Further Afield Trips asks a local in a town well beyond Vancouver’s 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.

For this first edition of Further Afield Trips, we talk with chef Jason Sussman, co-owner of Tacofino. We caught up with him at his home base of Tofino (where the popular restaurant chainlet was born) and picked his brain about where to go and what to get.

Good morning! What’s for breakfast/brunch?

“Coffee for breakfast. I make it with Tofino Coffee Roasting Company…old growth, first thing.”

Let’s take a hike before it gets too hot, where should we go?

“We head out to Pettinger/Sunset Point. That way we get a 180 degree view of the surf. If you want an adventure get a boat ride across the bay and hike up Lone Cone.”

Now we’re hungry again. What’s for lunch?

“We’d have the salmon poke at Sea Monster while my kids crush a couple of baos.”

We’ve got some free time for an adventure, where should we load up on snacks to take along?

“There’s a new burger place opening at Long Beach Golf Course. It’s a great place to get take-out and head to Long Beach.”

Where should we grab coffee/tea before we hit the road?

“Rhino Coffee House for a cortado.”

Alright, now that we’ve got everything we need, where are we going?

“Let’s head to Long Beach for some sun and surf, picnicking and endless beach walking.”

What’s for dinner?

“Lil’ Ronnies for dinner. So much meat and really good margs (since we don’t make them at the truck).”

Now, where should we go to watch the sunset?

“South Chesterman Beach.”

Your favourite secret (or not-so-secret) beach?

“Wickaninnish Beach. Great sand dunes and beachcombing.”

Best market/fruit stand?

“Head to the Saturday Market in the village green and find the TUCG or the Tofino Community Food Initiative booths.”