Island Parent Pre-Summer 2023

FAMILY
RESOURCE
DIRECTORY
The Family Resource
Directory is designed
to highlight the caring
community that we are
a part of. This directory
showcases organizations
and businesses that provide
services and support for
families and children.
Navigate is an award-winning
school, recognized nationally and
internationally for our innovative
approach to blended learning.
We’ve implemented the new BC
curriculum and built unique, flexible
learning options for every student.
This allows us to meet a diverse
range of student needs, abilities
and learning styles.
Discover more at
NavigateNIDES.com
Thriving Roots
Wilderness School
Thriving Roots provides hands-on, wilderness
education and counselling services for youth
and adults. Our year-long programs and summer
camps are immersive in nature, fostering
connection to land and community through
earth-based skills, play, music and more.
thrivingroots.org info@thrivingroots.org
Poke Around
the Pacific Rim
Surf, whale watch, explore the beach or hike
one of the many raiforest trails through Pacific
Rim National Park. Bookeneded by Ucluelet
on one side and Tofino on the other, the area
offers a wealth of natural wonders.
Visit the Saturday Market
Throughout the summer until mid-October, you
can experience something truly local—the Market’s
motto is “ake it, bake it, grow it and gather
it.” The festive atmosphere is fun for the whole
family with live music, delish food and unique
local products.
Rent a Bike
Tofino has a 7km long paved bike path that runs
from Cox Bay almost into downtown Tofino, passing
by several beaches along the way. This is a
multi-use path (MUP), so you could be sharing the
route with skateboarders, tots on tricycles and
the occasional surfer with a board tucked under
their arm. For bike rentals, visit tofcycles.com.
Hang 10 in Tofino
Want to learn to surf? You’ve come to the right
place. Here are three rental places and surfing
schools In Tofino:
Surf Sister surfsister.com
Pacific Surf Co pacificsurfschool.com
Tofino Surf School tofinosurfschool.ca
Watch Whales
A jaw-dropping experience in Tofino is an Ocean
Outfitters whale watching safari. Book fully enclosed
boat and Zodiac tours with potential bonus
sightings of sea lions, harbour seals, sea otters,
bald eagles and more. Discounts available for
youth and children, with kids 3 and under being
free (one/booking).
See the Sawmill
McLean Mill National Historic Site will be open
for self-guided tours with maps available outside
the administration office. The Mill will also be
offering guided tours in limited group sizes. Dates
and times to be confirmed. Gift shop and Steam
Pot Cafe are open daily, hours to be confirmed.
Campground is open, with online booking available.
mcleanmill.ca
Explore the Trails
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve: the stretch of
Pacific Rim National Park between Ucluelet and
Tofino boasts magnificent beaches and dramatic
seascapes (and a few tourists!). Check in with the
Tourist Information Centre at the Ucluelet-Tofino-
Port Alberni Junction to find out about trails,
beaches, eateries and activities. pc.gc.ca
Get Wild on the WPT
The Wild Pacific Trail in Pacific Rim Park: follow
cliff-edges along the extreme outer coast, including
the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse site. See the
sights from viewing platforms situated at the best
headlands along the route. Marvel at nurse-logs,
raised root systems, mosses, fungi, lichens and
ferns. Walk the trail in two main sections:
Lighthouse Loop and Big Beach.
wildpacifictrail.com
Littles to the Lighthouse
Lighthouse Loop, part of the Wild Pacific Trail and
2.6 kms long, can be walked in a 30–45 minute
loop using the adjoining He-Tin-Kis Park boardwalk.
The trail includes frequent viewpoints and
benches for watching whales, birds or catching
the sunset. The Bog Interpretive Trail is open, a
300m interpretive loop (within the Loop!).
wildpacifictrail.com for maps and descriptions of
sections. wildpacifictrail.com/lighthouse.html
Learn About Local Marine Life
Visit Ucluelet Aquarium, Canada’s first catch-andrelease
aquarium, where you’ll find a diversity
of local marine life. Follow the Salmon Trail from
June 1–Aug 30 with five self-led learning experi-
22 Island Parent Magazine