November Tofino News

An old Tofino classic is going to be new again. The Maquinna Pub, part of the Maquinna Hotel building at Main and First Sts., is set to reopen soon under new ownership. The Maq has not been operational for about seven years, although the cold beer and wine store adjacent, as well as the hotel in the building, have both remained operational. The pub enjoys legendary status in Tofino going back several decades, and needless to say, locals are a little excited to hear news of a revival. New owners Denise and John Hooks announced on Facebook that the pub portion would reopen at an undisclosed upcoming time following renovations. To keep track of the progress: www.facebook.com/TheMaqHotel.

At press time Jamie’s Rainforest Inn had their weekly live music gigs booked to the end of November. Jamie’s features both local and visiting artists every Tuesday from 9-11pm. These events are all ages and no cover, and you can even call the free shuttle anytime after 8pm to deliver you to and from your doorstep. Food and drink specials normally accompany music night as well. Visit their website for schedule updates: www.tofinorainforestinn.com.

The Driftwood Lounge at the Wickaninnish Inn also features live music on a regular basis, with performers normally spending several hours entertaining guests throughout the evening. Wine and food are available to order in the lounge. Also at The Pointe Restaurant, join Kissa Tanto’s Chef/Owner Joel Watanabe (also of Bao Bai) for a guest chef dinner on November 4^th. Watanabe will collaborate with Pointe Chef Warren Barr to create a several course chef’s table gourmet dinner with optional wine pairings. The evening kicks off at 5:30pm with a cocktail tasting. For ticket information and the calendar of events, please see www.wickinn.com/events-calendar.

We heard just before press time that this year’s Clayoquot Oyster Festival would not be running for the first time in 20 years. Unfortunately, this event was one of the many hundreds of incidents where people contracted norovirus after consuming oysters this past fall and spring. In all some 400 people in the province were affected in what is reportedly the worst outbreak of norovirus in BC’s history, and a total of 13 oyster farms have experienced closures. It is our sincere hope that this event will be able to return in the near future.

On a more festive note, Tofino hosts a few great Christmas markets, the Make Merry Market at the Tofino Botanical Gardens and the Winter Artisan Market at the Tofino Community Hall. While these events are great for stocking up on gifts, they’re also filled with delicious food from preserves to baking and everything in between. Dates and updates will be posted to Tourism Tofino’s site (www.tourismtofino.com).

-Jen Dart