My legs kicked up on the wooden table, facing the Pacific Ocean.
I was in the Pacific Sands Resort suite looking beyond sliding glass doors to the Pacific ocean and surfers, which Tofino is known for.
It's also home to the magnificent Pacific Rim National Park, a temperate rain forest with towering cedars and hemlocks--many 500-1000 years old.
Located on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, The Pacific Sand's Resort at Cox Bay is a reprieve from civilization without leaving the luxuries of civilization behind.
My suite was decorated with subtle forest greens and tan. Very calming. There was a full-kitchen, dining area, fireplace, comfortable bed, rain slickers (just in case, but once again I brought the sun) TV, and excellent internet connection, which was complimentary.
I watched surfers fight the wind, ride massive waves, strengthening their thighs on a natural high before I went for a few easy hikes in the rain forest.
I personally chose the Pacific Sands Beach Resort because when given a choice I go with the company that strives to save natural resources.
The Pettinger family founded the resort in 1973 and prioritized saving natural resources. Recycling, buying furniture and other amenities from local sources, and providing geothermal renewable energy to heat and cool their 40 acre resort located on the crescent-shaped Cox Bay, a quiet place where people spend hours each day, are some initiatives they took.
Dave Pettinger told me that the family invested in a renewable geothermal energy system, which removes heat from a few feet below the earth's surface. The TRAK Canada's geoexchange approach, provides heating and cooling simultaneously by using the same equipment.
Because the geoexchange heat pump "system" efficiently utilizes ground energy, the Pettingers' energy bills are less than half the cost of natural gas. And they heat up fast.
No waiting for a warm shower.
Pacific Sands Beach Resort is open year-round with room rates beginning at $CDN 175, which for Americans based on today's exchange rate will be 20% less.
All suites and villas come with fully-loaded kitchens and ocean views from a private patio or deck.
Dave recently built multi-level suites overlooking the ocean, with multiple
rooms, a sunken tub, gorgeous kitchen and ocean views.
It's a great getaway for two couples or two families to enjoy at a reasonable rate and unreasonable view.
The Pacific Rim National Park offers many trails, and I took Schooner Cove, a long stretch of scenic beach at the north end of Long Beach. I also took in a panoramic view of archipelago and mountains at Radar Hill, a high point.
This is Grey Whale migration season and had I been up for the boat cruise, it's the thing to do this time of year, especially during the Pacific Rim Whale Festival, March 14-22, 2009.
April 2009 is the month of the Flying Geese and Great Grey Whale Migration.
Tens of thousands of birds and wildfowl reach the West Coast for their annual migration.
Expert bird watchers will be stationed on beaches with telescopes and binoculars, sharing their knowledge about migratory birds.
June 5-7, 2009 is Tofino's Food and Wine Festival. There will be decadent food and irresistible wines at this three-day festival.
June 2009 - The BC surfing association competition will attract national and international surfers to Cox Bay, Tofino. This highly anticipated event is a two-day judged surf contest and music jam.
July/August 2009 there are children's summer programs at the Pacific Sands Beach Resort, which includes building giant sandcastles and playing volleyball on the beach. In the evening, the Pacific Resort gazebo is a covered barbeque area where friends get together to make a fire, roast marshmallows or cook crab.
Other nearby highlights:
Raincoast Interpretive Center www.longbeachmaps.com/interp-center.com
Jamie's Whale Wathcing www.jamies.com
Tofino Botanical Gardens www.tofinobotanicalgardens.com
Surf Sister Surf School www.surfsister.com
Surf and Boogie Board Rentals www.livetosurf.com
Long Beach Golf Course www.longbeachgolfcourse.com
Getting There
By Car/Ferry
www.bcferries.com
Road Report www.th.gov.bc.c
Weather Report www.weatheroffice.com
By Air
Kenmore Air or Orca Air
Pacific Sands Beach Resort on Cox Bay is located 8 km south of Tofino on Vancouver Island. 1 800- 565-2322 Their tag line is "creating extraordinary experiences for everyday people" True.
It took me 4 1/2 hours to drive from Victoria.
Adventure to clean air.
If you'd like to see a few beautiful Tofino and Pacific Sands ocean views, click Welcome to Tofino.
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