(Photo: Paddle West Kayaking)

by Erin Linn McMullan

Active weekends on the west coast are about so much more than movement. For those of us who learn through adventure, kinaesthetically, it’s a chance to immerse ourselves in Nature, rediscover our inner resilience, and share our love of the outdoors with family and friends.

Amidst spring’s renewal, April invites us to pay attention, saturating our senses. From the chorus of frogs singing somewhere nearby in the rainforest to earthy petrichor to fluorescent yellow shoots of skunk cabbage, a harbinger of bears to come. If you’re out kayaking and hiking the surrounding shoreline in Clayoquot Sound, you may notice the salamanders have been spawning. “In some of the creeks you can see they lay these really big, soft ball-sized gelatinous egg casings full of eggs,” says paddler and Communications Manager, Sam Cutcliffe of Paddle West Kayaking. He explains, “they slowly empty out through the summer as they hatch.”  

The Sound itself is alive with marine life—seals and sea lions, sea otters, porpoises, and whales—the “knock-on effects” after the herring spawn with nutrient-rich waters and abundant food.

Consider these 5 active ways to engage with Nature this weekend:

• KAYAK TOURS

With four Tofino day trips available in spring, each time you venture out with Paddle West Kayaking differs depending on weather, wind, and tides. While the beginner-friendly low tide Tofino Islands Tour focuses on exploring intertidal life, the destination could be Felice or Stubbs Island to discover a constellation of sea stars or up to the mouth of Lemmens Inlet, where thousands of migrating shorebirds visit the mudflats and c̓ixʷatin (eagles) come to feast. At high tide, you can paddle further up Lemmens towards Arrakin Island or towards Wanačis-Hiɫthuuʔis (Meares Island). Whether it’s an introductory two-hour or six-hour intermediate tour, you’ll still have plenty of time to pack more into your weekend in načiqs (Tofino). 

Explore spring day trips and multi-day tours Here.

• SURF/SUP

April is an exciting time of transition for waves and watersports. In spring, it’s still challenging enough to surf and boogie board with the whole family within the protected cove at tinwis or surf Cox Bay on calmer days. If you want to explore the world around you, a guided SUP around tinwis with Allied Tofino Paddle Surf is a great way to kick off SUP season.

Book a surf lesson or rental or call us for an updated surf report (daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.) Here.

• RUN THE COAST

Whether you simply want to feel the sand beneath your toes as you run Yaaqsis (Long Beach) or train for your next marathon along the 25-km-long ʔapsčiik t̓ašii, the Indigenous co-managed Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a runner’s paradise. For mixed terrain and elevation, divert to scenic side trails like the Rainforest loops.

View the Long Beach Unit Map Here.

• SAUNA/COLD PLUNGE   

Integral to any active weekend is a hydrotherapy circuit with Allied Tuff City Saunas to reset and restore after a rewarding day of R&R. At the beachfront Nordic spa at tinwis, the “Tuff-City-Cycle” is Hot (5–15-minute sauna); Cold (Pacific plunge or cold shower); Rest (on the deck or beach and notice spring’s returning songbirds and shorebirds); Repeat and listen to what your body needs. A sunset session and the soothing sound of the ocean will ready you for a good night’s sleep and another day of adventure tomorrow.      

Book a private or social session (daily 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Adults only) Here.

• UNWIND ON THE BEACH

Whether you’re inspired to sketch an intricate mandala as a solo meditation or build a sandcastle with the kids, the white sand of tinwis beach offers an ideal canvas. This tide-swept sand is also perfect for reconnecting with family and friends for a relaxed afternoon game of Ultimate Frisbee or glow-in-the-dark bocce ball at twilight.

Pack a picnic with takeout from Surfside Grill or Tofino Browns Socialhouse and remember, their dog-friendly patio stays open later starting in spring.  

Learn more about tinwis Beach Here.

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