Just Gerald Magazine

Field Notes

Tofino's bar scene is small but genuinely good. The connection to local spirits and local brewing makes every drink feel like it belongs to the place.

01

THE HATCH AT LONG BEACH LODGE

10/5

The Hatch is the best bar in Tofino. It sits above Cox Bay with floor-to-ceiling windows and a view of the surf that makes every drink taste better. The cocktail list leans on local spirits — Sheringham Distillery from Saanich, Wayward Distillation House from Courtenay. The Salish Sea Sour (local gin, lemon, honey, egg white) is the signature. Order it.

"The view of Cox Bay makes every drink taste better."

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02

WOLF IN THE FOG BAR

9/5

The bar at Wolf in the Fog is worth visiting without booking the restaurant. The Kelp Forest (local vodka, cucumber, dill, lime) is a genuinely good drink that tastes like the coast it was made on. The bar snacks (oysters, charcuterie, bread) are excellent.

03

TOFINO BREWING COMPANY

8/5

The taproom at Tofino Brewing on Industrial Way is the right place to end an afternoon. The Blonde Ale is the easy-drinking choice; the Kelp Stout is the interesting one. The outdoor seating faces the mountains. This is where the surf community drinks.

THE VERDICT

Sheringham Distillery makes some of the best gin in Canada. The Seaside Gin (with locally foraged bull kelp) is the one to try. Pick up a bottle at the BCLDB on Campbell Street.

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