"Come to the woods for here is rest." - John Muir, 19th Century Naturalist

Rest – an ever elusive concept. Many of us search relentlessly for new and effective ways to rest our minds and bodies from life's many stressors, often trying to unwind through meditation, yoga, long walks and exercise.

Attaining a sense of calm, and connectivity to self in a fast-paced world filled with alluring distractions and influences can be challenging. Most of us carry with us the intention to live a restful, balanced life, but get swept up in the chaos and lose sight of our aim. 

But here by the ocean and forest’s edge, it’s so clear that a powerful key to experiencing rest is spending time in nature. The natural world encourages us to engage our senses, and immerse ourselves in the present moment, leaving our worries behind. A getaway to Tofino can do just that. 
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City to sky

From the time you board a Harbour Air flight from downtown Vancouver to Tofino, the ease of travel makes for a non-stressful start to your restful journey. Within minutes you are gliding across the waters on a seaplane, as the city recedes beneath you, giving way to the beauty of the gulf islands, and snow capped peaks of the mountains. 

It's just a short flight, yet it feels a world away from the urban hustle. The moment you land in Tofino, you can feel a sense of tranquility deepen with each breath of fresh sea air. 

Tofino is known as the surf capital of Canada – and the edge of the world. Over the decades, Tofino’s remote beauty, surrounded by ancient rainforest and pristine ocean, has attracted artists, nature seekers and those looking to rest and recharge.
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Seaside slumber 

Pacific Sands Resort is located steps from the ocean on Cox Bay. The sandy shoreline and   rugged waves make for a surfer’s paradise, and a restful haven to explore. Take a gentle walk on the beach, navigating the tide pools at low tide, marvelling at the tiny eco systems teeming with life before heading to the resort’s sunset trail. 

The walk leads you through temperate rainforest, past towering red cedar and hemlock trees, toward a rocky crop near the ocean. It's a fantastic spot to watch the sunset. Climb a set of stairs to Pettinger Point, overlooking Cox Bay. There you can watch surfers catch the waves. If you are an early bird, coming at sunrise is a great way to greet the day, and truly quiet the mind.

Pedal and peace

Rent a bike on site with Tofino Bike Co. This locally owned business offers custom-designed cruiser bike rentals that you can take to the beach. Pedal along the ocean's edge with the wind in your hair, and the morning sun on your skin. Biking allows you to delve into a sensory experience, moving at your own pace.

Pedal along the ocean's edge with the wind in your hair, and the morning sun on your skin.

Tofino boasts a 44 km paved route all the way to Ucluelet, weaving its way through Pacific Rim National Park. Grab your bike and cycle from Pacific Sands to Long Beach with its rich Indigenous history. The trail traverses amongst the vibrant floral and fauna life, eventually leading to the beach. Linger, and rest there for a while, putting your feet in the soft sand while appreciating the wild and welcoming untamed spirit of nature. Take it all in.
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Breath and meditation on the beach

Quiet contemplation and meditation don't come easy for most of us. Each of us is a work in progress, and while the notion of meditation is a positive one, it's not always easy to commit to, especially with a restless mind. 

If you’re looking to invest in your overall mental and physical well being, practitioners like Laura Heininger provide breath and meditation sessions in the area. Laura offers private sessions right on the beach, providing you with a mat and bolster to fully benefit from the experience with ease. 

Tofino won’t force you to rest. But its towering trees, winding paths and crashing waves will draw you out of the frantic pace of city life

There on the mat, on the sand, at the edge of the world, deep rhythmic breathing helps to cultivate calm and relaxation. Listening to the soothing sound of the sea, feeling the raw energy of Tofino’s coast invites you to let go, rest and recharge. Tofino won’t force you to rest. But its towering trees, winding paths and crashing waves will draw you out of the frantic pace of city life and invite you into the wilder, wiser rhythms of nature. It’s a good place to loosen your grip, breathe, and simply be.
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