I love being on the ocean. I especially love being on the Pacific Ocean. And although California draws me close every year there is nothing quite as spectacular as Vancouver Island's west coast. The west coast beaches that lie between Ucluelet, on the north shore of Barkley Sound, and Tofino, on the south shore of Clayoquot Sound are unique on the northwest coast. They're long and flat and the waves roll in attracting beach walkers and surfers clad in wetsuits. We're here for the weekend with our west coast family staying at Pacific Sands Beach Resort on Cox Bay, just outside of Pacific Rim National Park. Pacific Sands has fully equipped Villas and Suites, all with beach views. There are gas BBQ's for grilling or you can pick up some local crab or salmon for dinner. For fine dining, the Pointe Restaurant at award winning Wickaninnish Inn is a short drive to Chesterman Beach. Today we're heading by boat charter, Twenty seven nautical miles north west of Tofino to picturesque Hot Springs Cove, home of the Hesquiat people and the Maquinna Provincial Park. The simmering sulphur water flows as a gentle brook and then cascades into 5 interconnecting natural pools. Tomorrow, I think we'll rent some gear and catch the surf!