Long Beach - Tofino and Ucluelet

Vancouver Islanders live amid soaring old-growth timber and arid flora in a land cut by fjords, bays, and flawless rivers; rain-shadowed by elevations

running the length of the Island. Yet, something special is found on the extreme west coast of the Island, at the end of the Pacific Rim Highway 4, where the land unfurls to embrace the Pacific Ocean. Long Beach, on the edge of Clayton Sound, was first home to the Nuu-chah-nulth; fourteen legendary First Nations living in union with forest, sea, and creature for 5,000 years. Thereafter, Long Beach became a remote outpost for the hardiest of Islanders and intrepid travellers traversing the gravel road when logging trucks were idle; in 1972 the Highway was punched through and a steady migration began. Long Beach stretches for 25 km between charismatic Tofino and enterprising Ucluelet; towns that meet the diverse needs of individuals who have come for fresh air, to find their muse, or paddle the ocean oasis; leave your footprint in the sand.

Tofino, on the perimeter of Clayoquot Sound (a World UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), is a vibrant village of 1,700 set upon a postcard-perfect Harbour. While the town is a tourist destination it serves the needs of local fishers, a dynamic arts family, and First Nations communities on nearby Meares, Flores, and Vargas Islands. Tofino reveres its local character during the illuminating Tofino Lantern Festival, the Tofino Food and Wine Festival, Arts in the Garden, and the Clayoquot Oyster Festival - a competitive gala showcasing local chefs. The Tofino Post Office was named in 1909 giving the village its title; the First Street Dock is the official end of Trans-Canada Highway.

Ucluelet, south of Tofino, is an innovative community "living on the edge". It maximizes its marine scene overlooking the Broken Islands Group where Barkley Sound becomes the Pacific Ocean. Ucluelet's First Nations name means "the people with a good landing place for canoes", or "safe harbour". The town's distinctive architecture is influenced by its maritime heritage and is fast becoming an attractive lure for new residents, tourists, and investors. Ucluelet has been a diligent leader in commerce beginning as a fishing station in 1870 when schooners put-to-port in the small village to buy supplies and unload their catch.

Today, Ucluelet is home to 1,500 people who work in tourism, logging, fishing, and professional services. Town amenities include sports fields, parks, and a variety of shopping choices. Celebrations, such as Ukee Days, pay tribute to the town's traditions with a salmon barbeque, logger's sports, and live music. Salmon Beach, east of Ucluelet, is a unique waterfront recreational community on Barkley Sound and available through Coast Realty Group Representatives. The settlement enables residents to fully participate in west coast living with a boat ramp, playground, and tennis court. Eco-friendly residents live "off-the-grid" and gather to collect oysters and clams for cookouts, cast a line, or dip their paddles for an afternoon of delight. West coast residents are spoiled by an unspoiled land.

The Pacific Rim National Park, the only National Park on Vancouver Island, encompasses the Long Beach "Unit", the Broken Group Islands, and the West Coast Trail (on the south shore of Barkley Sound). Iconic Long Beach Unit is a tribute to the transformational power of the ocean, from rugged Radar Beach, the dramatic length of Long Beach, mist-shroud Wickaninnish Bay, to the intimacy of Halfmoon Bay; this is a land of opportunity. Retirees have found a place to live big, families are thriving, and life-participants plunge blissfully into an untamed wilderness.

This is a world wherein bohemian travellers explore by kayak; hikers stagger awestruck along sea cliffs or protective boardwalks, under rainforest canopies on hand-hewn trails. Endure the fury of a winter storm on the Wild Pacific Trail; or sit still for a sunset on the edge of the world at Amphitrite Point Lighthouse, shining its beacon over the Pacific for 100 years. Brave participants run the Edge to Edge Marathon from Tofino to Ucluelet, or opt for the more manageable Eight on the Edge. Golfers are treated to one of the most scenic and challenging courses on the Island and scuba divers descend upon ship wrecks, abundant mussel beds, and coralline algae accompanied by otters, sea lions, and rock fish.

The west coast owns a culture customized by devout surfers, Canada's best, who "fricking" rejoice when waves are "going-off" despite getting "noodled by triple overheads". This is the place to be alive. The west coast knows how to appreciate the finer things. The Pacific Rim Summer Festival is multinational chamber music extravaganza, Ucluelet welcomes Cadillac Van Isle 360 sailboat racers annually, and the Tofino Shorebird Festival delights in the migratory return of thousands of shorebirds; sandpipers, plovers, and whimbrels arrive en route to distance climes. Yet, nothing is quite as uplifting as the twice-annual exodus of 20,000 Grey Whales, skimming the west coast on their journey between Mexico and the Bering Sea (breeding to feeding). It is not uncommon that they cavort with migrating Humpbacks, Orcas, and local Grey Whales off Long Beach. This grand occasion is celebrated with enthusiasm at the Pacific Rim Whale Festival every March.

This is a land of plenty, where people live within the simple abundance of nature according to their needs. If your needs include a home for recreation, retirement, or residence Coast Realty Group Representatives are the professionals you seek. They, like all west coasters, put People.Above all.