Orca Airways, YVR to Tofino

The trip to Tofino and back from South Terminal YVR was just splendid. The panoramic views of the Georgia Straight, over Vancouver Island and crossing over the Pacific Ocean before landing was just spectacular.

The return was just as amazing as you take off into the Pacific with nothing but the waves and trees bidding you farewell. The plane is a but a small seven seater. Intimidating at first, the flight gives you a great view at 10,000 feet above ground. The landing into YVR is from the Georgia Straight as Air Canada and Cathay Pacific flights await to go East.

strongly recommend this journey if you have never flown to the western most tip Canada

Shelter, Tofino, BC

Great casual dining in the heart of Tofino; the Cactus Club of Tofino! The Island Chowder was a hearty rendition of mussels, clams and salmon in a cream based soup, while the Ling Cod Burger was fresh and best had with crispy battered onion rings. The Teriyaki Salmon Bowl was served with generous portions of fish and unlike most Bowls, was not sweet. The wild rice was a nice add-on. The meal was complemented with the Blue Mountain Gamay Noir.

The Pointe at the Wickinnish Inn, Tofino, BC

The best scenery in the world. There is nowhere else on earth where you can dine the 100 Mile Diet on the tip of the Pacific Ocean watching Sandpipers migration, bald eagles fly above, and Orca Whales in the horizon as the Pacific waters crash onto the dining room windows.

Food was equally splendid - one of the best steaks served with quail poached egg, prepared medium rare. The duck was delicious. The meals were enjoyed with a fine Okanagan bottle of Le Vieux Pin Merlot.

Wildside Grill, Tofino, BC

What a great place! It was pouring outside and we walked a brisk 10 min from the Wickinnish to the Wildside Grill for some fresh outdoor seafood dining. Our driver from Orca Airways to the hotel told us they had the best panko crusted fish and chips and boy was he right!

The thin batter Ling Cod and freshly cut potatoes fries were just outstanding. The seafood wonton soup was delicious. The flavors would just keep appearing with every bite. Noodles, cilantro, salmon, baby shrimp, brocolli to name a few of the ingredients. It was a perfect dish for a cold, rainy, fall day.

The coleslaw had surprise slices of apples which added tremendous flavor and delight to the meal

Strongly recommended!

Back to Tofino

So we are back in Tofino after a four year hiatus. It is our favorite sanctuary, the place where we eat the best food, think about the best ideas for our future and where we get recharged for the next round! The trails, beaches and bird watching here is just fabulous. If you are a surfer, this is some of the best in the world.

This time, we took a plane (Orca Airways) from South Terminal YVR and along with another passenger, spent 54 minutes on a beautiful flight over the Georgia Straight, across Vancouver Island and turning into the Pacific Ocean before landing at the Tofino Airport.

Bouchon Bistro and Bakery, Yountville, CA

Thomas Keller has a few great restaurants in Napa of which we visited two. Bouchon Bistro was a great Steak and Frites place serving the best chocolate.

We first started with the Salade Maraichere au Chevre Chaud; not being one for salads usually, I loved this one. Its a large dish meant to be shared. The pan-seared prime flatiron was served with maitre d'hotel butter & French fries - just amazing. Right up there with some of the best Steak Frites.

The Mousse au Chocolat Noir was a perfect finish. Not to be missed was our visit the next day to the bakery.

The croissants were excellent, the chocolate macarons fantastic and the breads were fabulous. A must visit.