Skip to content
Search
Vanity Fair Fashion
Business

Gallery: Frigid Perfection on Canada’s Western Shores

By Vanity Fair Fashion

Gallery: Frigid Perfection on Canada’s Western Shores

Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Generate Key Takeaways

Every time I see photos by Marcus Paladino, I’m reminded that Canada has serious potential for uncrowded, high-quality surf. Variety and quality lie north of the border. That is, if you don’t mind frigid water, long distances between breaks, and a lot of neoprene.

Few people are as entrenched in Canada’s surf scene as Marcus, a professional photographer from Vancouver Island but now based in Tofino. Whether it’s documenting established zones or pursuing northern frontiers with Pete Devries, Marcus has done it all at a high level for well over a decade.

Pete Devries on a wave that is part of the end section of the upcoming film <em>Creatures of Habit</em>. Stoked to have helped out with some water footage and stills for the project, which drops online soon, I believe.<p>Marcus Paladino</p>
Pete Devries on a wave that is part of the end section of the upcoming film Creatures of Habit. Stoked to have helped out with some water footage and stills for the project, which drops online soon, I believe.Marcus Paladino

"Marcus is always keen," Pete said. "That's one thing I've noticed over the years. He's always working hard to try different things and look for new angles even in spots we surf every day. And he's always up for an adventure. I've been working with him for close to 12 years, maybe more, and we've had some great trips together."

Despite fickle weather windows, tide swings and water that impairs your body’s motor functions, Marcus continues to fill up his hard drivers. What follows is a mix of images taken by him over the last year. A sprinkle of Vancouver Island, a bit of Tofino and some off-the-grid peaks deep in British Columbia.

This Tofino beach break is a full-on swell magnet. It maxes out fast in winter, but somehow always has a wave in the flat days of summer. As fickle as it gets for sure.<p>Marcus Paladino</p>
This Tofino beach break is a full-on swell magnet. It maxes out fast in winter, but somehow always has a wave in the flat days of summer. As fickle as it gets for sure.Marcus Paladino
Reed Platenius watching what could’ve been after taking a solid beating on the wave before, somewhere up the coast of Vancouver Island.<p>Marcus Paladino</p>
Reed Platenius watching what could’ve been after taking a solid beating on the wave before, somewhere up the coast of Vancouver Island.Marcus Paladino
Six hours of driving, three hours of hiking, for one hour of surfing. Pete Devries and I both know the grind is worth it for a little solitude. <p>Marcus Paladino</p>
Six hours of driving, three hours of hiking, for one hour of surfing. Pete Devries and I both know the grind is worth it for a little solitude. Marcus Paladino
Kalum Temple: boat captain, oyster farmer, national champ, and absolute tube hound when it’s on.<p>Marcus Paladino</p>
Kalum Temple: boat captain, oyster farmer, national champ, and absolute tube hound when it’s on.Marcus Paladino
A good mission up here starts with a good boat. The great ones? When the heater’s on and the sun’s out mid-winter. Shot this image with our captain at the wheel and Reed Platenius putting on a backhand clinic.<p>Marcus Paladino</p>
A good mission up here starts with a good boat. The great ones? When the heater’s on and the sun’s out mid-winter. Shot this image with our captain at the wheel and Reed Platenius putting on a backhand clinic.Marcus Paladino
Trying to keep Pete Devries in frame without getting my head taken off, it’s a delicate balance.<p>Marcus Paladino</p>
Trying to keep Pete Devries in frame without getting my head taken off, it’s a delicate balance.Marcus Paladino
Pete Devries, tucked away in a cold-water drainer close to home. Exactly where he wants to be. The older he gets, the more he loves getting barreled with no one around — well, except for me down the line hollering, of course.<p>Marcus Paladino</p>
Pete Devries, tucked away in a cold-water drainer close to home. Exactly where he wants to be. The older he gets, the more he loves getting barreled with no one around — well, except for me down the line hollering, of course.Marcus Paladino

Related: Rugged, Raw, and Beautiful: Canada by Marcus Paladino (Photos)

Gallery: Frigid Perfection on Canada’s Western Shores first appeared on Surfer on Jul 9, 2025

Originally published by yahoo.com. Syndicated material does not necessarily reflect the views of Vanity Fair Fashion.

More Business