March 10, 2025
5 WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR FAMILY’S COASTAL BREAK
Make your family’s coastal break coastal bliss when you stay at oceanfront Tin Wis Resort an Original Original and Authentic Indigenous world-class destination within Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks. This spring, celebrate being together and the return of the whales to the west coast of Vancouver Island with whom the Nuu-chah-nulth people have a deep cultural connection. From relaxing beach days to once-in-a-lifetime adventures then cozying up around a bonfire to reminisce and stargaze, the west coast weaves all those special moments together into a wonder-full family holiday.
Discover these 5 ways to make the most of your coastal break:
ENJOY FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN AT PACIFIC RIM WHALE FESTIVAL
From March 15-22, 2025, the Pacific Rim Whale Festival celebrates the return of over 16,000 Ḿaaʔak (Eastern North Pacific grey whale) and their remarkable 6,000 km journey up the coast from winter breeding grounds in Baja to summer feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi Seas. Join in the kickoff parade in Načiks (Tofino) and attend family-friendly events here and in Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Choose from beach seines and tug-of-whale to talks with scientists and whale spotting at Amphitrite Lighthouse.
Explore the calendar Here.
EXPERIENCE WONDER ON A WHALE WATCH TOUR
In that magic moment when Ihtuup (whale) spouts and glides majestically nearby time slows as you listen for its next breath and sense its incredible power in the ocean. When you join award-winning Ahous Adventures on a whale watching tour into Clayoquot Sound and the Ahousaht haḥuułii, your knowledgeable guides share decades of experience, stories, and the Ahousaht People’s enduring connection with whales.
Indigenous-led conservancies continue protecting this whale habitat stewarded by Nuu-chah-nulth Peoples since time immemorial: home to resident kakaw̓in (orcas), the summer feeding grounds for baleen whales like Eastern North Pacific Grey Whales and Pacific Humpbacks, and Minke (baleen), Pilot and Baird’s Beaked (toothed) Whales spotted offshore.
Book online Here.
MARVEL AT THE GIANTS ON BIG TREE TRAIL
When you place your hand on the bark of an ancient ḥumiis (cedar), you connect with the pulse of time. These giant Western Red Cedar trees on the Big Tree Trail on Meares Island embody resilience having withstood centuries of west coast storms and the War in the Woods resolved by the declaration of the first Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park—Wanachus-Hilthuuis Tribal Park over 40 years ago.
Book a guided tour Here.
SHARE THE STOKE AT SURF CAMP
Learn to surf or shred to the next level with customizable 3-day surf camps for all skills and all ages. Onsite Tofino Paddle Surf, a Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Ally, offers three days of private lessons for your family with your own instructor and all gear (up to 6 people). Learn step-by-step at your family’s pace and comfort level as you build on technical skills or competitive performance. Lifelong surfers share their enthusiasm for the sport and knowledge of equipment, forecasting, and ocean awareness. Lessons are always fun with a focus on practicing and learning safely.
Book your customized surf camp Here.
SHRED TOGETHER AT TUFF CITY SKATE PARK
This 1,700 m2 family-friendly skate park downtown in Tofino’s Village Green has an encouraging environment with all ages and abilities welcomed. It has a flat area with rails and ledges then an awesome park with lots of flow, according to Aaron Leghissa of Coastal Shred Academy, which offers skateboard lessons through the District of Tofino in summertime.
Learn more about the skate park Here.