Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations has just established a new trail-head at their village of Opitsat, however,at this time it is only open for hikers supervised by First Nations guides.  I'll get you more information including a contact number for the guides as the situation develops.  Return boat transport to and from the new closer landing has been reduced by $5fromthe below prices. The old landing at Kakawis is no longer open; so at this time if you want to hike Lone Cone, you must do it with a guide.

BC Parks is strongly recommending that DOGS not be brought to the island.  There was an attack recently in the Flores Island Prov. Park were a dog was killed.

Someone wrote about their concerns with regard to soil erosion and root damage on the Big Tree Trail 3km. Loop; unfortunately I somehow deleted that comment.  The person was advising not to hike beyond the boardwalk.  I should add that First Nations has been maintaining and upgrading the trail including the loop with funds from your trail access fee and hopefully their efforts will minimize the damage. 

 

Note to the concerned person who wrote the 'deleted comment':  Please post it again and I will keep it on my Blog.

 Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations is relocating the Lone Cone Trail drop-off location closer to Tofino.  That is expected to be ready by the Queen Victoria Day long weekend on May 18, when the new trail-head is open rates will be dropped be $5.

Lots of activity has been occurring in Tofino's harbour so far this year.  Just 3 days ago a pod of 5 Orcas (Killer Whales) passed right through the harbour mid-day.  And there have been a lot more sighting of Sea Otters and Harbour Porpoises near the native village of Opitsat on Meares Island than in previous years to my memory  I've been so busy that I haven't been able to post that about a month ago there were several Humpback Whales in the Harbour coming and going for a couple of days; I've never seen that before in my 23 years of living in Tofino, that's incredible!  Also a couple of weeks ago while cruising through a narrow passage on the way to pick-up some quests that were island camping there was a black Wolf was swimming over to Vargas Island and only about 25 meters from the boat; got some great video.

Write your post here.  A pod of Orcas passed through Tofino's harbour at noon today.  Guests on their way to the Meares Island Big Tree Trail had a real treat viewing the largest members of the Porpoise family shortly before entering the rain-forest for an unforgettable hiking experience.  Guests on the next cruise had a pleasant surprise when a pair of Harbour Porpoise (the second smallest members of the Porpoise family) surfaced close to the boat.

The Big Tree Trail board-walk is in need of some scheduled maintenance and requires some of it's boards to be replaced, so 'keep an eye out' where you walk.

 

The 5.5 m (17.5') dia Hanging Garden Tree at the end of the boardwalk maybe 2,000 years old and it's 'outter skin' is very fragile so please don't climb on her. 

 

Also we have had a some rain lately so its best to ware rain-boots if you plan to do the '3-Hour loop'.  When we have considerable amounts of rain, hikers should be discouraged from hiking the loop to prevent soil erosion and tree-root damage, thanks!

With regard to the Lone Cone Trail on Meares Island;  Be advised to bring your cell phone as it is always wise to have the ability to communication in case of emergencies particularly in the wilderness.  If you do not have a cell phone, we have a set of 2-way radios for your use and reception is excellent at the top of Lone Cone. 

 

Communication also allows you to 'adjust' your pick-up time, and we'll do our best to accommodate any changes.  With that in mind many hikers are amazed that it takes as long to descend the Mtn.

There's a dead sea-lion on the beach a few kilometres East of the harbour.  A number of wolves have been seen feeding on its carcass.  Most days this time of year bald eagles are all over the place in the harbour, however, lately they have been a little scarce around Tofino in the mid-day; I think they're probably feeding on the same carcass. 

 

Often there's a couple of eagles perched on the cabled 'Eik' tree next to the booking office at Jamie's Whaling Station where I work and book from.

Last Sunday a bunch of friends (including some from Jamie's Whaling Station where I work and book from) took an evening cruise to Catherine's Floating Garden (aka. Freedom Cove).  Everybody was blown-away by what they saw and experienced, the place is 'out of this world'.  Catherine and Wayne truly loved the company and the feeling was mutual.  The sunset on the way back to Tofino was glorious, the perfect ending to a great day. 

 

So now we have staff at Jamie's Booking Office with personal experience of the Gardens to help them with any questions you may have.