One of the reasons we live small and within our means is so that we can get away more often.  Nothing makes you appreciate your home more than leaving it.  This trip in particular I was a bit tired and worn out from work and bills, and cleaning the house and life and running after a toddler and I was a bit reluctant to go.  But I feel so grateful that I dragged myself there because a few minutes standing on the beach and I forgot all the things that seemed so overwhelming the day before. This weekend we went to Tofino with great friends we don’t get to see very often.  We stomped around in the rain, ate, surfed and laughed a lot.  The more we go to Tofino the more kid-friendly I realize it is.

A few tips for travelling with a 20 month old busy boy to Tofino:

Raingear - rubber boots and a waterproof coat are a must.  I would also recommend a toque almost any time of year.  We forgot Theo’s muddy buddy so we had to use a garbage bag from the hotel (oops!)

Where to Eat: 

Wildside Grill - for fish tacos, gumbo and poutine and probably everything else on the menu

Tacofino - burritos and fish tacos

Sobo - Everything here is sooo good.  Can’t say enough about Sobo’s, we never tire of this gem.

Shelter - Sitting on the patio by the fire, great service, great food and cocktails

Wolf in the Fog - we didn’t get to make it for dinner but the french press coffee and amazing pastries made our day. Next time it will be first on our list for dinner

Tofitian - best coffee in town

Picnic - cute charcuterie is a welcome addition to town

Tofino Brewing Co - local brewery providing a cozy dry escape from the rain while the boys surfed

The best part is we never felt like an inconvenience at any of these spots with a toddler.  Feels like kids are welcome anywhere in Tofino.  At 20 months old, we didn’t have to plan a lot of activities for Theo.  A walk on the beach, searching for whales and picking up rocks was a big adventure and could last for hours.