if you happen to find yourself in tofino (for 24 hours or less)...

coffee
If you’re passionate enough about coffee to see through fancy drink names and a robust website then you’ll appreciate The Tofitian for all it has to offer - a seriously great cup of Joe, some nifty memorabilia and an authentic Tofino experience. This locally run shop is the place to caffeinate pre-island adventure or to warm up (the mocha hot chocolate comes highly recommended) after a cold day riding the Pacific surf.

trail
If you’re up for a hike, check out Schooners Cove. The moderate trail starts off in the rainforest with a series of wooden platforms and steps and then spits you out on the north end of Long Beach. Insider tip: Go at low tide, keep to the right when you hit the beach and uncover some amazing wildlife like bald eagles and starfish.

surf
It wouldn’t be a successful trip to Tofino without getting your feet a little wet. If you’re looking to catch a wave for the first time check out Surf Sister. Their all-female staff brings a unique flare (and extreme passion) to the surf scene, specializing in instructing with the beginner in mind. Dudes – don’t shy away, these classes are for you too!

a cold brew
Tofino Brewing Company is a great place to crack a cold one. The beers satisfy, the ambiance is cool and the dudes who own it are a pleasure to chat with. Purchase their iconic jug and have it refilled over and over again when you’re back in Vancouver. 

eat
When it comes to grabbing a bite of delicious grub, Tacofino has it dialed. From the staff to the outdoor dining experience at long wooden communal tables this taco truck is the epitome of cool. The fish tacos are a must and wash down quite nicely with a Lime-Mint Freshie – oh, and don’t forget to grab a Chocolate Diablo Cookie for dessert.

Ever been? What are some of your favourite pitstops in Tofino?

What do you get when you mix 10 of the world’s best athletes, one of the world’s best yogis, two of the world’s best designers, two of the world’s best lululemon-leaders, and one of the most beautiful places on earth? Well, you get the lululemon elite retreat 2009 -- and obviously a really great time.

Early July 2009 saw myself and our fearless community leader, Eric, take some of our amazing elite ambassadors on the annual-legendary elite retreat to Tofino, BC. I am undeniably biased about the wonder of Tofino (being from Vancouver Island myself) but seriously, people - Google it and go!

To best describe this surreal experience, here’s a day in the life of an elite retreater. And I should know, as I was the diligent itinerary creator.

6:30 - 7:30am The athletes suit up and head in to the water for an early morning surf session

7:30am We grab a quick bite and head over to the yoga studio

8:00 - 9:30am Eoin Finn leads us through a true Eoin-esque practice. There is laughter, challenge, surf quotes, and an overwhelming confidence in us all that yoga truly does enhance elite athletic pursuits.

9:30am We eat again! The athletes should be - Eric and I are just indulging and pretending to be training for the Olympics like the rest of them.

10:00am - 12:00pm The athletes head out for their individual training sessions. Yes, if you are counting, this is the third time they have worked out already today. The bobsledders head to the gym to squat imaginable amounts of weight as the Nordic combined skier goes off for a wee 2.5 hr run. All in pursuit of Olympic gold. Terribly inspiring.

12:30pm You guessed it- we eat again! The food Olympics.

1:00pm Marks the arrival of our two designers du choix - Shannon and MelEesa, and our vice-president of everything progressively inspiring - Sherry.

2:00 - 5:00pm The athletes immediately bond to the new lululemon family members that have arrived and the surf is up so our athletes drag the designers in to the water for a surf session.

5:30pm The design meeting to top all design meeting commences. Shannon and MelEesa create pandemonium with the new fantastic fall samples and our athletes provide us with what can only be described as mind-boggling feedback from the world’s best athletes (because that’s what they are).

7:30pm The conversation continues as we take down some real west coast sushi action.

8:30pm Bedtime. Having all become fast, furious friends, we share conversation and inspiration around a bonfire on the beach - oh, and of course we eat! S'mores!

I speak for us all when I say that to be on a trip like this one is truly inspirational. (Have I used that word already? ) I feel my position here is one of connector of inspirational people and I am honoured to be in this role. These athletes are members of our family and they absolutely love being supported by us with our culture and our movement of elevating the world from mediocrity to greatness. We feel they are true representatives of what it means to strive for greatness in your life and as they strive for Olympic gold next year, we will be there to support them as true family members do.

Getting down and dirty in yoga class is admirable – getting off your mat and practicing outdoors is extraordinary. Taking yoga outdoors stimulates the senses and heightens physical awareness. I have found hiking yoga to be one of the most invigorating and spiritual activities.

Without breath, you are not doing yoga. So why not breathe deeply while hiking and explore the possibilities of connecting to the earth. Groups across the country are offering hiking yoga classes/guides that are specific to the geographic area. Eric Kipp in San Francisco leads urban Hiking Yoga groups that focus on breath and engaging the core. Eric takes you inside the romantic hidden spots of the city while stopping after every huge hill to do a relaxing warrior or triangle pose.

The beauty of nature, like being next to a campfire, immediately inspires you to emerge from your safe zone. Hiking with a group promotes rich social interaction and human connection. I have found the shared experience to be rewarding and quite awakening to my bodies capabilities.

Above: Vanessa, escapes the city and heads to Tofino (Vancouver Island) for an oceanside hike and yoga experience. She's keeping warm in our Remix lulu hoodie.