Storm watching continues to grow in popularity as tourists come from around the world to witness the ocean in a fury as it pounds the coastline. Frequent winter storms whip the Pacific into a fury creating row upon row of giant waves that crash in spectaclar fashion all along the coast. It truly is a sight to behold. The town, which has a number of small but impressive sandy beaches, also boasts a museum where you can delve into the area's history. Art galleries and craft stores line the streets.
Accommodations range from wilderness campsite to the most luxurious of lodges.
Just off Tofino is Meares Island. Home to the historic Fort Defiance, the island is the traditional home of the Clayoquot First Nations. Art galleries offer native art and crafts, and hiking trails meander through the forests. The highway is a two-lane busy stretch of pavement, so caution is needed. From Nanaimo, the 210-kilometer trip takes about four hours.