The Ecosystems of Tofino
Tofino is a rare gift; where countless people, creatures, and ecosystems create a home together. It is located in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region on the west coast of our little Island off the coast of British Columbia. While there are many excellent resources available to learn about Tofino, today we will be pulling from Clayoquot Biosphere and Tourism Tofino websites, where you can go to learn more.
As you may remember from science class, every little thing in an ecosystem is important and has a unique, impactful role to play. Every fish, insect, tree, fungi, and microcosm of bacteria make up a beautiful and complex puzzle - including us.
Whether you’re a first time guest, recurring visitor, or long-time resident of Tofino we highly recommend signing the ʔiisaak Pledge - a guide to the ancestral knowledge of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) ḥaw̓iiḥ (Hereditary Chiefs) - to understand your role and how to honour the land as the people of Tla-o-qui-aht Nation have been doing for time immemorial.
The Ecosystems
There are 8 unique ecosystems that comprise Tofino, its surrounding land, islands, and waterways. Due to our ancient trees, fresh and salt water connections, mountains and valleys, and everything in between we are lucky to witness one of the most diverse ecological happenings on our earth. These are all home to rare and endangered species, alongside those we take for granted in their abundance.
As you explore Tofino and Clayoquot Sound it is important to remember that every thing has an impact; every step, touch, and remnant play a role in the difference between thriving and surviving. We like to think of it as a great honour and privilege to witness these sites, while remembering the responsibility we all possess to respect and foster trust between us, the land, and the ongoing stewardship of it.
Temperate Rainforest
Arguably what we are most known for, our Temperate Rainforests are something to behold. Covering 95% of our terrain, these are home to ancient trees - some of which have lived for well over a millennium, and a minimum 250 years. These are complex, full of various habitats, and also hold a deeply spiritual energy - if you’re into that kind of thing.
There are few things as humbling as standing before a tree that is older than some of our entire traceable bloodlines. As forests and tree populations around the world rapidly dwindle, it’s worthwhile to take some time to walk through and appreciate the life this rainforest has given us.
Due to their sensitivity and immense importance, there are specific trails that are designed and maintained so that you may experience their beauty without disturbing them. The most popular is the Rainforest Trail.
If you are interested in something a little more off the beaten path, you can take a boat to Meares Island which has an incredible history and is home to some of the oldest, largest trees on the coast.
Lakes
While not as significant in scope compared to the salt-water companions, our lakes are just as important to the overall ecosystem and are home the home and breeding ground of numerous species. Big or small, each lake has its part to play and contribute to the immense diversity of our biosphere.
Rivers and Streams
Tofino relies on water sources that are supplied through the various streams and rivers across the land. The municipal drinking water relies on these natural, rain fed rivers and streams making them vital for more than just the animal kingdom.
On average, the region receives 3098mm of rainfall (that’s over 121 inches, or 10 feet). Beyond being the main water source for the communities, they are also essential to nourish the rainforests and the valley bottoms where some of the oldest trees reside.
You may be familiar with Pacific Salmon, something we are infamous for, and are dependant on these ecosystems to maintain. There are 5 species that travel up these rivers to breed, and are an essential part to our economics as well. Due to the intertwined nature of all our ecosystems, our salmon populations are currently at an all time low. This shows us how invaluable it is to protect each piece of the puzzle as the recovery we now face is due to logging that happened decades ago before we understood the significance of each contributing factor.
Estuaries
These are unique habitats where rivers meet the oceans, and have partially enclosed bodies of water that have brackish - part salt water, part fresh water.
Due to the enclosure of these waterbodies, they have historically been home to seasonal villages and camps where nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) family groups would reside. Fresh water, salt water, and land make for a diverse range of animals and marine life to converge, offering an abundance of food and resources for the people of the land. Many of these traditions are still alive amongst nuučaan̓uł and they remain fundamental parts of culture and community, alongside their ecological importance.
Alpine
No matter how you arrive to Tofino - by car, boat, or plane - you cannot miss the mountains. It’s not uncommon to drive through snowy areas in September only to arrive to stunning sunny beaches. They extend beyond the tree line and reach down towards inlets where they are nearly 10km from tidewaters.
Each level of elevation is home to it’s own micro-climate, and a large part of the waterfall we are dependant on comes from the snow the mountains get. In some areas, the snow remains year round. The water from the Alpines is also important to regulate water temperatures in the river valleys; a vital part of the annual salmon run. As you can see, every single ecosystem has it’s unique and needed part to play.
Marine
From open ocean to fjords, these are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world and are host to life above and below the water. It is as impressive ecologically as it is experientially. With many species of whale, seals, otters and countless fish the Marine life is something powerful to behold.
You can experience the magic through tours and fishing expeditions, and sometimes simply by being patient. We have been known to host a whale or two just beyond our private cove. The marine life rewards patience and presence.
Mudflats
These are some of the most nutrient dense habitats that we are home to. They comprise over 20 square kilometres of our intertidal zones and are quite rare along the coast of Vancouver Island. They are a stopover point for migratory birds, where the access to mud and eelgrass rife with worms, invertebrates, and small fish nourish hungry animals for their flight ahead.
It is one of the most important wetlands on the west coast of Vancouver Island and is a designated Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve. Although muddy, they are endlessly beautiful and rich with once in a lifetime moments to witness for those with patience.
Rocky Coastal Shore
The home to our tide pools, which host a wonderful array of starfish, barnacles, anemones, limpets, shellfish, molluscs, and a variety of seaweed. At high tide you will find many a bird searching for lunch, and at low tide bears, deer, and other land mammals find their meals.
These are all sensitive species, so please be careful on your travels not just in what you touch but also where you step and what you bring forward into the water via your shoes. There are many amazing treasures to be found, but often it is better to witness and leave things as they are. It is easy to take for granted a beautiful shell that is home to a sensitive creature in need.
The Best Way To Experience The Ecosystems
There are many projects dedicated to maintaining and restoring the wonderful ecosystems. If you feel called to have a hands on experience, working alongside though with resources and expertise is not only enriching for your own experience, but also for the community and the longevity of our beloved home.
If you’re interested, community groups such as Redd Fish Restoration Society, Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Guardians, and Ahousaht Stewardship Guardians are all excellent resources. For tours and experiences, we recommend looking for businesses that are Tribal Park Allies and/or owned by Indigenous peoples who have long maintained a balance and relationship with the land.
Comments