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Saturday, April 30, 2011

Photographic memory: Long Beach, Vancouver Island, BC

There's something to be said for return trips. Recently I've been thinking a lot about the place where this picture was taken in 2005:

Location: Long Beach outside Tofino on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

What I remember most: My son was 2 years old at the time and spent a lot of his time on the beach eating sand (his sister would later repeat this activity on many other beach visits).

Where we stayed: In a cabin in Ucluelet, a short drive from Long Beach and Tofino. Ucluelet was cheaper and it was easier to find accommodation there than in Tofino. Next time we go, I'm thinking we'll try camping instead. Have tent, will travel!

Where to eat: If you want your meals cheap and cheerful you can cook for yourself, at least if you're renting a cabin or cottage, or if you're camping. Food cooked on a barbecue or campfire is always nice, even if it's slightly charred... If you want a nice meal out, there's the famous The Wickaninnish Restaurant perched right at the beach. Can't beat the location or the view! And the food is good too.

Why I'd love to go back: Long Beach is a fantastic destination whether you're into beach-combing, beach-bumming, swimming, hiking, wildlife-watching or even fine dining. (I like all those activities.) If you're big on surfing and windsurfing, this is a good place too.

One of my favorite things about Long Beach was the hiking trails. There are several well-maintained trails that go into the rain-forest here. And yes, it really is the rain-forest, though it's the temperate rather than tropical version.

Several of the hiking trails are interpretative trails featuring signs with in-depth information about the local flora and fauna. Many of the trails are also very easy walks, and can definitely be done by young children, or by an adult carrying an infant or baby in a front or back carrier.

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