Weather reports tofino bc tofino offers many fantastic storm watching locations, storm season starts around november and continues all the way to the end of february early march. Lean into the wind at chesterman beach, watch the waves at cox bay outside or from the warmth of an inside venue, and more. Some places indicate they are on the open ocean but the view appears to be blocked by trees. Storm watching on the west coast of vancouver island explore bc. The tofino area is a paradise for those who love the sea.
Get the monthly weather forecast for tofino, british columbia, canada, including daily highlow, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. The sound of the crashing surf, even at low tide, has become so deafening that you have to shout just to be heard. Tofino winter storms originate in the aleutian low, which hangs off. Due to covid19, bc ferries is advising customers to avoid nonessential travel. Beginning in november is the much anticipated winter storm season for ucluelet and tofino which usually lasts until february or march. Its a time to take in the roaring pacific ocean while staying cozy and warm by the fire. Gale force winds, giant waves and lively skiesthe great energy of the winter storms shapes our coastline, making it an exhilarating season to experience the. Your guide to winter stormwatching in tofino, bc explore.
Best place to storm watch tofino forum tripadvisor. Storm watching season is as much about the weather as it is about how frequently it can change. Storm watching on vancouver island vancouver island news. January 29, 2017 a vacation spot out of season always has a very special magic.
Others might say getting caught in a winter storm is unlucky. It is during this season that tofino receives the majority of its nearly five meters of annual rainfall. Storm watching is not limited to the west coast of the island though, admittedly, it is quite spectacular along the pacific shore. Our campsite was rained out by a fall monsoon, and we took shelter in a local bed and breakfast, enjoying the wild weather and the local dining scene before all the restaurants closed up shop for the season. Both bc locals and visitors from other countries are turning up every year from november to march to come and see some of 36 meter 20 ft sea hurling waves on the shore.
For a breathtaking combination of adventure and winter comforts, escape to the mild and wild west coast to experience storm watching. Luckily for us today, tofino doesnt close for the fall or winter season anymore. Storm watching on canadas wild west coast fodors travel guide. The kids slept soundly to the gentle sound of ocean waves and soft rain in our cozy ocean village cabin. This incredible area is the starting point for a lineup of exhilarating activities, from beachcombing, hiking, surfing and kayaking to fishing, diving, storm watching and wildlife viewing. Tofino, british columbia, canada three day weather forecast. Stormwatching season is the one time youll hope for bad weather, but tofino can boast bluebird winter days too. Storm surf shop was created in 1997 for surfers by surfers. Its not easy to time a winter storm, but the season is generally october through to march with usually 1015 good storms each month, with the peak months of december through february packing the most whoppers. Over the years, our shop has evolved into canadas destination for quality surf gear, unique surfboards and our own storm apparel whether youre buying a wetsuit or eyeing up a surfboard, we strive to provide our customers with exceptional service our goal is to get you in the water safe, warm and informed. The number of pacific storms that hit tofino varies from yeartoyear. Well we just call it tofino and know that it means the whole park area and ucluelet. This winter, make it the time to watch a storm unfold in action on canadas west coast. The storm season generally starts in november and carries through till the late stages of spring, but the most intense period lasts from december through february.
Storm watching on vancouver island donald lovegrove 20191227t17. On august 4, the clearest day of the year, the sky is clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 69% of the time, and overcast or mostly cloudy. Watch as a smooth sandy beach is transformed when hundreds of pieces of driftwood are pitched up onto its sandy shore. Nov 30, 2010 some might call the torrential winter rains that come with a rain forest downright nasty. Of course, a drive across the island en route to tofino and ucluelet is never complete without a stop at coombs old country market to gawk. This time of year is a celebration of the wild, natural world that exists at the end of the road that is tofino. Storm watching in tofino, bc, is a spectacular show on a windswept stage. A complete guide to tofino storm watching, british columbia. Tofinos storm season is generally considered to be from november to late february.
The exposed coastline is hit by fierce storm systems. This time, youre hitting the sand in inclement weather on purpose. We are closely monitoring the situation and will reassess, acting in accordance with recommendations from the public health agency of canada and local. I decided to book a weekend getaway to give the activity of storm watching a go. Winter in our temperate coastal rainforest means dramatic skies, rain, wind, big surf plus bursts of sunshine. Along many of the beaches on the east side of the island you can hear and watch some mighty storms roll in.
Talk to a tofino local or seasoned tourist and youll see eyes get wide with anticipation. Heres the best in canada where you can dedicate a whole trip to it. Winter storm watching gale force winds, giant waves and lively skiesthe great energy of the winter storms shapes our coastline, making it an exhilarating season to experience the west coast. Because tofino is located at the 49th paralell, we experience somewhat dramatic shifts of light as the seasons change. Dec 12, 2012 the storm watching season extends from november to march, with the peak period being december to february. From november march, tofino and ucluelet, bc are hit with spectacular ocean storms. Winter storm watching in tofino on chesterman beach. Although it is possible to witness a storm or two in late october or early march, the most reliable time to enjoy the bad weather in the pacific rim or tofino area is from november through late february. Pacific storm watching package tofino bc offers pacific. They are amazing to watch and crash into the coast of bc every winter. Explore the majestic beauty of clayoquot sound, a unesco biosphere reserve, and tofino, a village surrounded by oldgrowth forests and white sand beaches. Now, there will be a test, including canadian spelling, at the end of your trip. Over the years, our shop has evolved into canadas destination for quality surf gear, unique surfboards and our own storm apparel.
Whether you like to be in or on the water, or prefer beach combing and storm watching, you wont find a better place to escape the stress and responsibility of everyday life. You can taste the salt whipping off the top of roostertailed waves. July to august is the perfect time for surfing, kayaking and other water sports. My husband and i will be visiting tofino in midnovember for some quiet time and storm watching. We believe that our wonderful area has plenty to offer and that everyone should have the opportunity to turn every trip to the great outdoors into an escape from the ordinary. You know what that means its finally storm watching season in tofino and ucluelet.
We are not accepting any vacations bookings for travel to tofino until after june 3, 2020 at this time. But being openminded and an offseason travel fan anyway theres no place in. Storm watching accommodation on vancouver island take a break from your winter skiing trip in british columbia to experience the raw power of the mighty pacific ocean as ferocious waves roll in from japan and pound the shores of the rugged west coast. Yes, tofino used to hibernate at this time of year. Thanks to a temperate climate, tofino is a yearround destination but if storm watching tops your mustdo list, try and time your visit between october and early march. In fact, storm watching is an attraction in these parts. Storm season also brings the allfemale queen of the peak surf. Weather in tofino is quite pleasant for the most part winters are not that cold and summers here are a bit cooler. And march to may is the ideal time to do whale watching. Average weather in tofino, canada, year round weather spark. Stormforce winds and heavy rain battered the west coast today, with waves so high that dozens of beaches and trails were barricaded so that stormwatchers would stay back. March 2011, people get very wet but escape injury when unusually large waves strike ucluelets lighthouse during hurricane force storm surges. Get your 3day weather forecast for tofino, british columbia, canada.
Storm watching in tofino bc the official tourism tofino. Tofino, british columbia, canada monthly weather accuweather. As the seas come alive during the colder months, our favourite time to observe the power of the elements begins. Best place to storm watch in tofino long beach lodge. Could anyone recommend the best place to stay for stormwatching a fireplace would be nice. Love the cozy feeling of wrapping yourself in a blanket and watching am intense storm roll in. Many a visitor has been caught in tofino during a freak storm, wishing she had brought her raingear and gumboots. Tofino gets between 10 to 15 good winter storms a season. Tofino british columbia canada long beach lodge resort. Nov 24, 2011 storm force winds and heavy rain battered the west coast today, with waves so high that dozens of beaches and trails were barricaded so that storm watchers would stay back. South coast are warning people to be ready as a series of storms slams into the region.
Storm watching in british columbias coastal communities, including tofino and ucluelet, is a great way to witness natures ferocity. The storm watching season extends from november to march, with the peak period being december to february. Winter is storm watching season on vancouver island ama travel. Although it gets chilly during the winter november to april it is the best time to do some storm watching. Gtc tofino photo galleries photos of tofino downtown, surfing, wildlife, storm watching, clayoquot sound welcome to tofino, bc, canada. Enjoy the days at the beach during peak season from june to september. Tofinoan upscale canadian surfer hamlet that hangs off north americas farthest northwestern edgea few years ago to report on how it had become.
Storm watching 2019 3rd night free bc ferries vacations. Have a look at every resorts winter marketing strategy now and you will see that the technique has caught on. We believe that our wonderful area has plenty to offer and that everyone should have the opportunity to turn every trip to the great outdoors into an escape from the ordinary we offer campers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts of all ages quality, competitively priced brand name equipment and clothing to make sure you have everything you need to live your. The tide is out and the afternoon sun blazes briefly as i stroll the glassy smooth sands of cox bay beach in tofino, british columbia. Waterfront bed and breakfast with ocean views from the hot tub, cedar sauna and rooms. Some of the best vantage points are on the west coast of vancouver island in bcs pacific rim, where the action is packed between the small seaside villages of tofino and ucluelet, with pacific rim national park in between. Winter is storm watching season on vancouver island. Packages to tofino or ucluelet include 3nights hotel, return ferry and free parking. Coupled with five metros nearly 16 and a half feet of annual rainfall, that makes for some serious weather that lends itself to watching those crashing waves hit the beach from a. A complete guide to tofino storm watching, british.
The best months for storm watching are january and february the storm systems are at there strongest during these months and occur more often. This doesnt mean that there are no storms outside of this time, only that the biggest concentration is during the winter. Had ourselves a little wedding at storm watch suites this past weekend. Best times to visit tofino weather, season, temperature.
Best time for storm watching in tofino, british columbia. Catching a big one takes a bit of luck but if you were to keep up to date with the developing systems swirling through the offshore waters you could. Escape to the evergreen coastal rainforest of the pacific rim this winter. The dramatic storms on vancouver islands west coast, popular for its surf, draw visitors to its beaches during offseason. Storm watching season typically kicks off in november and goes on throughout february. Tofino storm season in the river valley chilliwack bc. Whether you slip on a pacific sands rain slicker and venture out into the mist, or enjoy the show fireside in your suite, storm watching is a muchloved spectator sport in tofino. British columbia super storm prediction a delight for tofino storm watchers communities along the b.
In tofino, the average percentage of the sky covered by clouds experiences significant seasonal variation over the course of the year the clearer part of the year in tofino begins around june 2 and lasts for 3. In winter time, you can take walks along the beach, tour the village shops and restaurants, or warm up by the fire with a book. More and more people are turning up every year from november to march from all over to come and see some of the ferocious storms that the west coast of north america has to offer. Some might call the torrential winter rains that come with a rain forest downright nasty. You are walking on the beach, into a wind so powerful it is pushing you backwards. Gale force winds, giant waves and lively skies storm watching in tofino during the winter months is exhilarating and rejuvenating beyond comparison. Storm watching in tofino accommodation in tofino, bc on. In tofino, storm watching means different things to different people but locals and tourists alike. Storm watching on vancouver island british columbia travel. Grab a hot chocolate learn more about this cozy winter. Kayaking and surfing have both grown as adventure tourism activities on the water, and so has the enjoyment of viewing tofinos spectacular winter storms. Tofino is the ultimate winter getaway and one of the best spots in bc to spend a weekend storm watching.
Storm watching on canadas wild west coast fodors travel. Storm watching at long beach lodge resort offers the best experience. The ferry ride from horseshoe bay to nanaimo allowed me just enough time to decompress from the work week and begin my island time mental adjustments. The smell of fresh coffee wafts through as the kids are already jumping into their boots and jackets to see what.
Laugh if you will, but when you get out in a storm and feel the raw power of the pacific, it is easy to understand the fascination. Bcs best storm watching stays 20152016 posted at 17. Surfers come from all over the world to ride huge breakers onto miles of empty beach. I am looking for the best place to stay in tofino or ucluelet to storm watch. In this british columbia town, the locals embrace hardblowing winds. In the winter, tofinos rugged coastline puts on a wild. Super storm prediction a delight for tofino storm watchers. By november the winter storm season in tofino and ucluelet and it usually lasts until february or march. Tofinoan upscale canadian surfer hamlet that hangs off north americas farthest northwestern edgea. When i arrived in british columbia over 20 years ago, we visited tofino in october. Whether youre buying a wetsuit or eyeing up a surfboard, we strive to provide our customers with exceptional service. Tofino, canada weather conditions weather underground. Grab a hot chocolate learn more about this cozy winter activity.
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