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http://www.cascadiakids.com/families-travel-elaina-goes-to-tofino-bc/
Elaina Goes to Tofino, BC
BC
Coast and Islands — By Lora
on March 31, 2010 at 23:23
Vancouver-based mom Elaina Spring Eden, husband and adorable
9-month-old daughter Ava just traipsed off to Tofino, BC for
almost a week. Tofino — located off the west shore of Vancouver Island —
is well-known for opportunities to hike, whale-watch and unwind from
the world.
But that last part (unwinding) isn’t always so easy for new parents,
as we all remember.
“My husband I both realized that our days of laying in bed in
terrycloth robes and staring out at the ocean for hours on end are on
hiatus for a while,” Eden says. “The idea of rest and relaxation has
taken on a whole new meaning in our lives at this point.”
“I find it humorous that I would easily trade a million dollar view
for a microwave and a few extra feet of ‘crawl space.’”
So let’s find out how Eden successfully chilled out with her little
one:
Q. So, with the above in mind, did you stay in any standout
hotels?
Yes!
The first three nights we were at the Long Beach
Lodge. Overall, the property was kid friendly. They happily
provided a pack n’ play and high chair for our room.
However, if you are traveling with little ones, I highly recommend
one of their two-bedroom cottages over the beachfront rooms in the
lodge. It is nice to have the privacy and the extra space (1,000 sq. ft)
as well as a full kitchen.
We put baby upstairs in a pack n’ play and enjoyed having the entire
downstairs area to ourselves after she went to bed. There is a gas
fireplace as well as a private hot tub off the master bedroom. We used
the BBQ one night and ordered food to go from their restaurant another
night (they don’t offer room service). I emailed in advance to make
arrangements for a babysitter one evening. It was $15 an hour and
allowed us to enjoy a nice dinner in their restaurant that was not
particularly family friendly in the evenings.
We also stayed two nights at the Wickaninnish Inn.
In a word, it was amazing. Their attention to detail was truly
extraordinary. Riedel stemware in our guest room, homemade butter with
every meal, cedar carving lessons, rain jackets, pants and boots, a
hybrid Lexus for borrow, the world’s best hair dryer, HBC wool beach
blankets, a caring smile at every turn and breathtaking scenes of rain
forest, rock and ocean. The staff could not have been more accommodating
and courteous.
We were in a fairly standard “deluxe” guest room and it was extremely
spacious and absolutely lovely. The bathtub was enormous and provided
our baby girl hours of enjoyment. It was as if she had her very own
swimming pool! They also provided a microwave in the room, which made
heating up her baby food a breeze.
On their third floor they have a wonderful little library with all
kinds of children’s books, puzzles, games and videos. Perhaps the best
part for us was the complimentary in-room childcare for guests who wish
to dine at the famous Ponite Restaurant. We were fortunate to experience
the chef’s five course tasting menu during our visit and it was simply
amazing truly incredible. The meal was simply amazing.
We also ordered room service a couple of times, which was just as
delicious. I was impressed that they came to our room four times to
bring us our dinner in courses: appetizer, starter, entree and dessert.
It was expensive but I have to say the return was worth every loonie.
This is the ultimate “family friendly five star” resort in British
Columbia.
We also spent one night in a cabin at the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort
in Parksville. This place prides itself on being family
friendly and it shows. We stayed in a private cabin that was adorable
and had everything we could wish for, including a full kitchen (with a
dishwasher and microwave), a back deck with a private picnic table and
BBQ, and a wood burning fireplace.
The resort itself has a link on the website for “families” and
features several different organized activities, programs and amenities
for kids. We used their babysitting service to visit the spa and have
dinner and were extremely happy. The restaurant is also 100% kid
friendly for all meals. Apparently it is also a great place to bring the
family during the winter holiday season.
I had no idea how easy it was to arrange an in-room baby sitter at
each of these properties. What a pleasant surprise!
Q. Some families would be worried to leave their baby with a
babysitter they’re unfamiliar with. What reassured you?
Regarding the babysitting service, it was easier than I thought it
would be. I did some research in advance and all three resorts have
such a good reputation it immediately gave me some confidence. It also
helped that I knew we were just a few moments away on the same property.
The Wick and the Long Beach Lodge interview and train existing
in-house guest services staff to provide childcare. At the Tigh-Na-Mara
Resort they also hire and train staff. As noted on their website “All
of our sitters have been interviewed by Tigh-Na-Mara and have their
Babysitting Certification. Babysitters will provide their own
transportation to and from the Resort. Children under the age of two
years require a mature sitter, 18yrs and over.” The person who looked
after Ava was the mother of the woman who ran the hotel gift shop. She
was delightful. We were truly happy with all three babysitters.
My advice is to trust your gut instincts when the sitter arrives and
if everything feels okay … escape and enjoy a leisurely two-handed paced
meal. You will be so glad you did.
Q. Did you eat any memorable meals? A spot with great
baby-friendly attitudes or options?
A friendly mum on the ferry
recommended we try Sobo
while in Tofino and I am so grateful. It was a bit hard to find (a
couple of blocks off the main drag) so it isn’t a place you would
just stumble upon but it is definitely worth seeking out.
Not only was the food fresh, local and seasonal, but the restaurant
is perfect for families. There is patio with a play area for kids as
well as some fun picnic tables. Our server (also the mother of a nine
month old) was incredibly kind and even offered to bring out some
special “baby friendly” food for Ava. They also offer all kinds of
items pre-made and ready to take-away. Their fresh cookies and other
decadent desserts are to die for.
Q. Which activities you enjoy with your daughter, in Tofino?
Photo
credit: Christopher Pouget
One cool thing we did was hire a professional photographer to take
some family shots. The scenery is so extraordinary that we simply
couldn’t leave without capturing it. We worked with local photographer Christopher Pouget
and he was great … personable, professional and patient. His price was
extremely affordable and his images are priceless.
Rainforest
Walk
Another fun thing was the “Rainforest Walk” in the Pacific Rim National Park. The path
we did was an easy half hour journey on a raised boardwalk. It is not
stroller friendly but we managed beautifully with our baby carrier.
Q. Did you find that it was easier to meet and talk with
people when your daughter was with you, compared to before kids?
Yes, we found people to be extremely friendly. Having a baby is
great conversation starter but then again, I am much more outgoing when I
am with Ava. I enjoy talking with people who have kids and never
hesitate to strike up a conversation. I guess it is the same as always …
you tend to find what you are looking for, in that regard.
