeze it all into one article.

It's a place of untamed and rugged nature, blending into the quaint small-town. It's a spot that need to be explored.

The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.

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