Book Review: 251 Things to Do in Tofino: And it is NOT just about Surfing by Kait Fennell and 9 others

The Appendices Say It All

When the opportunity to review this travel guide came along, I responded as I often do when faced with important blogging and book reviewing decisions.  I thought, ‘Why not.  Haven’t done that before.’  And I’m glad I did.

First, let me say that this book is definitely appropriate if you are going to or thinking of going to Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.  On the other hand, it’s probably not helpful if you aren’t going there…and it might even upset your well laid plans, because you’ll probably be tempted if you read this guide.

Numerous other reviews have, rightfully, lauded the book’s fun nature and extensive detail, so let me take a different approach to this review.  Personally, I believe you can get a feel for the book (and the area) by looking at the topics in the appendices.  This is where the authors provide the names, phone numbers, and websites of the Tofino businesses.  But surely, you say, there is more to the book than the town’s commerce…and there is, including some of the locals describing what Tofino means to them.  But bear with me, if you will, because in addition to an appendix on restaurants (of course), you will find appendices on Bear Watching, Bicycle and Scooter Rentals, Bird Watching, Campgrounds and Hostels, Canoeing, Sea Kayaking, Sport Fishing, Surfing and Stand Up Paddle, and Whale Watching.  And somehow, the authors still found the need for an appendix called ‘Other Activities.’ 

Let’s face it.  If you like the splendor of the outdoors, and more specifically, the temperate rainforest variety, you’ll probably love Tofino.  And the book will give you everything you need to make that happen.