Rainy-Day Activities: Shopping, Storm-Watching & More -- When you'd rather be indoors, snuggle up with a book at the Wildside Booksellers and Espresso Bar, Main Street (tel. 250/745-4222), or get a massage or salt glow at the Ancient Cedars Spa at the Wickaninnish Inn (tel. 250/725-3100).
Or, check out the galleries. The Eagle Aerie Gallery, 350 Campbell St. (tel. 250/725-3235), constructed in the style of a Native Indian Longhouse, features the innovative work of Tsimshian artist Roy Henry Vickers. The House of Himwitsa, 300 Main St. (tel. 250/725-2017), is also owned/operated by Native Indians. The quality and craftsmanship of the shop's artwork, masks, baskets, totems, gold and silver jewelry, and apparel are excellent. The Reflecting Spirit Gallery, 441 Campbell St. (tel. 250/725-4229), offers medicine wheels, rocks, and crystals, as well as a great selection of Native art, carvings, wood crafts, and pottery.
Watching the winter storms from big windows has become very popular in Tofino. For a slight twist on this, try the outdoor storm-watching tours offered by the Long Beach Nature Tour Co. (tel. 250/726-7099; www.oceansedge.bc.ca). Owner Bill McIntyre, former chief naturalist of Pacific Rim National Park, can explain how storms work and the best locations to get close to them without getting swept away.
