By And For » Calling All SF Bay Area BIPOC Owned Businesses!

As some of you may know, last year I was a founding contributor to By And For, a BIPOC run organization of photographers who donate their skills to other BIPOC businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area. After over a decade of shooting weddings, I have been excited for the opportunity to use my photography in a different way.

As we embark on our second year together, By And For has added three more contributors which means we’ll be able to help more businesses this year! If you or someone you know is a local BIPOC owned small business in need of a brand refresh, then fill out our application today. You’ll be entered to win an editorial photography package that includes 15 photos for free. (Applications for our Spring 2022 offering close on April 23.)

To give you an idea of what our offerings look like, here are some of the businesses I worked with last year. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@byandfor_bipoc) for more up-to-date events and announcements!

MOCHATA

Mochata is a mochi donut and horchata pop up based out of Hercules, California. Created by local school teacher Erik Pham.

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MEE RA RITUALS

Mee Ra Rituals is a skin health ritual designed for the minimalist mindset, developed from the highest quality East Asian medicine and western elements. Created by Anna Lee.

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DABAO SINGAPORE

Dabao Singapore is a Singapore hawker centre style virtual kitchen & pop-up based in San Francisco. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic, our mission is to provide our South-East Asian community with foods that remind them of home, as well as to provide a positive work environment and living wage to our staff. Dabao Singapore is a queer, minority race female team led by Emily Lim.

A Note From Vivian

You are not alone.

What hurts the most during these strange times is the fact that we can’t be together. I’ve built my career around capturing celebrations of love and documenting these deep community bonds. My work is all about connection and intimacy—two very human things that feel so hard to come by right now. We are being asked to sacrifice our in-person relationships to give those who care for our communities a fighting chance against this viral threat—something I am happy to do, as heartbreaking as it can be.

A few weekends ago, just as the SF Bay Area shelter-in-place orders went into play, I shot a tiny backyard elopement for a couple who had to postpone their April wedding. They didn’t want to wait any longer to be married and so this little ceremony was their Plan B. It was touching and sweet and filled my heart just when I needed it the most. And it reminded me why I love my job—a job that I can no longer do right now.

It’s taken me some time to process and grieve our new reality and I know that many of you are feeling the same way. I needed a moment to pause before figuring out how I can best serve my community as well as my own business in the face of financial uncertainty. I also recognize that some of you may not have the means or bandwidth for support, and that’s okay. I know we’re all doing the best we can to make sense of this unprecedented time in our lives.

WAYS TO SHOW SUPPORT

• SHARE A KIND WORD - Leaving me a review costs nothing and really helps my business. Google Reviews is my favorite but WeddingWire, The Knot, A Practical Wedding, Junebug Weddings & Yelp work too!

• PRINTS FOR A CAUSE - I’ve opened a print shop showcasing my landscape photography. 10% of prints sales will be donated to No Kid Hungry & the National Domestic Workers Alliance COVID-19 Emergency Fund. Shop now.

• ALBUM DESIGN - I'd love to design a photo album for you! And there's a Spring Special: Buy one digital album design layout, get the other 50% off. One to keep & one to share. Learn more.

Additionally, if you or someone you know is currently trying to plan a wedding, A Practical Wedding has a lot of great resources to help navigate these uncharted waters.

If you have a wedding scheduled with me for 2020 and have questions, please email me. I want to make whatever circumstances that unfold work for you.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Now that I’ve given myself a pause and I’m settling into what life looks like now, I plan to keep sharing my work as a reminder of the good in the world and the beauty that’s waiting for us on the other side. I can’t wait to get back to shooting weddings, families and all celebrations of love.

Take care, stay safe and wash your hands.

MOTHERHOOD: Eight Months with August

Eight months have flown by! And as it is with motherhood, balancing life and work isn’t always easy, hence the lack of updates. So let’s catch up!

SIX MONTHS

Dear Gusters, I can’t believe it’s been half a year already! You turned six months old on Saturday, the same day as our six year wedding anniversary. To celebrate, we took our first family vacation together and you did great.

You’re more and more rambunctious everyday, babbling and shrieking because that’s the new sound you like practicing (especially when you’re jumping). But without fail, the moment we take you outside, you quiet down so you can take in the world. Your curiosity is so pure and sweet. And your laughter is so infectious especially the silly excited noises you make when you watch light bulbs turn on and off. Mommy and daddy can’t stop marveling at what a good boy you are and how much we love you. Even when you’re being mischievous like getting distracted while drinking your milk or deciding to blow bubbles when you have a mouthful of sweet potato puree. Gus, you’re the best! ♥️

(PS Thank you to “the other Vivian Chen” for his super cute hat featuring a culinary representation of his genetic make up. The cutest!)

SEVEN MONTHS

Dear Gusters, Happy seven months! This was your first Thanksgiving and while you didn’t go out trick or treating, we did dress you up! You really pulled off the aviator and mustache look really well.
PS. You got your first two teeth this month!

EIGHT MONTHS

Dear Gusters, Eight months have flown by and it feels like your first birthday is just around the corner. You’re changing so fast! Everyday you look more and more like a little boy and less like a baby. Your silly personality makes us laugh every day. You’re getting pretty good at eating and like a true hipster, love avocados. You also love jumping and screaming at the cats. You’re super talkative and always need to chime into the conversation. I love watching you learn new skills and explore your world. And that smile of yours never fails to brighten my day. My sweet boy, I’m so grateful to be your mom.

Motherhood: Five Months with August

Dear Gusters, 
My sweet, happy boy, you’re five months old! This past month truly flew by. I can’t believe how fast time is going. And you’re getting so big! I left you for six days to shoot a wedding in Iceland and in that time it feels like you’ve grown exponentially. How did you leap to nine month clothing in a week? Your happiness is a constant and your joyous spirit is infectious. You are our ray of sunshine and I hope that smile and laugh never dims. Thank you for being a never ending source of love and for brightening our days. Thank you for keeping me grounded and for reminding me to be present and live in the moment. Mommy and daddy love you so so much!

Finding Myself Again

I left my milk in Iceland, dumped it into the volcanic soil as I drove the vast stretches of road along the southern part of the island. This was my first trip away from Gus, six full days after five straight months by his side. I cried a bit on the plane ride over, worrying and wondering if he’d be okay without me. And worrying and wondering if I would be okay without him. Life before Gus consisted of a lot more time to myself with solo hikes and road trips. But that felt like a lifetime ago. It had been awhile since I stretched those muscles and I was afraid that being alone would be lonely. But to my surprise it took no time to slip back into this familiar version of myself, the solo adventurer. Wandering around downtown Reykjavík on my own agenda, taking in the scenery as I listened to podcasts while driving to destinations I picked on a whim. But, as I’ve learned on this wild journey called motherhood, you can never go back to the way it was. My mom body still tethered me to my son 4233 miles away. The breast pump became constant reminder that there was a sweet boy at home who relied on me. Every three to four hours, my body told me to stop everything and pump. It didn’t matter if I was halfway to the next epic vista point or soaking in the Blue Lagoon. A full night’s sleep still evaded me as my body would wake up aching, shirt soaked through. My internal clock worked non-stop to make milk full of essential nutrients that would never make it to my son. And so I’d pour this liquid gold down hotel drains or into the earth on the side of the road, all the while trying not to think about how wasteful it felt. This ritual reminded me that it doesn’t matter how far away I am, I’m still Gus’s mom.

MOTHERHOOD: Four Months with August

Dear Gusters, 
My sweet boy, you’re four months old and I can’t believe how lucky I am to be your mom.

Your thousand watt gummy smile and the twinkle in your eyes is instant amnesia for my bad days. It’s a smile that charms everyone we meet. Your delightful personality is coming out more each day.

I love our afternoon chats and especially when you have a new silly sound to share. Thank you for encouraging us to go outside. The fact that you love nothing more than to watch the sunlight filtering through the trees tickles me so much. I’d like to think you’ve got a bit of my tree hugging sensibilities in you. But my favorite thing is your laugh which we hear more and more of each day. Those little giggle fests are everything. We can’t wait to go on more adventures with you!

Reflections on Motherhood

Self care looks different now. Before Gus, self care looked like day long hikes in the woods, morning runs before breakfast and a steady weekly yoga practice. With Gus, self care is whatever brings joy, whatever grounds me, no matter how small. I've redefined what it means to indulge. I’ve redefined what it means to be productive. Watching silly Youtube videos because escapist humor is still effective in small doses. Washing my hair because anything to feel nice is a self-esteem booster. Listening to podcasts while running errands because multitasking doesn’t have to be boring. Going for walks around the neighborhood because fresh air always defeats cabin fever. And most importantly, letting go of work every now and then so I can spend time with other mom friends and their babies. I’m learning that part of self care is freeing myself of past expectations. It may not look the same as it used to but the outcome is still the same. Recognizing, adapting, accepting the new normal.

MOTHERHOOD: Three Months with August

Dear Gus Gus, Gusters, My Sweet Boy,
We made it to three months together. You giggled for the first time this week and my heart melted all over the place. You finally see me and that eye contact, that acknowledgment is the world. I am grateful everyday to be your mom. Thank you for challenging me in ways I never thought possible and showing me that I am strong and kind and loving.

Reflections on Motherhood

Motherhood is a contradictory existence. My day to day can feel so isolating and yet I know I am not alone. I am forever a member of the fiercest tribe. There is comfort in knowing that moms everywhere have walked this same path. Felt the same sleep deprived sense of hopelessness that creeps in during those bad days. The same tugs on the heart when I have to leave the you for extended periods of time. The same frantic mental decision making and on the fly prioritizing when faced with an unknown quantity of nap time. (To spend it cleaning, prepping, working to whittle away at that never ending to do list? Always. To nap? Rare. To take care of myself? Also rare. To waste time? A frivolous risk, a luxury from another life.) The same jolt that springs my eyes wide open at the tiniest sound of you stirring at 4am. The same resignation when yet another shirt is soiled with spit up or wet with leaky milk. The same exhaustion at the end of a long day when it’s not quite bedtime and I know I have to keep it together just a little longer. The same self criticism and eventual acceptance of our mom bodies, those new aches and pains, the weakened pelvic floor (when I sneeze and don’t pee I consider it a win), our soft jelly bellies that even the strongest athletes struggle to change because breastfeeding is magic and its hormones are powerful. The same worries and doubt, wondering if I am doing enough, doing it right, doing it well. And the same thrilling joys when you learn a new skill, smile at me, talk to me, letting me know that everything is okay.

To all the mamas I know, thank you for being just a text message away. Knowing I’m not doing this alone and that these fears aren’t just my own helps me keep going. I'm proud to be a member of this messy, imperfect, wonderful and loving tribe.

MOTHERHOOD: Two Months with August

Dear Gus Gus,
They were right. Just like that, our second month together has come and gone. In a blink of an eye, our tiny squishy newborn is now a sweet chunky monkey of a baby.

You’re becoming more aware of the world everyday. I watch in amazement as you drink in your surroundings, curious to each new sight and sound. Knowing that it’s just a matter of time before your eyes can truly see me makes my heart flutter.

But until then, I love talking with you, imitating your cute little squeaks, grunts and snorts. I love the way your tiny hands grip on to my clothes and chest. I love giving you baths and singing you silly made up songs. And of course, reading you books. You might not understand the words but I’d like to think you remember. That these little routines mean something. That you feel safe and cozy and at home.

Nothing else in the world can replicate the feeling of making you happy. Chasing your smiles is all I ever want to do and all that always I will do. ♥️

Motherhood: Introducing August

As you may have noticed, things have been quiet over here. But I have a good reason! For the past month, our family (and my world) has been changed by the addition of a sweet little boy. Introducing our son, August Zhen-Yu Emma. Gus was born on March 29, 2018 (he was one week and five days early!) I kept the whole pregnancy and birth off of social media (save for a few posts on my Instagram feed) but now that he's here, I'd love to share my story with you all.

Mornings with Gus + Dad

When I was 29 weeks...

I always come back to this redwood grove, my favorite enchanted spot in forest. When I need inspiration, when I need solace, when I need peace. I've brought many friends to visit as well, to experience a part of my heart. But this particular morning was special. Not because the rain stopped at the perfect time or because the thick soupy fog lingered in the air. But because I brought him. He's been a little secret I've kept tucked away from the virtual world for the past couple of months. But as he grows, I change, physically and mentally. He's given me strength in ways I never thought possible. He's grounded me and reassured me. He’s made me comfortable in my own skin. He's helped me surrender to the wild unknown. I am forever grateful for this journey we've begun together and open myself to the journey that lies ahead. We’re ready to share the world with you, little one. ↟↟↟

To my dearest, most talented Diana Rothery: A million thank you's for capturing this extraordinary time in our life and for making me feel like a magical forest mama.

Becoming a mother...

It’s as if my heart has unlocked another chamber and my capacity to love has increased exponentially. The love I feel for my son is the deepest, fiercest love I’ve ever felt. In those first few days, it hurt, brought me to tears to feel so much. I wasn’t used to the overwhelming weight of it all. This love is immeasurable through time and space. A chemical reaction that began nine months ago at conception. Whose undying fate was sealed the moment his head passed through to the outside world. We are forever bound together by an invisible thread. I know it’s something magical because even in my darkest moments, when I’m frustrated, when I’m exhausted, when he’s frustrated, when he’s exhausted—this love protects us both. A force field, a never-ending spring where gentle, kindness flows. “Love is patient.” I’ve heard that phrase utter during countless wedding ceremonies but only now do I understand its meaning. Thank you, August, for opening my heart and showing me how beautiful the world can be.

One month with Gus

Savor these moments they say. It all goes by so fast. I’ve heard it called “the longest shortest time.” And it’s true. Time bends and stretches with a newborn. Reminiscing about the past and dreaming about the future are luxuries from another lifetime. Days melt together into countless sunrises as the sky shifts from black to blue to white observed from my sleep deprived cocoon. Another morning, another chance to reset and start over. I have good days and bad days. Days where I feel not so much triumphant but almost normal (which doesn’t make sense as I have a new normal, a new identity to become acquainted with), and days where I feel like a complete failure, tears running down my face, dripping onto my milk stained shirt. Weeks feel like months yet this first month has come and gone. Now I measure time between feedings, counting dirty diapers, loads of laundry and watching his little face change day by day. Fuller, rounder, his eyes increasingly open and alert. Being present is all that matters now because nothing has taught me how to live in the moment more than becoming a mother. ♥️

Exploring Fern Canyon » Humboldt Roadtrip

My obsession with redwoods means I'm constantly dreaming of the forests in the northern most part of California. Last January, I visited Humboldt for the first time on a solo road trip to explore to my heart's content. Heavy rains prevented me from fully experiencing Prairie Creek Redwood State Park's famous Fern Canyon, but I got another chance over this 4th of July holiday weekend. A group road trip to visit a mutual friend meant that I could play redwood park tour guide. Fern Canyon was on the top of the list to revisit and it did not disappoint. From the drive down to the trailhead to the scrambling over logs up Home Creek, lush greens filled my eyes and the smell of fresh soil and moss hung in the air. It truly was a magical place.

She Explores Landmarks » Three Hikes in Tofino, BC

I'm excited to have the She Explores community shared some of my Tofino hikes on their Landmarks section of the website this week. Check it out!

Thank you for the feature, She Explores!

Kayaking San Francisco » She Explores & Oru Kayaks

Yesterday, I was invited by Gale Straub of She Explores, a women's focused outdoor blog and podcast to spend my happy hour with her and the ladies of Oru Kayak. The sun was out and the weather was unusually pleasant for the generally summer fog covered San Francisco. A wonderful evening for kayaking!

Happy hour kayaking in Aquatic Park, San Francisco

Having never used an Oru Kayak before, I wasn't sure what to expect. These lightweight kayaks unfold like origami magic from their rectangular travel pack. In under 10 minutes, all the parts clip together and you have a sea-worthy kayak.

Unfolding and assembling our kayaks.

Introductions and safety guidelines before setting off.

Once we were out on the water, I was surprised at how comfortable the seats were and how easily they maneuvered across the bay. We floated along exploring the pier, watching swimmers exercising and sea lions lounging about. A few even swam right up to us, inspecting our kayaks! 

You can check out the video below (formatted for Instagram Stories) to see the kayaks in action including putting them together and disassembling them afterwards. Thank you Oru Kayaks for lovely way to explore San Francisco!

Three Days in Tofino, BC » TRAVEL GUIDE

The small fishing village and surf town of Tofino, British Columbia boasts rugged coastlines, gorgeous beaches and lush temperate rainforests. I knew that any place with miles and miles (or should I say kilometers) of untouched wilderness was somewhere I needed to see in person.

This past May my husband and I chose to visit Vancouver and road trip out to Tofino. Our time on this verdant peninsula located on the west side of Vancouver Island was a dreamy getaway so I'd love to share some recommendations from our three day trip for other BC-bound adventurers.

Wickaninnish Beach, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

GETTING THERE

To get to Tofino, you'll need to catch a ferry from Vancouver. BC Ferries runs quite frequently but be sure to make a reservation to guarantee a spot on one of their ships. We chose to leave out of Horseshoe Bay as it was a prettier drive to the ferry terminal. The ride took a little under two hours and the views of the Strait of Georgia were just stunning. The ferry itself was spacious and comfortable and there was a variety of meals and snacks for sale. Once you reach Vancouver Island, you can break up the road trip like we did by staying a night in Nanaimo (we had flown into Vancouver earlier that afternoon from San Francisco) or head straight out west for the three hour drive along Highway 4 to Tofino.

Cathedral Grove, MacMillian Provincial Park

Cathedral Grove in MacMillian Provincial Park 
The drive along Highway 4 is quite picturesque and the first stop on your journey is MacMillian Provincial Park where you'll find the Cathedral Grove. There's parking along both sides of the road with trails on either side. We checked out one side on our way to Tofino and the other side on our way back to make the most of our driving time. The trails to the north have a lovely view of Cameron Lake whereas both sections have access to the Cameron River (trail map). The walk through the towering Douglas fir moss covered forest is very easy. You should budget about 30-45 minutes here before continuing on your way. Worth a stop to stretch your legs and get a taste of the wilderness you'll encounter in Tofino.

Port Alberni
This is the last major town before Tofino. While primarily a lumber and fishing industry town, there have been efforts to capitalize on outdoor tourism but Port Alberni did not seem as established as Tofino. We stopped here briefly to grab lunch at the Steampunk Cafe before moving on. If you need snacks and to refuel, here's where to do so before the final stretch. (Note: We were able to do the whole drive on one tank of gas with mileage to spare.)

Wally Creek Cliffs along Pacific Rim Highway

Pacific Rim Highway
Continuing west from Port Alberni, Highway 4 changes from Alberni Highway to the Pacific Rim Highway. The road narrows into a two lane road winding through mountains passing by large lakes and rushing creeks and rivers. Patience is key when driving but there are passing lanes for those in a rush. In May, there was still snow on many of the peaks which felt so wild as we knew that the ocean was just on the other side of the range. There are plenty of spots along the way, like this one at Wally Creek, to pull over and explore. As you get closer to Tofino, the highway beside Kennedy Lake is especially windy and narrow so take care as you navigate this portion as large freight trucks share the road with passenger cars.

HIKES/EXPLORING 

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
From hiking and beach-combing to surfing and kayaking, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has a lot to offer. Most of the sights to explore are indicated by clearly marked road signs along Pacific Rim Highway. There is currently free entry to all Canadian National Parks since they're celebrating their 150 year anniversary. You can pick up a map from the visitor's centre, located right before your turn right towards Tofino on Highway 4/Pacific Rim Highway.

Since our time was limited, I chose a few of the easier hikes to make the most of our stay. I wanted to get a feel for the local terrain but would love to come back to explore deeper.

Rainforest Trail, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Rainforest Trail
Immersing yourself in the lush greens of the British Columbia coast makes the Rainforest Trail a must see. It's relatively easy 1km trail hike through a Pacific Northwest temperate rainforest. Douglas firs, red cedar and hemlock trees tower above while giant ferns and skunk cabbage flourish on the forest floor. Moss drapes and envelopes every surface and the air smells fresh and rich with life. This was my kind of emerald-hued wonderland. There are two trail loops but at the time I visited one was closed for repairs. I explored the trail loop on the other side of the road from the parking lot. Because the ground is so wet and squishy (it is a rainforest after all) most of the trail is all along a wooden boardwalk with informational signs along the way. There are lots of stair segments climbing around the terrain but nothing too strenuous. Plan to budget about 1-1.5 hours here to soak it all in. 

South Beach, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

South Beach, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

South Beach, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

South Beach Trail
If you're looking for a beautiful secluded pebble beach with big rock formations, South Beach is an easy one to visit. Take Wick Road off Pacific Rim Highway down towards the Kwisitis Visitor Centre. At the end of the road, you'll turn left into the lot. Be sure to wander around Wickaninnish Beach and the Visitor Centre before heading to the trailhead located behind the building. At the time I went, there was some construction going on but you'll see a big sign and map at the trailhead. The South Beach trail is the short one on the map but this does link up with Nuu Chah Nulth Trail on your right if you have the time to explore further and go towards Florence Beach. The walk to South Beach takes less than an hour but you could easily spent a lot of time watching the waves crash along the shore here.

Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet

Wild Pacific Trail (Ucluelet)
Located south of Tofino in the town of Ucluelet, this is a must do hike to really get a feel for the wild coastline. Large jagged rocks and low mid-day fog added to the untamed feel of the landscape. It's no wonder that this coast was the site of many shipwrecks over the years. We only had time to explore the lighthouse loop portion but there are other parts you can access from the town of Ucluelet. There are signs indicating the trailheads and parking lots once you take the main road into Ucluelet. Budget about 1.5 hours to explore this area and more time if you do other parts of the trail. It's a relatively easy hike with beautiful views and lots of places to stop and take photos along the way.

Clayoquot Sound, Tofino

OTHER ACTIVITIES

If you're looking to continue your yoga practice while on vacation, you can catch a class at Coastal Bliss Yoga located in a shopping plaza off Pacific Rim Highway. Check their website for schedules. It's a lovely space with second floor views of the surrounding forest offering a variety classes. It was a great way to start our morning and get to meet some locals.

While we didn't get a chance to kayak on the Clayoquot Sound, some traveler friends of mine had a great time out on the water. You can read more about Emily's experience kayaking with Remote Passages on her travel blog.

Black bear looking for breakfast on the Clayoquot Sound

Adventure Tofino Wildlife Tours
This is a must do! Adventure Tofino provides whale watching and trips to a local hot spring but the bear tour is the easiest and most unique of their offerings. One of the highlights of our vacation was watching this black bear digging through the rocks to catch crabs for breakfast! We also saw several of bald eagles and seals during our two hour excursion. It's a beautiful way to check out the Clayoquot Sound while watching black bears from the comfort of an open boat. Adventure Tofino provides warm, waterproof suits so you won't need worry about packing lots of clothing to bundle up for the trip. You do have to get up early in the morning but it's worth it. Make sure to book a reservation online. We couldn't have asked for a better way to start our day.

Cute beach front cabins at Ocean Village Resort, Tofino

WHERE WE STAYED & WHAT WE ATE 

For our two night stay, we chose the Ocean Village Resort. This reasonably priced hotel features small oceanfront cabins located steps away from Chesterman Beach. Each room has a stunning view of the water and the overall atmosphere was cozy and relaxing. Ocean Village Resort doesn't have its own restaurant but there are well-stocked kitchens in the rooms so we did breakfast by buying groceries from the Co-Op Market in downtown Tofino. The market is also a great place to buy snacks, water and other supplies if you need anything.

Being the veggie loving hippies that we are, we enjoyed grabbing lunch at Earth Mama Love Kitchen Collective which is located inside Green Soul Organics grocery coop. We visited two days in a row for fresh smoothies and nourishing vegan friendly bowls. This place is cash only and they're only open for a few hours mid-day and generally stop serving lunch by 3pm. Be sure to check the website for more information.

Located right next to Green Soul Organics is Wolf in the Fog where we got some desserts to go. Super yummy! We didn't eat there since it was crowded as it's one of the more popular and highly praised restaurants in Tofino right now. I would recommend a reservation if you want to try it.

We also checked out the famous Tacofino taco truck which was located right down the street from where we stayed in the back of the same gravel shopping plaza as the Coastal Bliss Yoga studio. Compared to the real Mexican food we get in the Bay Area, it was decent but not really worth the wait. The agua frescas were really refreshing though!

When in Tofino, seafood is the cuisine to have! We stumbled across The Fish Store and Oyster Bar and absolutely fell in love. This place is so good that we ate dinner here both nights! Really revivals what you'd find in the culinary rich and snobby San Francisco Bay Area. High quality seafood paired with fresh ingredients and friendly service made it an easy favorite. Must tries are the seafood chowder and the smoked fish platter. And of course, make sure to get yourself a round of raw oysters!

Sunset at Chesterman Beach, Tofino

This wild and lush place is a must visit for anyone who loves the raw nature of the Pacific Northwest. My only regret is that we didn't have more time to explore all that it has to offer. But I hope this post has piqued your interest and can serve as a good starting point for your Tofino adventures. Happy exploring!

(Psst... follow my personal Instagram to stay up-to-date with my wanderings.)