2 Best Restaurants in Vancouver Island, British Columbia

An institution in downtown Tofino (it's been operating since 1949), the Schooner's main-floor dining room is comfortable and casually upscale. The seafood dishes change frequently, but ask for the signature halibut filet stuffed with Brie, crab, and shrimp in an apple-peppercorn brandy sauce—it's been their signature dish for more than 35 years. The steaming bowl of island clams, mussels, salmon, halibut, and red snapper is another winner. The Schooner also dishes up weekend brunch and hearty lunchtime sandwiches, burgers, and pastas. An oyster bar and summer patio are pluses. From October to May, the whole operation moves upstairs to a more intimate room with exceptional views of Meares Island.

Just steps away from the popular Tacofino truck is another take-out shack, Wildside Grill, where a commercial fisherman and a chef have joined forces to keep Tofitians and visitors supplied with straight-from-the-dock, panko-crusted fish-and-chips, plus juicy fish and beef burgers. Gather a beach picnic, or enjoy a meal under the shade of Wildside's driftwood gazebo. Advance orders are taken by phone. Open until 9 pm.