A no messing around guide to the coolest things to eat, drink and do in Vancouver and beyond. Community. Not clickbait.

Tripping Further Afield in Tofino with Top Chef Canada Winner Paul Moran

For this edition of FAT, we're island bound on a guided tour courtesy of the head chef at Tofino Resort + Marina's 1909 Kitchen.
Launch Map

Tripping Further Afield in Tofino with Top Chef Canada Winner Paul Moran

Further Afield Trips asks a local in a town well beyond the city limits where to find the best places to eat, drink, chill, and have a good time. Think of it as the country cousin to The Dishes.

Today we head out to the Tofino Resort + Marina’s to get a personalized tour of one of our favourite Vancouver Island towns, courtesy of 1909 Kitchen’s Chef Paul Moran, who just emerged the winner of Top Chef Canada…

Good morning! Let’s take a walk/hike in nature before it gets too hot. Where should we go?

“Tonquin trail starts at the end of town and slowly meanders through the rain forest. Some of the best ocean vistas on the coast. It’s a lovely mix of trail, board walk and stairs. You can even spot edible wild mushrooms on the rail from August through October.”

Tonquin Trail Tonquin Trail MAP

Is there somewhere along the way we can stop for coffee?

“The trail turns off mid way through and you can stop in to Tofino Coffee Roasting Company in the industrial park, where a vibrant collection of some great eats and drinks awaits…”

Tofino Coffee Roasting Company (Roastery) 681 Industrial Way MAP

Now we’re starving! Where should we eat? (breakfast/brunch or lunch)

“You don’t have to go far! Right next to Tofino coffee roasters in industrial you’ll find the Summit Bread bakery – by far the best bakery in town. Totally organic and tons of natural ferments. I highly recommend the cruffin…don’t ask, just have it.

Summit Bread Co. 681 Industrial Way, Units C & D MAP

We’ve got some free time for an afternoon adventure. What do you suggest we do?

“Take a water taxi from any of the providers in town and go for a hike up Lone Cone mountain. If you’re looking for something a little different, check in with the Adventure Centre at Tofino Resort + Marina…so many possibilities. They will even send you out on a DIY crabbing mission.”

Lone Cone Lone Cone Trail MAP

That was fun! Now we need a pick-me-up plunge in some cool water. Can you let us in on your favourite nearby place to cool off in?

“The Adventure Centre at Tofino Marina has speed boats for rent. Ask them to plug Cannery Bay into your GPS and you be swimming in the locals’ favourite watering hole in no time. A quick 30 minute scenic boat ride to the mouth of the Kennedy River you’ll find the warmest waters in Tofino and a public dock with a slide…don’t tell anyone you heard this from me.”

Adventure Centre + Marina 634 Campbell St. MAP

Where should we head for a post-adventure beer, glass of wine or cocktail?

“The Hatch Waterfront Pub has 14 beers on tap and a plethora of refreshing libations, not to mention Tofino’s only water front pub. If your lucky you’ll see orcas coming up the inlet from your chair during the summer months.”

The Hatch Waterfront Pub 634 Campbell St. MAP

Now we’re hungry again. What’s the plan for dinner?

“If you opted to go out crabbing or fishing, you can bring your catch back to 1909 Kitchen. Their #cookyourcatch program brings you into the restaurant and prepares the bounty you caught that day. Didn’t strike out on any fish? That’s ok – they have a full a la carte menu featuring the best Tofino has to offer.”

1909 Kitchen 634 Campbell St. MAP

Any tips on a good spot to take in the view and watch the sun go down?

“Three options: stay at 1909 Kitchen and watch the sunset from the patio over Tofino’s working class harbour; head back to Tonquin Beach; or, if you’re driving, head out of town to Radar Hill for panoramic views of the area.”

Radar Hill Radar Hill MAP

It’s time to catch some shut-eye, where do you suggest we stay?

“The Wickaninnish Inn takes shut-eye to another level. It’s by far one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever have the chance to stay. If you’re looking for something a little more budget friendly right in the heart of the action, Tofino Resort + Marina is designed with newly renovated rooms and Austrian king beds – the perfect spot to rest and get back outdoors in nature’s splendour.”

Tofino Resort + Marina 634 Campbell St., Tofino, BC MAP

Anything we absolutely have to pack in our suitcase while visiting?

“A good book, particularly one that focuses on all of the wild life or flora and fauna of the region…you can’t go wrong with a mushroom or seaweed identification book in the late summer/fall. If you’ve taken me up on the book suggestion then you may need a beach towel to lie down on while reading at any one of Tofino’s amazing beaches.”


Further Afield in Victoria (with Detours through Sooke) with Anna Wojtala

We're no strangers to the Victoria scene, by any means - but, all things considered (including an impressive resume in Vancouver kitchens), the Island-born now-GM at Stage in Victoria, seemed like the perfect person to turn to for a locals' perspective with a refined palate...

Venturing Further Afield in Powell River, with Cord Jarvie

A few years back, Jarvie moved to Powell River to open Supercharger - an 80s inspired pizza shop with proper pizza and a solid selection of craft beer. When we started to think about taking a trip up the Sunshine Coast, Jarvie's long history of involvement in the restaurant industry in Vancouver made him a no-brainer resource.

Getting to Know the Okanagan, with Aman Dosanj of The Paisley Notebook

Through her work with good food and community connections, we knew that Dosanj would be a great guide to uncovering some of the best things to eat, drink and do in the Okanagan. With travel season starting, we reached out with an appeal to hook us up with an itinerary.

Talking Thai Food, Kitchen Wounds and MSG, with Tarn Tayanuth

We sat down with the owner of Dumpling Drop armed with a list of rapid-fire questions aimed at finding out more about her - in and out of the kitchen - and the business' fun new nighttime concept...