Tofino & Ucluelet: Storm-Watch & Surf Escape

The 2009 parking lot taco truck that spawned a provincial empire still serves fish tacos behind a surf shop on the highway. Add a Diablo cookie, and accept that the lineup is part of the liturgy. Summer lineups run 20+ deep by 1pm; arrive before the lunch rush

Floor to ceiling windows, a big patio, and the rugged coastline arranged outside like set dressing. Shelter is where Tofino goes to look presentable, with local seasonal seafood doing most of the heavy lifting.

Named Canada's best new restaurant back in 2014, and the town has never once let anyone forget it. The potato crusted oysters remain the signature, and yes, they justify the drive over the pass.

Ucluelet's chef's tasting menu holds your table for two and a half unhurried hours, which is roughly how long you will spend talking about it on the drive home. Five plus courses, zero regrets. Tasting menu only; online reservations cap at 4 guests, book well ahead

Ucluelet's resident oyster truck, where the menu runs from bivalves to a cod burger with a genuinely devoted following. Fine dining it is not, which is exactly the point on a storm watching weekend.

The highest rated food stop in town, a chocolate shop whose 4.7 average across a thousand plus reviews suggests Tofino has reached full consensus. Split something sweet and argue about the surf instead.

Relais & Châteaux on Chesterman Beach, the definitive storm-watching splurge. Closed annually early Jan to early Feb; book months ahead in summer.

Right on Cox Bay with a surf school and spa, cheapest rates land in Jan/Feb.

On the harbour, sociable and walkable, the budget/solo pick. Damage deposit applies.