Tofino Staycation

While traveling to new or far off places is exciting and sometimes necessary for the spirit, there are also seasons that call us to slow down. As we enter Autumn - a time of recalibration, reflection, and observing - there is an opportunity to call ourselves into what is closer and slower.

Tofino is by design a slower-paced way of living. With a majority of businesses being owned locally, a lifestyle that embraces connecting with nature, and an intimate community that bands together to support each other the infrastructure of Tofino’s community is built for longevity and time-taking... It's also built for the perfect staycation, Tofino style.

Whether you’re visiting from somewhere else on the island, travelling abroad or are a seasoned local to this Canadian rainforest there is always opportunity here to nourish yourself by doing less and getting more.

The term “staycation” is usually used for a vacation in which we stay at home (which could be true for you here) but I’d like to broaden the scope a bit to include the opportunity to stay put, stay in your energetic lane, to bring what is comforting or home-like into your experience regardless of where you are from… Sometimes travelling doesn’t need to be about changing who we are or what we do in the face of new experiences, but about creating space for our routines and comforts wherever we are.

How To Create the Perfect Staycation in Tofino

1. Less is more

   By planning less things, you’ll have more space to enjoy what is in front of you and soak up the good stuff. Instead of rushing between activities during your staycation, let your schedule be looser. Sit and enjoy your coffee in a local cafe instead of taking it to go (The MAQ Cafe has a great lounge area for any size group and an amazing view of the water).

   
   

2. Bring your daily routine with you

   If you like to journal in the morning, don’t skip on that. Maybe you want to do it at the beach instead of on the couch. Adjust what makes you feel good to what is available around you.

   
   

3. Indulge in your favourite things

   If pizza is your favourite food then who cares if you can get it anywhere? Make space to indulge in your tried-and-true’s while knowing that you’re still supporting local. You don’t have to be a new person while on vacation. Adriana's is right across the street & has some of the best slices around.

   
   

4. Get real rest

   So often when we are out of our norm, we feel like we need to make the most out of everything. Making sure that you are prioritizing rest will help you come back to your everyday feeling truly rejuvenated. Have a nap on the beach! Go to bed early with a cup of tea and a face mask! Take an afternoon to just read!

   
   

5. Date night in

   If you’re travelling with a partner, friends, or even yourself there can be a pressure to make things special… What truly allows space for this is presence. Bring a pack of cards and set up a blanket fort in your room. Get a bottle of wine (A Sunday in August is a great buy from The MAQ Liquor Store) & ask for some glasses and a bottle opener from the front desk to enjoy in your pjs. Something “special” is about mindset more than anything.

The beauty of a “staycation” is that it gives us permission to be present with what we take for granted. You are allowed to indulge in what truly feels good for you and trust that it will be exactly what you need. 

Tofino is one of the top rated places in the world to relax, so honouring your needs and desires will support you in making the most out of the opportunity to rest. The nature of Tofino (literally and figuratively) has a magic of being able to call you in.

Touch a tree, take your time, enjoy your favourites, leave rejuvenated.