When she's not running the lifestyle and luggage label Away, for which she has just created a new collection in collaboration with Serena Williams, Jen Rubio heads to Canada. At the tip of Vancouver Island, she has found her roots in Tofino, a charming little port frequented by surfers and lovers of rejuvenating places connected with nature. Vogue caught up with her to find out her favorite addresses there.
Chesterman Beach
Jen Rubio: The first thing I do when I arrive in Tofino is put on my Blundstones (rubber boots) and go for a walk on Chesterman Beach.
The Pointe restaurant
At breakfast time, I really like The Pointe restaurant at the Wickaninnish Inn. The views overlooking the beach are a perfect way to wake up.
Pacific Rim National Park
Tofino is also a great place to go for long walks in the countryside, like The Rainforest Loop, a gorgeous boardwalk through Pacific Rim National Park. Between the seaside and the forest, you can stroll through centuries-old cedar trees (and it’s where my fiancé proposed to me)!
Tofino Harbor
To admire the bay from the sky, head for Tofino Harbor where seaplanes take off every day. The views from above are spectacular.
1909 Kitchen
For lunch, I love 1909 Kitchen. You can watch the seaplanes fly into the harbor from the deck.
Wolf in the Fog
For dinner, Wolf in the Fog is an absolute must in Tofino. The menu features local products and the cocktail menu is extensive.
Merge
There’s not much shopping in Tofino, but Merge and Caravan are two female-founded businesses selling gorgeous handmade goods.
Clayoquot Sound
Tourists come to Tofino for nature, and one of the best ways to experience that is kayaking in the Clayoquot Sound. There’s nothing for miles besides you, your kayak, and the wildlife.
Tacofino
This is Tofino's famed food truck. Surfers queue up after their morning surf sessions for the legendary fish tacos.
Ancient Cedars Spa
For a relaxing massage, I'd recommend Ancient Cedars Spa. It is situated in the same hotel as The Pointe restaurant, and during treatments you can hear the waves crashing onto the shore.
The most important thing to do here is relax! It’s a tiny, slow surf town that forces you to slow down. A long weekend in Tofino surrounded by nature can re-energize me for months.
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