Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

It's about a 35 minute drive from Ucluelet to Tofino. We stopped at the visitor centre at the junction of National Highway 4 to purchase a pass of the car so we could stop in the National Park. The family day pass cost $19.60 and lasted until 4pm on the following day. We drove through the park stopping at the Tofino Coffee Roasting company. We then went to see a glass workshop was signposted from the main road. The owner was very friendly and recommended a couple of places to visit on our journey from Prince Rupert. His fused glass was a little expensive and lacking  finesse so we left  without making a purchase. Lyn and Louise soon made up for this at "first nation" gift shop they had located whilst I moved the car. Lunch was taken in Sobo,'s restaurant. It had been recommended by some of Louise's friends and was also mentioned in our guide book. Louise found the menu a little restrictive. Lyn and I enjoyed our vegetable burritos but should have asked for them to be served on a plate. They were served on a napkin in a plastic dish and as you cut the burrito you had to carefully to avoid eating an additional ingredient. The service was very slow and as we were only in Tofino for one day decided we did not have time for desert! We also had a recommendation of an Ice cream palour we must visit, Chocolate Tofino. It was located on the outskirts of the town but when we found it was closed on Sunday's.  We then drove into the Reserve stopping at Long Beach and then at the visitor centre at the Wickaninnish visitor centre that explained the natural and cultural history of the Pacific Rim. The  restaurant was closing but as we only wanted drinks were offered them to take away. Once Louise's milk was warmed to the ideal temperature we sat outside and enjoyed the view across the beach.

We then drove the short distance to Florence beach.   Shorts and canoe shoes were put on and after a short walk / carry though the woods we descended the steps to the beach. We watched the paddle boarders and body surfers making the most of the occasional wave whilst we paddled along the shore. The water felt cold and I can see why it's recommended to swim in a wetsuit.

We returned to Ucluelet ,more steak was purchased from the co-op for tea and we queued atvthe licor store for cold beer.