Tofino – mystical, magical, alluring, special, fascinating, fabulous.

This small Canadian hamlet – population 2;500 – on the edge of the Pacific Ocean each year receives more than 750,00 visitors from all over the world. They are drawn by the infinite variety of experiences, sights, sounds, all at your doorstep.

Now it’s storm season – an eagerly awaited event – filled to the brim with tourists, ready to enjoy an amazing adventure, watching 15- to 20-foot waves crashing against the rocks offshore and surfers, riding the wave, hoping to catch the next big one.

But Tofino is more than storm watching – it’s a year-round destination, offering endless adventures and sights, sounds, to behold.

Let’s see what makes the area so special for memories of a lifetime – memories etched in the windmills of our minds, having spent a number of times here.

Chesterman Beach, a small ocean inlet – facing our hotel room – is a sight to behold, endless vistas of the sky changing colours, changing perspectives.

The Wickaninnish Inn, spectacular, a luxury hotel, has it all.

A treat – bear watching. Tours of 21/2 hours are scheduled at low tide, time for the bears come out of the forest, down to the shoreline, ready to forage for food such as crab and other goodies.

See our slideshow below.

Long Beach – situated in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve – a wonder to behold.

Sunsets at Long Beach are spectacular.

Another splendour awaits you at Long Beach – fabulous hiking trails in a rainforest.

It’s time to say goodbye to Tofino, but before we do, let’s look one more time at paradise on earth.