To Tofino in the Acura RDX 2023

I recently spent some time test driving the Acura RDX 2023 car and headed for a drive to Tofino to try some new restaurants and do some exploring.

We left Vancouver in the morning, driving Highway 1 to take BC Ferries over to the island from Horseshoe Bay, sailing on the Queen of Oak Bay (100 minutes) to the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal in Nanaimo. There is a lot to do once on board the ferry.

From Nanaimo, drove North West to Tofino which was about a 3 hour drive through all of the elements from rain to snow and back to rain and then sun. This only happens through the winter until mid-late April when snow is a possibility in the mountain passes.

The RDX had snow tires which kept us going smoothly on the snowy highway without any sliding. The RDX’s turbocharged four-cylinder is plenty powerful and its crisp handling is satisfying on a twisty road.

I visited Savary Island Pie Company (230 Main Street in downtown Tofino) for a Cortado and a a slice of their Lemon buttermilk pie with berries. This pie café originated in West Vancouver and opened in Tofino a little more than a year ago. They specialize in offering a wide selection of sweet and savoury pies and slices daily along with a full espresso beverages line-up, they also offer some savoury dishes.

I caught up with my friend Zane Caplansky (he is the mustard king) who lives in Tofino over at Driftwood Café in the Wickaninnish Inn. I had a Cappuccino in the café that has an incredible view looking out on to Chesterman Beach.

Later in the day, we visited Toki Doki next to Tofino Brew Co, (691 Industrial Way, Tofino) where It’s all about Japanese street food in an airstream trailer. Owners Madi and Kei have a loyal following and serve up tasty eats.

Started off with their house-made Miso Soup.

The Tsujune were skewers made of crab and chicken and came with their tasty house-made chili sauce.

We shared the Spicy Seafood Oko which is a seafood pancake (aka okonomiyaki).

Jason then enjoyed the Pork Katsu rice bowl along with a Matcha Strawberry Lemonade while I had the Eggplant & tofu rice bowl with a Strawberry Lemonade.

Every RDX has a 10.2-inch touchscreen perched high on the dashboard. It can also be operated via a touchpad on the center console. The RDX comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay (which I used) and Android Auto capability and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The optional Technology package adds built-in navigation, rear-seat USB ports, a 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system, and more. I think this is a great feature for this SUV.

The next day we visited Bravocados (368 Main St, Tofino) for breakfast. The one and only Vegan restaurant in Tofino is where chef and owner David Theilmann has put together a great menu of dishes.

Jason and I enjoyed our breakfast there starting off with one of the Blueberry muffins; Jason then had a Golden Chai Latte while I had an Iced Coffee.

We also had the Florentine Eggs Benedict that’s made with tofu instead of the egg, and this is my kind of dish, I loved it.

The Mushroom Calamari was super addictive and a great dish for sharing; it’s made of local kelp-brined fried oyster mushrooms and banana peppers tossed with dill pickle spice.

Afterwards we visited Ouest Artisan Patisserie (311 Neill St, Tofino). Recently relocated to be inside Sobo restaurant and share their location. They bake breads, croissants and other baked goods, pastries, cakes and chocolate and candy bars.

Loved the Peanut butter and jelly chocolate candy bar.

After we left Tofino we stopped at Long Beach for some fresh air and to see the beautiful beach before driving East.

The Technology package. in the Acura RDX is an important addition when getting this vehicle that includes front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

We stopped at the Wildflower Bakeshop (5047 Argyle St, Port Alberni) for an Iced Americano at a beautiful new café that locals had told me about.

I really enjoyed the Acura RDX 2023 was a great car to drive to and from Tofino.

By: Richard Wolak

Disclosure: Honda Canada provided me with the 2023 Acura RDX for a week to test drive, and photograph.