3 Days in Tofino with Lincoln
A few weeks ago, I received a special invitation from Lincoln Canada for the launch of the 2019 Lincoln full line-up vehicles including the new Nautilus. This 3-day event took place in the relaxed town of Tofino on Vancouver Island, off Canada’s west coast. It was my first time joining a drive program outside of Quebec region and to experience a Lincoln car. Obviously, you can imagine how enthusiastic I was to participate in this #LincolnNautilus program!
Prior the departure, I received my personal itinerary with details of the activities scheduled during this trip. Read on my adventures in Tofino with Lincoln Canada to find out what you could expect from the 2019 Nautilus.
Day 1 – Montreal to Tofino
A Lincoln’s Limousine came to pick me up early in the morning for the airport. I can’t hide that it was my best ride to YUL so far. After being informed that my flight was 2 hours delayed, I went to the airport lounge to unwind and to enjoy the buffet breakfast. When I arrived in Vancouver I met with the other guests from Montreal who were on the same flight. Due to the delay, our itineraries have been modified and we flew directly to Tofino in a private flight.
At our arrival at the Wickaninnish Inn Resort framed by ancient rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, we had free time until dinner. My room was so charming with the combination of rustic elegant furniture and the stunning ocean view. I was really tempted to take a nap but instead, I went to the Ancient Cedars Spa located in the hotel main pavilion to experience a moment of deep relaxation in the steam room.
During the cocktail hour, I met with the other guests and the Lincoln team at the Wickaninnish Inn Terrace Room. Guests were coming from Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver, which made the cocktail conversations even more interesting. Right before we took place at the table for our private dinner, I received a beautiful gift bag from the Lincoln team including a Hunter Rain Jacket, Sugar Fina candy cubes, and two Lincoln travel bags. It was so kind!
I was so enchanted when the waiter brought me the vegan menu. The dinner was refined from the appetizer to the dessert and I savored each bite. Then, we ended up the night with a scotch tasting.
Day 2 – Tofino
Early in the morning, we had breakfast at the Pointe Restaurant. I went with this tasty Avocado Rösti shown on the picture above made of smashed avocado, heirloom tomatoes, sautéed spinach, and fine herb salad. It was the perfect breakfast to energize my body; I was ready to explore Tofino with the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus.
We were very lucky to have a nice weather in Tofino since our arrival. The week before it was heavily raining all day long. That being said, whatever the road conditions are, there is nothing to worry about with the Nautilus Intelligent AWD (All Wheel Drive). In fact, this system uses sensors to constantly monitor traction, enhance handling and maximize grip, typically before wheel slip can even occur.
Moreover, the electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) provides a fluid steering feel at low speeds and a more firm and controlled feel at higher speeds. This system constantly monitors and detects changing road conditions to compensate for road-surface irregularities. I explored several sites in Tofino with the Nautilus including provincial parks, docks, and beaches to name a few and I can assure you that the EPAS provides an excellent driving experience.
As mentioned on my Instagram, I had so much fun driving this luxury SUV! In addition to offering an elegant exterior design and an interior crafted with high quality materials, I was totally seduced by the Ultra-Comfort seats! They adjust automatically and thanks to the Active Motion technology they give you a relaxing massage. That is so brilliant!
I was also surprised by the quietness of the Nautilus! The vehicle is equipped with an active noise control, which heightens overall cabin sound quality by reducing unwanted engine noise while enhancing the desired sound. How does it work? The system monitors the sound profile and then creates an opposing sound wave. Consequently, when the opposing wave meets the original sound wave, they cancel each other out. In this way, you can enjoy your playlist without any inconvenient.
After the lunch at Shelter Restaurant, I joined a small group of guests who also chose to visit Meares Island. We took a 10-minute boat cruise aboard the Re-Joyce to reach the Big Tree trailhead. Thanks to our guide, we learned a couple of historical facts about this pristine island, which marked the Canadian history following the British Columbia’s War of the Woods. At this time, Meares Island was in danger of clear-cut logging. Tofino residents and the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations joined forces to protest against this decision. All together they hand-built the wooden boardwalks leading to the Hanging Garden, which is the largest cedar tree of the island. Hiking in Meares Island was an incredible experience; I was completely amazed by the luxuriant vegetation of this rainforest.
On our way back to Tofino, my next stop was the Sacred Stone Spa where I was booked for a body massage. You know how much I love going to the spa but I rarely take time to do massages. With my active lifestyle, I tend to accumulate tension in my muscles without even noticing it. This is why I opted for a deep tissue massage to relieve tension in my contracted area such as the neck, upper back, and shoulders. Due to the firm pressure involved in this type of massage, I’m not sure if it is for everyone but it was exactly what my body needed. When I left the Sacred Stone Spa I felt entirely renewed and rejuvenated.
In the evening, I was chauffeured in the Nautilus from the hotel to the Hatch Restaurant. It was our last night all together and it could not have ended up a better way. We had a private room at the restaurant second floor with open bar, a feast made of fresh local food, and live music. We had a blast!
Day 3 – Tofino to Montreal
Those last two days literally flew by and it was already time to leave Tofino. What I will miss the most from the hotel? The stunning view, the vegan menu, and the friendly staff. If you plan to visit Tofino, you now know where to stay.
After the breakfast, we all jumped in a private bus toward Tofino Long Beach Airport to catch our flight back to Vancouver. We exchanged contacts with the other guests and planned to meet again soon (stay tuned…). The Lincoln team gently allowed me to extend my stay in Vancouver to spend the weekend with my brother. We had a great time together as featured on my Vancouver and Whistler Instagram stories. I went back to Montreal on Monday morning with a lot of good memories, it was an amazing trip. Thank you so much to the Lincoln team for inviting me to join this exclusive program!
Because I know you guys love exciting news, let me conclude this post with a sneak peek at what’s to come for Lincoln…the all-new Lincoln Aviator 🙂
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