August brings a vibrant rhythm to the coast, with its long days, brilliant sunsets, and a pleasant ocean breeze that lingers as the light fades. Stroll the beach after dark and you might happen upon the ocean glowing with bioluminescence. This phenomenon is most often seen in the summer months, when the waters are warmer and calmer. It’s a remarkable sight that continues to surprise and delight, no matter how many times you've experienced it.

I remember picking berries this time of year as a kid, returning with stained hands and having eaten more than I would bring home—a small joy that stays with you, even as an adult. The trails are full now with salal and other coastal berries, and we’re not the only ones enjoying them.

The bears are also taking advantage of the season, drawn to the forest edges and intertidal zones by the promise of food. For those eager to see them in their natural surroundings, Jamie’s Whaling Station [lead image by Kyler Vos, courtesy of Jamie's Whaling Station] and Ahous Adventures offer the opportunity to observe bears in remote and undisturbed settings, where few paths lead.

It’s also an ideal time of year to cast a line if a day on the water calls to you, with coho salmon and albacore tuna both in season into early fall. Coastal Charters offers guided outings through Clayoquot Sound, where the waters are rich with Pacific salmon, halibut, lingcod, and many other fine catches. This area is also known as one of the top spots on the West Coast of Vancouver Island for Dungeness and rock crab—ingredients that reflect the richness of the coast.

At The Pointe Restaurant, Executive Chef Clayton and his team have curated an exceptional late-summer tasting menu highlighting the freshest and most flavourful ingredients. Each menu throughout the year is guided by what’s in season—thoughtfully crafted and rooted in a sense of place, no matter when you visit. And with a sweeping 240-degree view of the lively Pacific Ocean, the setting is every bit as memorable as the meal.

Looking ahead, September in Tofino has a quiet charm of its own, as the summer energy around town begins to soften. The pace slows, the beaches feel more spacious, and clear evening skies make for exceptional stargazing. This stretch from September through November also marks the height of surf season, welcoming both longtime surfers and those curious to give it a try.

Fall is a beautiful time to be here—unhurried, reflective, and full of moments that invite you to slow down. Whether you come for the waves, the stillness, or simply to experience Tofino in a different light, we’d love to welcome you to the coast.

Warmly,

Charles

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