Length of stay: 3 days
Visited: April 2022
Tofino is situated on a peninsula on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is known for its ancient rainforests, endless sandy beaches, and rugged coastline. It’s a popular spot for hiking, surfing and just enjoying nature.
Day 1: Big Trees
After our tour at Horne Lake Caves, we were ready to get out of the rain. Lucky for us it’s just under a three hour drive to Tofino where we planned to spend the next three nights. Along the drive we stopped at Cathedral Grove to go for a hike and admire some super big old-growth trees, many of which are over 800 years old. Cathedral Grove is located in MacMillan Provincial Park, just off of the narrow highway. There’s parking and two trails on either side of the road.
We first hiked along the Old Growth Trail (600 metres), which mostly follows along a wide gravel path with a boardwalk section through the forest of ancient western red cedars. The landscape looked lush and green as the forest floor was carpeted in ferns and there was moss growing everywhere.
We then crossed the road to hike along the Living Forest Trail (400 metres), which connects with the Big Tree Trail (300 metres) to form a larger loop. These trails were a bit rough with all the puddles and mud from the rain. Along the way there were a few signs that provided more information about the types of trees found in the forest, which include the douglas-fir and bigleaf maple.
One of the highlights of the Big Tree Trail is that it leads to the largest tree in the park. This giant douglas-fir is over 800 years old, 76m tall and 9m wide.
We hopped back in the car and continued our drive to the west coast. We made one other detour to hike along the Giant Cedar Trail, which passes by an old growth forest of red cedar. Except the path was in super rough shape with all these fallen trees so we were quick to turn around and scrap it. Plus it was raining pretty hard.
We drove the rest of the way to Ucluelet, which is a small town just south of Tofino. By the time we arrived at our accommodations it was just after 5p.m and we decided to call it a day and get some rest and relaxation.
Day 2: Beaches
After making a cup of coffee (for K) and a cup of tea (for me), we were eager to start exploring Tofino, or rather Ucluelet. The sun was even shining a bit through the clouds. We started off with the Ucluelet Lighthouse Loop (2.6km loop), which is part of the larger Wild Pacific Trail. From the parking lot on Coast Guard Drive we found the trailhead easy enough which also contained a map of the area.
The path is wide and covered in gravel. It follows along the rugged coastline and contains a series of viewpoints and overlooks of the ocean every couple hundred feet or so. There’s also a few signs that provide more interesting information about the history of the area and about the shipwrecks along the western coast of Vancouver Island. The trail also passes by the Amphitrite Lighthouse. It was initially built out of wood in 1906 in response to a shipwreck in the area. After being destroyed by a storm, it was rebuilt in 1915 to resemble a bunker to withstand the rough conditions of the sea.
We continued along the trail and explored every single turnoff. Darker clouds were starting to roll in though.
Towards the end of the hike, it started to lightly rain. We saw a detour for the Bog Woodland Loop (300 metres) and decided to give it whirl since bogs are awesome and it was super short. Along the way there were a series of interpretive signs about the importance of bogs and the types of plants that can be found here, such as the Westcoast Bonsai and sphagnum moss. Once we looped back to the trailhead, it’s a short stretch back to the parking lot.
We headed back to our cottage to make some breakfast. By the time we finished eating the clouds were starting to clear. We drove into Tofino to hike the Tonquin Trail. We parked along Tonquin Park Road and walked a few hundred metres to the trailhead. The trail is wide and there are a few ups and downs with some steep sections. The path weaves through the forest and passes by three beaches: Tonquin Beach, Second Beach and Middle Beach. The tide was low which meant we could walk far out across the sand.
Middle Beach marked the end of the trail, so we turned around and walked back the way we came. We hit up the short detour to a viewpoint overlooking Second Beach.
We then drove to the nearby Tofino Mudflats which are located on the inner side of the Tofino peninsula. These mudflats are the most important wetland complex on the west coast of Vancouver Island. We drove along some sketchy gravel road with a few potholes and parked at a small parking lot at the end of the road. There’s a super short trail from the parking lot to a viewing platform.
On the drive to our next spot, we saw a sign for the Tofino Distillery and decided to check it out. We ended up buying a bottle of Limoncello and planned to make some bevvies in the evening.
We then drove to MacKenzie Beach. While there is no designated parking area to access the beach, we drove through the campground at the MacKenzie Beach Resort. Surprisingly there were even a couple of people camping. We found an empty campsite on the shoreline and walked down to the water.
At this point we were getting hungry so we stopped at the Tacofino food truck, which is reputed to serve the best food in town. It was a long wait to get our food, but totally worth it. We ate our food in the car though since all the picnic tables were full.
We drove back to our accommodations to take a break and pick up some groceries for the next few days. We headed back out later in the afternoon to take advantage of the fabulous weather. We hiked along the South Beach Trail (2.1km one-way) which starts from behind the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre within the Pacific Rim National Park. We first checked out the beautiful sandy beach.
We followed the trail along the shoreline, which consisted of a gravel path that turned into a narrow boardwalk. The views were spectacular. The trail leads to a junction where there’s a viewpoint of South Beach straight ahead and the start of the Nuu Chah Nulth Trail to the left. We hit up South Beach first.
We turned around and hiked back up the set of stairs to get to the Nuu Chah Nulth Trail (2.5km one-way). The trail mostly follows along a narrow series of boardwalks and walkways that leads to Florencia Beach. There’s a few interpretive signs throughout the trail that provided more information about the history and culture of the Nuu-chah-nulth people who inhabited this coast for over 5,000 years.
We wrapped up our hike just after 7p.m and circled back to Wickaninnish Beach one last time to admire the views and soak in the sun.
We finally headed back to our accommodations to make a late dinner.
Day 3: Boardwalks
We woke up super early this morning to try to squeeze in as much hiking as we could before the rain in the afternoon. After eating a quick bite to eat, we drove to Long Beach, which is situated within the Pacific Rim National Park and is the longest sand beach on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The best part about hitting the road early was that we had the beach all to ourselves. We could tell a storm was brewing from the look of the clouds.
We hopped back in the car and drove to Comber’s Beach (500 metres, one-way) where there’s a short, but steep trail that leads through a mossy forest down to a wide sandy beach.
We then hiked along the Rainforest Trail which consists of two separate loops. We started with Loop A (1km) which is located across the road from the parking lot. The trail follows along a boardwalk through a coastal rainforest of western red cedar and western hemlock. There are signs along the way that provide some fun facts about the ancient rainforest. We also stumbled upon a pair of the Parks Canada Red Chairs next to a particularly large tree.
Once we looped back to the trailhead, we crossed the road and hiked Loop B (1km) which is located at the back of the parking lot. The trail follows along a narrow boardwalk through the rainforest. The beginning portion of the trail leads through an area of the rainforest that is being restored. In the 1950s, part of the forest was stripped of vegetation to install an antenna. It was later used as a cone orchard and the site of grafting experiments with douglas-firs before the park decided to restore it back to a rainforest using naturally seeded trees from the area.
We then hiked along the Willowbrae Trail (1.4km one-way). It is part of a sea and land route that linked Tofino and Ucluelet before the current road was built. As such, much of the trail follows along an old road. The path leads to a junction. We first took the set of stairs down to Florencia Beach.
We climbed back up the staircase and turned right at the junction to hike along the Half Moon Bay Trail (1.7km one-way). The first stretch of the trail is relatively flat and follows along a narrow boardwalk through the forest. It then leads down a set of stairs to the beach.
We headed up the stairs and walked back the way we came to the parking lot. At this point we were getting hungry and decided to return to our cottage to make a very late breakfast.
We headed back out later in the day. The forecast was calling for 10 to 15mm of rain this afternoon and it had started to lightly rain outside. We weren’t too concerned as we saved a couple of short and easy trails that would be perfect in the rain. We first hiked along the Shorepine Bog Trail (800 metres) which loops across a boardwalk through a bog.
We then hiked along the Ancient Cedars Loop (1km), which is part of the larger Wild Pacific Trail. The trail loops through an old growth forest of sitka spruce, western hemlock and giant red cedars. A couple of the trees are estimated to be over 800 years old.
We continued along the Wild Pacific Trail to the Artist Points (2.7km), which features a series of viewpoints along the rocky coast and jagged rocks.
While the trail continues along the Ucluelet peninsula, we were getting tired. We drove back to our accommodations. We planned to wake up early the next morning to drive to Victoria.
L
A gorgeous part of the world. I love Tofino and the area. It looks like you had a great time and didn’t get too wet. It’s also a fun place to sit inside and storm watch.
It’s funny because a few days before our trip, the weather forecast was calling for a lot of rain while we were in Tofino. We came prepared with our rain pants and rain jackets, but we were pleasantly surprised that we didn’t need to use them too much. It’s such a beautiful area, even in the rain.
Beautiful hikes! I love Cathedral Grove especially and all its walking paths. Ancient cedars are a natural phenomenon I’d love to see. The beaches, gorgeous coastline, delicious food and a glorious sunset – your trip is made up of all the good stuff.
The hiking in and around Tofino was fantastic. We don’t have rainforests like that in Ontario, or any rainforests in general. I couldn’t get over just how huge some of the trees were. And the moss just made everything look so enchanting. It was also pretty neat how the sandy beaches seemed to stretch out for miles. It definitely was an awesome trip.
My goodness, I think I could happily wander these trails forever. Absolutely stunning pictures!
Me too, rain or shine. The scenery is gorgeous and I just love how lush and green everything is. I’m glad we managed to visit before tourism picked back up as we had the trails and beaches mostly all to ourselves. It was amazing.
Thank you very much for the tour! I love the Tofino and Ucluelet area (the header on my blog is a picture of Chesterman Beach, not far from Tacofino). It’s such a gorgeous area. Your photos are great!
Thanks! I heard such amazing things about the area and it still exceeded my expectations when we visited. I love how lush and mossy the forest is and those beautiful sandy beaches seem to stretch on for miles. We didn’t visit Chesterman Beach, but I’ll just have to add it to the list for next time, because there is definitely going to be a next time.
Now there’s a place I know and love! The Long Beach area is a place that you can enjoy at any time of year and it’s always just soooo gorgeous. So glad you got to visit it 🙂
We made Long Beach our top priority on our final day in Tofino / Ucluelet and visited first thing in the morning before the rain and the crowds. Agreed, it’s very beautiful. We don’t have beaches like that back in southern Ontario!
Love Tofino! Such a gorgeous place and so wonderful to have surf here in Canada!
Agreed. The scenery in Tofino is stunning, even in the rain. I’ve tried surfing once when we were in Maui and it was a lot of fun. I’m not sure how I’d feel about doing it in the cold ocean though!!
Wow, what an incredible place! Looking at the mossy damp forest I was wondering about bugs?
I loved hiking through the coastal rainforests with all the moss growing everywhere. It felt very enchanting and magical. I don’t remember it being very bad in terms of the bugs. We were visiting in what was still considered low season, so it was still a bit chilly outside. We were wearing warmer clothes, which also helps create a good barrier against the bugs.
So many beautiful places on the West Coast. We almost went to Ucluelet on our May trip, but just missed the last dog friendly accommodation. Port Renfrew was a nice alternative. Glad you saw and did so much. Cathedral Grove is a great visit….as long as it is not windy. Once, when we were there, a 30 foot branch dropped off on a trail we had just walked down. Thanks for sharing your trip Linda. Allan
Agreed, there are so many lovely spots along the west coast of Vancouver Island. We visited Tofino / Ucluelet just after Easter, which was still considered low season, so it wasn’t very busy. In some ways I’m glad camping wasn’t open yet otherwise we would have been pretty miserable in a tent with all that rain and the cold. We took a day trip to Port Renfrew when we were staying in Victoria. Most shops were still closed, but it seemed like a nice quiet place to visit to escape the crowds. Cathedral Grove was one of the highlights of our trip. I’m glad it wasn’t windy when we visited, just rainy, so we had an authentic west coast experience. Thanks for reading. Linda
I see why you took three days for that trip! That’s a lot of things to see!
I could have easily stayed for longer. It’s such a pretty area and I love how there are plenty of hiking trails and beautiful sandy beaches to keep us entertained. I’m glad we managed to get some decent weather to fully appreciate the views.
You did a lot of hiking! Tofino was beautiful when I visited in June as well.
We sure did. I could have easily stayed in Tofino (and Vancouver Island in general) for longer. We visited just after Easter, which was still considered low season. Some of the shops and many of the excursions were still closed for the season, which was too bad, but hey, we mostly had the trail and beaches all to ourselves, so I can’t complain too much.
Adored this post as it brought back some fond memories of our long ago trip when we also walked several of these trails. I really need to make an effort to return sometime.
Thanks for your lovely comment and glad to hear that it brought back some fond memories of your time in the west coast. It’s such a beautiful area, even in the rain. This was our first time visiting, but it will not be the last. We’ve been thinking about exploring more of the west coast next year, perhaps in the US.
I agree with all other commentors – these are stunning and gorgeous photos! I love your headings and descriptions – big trees, beaches, and boardwalks. I hope I get to see this area one day soon!
Thanks for your kind words. Tofino is such a beautiful area with all those ancient coastal rainforests, lush greenery, towering trees and sandy beaches. I also loved how the town felt very laid back and relaxed. Hopefully you’re able to visit someday as the scenery is stunning.
Glad the sun came out for you to enjoy the views of the beaches. The lush vegetation on the island is unbelievable, but the result of so much rain 🙂 Maggie
It’s funny because the forecast was calling for nothing but rain when we were in Tofino. Thankfully we had some blue skies and sun to fully appreciate the lovely views. Rain or shine, it’s all very beautiful.
The first of these sounds very cool – and quite familiar having just been to Sequoia and then Yosemite. We haven’t done much beach/boardwalk on this trip so far though so reading these and imagining the scenes has really made us long for a bit of coast-in-the-sun time!
It’s unbelievable just how tall and wide some of the trees are along the west coast. I guess all that rain is good for something. I’m glad we managed to get some nice weather to fully appreciate the lovely views. It’s funny how some sun can make such a big difference. Either way, we had a wonderful time exploring the coastal rainforests and sandy beaches.
I can’t believe how much variety there is on such a small island. Lovely photos!
Thanks! The landscape was pretty amazing with lush coastal rainforests, mountains in the background, sandy beaches and a rugged coastline. It was a feast for the eyes and made for some great hiking.
You packed a lot of interesting trails and beaches into three days. Vancouver Island is a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Sometimes I feel like I need a vacation after coming back from vacation! We crammed a lot in during our time in Tofino and Ucluelet, but it was good to take advantage of the nice weather while we could and take it easy when it was cold and raining outside. Agreed, Vancouver Island is a fantastic place to visit for those that appreciate nature. It’s amazing how many different outdoor activities you can do, including surfing, paddling, hiking and cycling.
Very interesting, Linda. Enjoy time in Island, sounds so romantic! Be happy!
Have a wonderful time! Take care. Thank’s for share.
Elvira
Thanks for your kind words and for commenting. We had a wonderful time in Vancouver Island, even when it was raining. The scenery is simply stunning. Take care. Linda
So beautiful green, your blog makes want to visit.
Thanks for your lovely comment. It was pretty amazing how lush and green everything was. I guess it’s not that surprising considering how much it rains along the west coast. Hopefully you’re able to visit someday. It’s very beautiful.
We would love to visit one day.
Hopefully you’re able to make your way to Tofino as the scenery is spectacular. I would return in a heartbeat. There’s so much to see, but there never seems to be enough time!
So incredible! One of our favorite hikes we’ve ever done was the Olympic Coast in Washington State on the Pacific coast and this hike seems to be quite similar! Just beautiful! And the tacos 🌮 at the end- yes please!
We had such an amazing time on Vancouver Island that we’ve been contemplating returning next year, but perhaps visiting the west coast in the US. I’m not a fan of the rain, but the scenery looks spectacular. I’m such a sucker for tacos. I couldn’t resist. We actually went to Tacofino for tacos two other times during our trip out west. So good.
I would have had to go more than once for the tacos! Love it!
For sure! Tacos are always a fan favourite. Plus, it was fun to try the different flavours.
Did you run into the Prime Minister? 😉
Jokes aside, your photos look absolutely beautiful. All the trails look wonderful. There is something about a moss-covered log or path that seems extra appealing and I’ve shared my love of boardwalks in the past.
Those beaches all look lovely, and the one with all the logs on the beach look really nice too.
A good food truck – and tacos! – are always a treat.
What struck me the most about your post is remembering how large those trees are in the West coast. Very humbling to think that the Big Tree Trail fir tree is 800 years old. The things it must’ve seen in its lifetime!
Great photos and I do wish to visit Tofino one of these days!
Ha, talk about bad timing for him to visit Tofino. But for us, the timing was fantastic. We visited during low-season when the campsites weren’t even open yet and managed to get an amazing deal on our accommodations. I’d say it worked out rather well as we would have been miserable in a tent with all the rain, plus it was chilly overnight. It also wasn’t very busy and we mostly had the trails and beaches all to ourselves.
The hiking, especially through the coastal rainforests, was incredibly beautiful. And those tacos were fantastic. We actually went to another Tacofino in Victoria and Vancouver because we just couldn’t get enough of them.
It is pretty amazing just how old and huge some of those trees are out west. We don’t have trees like that here in Ontario! Hopefully you’re able to visit someday.
The timing really worked out for you! I don’t enjoy sleeping in a tent knowing it’s raining and if it’s feeling cold either.
The trails looked so beautiful and it will definitely be on our to do list one day soon. 🙏
I know what you mean, everything just feels so damp inside the tent whenever its raining. It’s even worse when it’s cold outside as that dampness just never goes away. Plus, it really limits your options in terms of what you can do in the evening when it’s raining outside. I’m just so glad we weren’t camping on this trip!
Wow its just absolutely gorgeous, and those last shots of the empty beach at sunset, just incredible. Tofino looks absolutely amazing 😍
Thanks for your kind words. The scenery in Tofino is beautiful. I still can’t get over just how tall some of those trees are. And it all looked very enchanting with all that moss growing everywhere.
Incredible to see distinctively different natural landscapes in this post. The giant trees and the ocean. Amazing pictures of Tofino.I can relate to redwood National parks that I explored in California a while ago.
For such a small island, it’s pretty incredible how much variety there is with the lush coastal rainforests, sandy beaches, rolling hills and rugged shoreline. I still can’t get over just how huge some of the trees are. I’ve never been to California before, but I would love to. I’ve heard the scenery along the coastline is spectacular. I bet the hiking through all the various national parks like Redwood and Yosemite is fantastic.
Wow – this trip was packed with a lot of different sights. It’s always humbling to me to think that trees are hundreds of years old. And that fir tree is pushing 1000! Thanks for sharing all these pictures. I’m glad you didn’t have rain throughout. Also, that food looks delicious. 🙂
Oh I know. We don’t have trees even half that age here in Ontario. It’s incredible just how wide and tall some of them are.The ancient rainforests were very enchanting with all the moss growing everywhere. It was very beautiful, even in the rain. And yes, I’m glad we managed to have some nice weather to fully appreciate the views.
Just beautiful! While the beaches certainly look nice, I must admit I was completely drawn into those photos of the thick forests with giant trees whose barks are covered in moss. This scenery looks so prehistoric it’s otherworldly. A few months ago I read a book called Finding the Mother Tree which focuses on trees from this part of Canada. That’s how I learned a little bit about the Douglas fir, among other tree species.
I’m with you on the ancient coastal rainforests. I just couldn’t get enough of all the greenery and just how huge some of the trees are. I guess all that rain is good for something! I’ll have to look that book up as it sounds like something I would be interested in reading. Thanks for putting this on my radar. Take care. Linda
Great pictures!I have lots of wonderful memories of Tofino – my favorite place on Vancouver Island. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your lovely comment. I’m with you, Tofino was easily my favourite place that we visited during our trip out west. I’ve actually been doing some research on the West Coast Trail. I think we need some more practice, but it’s something I’d love to do someday. Plus I think it would be a great way to experience more of the rugged wilderness on Vancouver Island. The scenery is beautiful, even with all the rain.
Tofino, seems a GREAT place. Rainforests, beaches, coastline etc. full NATURE. Hope you had enjoyed the meal of Tacofino food truck.
Wish you to have more such nature n fun filled trips💫🏵
It was amazing, even in the rain. I love how lush everything is and how fresh everything smells. It was nice to visit during the quiet season as we had the trails and beaches mostly all to ourselves. Surprisingly the Tacofino food truck was the busiest spot that we went to in Tofino. It was well worth the wait though as those tacos were fantastic.
Nice. Hope you will have more enjoyable trips, in future too🏵💐
Thanks!! We’re actually heading to Europe in a couple of weeks. I can’t wait.
Great photos, as always.
Thanks for your kind words. The scenery was a feast for the eyes with all the lush greenery, mossy tall trees and beautiful sandy beaches.
Wow, some of those trails looks like a fairy wonderland! A tree that’s over 800 years old – amazing hey! Oh, and some lovely beaches … but I almost stopped reading when I got to the Limoncello 😊. What a lovely hike at the Rainforest Trail on the boardwalk – it’s beautiful. Ahh, thank you for a lovely post Linda – really stunning scenery!
Thanks! The ancient rainforests definitely looked enchanting. It’s crazy just how huge and old some of the trees are. It makes me wonder what this whole area would have looked like if we didn’t cut so many of these old growth trees down. The beaches were pretty amazing too. The water was way too cold for our liking to go swimming or to try to surf. So instead we admired the views from the shoreline.
Wow…it is just like heaven…I love Tofino…I m hearing about its 1st time but really it is amazing….
This was my first time visiting the west coast and I fell in love with the lush landscape and all the greenery. The scenery is simply stunning, which makes for some great hiking. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. Linda
What a wonderful trail. Would love to be right there. 😊
The hiking in Tofino (and on Vancouver Island in general) was fantastic. It’s a great way to see more of the lush landscape.
Tofino looks magical with the rainforests and beautiful beaches.
The ancient coastal rainforests definitely looked very enchanting and magical. I couldn’t get over how lush and green everything was. The beaches were also beautiful and the sand seemed to stretch on for miles during low tide. It’s a wonderful place to just appreciate nature.
I appreciate the time you put in all of your hike presentations. I’m hoping myself to dig deeper into the science of these natural settings like soils, tree types, and the interaction of plants and various insects animals. Do you use a field guide of any type on your hikes?
Thanks for your kind words. Last summer we bought a tree identification guide and a smaller version to keep in our car. We actually wished we took it with us when we went out west because there’s many different types of trees out there compared to southern Ontario. We’re thinking about picking up a similar book but for wildflowers and mushrooms. It’s a great way to add some education in with our exercise.
Beautiful photos. What great 3 days.
Thanks! We had a wonderful time in Tofino and I’m glad we managed to even get some blue skies and sun. The landscape is so beautiful.
What a beautiful place! The lush greens of the old forest – I’d love to wander there. And the beaches, with their reflections. Thanks for this one.
The ancient coastal rainforests were so enchanting to hike through with all the old trees and greenery everywhere. The beaches were also gorgeous and I loved how the sand seemed to stretch on for miles during low tide. We had a wonderful time in Tofino. It was hard to leave.
I am always grateful to hear about rain forests being restored and saved. it’s so important to save and protect our precious nature. These trails sound awesome. I really would want to go on the Ancient Cedar Loop . I love ancient trees and huge trees. They fascinate me. The thought of being next to something that has been around to see ancient times mesmerizes me. Awesome post 😊
Thanks! I couldn’t agree more about the importance of preserving these ancient rainforests and old growth trees. It’s incredible just how wide and tall some of them were. The hiking in Tofino was fantastic and all the trails were well maintained. It was a great way to see more of the landscape.
I bet! I want to go !! These places seem so magical . I love feeling the history in certain forests. It’s a feeling that can’t be compared to. I’m grateful that people are still preserving these places. 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip
For sure. It’s incredible to think just how old some of these trees are. It makes you wonder what this place would have looked like before many of the trees were used for logging. Hopefully you’re able to visit Vancouver Island someday. You’d love it there.
Right? I think about the monstrous trees grouped together and the high ferns and grass. I feel like it would be a spectacular sight to wander. I wonder if bamboo could be a replacement for wood, sometimes. It’s stronger and grows faster, too. If only people would look into it. I plan to visit there someday, I hope. That would be awesome if we could meet up there one day haha, have tea and Nanaimo bars 🙂 think about our loved ones and share fun memories. I value conversations like this. They’re invaluable these days. Great comments. Thank you, Linda 💓
For sure. That sounds lovely. I know I need to do a better job of slowing down sometimes. Having a cup of tea is the perfect way to do that.
It is !! I found another way of slowing down that I didn’t expect. I started taking time to pamper myself more. I started taking time to file my nails and paint them and was so shocked at how calming it was ! I don’t really paint my nails much because of my sensitive skin. I have a tendency to get eczema around my nails. Every now and then it’s nice and relaxing, though. I still make time to file and primp my nails though in the evening hours. I like to sit on my deck while filing them and listen to the sounds of the summer bugs and pool water swirling around. It’s so relaxing 😌
That does sound very relaxing. I’ve come to learn the value of taking some time for yourself during the pandemic, whether its spending time in nature, gardening, or self care. It’s all very important to unwind and recharge.
It really is an underestimated need. 🙂 I’m glad you find it important, too. It’s awful seeing people stressed out. Many just don’t realize that even an hour of something relaxing can help . 🙂
Oh I know. It’s funny because sometimes you don’t even realize how stressed you are until you actually stop to take a break.
It’s true ! That’s happened to me on many instances, especially in college. When my cat, Schatten was alive, he would let me know I needed a rest by climbing on the couch and laying on my lap or right on my paper or laptop haha. He was awesome. He was literally an emotional support animal without the title. I swear! It is crazy though how you don’t even realize it.
Aren’t cats the best? It’s amazing how they they can be so aware of how we’re feeling.
Thanks for taking us to your gorgeous hikes. The photos are absolutely beautiful.
Thanks for your kind words. We had a wonderful time in Tofino and along the west coast in Canada. Despite all the rain, it’s such a beautiful area that is incredibly lush. The hiking was amazing and a great way to soak in the views.
Giant trees, stunning beaches and tasty food!? I can see why you liked Tofino!! I really need to visit this part of the Island! <3
Right!? What’s not to like!? Tofino is incredibly beautiful and the hiking is fantastic, even in the rain. Apparently it’s also a great spot to surf, if you can handle being in the cold water.
Those trees are outstanding and irreplaceable. I wish I could stand beside them. It must have been a wonderful feeling standing beneath them. Amazing.
It’s amazing just how old and tall some of the trees are out west. And I love how everything is so lush and mossy. It makes you wonder what this place would have looked like if we didn’t cut down many of the old growth forests for timber.
We can only imagine!
Thanks for all the gorgeous photos and recommendations, Linda. We live in Oregon and have been thinking of a trip to Tofino next summer (or a Glacier/Yellowstone trip, but we may put that off for a year due to the flooding). I love all the pretty boardwalks, and hugging those trees… well… can’t resist. 🙂
Thanks for your lovely comment. We had such a wonderful time exploring Vancouver Island and enjoying all the lush scenery. We’ve been contemplating whether we should return to the west coast next spring and to visit either Washington, Oregon and/or California. There just never seems to be enough time (or vacation days) to see it all.
That’s exciting that you’re thinking about visiting either Tofino or Glacier/Yellowstone next summer. The scenery in all those places is incredible, and so is the hiking. You can’t go wrong with either option.
My guess is we’ll be in BC next summer to give Yellowstone a little time to recover from the flood damage. If you head down this way, I hope you have a marvelous trip – no smoke, plenty of sunshine, mild temps and tons of great photos and memories. 😀
I didn’t realize that there was substantial flooding in Yellowstone this year, but did a quick search and read a few articles about it. Yikes. Good call on holding off until some of the roads are fixed. BC is a great alternative, you’ll love it there. Glad to hear that the temperatures your way are mild and that there’s plenty of sunshine. I’ve had my fill of camping in the rain.
My guess is that BC is calling our name. It’s a 5-hour drive to the border, so an easy adventure.
That’s not bad at all! Best of luck with the trip planning. It’s always nice to have something to look forward to.