Outside magazine, an American magazine about outdoor recreation, has called Tofino, B.C., "the best surf town in North America" as a part of its 2010 Editors' Choice Awards.
"I was a little surprised, but I agree with them," said Peter Devries, Canada's top surfer and the winner of the 2009 O'Neill Cold Water Classic Canada competition. "It's a great place to surf."
Devries, who resides in Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island, told ctvbc.ca that, based on his previous experience, he would expect an American town with a long- standing surf history, such as Huntington Beach or Santa Cruz, to be recognized in such a ranking.
Lynda Kaye, Tourism Tofino's Media Relations Manager, told ctvbc.ca that the recognition reflects Tofino's growing prominence.
"Worldwide awareness of Tofino as a destination is growing because we have some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet and people are starting to realize it," she said. "It really is a world-class, year-round destination."
Both Kaye and Devries noted that the 2009 O'Neill Coldwater Classic Canada put Tofino on the international map as a surfing destination.
The event attracted more than 140 of the world's top surfers, along with international media coverage.
