In lieu of the annual blog posts on Barbados that occur at this time every year, (there’s a global pandemic on, don’t you know) Widow Badass Industries brings you instead some views of the west coast of our local island paradise. Specifically: Ucluelet and Tofino. My daughter and I spent a couple of days there recently. And here’s what we saw and did.
Morning view of Tofino Inlet from Tofino Resort and Marina (highly recommend staying here).We headed to Ucluelet first. My first visit. Won’t be my last! We decided to experience the Lighthouse Trail.BC trees are like none I have ever seen in Canada. On the Lighthouse Trail.The views were incredible.Sea Foam – sign of a healthy ocean.Pardon my shadow.Rock formations and islands in the misty distance.Wild Ucluelet views.
On the way to Ucluelet, we passed a sign in Pacific Rim National Park that said “Rainforest Trail”. That was our next destination.
The Rainforest Trail did not disappoint.When not staring at the trees, the chevron pattern on this platform caught my eye.Tried to capture the sun rays in the woods.This giant is over 800 years old.
After the Rainforest Trail, we had worked up an appetite so it was off to our favourite Tofino eating establishment, to refuel before our next adventure.
Tacofino!A little pandemic humour.Every day is (Taco) Tuesday in Tofino, as far as I’m concerned.
After lunch, it was time to check out our favourite beach (Chesterman) and soak up the delicious sunshine we had been blessed with.
Pinch me. Is it really February…in Canada???It was lovely to just sit in the sun and watch the surfers (and parasailers and windsurfers) enjoying the beautiful day and high waves.Checking out the waves (and other surfers).There he goes!
It was so pleasant out, we stayed there all afternoon and waited on the sunset. It did not disappoint.
Nope, it certainly did not disappoint!Two surfers left; packing it in for the day.And finally, the last of this day’s glorious light.
It wasn’t Barbados, but it was pretty damn fine all the same.
Rock on,
The WB
P.S. I posted multiple videos of this adventure on Instagram. Why not head over there and check them out? (Sound on!)
89 thoughts on “We Interrupt Our Regular Programming…”
That’s some beautiful country. I really like that next-to-last photo, of the golden sunset. To me, this kind of country looks better than anything Barbados has to offer (except the warm weather).
Absolutely gorgeous. I always say I don’t have much of a travel bug, but I might change my mind after seeing your photos! Of course, it’s all about the food. What kind of tacos were they? So yummy looking.
I had 2 steak tacos and one tuna taco on my plate…which was 1 taco too many but I managed to stuff it down anyways 🤣. Leave no tacos behind is my motto, apparently. Donna, I think you and Dale would enjoy a trip up the coast, once the border opens again. And I hope you let me know if/when that happens. Thanks 💕
Fantastic photos. Don’t know which is my favourite. Probably the one with the foam snaking out away, or maybe the one of the bend in the tree on the bend in the Forest Trail.
So 1312 tacos = 2 metres. How long is the intestine?
Hi, Deb – Your photos are absolutely stunning!! (Seriously, you should be teaching our photography course)!
It looks like you covered numerous trails — makes me want to go back there this minute!
Oh yeah, I also need to go back for Tacofino. What you ordered looks delicious!
Thank you, Donna 💕 I disagree about me teaching our smartphone course though…it is frowned upon to smack students upside the head, I believe. At least it was in Ontario. 😉
Hi Deb! Thank you for your gorgeous photos! Thom and I walked those very same trails when we stayed a couple of nights in Uclelet a couple of years ago and took many of the same shots as you…so how come our don’t look quite as good. Thank you for the memories. And although the tacos in Tofino looked good…the absolutely BEST fish and chips we’ve ever at was at a food truck in Uclelet. We will definitely be going back there this summer! ~Kathy
I fell in love with what little I saw of Ucluelet. I definitely want to go back and explore more of it. Donna and I are taking a smartphone photography class and I have been putting the lessons to good use, for this blog post. I have never been to Tofino (or Ucluelet for that matter) in the summer. The thought of the crowds has kept me away. Thanks, Kathy 💕
Just like Kathy said, hubby and I hiked those same trails (and ate fish tacos) when we visited your little piece of paradise a couple of years ago. Ucluelet and Tofino are so beautiful and the views change with every turn. I’m sorry you missed going to Barbados, but the adventure you had with your daughter looks pretty darn great!
We visited Uclulet & Tofino a few years ago and fell in love with the area. So much to do & see & the hikes were amazing! Would love to go back at some point.💕🇨🇦
Hi Deb, what a great place to relax for a few days. Not exactly Barbados, but beautiful. Did you take a Ferry there, fly, drive? I assume it isn’t far from where you live. We just cancelled our Barbados trip, that actually never got scheduled, but was prepaid. Current restrictions, include isolation and tracking devices. That was a bit much. Love your photos.
Thank you, Suzanne 💕 Living on Vancouver Island means Tofino and Ucluelet are only a few hours’ drive away from my home on the eastern side of the island. I’m still looking forward to returning to Barbados…next year!
You Canadians are making it really appealing to move there! 😉
But seriously, I did not know it was that green and temperate in CANADA in February! I realize different parts are like that, similar to the U.S. but this is much more beautiful. I would move there in a second if they would have me.
Thank you for sharing these. It started my Monday off so much better. 🙂
My pleasure, Kari! Vancouver Island is the most temperate place in Canada, to my knowledge. However, I woke up this morning to a weather warning on my phone – apparently it is going to dip down to…wait for it…BELOW 0C, later this week 😱🤣🤣🤣. As someone from the east, I find this hilarious.
Hi Deb, I was hoping you would share a post about your Long Beach trip. You picked the perfect couple of days to visit the area. Although, every day is perfect for the West Coast. Incredible! Stunning! Gorgeous! Breathtaking! All of the views! The Sea Foam is interesting. And, the Long Beach sunsets do not ever disappoint. I loved listening to the ocean sounds on Instagram. A great post, Deb!🙂
Deb, I believe the entire area between Ucluelet and Tofino is referred to as Long Beach, also. Many gorgeous bays and beaches. We have not been in Spring and we may change this after seeing your photos🙂
Maybe by the locals, but the signage points to Long Beach and Chesterman Beach (as well as other beaches) as being discrete and separate entities. I don’t know if there is a “wrong” time of year to visit this magical part of the island! 🤔😁
Haven’t been to the west coast of the island in decades. I had forgotten how primate/pristine it seems with the forest meeting the ocean. Thanks for sharing. Glad you had good weather! 2 solid days of heavy cold rain and you might not have enjoyed it quite as much.
Yes, we really got lucky with the weather. It was rainy and foggy the day we arrived, and cloudy and windy the day we left. In between we had one glorious full day there. Thanks, Bernie 💕
Magnificent, those Trees are Spectacular! And you have Beach… well, I think it definitely rivals anywhere else in the World one could go on a fabulous Vacay!
Deb, your photos are beautiful 🙂 I’m used to taking photos with my big camera but really intend to practice making the most of using my phone and/or compact camera for those days when the big camera is really too much to lug around. When we can travel again, I shall work on Himself to see if a trip to VI could be arranged – you’re an excellent advocate for its beauty.
Thank you, Deb 💕 I’m starting to use my phone camera more and more…and leaving my other camera at home entirely. I hope you do get here some day, and let me know when you do!
What a lovely place to vacation! Thank you for sharing your “not-Barbados” getaway. The beach photos are unreal – can’t imagine that it’s not hot, but freezing ….
It wasn’t freezing…at least not to me! It was a very pleasant 9C. I realize that might seem quite cold for your tropical blood 😁, but if dressed correctly and out of the wind it is a lovely temperature to be outside in. Thanks, Ju-Lyn 💕
Nah, you wouldn’t Ju-Lyn. You’d fit right in with all the others (ahem…more “normal” people) strolling the beach…including my daughter in HER down puffer jacket 😁
What an astounding beautiful place!! I’d love to visit it sometime. We’re usually in Kauai in February – but not this year. But no ocean views here in New England – unless you count oceans of SNOW everywhere outside my windows! Can’t wait to be able to travel again to feel warmth on my face…and toes. I must say, your photos and post warmed me up, though. Thanks. And now I must get some tacos tonight. 🙂
Hi Deb – brought back memories for me of about 20 years ago … one trip with my Ma when we arrived on the Island … but also great memories of a couple of years ago of the area. Gorgeous photos – you definitely made the right move for the Island as well more importantly for time with your daughter and family. Sorry my internet went phut on me – my fault now fine: Stay safe – Hilary
That’s some beautiful country. I really like that next-to-last photo, of the golden sunset. To me, this kind of country looks better than anything Barbados has to offer (except the warm weather).
And let’s not forget the bathtub warm waters of the Caribbean. I have yet to dip more than a toe into the local salty sea. Thanks, TG 💕
Maybe you need to invest in a wetsuit.
Oh, it’s on my list alright! 😁 Along with a kayak and a paddle board.
Absolutely gorgeous. I always say I don’t have much of a travel bug, but I might change my mind after seeing your photos! Of course, it’s all about the food. What kind of tacos were they? So yummy looking.
I had 2 steak tacos and one tuna taco on my plate…which was 1 taco too many but I managed to stuff it down anyways 🤣. Leave no tacos behind is my motto, apparently. Donna, I think you and Dale would enjoy a trip up the coast, once the border opens again. And I hope you let me know if/when that happens. Thanks 💕
Fantastic photos. Don’t know which is my favourite. Probably the one with the foam snaking out away, or maybe the one of the bend in the tree on the bend in the Forest Trail.
So 1312 tacos = 2 metres. How long is the intestine?
I think our intestines are much longer than that…many more tacos worth 😂 Thanks 💕
Stunning landscape that I would definitely pick over Barbados. Those trees are amazing and the sunset beautiful.
Thank you, Ingrid 💕 I love it too, but would appreciate some of Barbados’s heat and warm waters right about now. 🌴🌞
Fabulous photos
Thank you, Sheree 💕
What a feast for the eyes! Such beautiful photography and a lovely way to start my week – thank you! xx
Thank you, Sue 💕 My pleasure!
Hi, Deb – Your photos are absolutely stunning!! (Seriously, you should be teaching our photography course)!
It looks like you covered numerous trails — makes me want to go back there this minute!
Oh yeah, I also need to go back for Tacofino. What you ordered looks delicious!
Thank you, Donna 💕 I disagree about me teaching our smartphone course though…it is frowned upon to smack students upside the head, I believe. At least it was in Ontario. 😉
Somehow, I believe that it is okay on Zoom. At least it would be fun to watch (I’m bad, I know)!
This is an excellent substitute for Barbados!
Thanks, Kate 💕 I thought so too.
What a nice little vacation. Sure makes me long for the Pacific Northwest.
Thank you, Tracey 💕 I sure do love living here and can’t imagine leaving it.
Great photos!!! So beautiful up there – thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you, Pam 💕 My pleasure!
That looks amazing, Deb. Maybe the Feb weather took pity on your sans Barbados year and gifted you the perfect day?
Yes, I’d like to think that too! 😁 Thank you, AJ 💕
Lovely photo Deb, thanks for sharing. I needed that.
Leslie xoxo
Happy to help, Leslie! Thank you 💕
My gosh, you sure picked a wonderful place enjoy some down time! The pictures are fabulous!
Thank you, Jean 💕 I’ve only just begun to explore this island, I feel.
Hi Deb! Thank you for your gorgeous photos! Thom and I walked those very same trails when we stayed a couple of nights in Uclelet a couple of years ago and took many of the same shots as you…so how come our don’t look quite as good. Thank you for the memories. And although the tacos in Tofino looked good…the absolutely BEST fish and chips we’ve ever at was at a food truck in Uclelet. We will definitely be going back there this summer! ~Kathy
I fell in love with what little I saw of Ucluelet. I definitely want to go back and explore more of it. Donna and I are taking a smartphone photography class and I have been putting the lessons to good use, for this blog post. I have never been to Tofino (or Ucluelet for that matter) in the summer. The thought of the crowds has kept me away. Thanks, Kathy 💕
Just like Kathy said, hubby and I hiked those same trails (and ate fish tacos) when we visited your little piece of paradise a couple of years ago. Ucluelet and Tofino are so beautiful and the views change with every turn. I’m sorry you missed going to Barbados, but the adventure you had with your daughter looks pretty darn great!
Thank you, Janis 💕 It was. My second visit to Tofino and first to Ucluelet, and I will be coming back again and again.
We visited Uclulet & Tofino a few years ago and fell in love with the area. So much to do & see & the hikes were amazing! Would love to go back at some point.💕🇨🇦
Thank you, Lynn 💕 I confess I am in love with this part of the island as well.
Hi Deb, what a great place to relax for a few days. Not exactly Barbados, but beautiful. Did you take a Ferry there, fly, drive? I assume it isn’t far from where you live. We just cancelled our Barbados trip, that actually never got scheduled, but was prepaid. Current restrictions, include isolation and tracking devices. That was a bit much. Love your photos.
Thank you, Suzanne 💕 Living on Vancouver Island means Tofino and Ucluelet are only a few hours’ drive away from my home on the eastern side of the island. I’m still looking forward to returning to Barbados…next year!
Thanks for the geography lesson. I wasn’t sure if it was part of Vancouver Island or separate, but close. Looks inviting.
Such fantastic views of coastal walks with a magnificent blue sky : I say yes please!!!! And these tacos? Yes yes yes!!!!!
Even without the scenery, it would be worth the drive for those tacos 😁. Thanks! 💕
Yes! Yes! Yes! I am totally doing that rainforest walk someday…… fabulous.
I hope you do! Everyone should get the chance to experience it. Thanks, Rivergirl 💕
Love your photos!! … and I remember the rainforest trail. It was a bazillion years ago, but I do remember 🙂
What a perfect way to spend a couple of days!
It was quite perfect! Even when it was foggy and rainy (the day we arrived), we still had fun. Thanks, Joanne 💕
You Canadians are making it really appealing to move there! 😉
But seriously, I did not know it was that green and temperate in CANADA in February! I realize different parts are like that, similar to the U.S. but this is much more beautiful. I would move there in a second if they would have me.
Thank you for sharing these. It started my Monday off so much better. 🙂
My pleasure, Kari! Vancouver Island is the most temperate place in Canada, to my knowledge. However, I woke up this morning to a weather warning on my phone – apparently it is going to dip down to…wait for it…BELOW 0C, later this week 😱🤣🤣🤣. As someone from the east, I find this hilarious.
I’m finding it triply hilarious! Did you know that somewhere up in Nunavut it was -66 this am. Crap I thought -52 was cold this morning!
Hi Deb, I was hoping you would share a post about your Long Beach trip. You picked the perfect couple of days to visit the area. Although, every day is perfect for the West Coast. Incredible! Stunning! Gorgeous! Breathtaking! All of the views! The Sea Foam is interesting. And, the Long Beach sunsets do not ever disappoint. I loved listening to the ocean sounds on Instagram. A great post, Deb!🙂
Thank you, Erica 💕 We never did go to Long Beach though. Chesterman is our favourite Tofino beach.
Deb, I believe the entire area between Ucluelet and Tofino is referred to as Long Beach, also. Many gorgeous bays and beaches. We have not been in Spring and we may change this after seeing your photos🙂
Maybe by the locals, but the signage points to Long Beach and Chesterman Beach (as well as other beaches) as being discrete and separate entities. I don’t know if there is a “wrong” time of year to visit this magical part of the island! 🤔😁
We’ve been there in the summer when we had 5 days of non stop heavy rain. Haha – your winter weather seems better than summer!
Jealous
I was too, Sarah…last year. This is why I moved here (and to be closer to my daughter). 💕
The social distancing sign is perfect! 13.12 tacos. lol – Marty
I got a chuckle outta that one too, Marty. Thanks 💕
Haven’t been to the west coast of the island in decades. I had forgotten how primate/pristine it seems with the forest meeting the ocean. Thanks for sharing. Glad you had good weather! 2 solid days of heavy cold rain and you might not have enjoyed it quite as much.
Yes, we really got lucky with the weather. It was rainy and foggy the day we arrived, and cloudy and windy the day we left. In between we had one glorious full day there. Thanks, Bernie 💕
Thank you for that mini-holiday to Ucluelet & Tofino. Normally I’d be there but haven’t been able to make it because of you-know… Ahh…
Yeah, I know of you-know. Next year! Thank you, Sandy 💕
How lovely is this? I want to go there and have a day myself! So cool about the sea foam; I had no idea.
You had me at TACOS!!
I didn’t know that about sea foam either! Yes, TACOS!!! I would go there just for the tacos. They are THAT GOOD. Thanks, Suz 💕
Stunning!
Spectacular!!
Better than Barbados ’cause it’s cooler!
Taking the next plane . . . (virtually 🛩)
Please do, Del 😁 Thanks! 💕
Magnificent, those Trees are Spectacular! And you have Beach… well, I think it definitely rivals anywhere else in the World one could go on a fabulous Vacay!
It’s right up there, in terms of beautiful vacation spots. You got that right, Bohemian! Thanks 💕
Wow. Such beautiful photos of beautiful scenes. I am in awe of the colors. What a fun way to pass a few days.
It was nice change of scenery, without having to leave the island (not a good idea right now). Thank you, Ally 💕
Deb, your photos are beautiful 🙂 I’m used to taking photos with my big camera but really intend to practice making the most of using my phone and/or compact camera for those days when the big camera is really too much to lug around. When we can travel again, I shall work on Himself to see if a trip to VI could be arranged – you’re an excellent advocate for its beauty.
Thank you, Deb 💕 I’m starting to use my phone camera more and more…and leaving my other camera at home entirely. I hope you do get here some day, and let me know when you do!
What a lovely place to vacation! Thank you for sharing your “not-Barbados” getaway. The beach photos are unreal – can’t imagine that it’s not hot, but freezing ….
It wasn’t freezing…at least not to me! It was a very pleasant 9C. I realize that might seem quite cold for your tropical blood 😁, but if dressed correctly and out of the wind it is a lovely temperature to be outside in. Thanks, Ju-Lyn 💕
I have never been to the beach in those temps, Deb! I would look mighty peculiar in a down jacket alongside all those dressed for the water!!!!
Nah, you wouldn’t Ju-Lyn. You’d fit right in with all the others (ahem…more “normal” people) strolling the beach…including my daughter in HER down puffer jacket 😁
🤣🤣🤣
I just looked at your images again – those tacos from Tacofino look delicious! and their name & sign are soooo funny!
Gorgeous! I’m so glad you had a good time and were still able to do your vacation, though modified.
Thank you, Akilah 💕 Our timing was perfect as this weekend was snowy and stormy.
What an astounding beautiful place!! I’d love to visit it sometime. We’re usually in Kauai in February – but not this year. But no ocean views here in New England – unless you count oceans of SNOW everywhere outside my windows! Can’t wait to be able to travel again to feel warmth on my face…and toes. I must say, your photos and post warmed me up, though. Thanks. And now I must get some tacos tonight. 🙂
Thank you💕 I do feel very lucky to live on Vancouver Island. It’s always a good time for tacos, I think!
Hi Deb – brought back memories for me of about 20 years ago … one trip with my Ma when we arrived on the Island … but also great memories of a couple of years ago of the area. Gorgeous photos – you definitely made the right move for the Island as well more importantly for time with your daughter and family. Sorry my internet went phut on me – my fault now fine: Stay safe – Hilary
Thank you, Hilary 💕 Happy to read your internet is behaving again. Where would we be without it, these days?
Pingback: February is for Comfort Food #virtualteaparty2021 – THE WIDOW BADASS BLOG
Deb, those are great photos! Your photo instructor should be proud. Strangely, I have not been to Uclulet or Tofino since moving to the Island.
Jude
I’m not surprised, Jude. No different than southern Ontarians who don’t visit Niagara Falls. 😁 Thank you 💕
it’s very helpful,widow badass.
Thank you 😁
Pingback: What’s On Your Plate Blog Challenge – Cinco de Mayo Edition – THE WIDOW BADASS BLOG
Gorgeous!!
Thank you 💕