Welcome to the Pacific Sands Beach Resort Blog where we share local stories, happenings and what matters in Tofino BC, our spectacular corner of the world.
May 21, 2013
Who can forget the shocking devastation of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, claiming some 19,000 precious lives. With the 8.9 magnitude quake sweeping an estimated 25 million tons of debris into the Pacific Ocean, officials estimate that as much as 1.5 million tons of it could wash up on BC shores. Travelling at an average of 10 miles per day, it took a full year for debris to start showing up in Tofino. As memories from Japan continue to sporadically float in, the community rallies with volunteer cleanup efforts.
April 19, 2013
June 7 to 9 marks the 11th Tofino Food & Wine Festival, an annual destination weekend event celebrating BC’s bounty of food, award-winning wines and more. The main event on June 8, Grazing in the Gardens, is at the magical Tofino Botanical Gardens; a 12 acre stage of foodie fun surrounded by rainforest trees, flowers, ponds and boardwalks. It’s sort of like “Alice in Wonderland” meets Tofino…with a glass of wine and a smorgasbord.
June 13, 2012
Like every activity in Tofino – including surfing – mountain biking can either be easy or epic. Meaning you can cruise the hard-packed beaches, enjoy the bike paths from town through Pacific Rim Park, or tackle the rugged rides where only experts go. And now with the Tuff City Bike Park opening this Saturday June 16th, riders of all skill levels can check-out dirt jumps, stunt trails and North America’s first manufactured pump track.
April 10, 2012
Besides the natural attraction to Tofino’s majestic old growth rainforests, long sandy beaches, and endless crashing surf, it’s also a hotbed of annual festivals and events. From celebrating shorebirds and colourful public markets to world-class food & wine festivals, Tofino’s activity line-up over the coming months is non-stop fun.
July 29, 2011
Experience the wide-eyed wonder of The Tofino Lantern Festival, a don’t miss summer event when the Tofino Botanical Gardens transforms into a Disneyesque fantasyland with candle-lit lanterns lighting up the night sky. Locals and crafty visitors look forward to this event every year… planning, plotting and inventing their handmade lanterns to show-off on Festival night. And these are not your average lanterns!
June 22, 2011
If you ever met Bill Pettinger over the years, you’d remember... especially his kindness and generosity, his passion for life and his love for Pacific Sands. It was Bill and his wife Joan that discovered and bought “Pacific Paradise Motel” in 1972. Bill was a legendary visionary that knew ambition when he saw it. Which is why it’s not surprising Bill made sure “big dreams” were a part of him and his beloved’s legacy. In 2007 The Bill and Joan Pettinger Tourism Bursary was established - we're thrilled to announce local graduate Emily Lamarche is the 2011 rebursary.
January 25, 2011
When a child in BC is diagnosed with a progressive, life-limiting illness, two very magical places are there to assist with pediatric palliative care services for the child and their entire family - Canuck Place Children’s Hospice in Vancouver and Victoria General Hospital. As a tribute to the incredible work these organizations do and the families involved, Pacific Sands is honoured to be a partner in the "Oceans of Love" program.
