BCAA

STORMWARD BOUND Tofino trip not in the cards? Here are two other BC destinations that serve up spectator-friendly storms from November to January: Haida Gwaii Heavy precipitation and frequent 40km/h-plus winds make for spectacular winter storm watching on this archipelago north of Vancouver Island. And there are plenty of oceanside accommodations with a front-row view of the squall. For example: All the Beach You Can Eat Cabins – four off-grid but comfy cottages set on secluded-and-sandy North Beach Haida Gwaii, in Naikoon Park (around 17 km east of Masset). allthebeachyoucaneat.com Sechelt and Area This exposed stretch of the Sunshine Coast enjoys wild and wonderful beachfront storm activity. Book a waterfront cottage or bed-and-breakfast and settle in to watch the surf roil. Pointhouse Suites on Sargeant Bay, a gorgeous property set on a rocky outcropping between Sechelt and Halfmoon Bay, offers sleekly appointed rooms with gas fireplaces – and floor-to-ceiling windows facing the water. Other storm-watching perks include outdoor hot tubs and complimentary use of rain gear and binoculars. pointhouse.ca Tofino TRAVEL Jeremy Koreski, Shutterstock, iStock WINTER 2017 BCA A .COM 21 TIP! Winter tires are required by law on BC's mountain roads, such as Hwy. 4 from Parksville to Tofino, between October 1 and March 31. INSIDE PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK Almost every Tofino hotel and resort provides rain gear for guests. Take advantage of these provisions with a short trip to the 512-square- kilometre park preserve that extends along the coast from south of town. The rainforest comes alive during a storm, and you can often see amazing waves from the rocky headlands to the south (for safety, stay well back from the water's edge). Try hiking along Rainforest Trail A (a 1-km loop 23 km southeast of town on Hwy. 4) or the Shorepine Bog Trail (an 800-metre loop farther along). Non-hikers can watch the waves at the Kwisitis Centre – from either the observation deck at Wickaninnish Beach or the totem pole at Lismer Beach. Warm up afterward with some coffee or hot cocoa back in town at local hangout Rhino Coffee House. (top) Winter surfing at Chesterman Beach; (above) year-round-green trails in Pacific Rim National Park. ON A SURFBOARD Tofino is a world-renowned surfing destination, and that doesn't change during a storm. (The annual Queen of the Peak women's surf competition kicks off the season every October). Surf Sister Surf School operates year-round and advises wave riders to stick with surfing during the start of a storm, when rains typically come with favourable offshore winds that make for nice clean swells. As the storm builds, conditions can make for messy, tough-to-navigate waves (use your judgment to decide when they become too challenging for your skill level). Afterward, make your way into town for a well-deserved dinner at award-winning Wolf in the Fog restaurant – and be sure to try the potato- crusted oyster. ■ MEMBERS SAVE Heading to Tofino? Register and collect 20% more Petro-Points along the way at Petro-Canada locations. On arrival, check in at the popular Best Western Tin Wis Resort and save 10% or more on best available rates. Plus, earn 10% extra Best Western Rewards. bcaa.com/petrocanada; bcaa.com/bestwestern

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