VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER ISLAND - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 245

for two or more days. Double kayaks are $84 and $74, respectively. Rental prices include
all accessories.
Local Charter Operators
The streets of downtown Tofino hold a profusion of charter operators offering a wide
variety of trips. All of those listed go whale watching and head out to Hotsprings Cove.
Other options include a tour of Meares Island and fishing charters. For details, head
to any of the following: Jamie's (606 Campbell St., 250/725-3919 or 800/667-9913,
www.jamies.com ) , Remote Passages (51 Wharf St., 250/725-3330 or 800/666-9833,
www.remotepassages.com ) , or the Whale Centre (411 Campbell St., 250/725-2132 or 888/
474-2288, www.tofinowhalecentre.com ) , where a gray whale skeleton is on display. Even
with all of these operators, business is brisk, so book ahead if possible.
EVENTS
Tofino and Ucluelet join together each spring to put on the annual Pacific Rim Whale
Festival ( www.pacificrimwhalefestival.org ), which features educational shows and special
events in the adjacent national park, a First Nations song and dance festival, a parade, crab
races, plays at the local theater, dances, concerts, a golf tournament, and a multitude of
events and activities in celebration of the gray whale spring migration. The festival takes
place the last two weeks of March.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND CAMPING
Tofino boasts plenty of accommodations, both in town and south along the beach-fringed
coastline, but getting a room or campsite in summer can be difficult if you just turn up, so
book as far ahead as possible.
Under $50
Tofino's least expensive accommodation is Whalers on the Point Guesthouse (81 West
St., 250/725-3443, www.tofinohostel.com , dorms $34, $90-100 s or d). Affiliated with Hos-
telling International, it is a world away from hostels of old, appealing to all travelers. The
building is a stylish log structure with a stunning waterfront location, of which the com-
munal lounge area takes full advantage. Other facilities include a modern kitchen, laundry
room, large deck with a barbecue, free wireless Internet, game room, and bike rentals.