Aerial view of The Wickaninnish Inn& Chesterman Beach.
THE ONE ACTIVITY
In Tofino,an end-of-the-road town on the western tip of Vancouver Island,almost everything revolves around the water. And beach activities are not just a summer thing. Surfers hit the waves all year,especially in winter when 10-metre swells justify Tofino's reputation for cold water surfing. During wet season,snuggle up to watch storms rolling in off the Pacific Ocean. In summer,hit the sand on a fat-tire bike.
THE ONE DAY TRIP
Wickaninnish Inn,Tofino.Credit:Wickaninnish Inn
Underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau described the waters off Vancouver Island - home to whales,dolphins,sea lions,countless fish species and the odd sea otter - as the second most biologically diverse in the world,behind the Red Sea. Scuba-diving,whale-watching and kayaking are popular. For wow factor,take a half-day tour with Jamie's Whaling Station to Hot Springs Cove,where thermal rockpools are reached by a half-hour hike through majestic old growth forest. You can boat there (look out for whales) and fly by seaplane back. Seejamies.com
THE ONE HOTEL
The Wickaninnish Inn,a family-owned Relais&Chateaux property,is perched between rainforest and ocean on a rocky outcrop. Every room has ocean views,perfect for storm-watching,and the cedar woodwork throughout,made in the indigenous adze style,is elegantly rustic. The spa's Hishuk Ish Tsawalk treatment,meaning"everything is one - all is interconnected",is an unusual mix of seaweed exfoliation,water therapy,massage,meditation and sage burning. Seewickinn.com
THE ONE RESTAURANT
Tofino's culinary scene is on fire,from the cult favourite Tacofino food truck to the Wickaninnish Inn's Pointe restaurant,with its 1100-wine cellar and circular dining room. Wolf In The Fog justifies the buzz with airy,rustic surrounds and a menu"inspired by the oceans,forests and shoreline of our beautiful backyard". Go for cedar-infused cocktails,whole smoked steelhead trout and the best Caeser salad this side of the 1980s. Seewolfinthefog.com