Tofino, British Columbia

TOFINO, most travellers' target base in Pacific Rim National Park, is showing the adverse effects of its ever-increasing tourist influx, but locals are keeping development to a minimum, clearly realizing they have a vested interest in preserving the salty, waterfront charm that brought them – and visitors – here in the first place. Crowning a narrow spit, the fishing village has a superb situation, bounded on three sides by tree-covered islands and water, a location that graces it with magnificent views and plenty of what the tourist literature refers to as "aquaculture". As a service centre it fulfils most functions, offering food, accommodation and a wide variety of boat and sea-plane tours, most of which have a whale-watching, surfing (Canada's best surf is close at hand) and fishing angle or provide a means to travel out to islands and hot springs close by. Sleepy in off-season, the place erupts into a commercial frenzy during the summer. Hippies, surfer types and easy-going family groups are the most visible visitors – though there's little to do in town other than walk its few streets, enjoy the views and soak up the casual atmosphere.