Ep 3. Tofino

Survivorman's Tofino special takes us on a journey into the heart of the wilderness, with host Les Stroud seeking out natural resources in this beautiful and treacherous region of the west coast of Vancouver Island, Canada.

This third episode in season one takes us away from the usual format of the show, where Stroud is dropped off in the middle of nowhere with minimal supplies, limited camera equipment and left to fend for himself. Instead, he is teamed up with a local Tofino First Nations guide, John Lucas, whose expertise in the area is invaluable.

Lucas teaches Stroud the ways of the land, from catching fresh seafood to foraging for medicinal plants. Stroud, always game for a challenge, throws himself into the experience with gusto.

As they journey through the wilderness, Stroud and Lucas encounter a variety of obstacles, from rough seas on their boat trip to the coast, to a steep hike through dense forests to get to their campsite. Stroud is ever aware of the potential dangers of the region, from encountering bears to getting lost in the wilderness with no hope of rescue. He's seen it all before and remains calm and focused on his survival.

One of the highlights of the episode is watching Stroud and Lucas explore the wild Pacific coast. They paddle their kayaks through towering kelp forests, then take a break on a remote, deserted beach to set up camp for the night. With only a small fire for warmth, they use the darkness to watch for bioluminescent plankton in the water and listen to the crashing waves. Survival routines are kept but with a gorgeous backdrop.

The duo's reliance on the natural resources of the land comes to full force when they set up a crab fishing line and catch their meal for the evening. Stroud also forages for tasty and nutritional plants that grow in the area, pushing the show into the realm of educational as well.

As night falls, the stars come out, and the two men share stories. John Lucas shares with Stroud the history and legends of the coastal First Nations, and Stroud recounts his own experiences after five seasons on his hit TV show.

At the end of the episode, Stroud reflects on his experience, expressing his great love for the area's rugged beauty and its rich natural resources. He also shares his gratitude to Lucas for guiding him through the wilderness safely. Like every episode, this one offers its own unique set of challenges and beauty.

Overall, the Tofino special episode showcases a rare glimpse into the life of a local guide and the beauty and challenge of the west coast of Vancouver Island, while staying true to the show's core values of survival and self-sufficiency. Only this time, we have an experienced team to learn from. This special will appeal to anyone who loves the outdoors, nature, and adventure.