Accommodations

Tofino [1] boasts plenty of excellent accommodations, both in town and south along the beach-fringed coastline. But getting a room or campsite in summer can be difficult if you just turn up, so book as far ahead as possible.

Tofino’s least expensive accommodation is Whalers on the Point Guesthouse (81 West St., 250/725-3443, www.tofinohostel.com [2], dorm $32, $90–100 s or d). Affiliated with Hostelling International, it is a stylish log structure with a stunning waterfront location, of which the communal lounge area takes full advantage. Other facilities include a modern kitchen, wireless Internet, laundry, large deck with a barbecue, game room, and bike rentals.

Out of town to the south are a number of oceanfront resorts. Of these, Middle Beach Lodge (250/725-2900 or 866/725-2900, www.middlebeach.com [3], $140–400 s or d) does the best job of combining a unique west coast experience with reasonable prices. It comprises two distinct complexes: At the Beach, more intimate and with its own private beach, and At the Headland, with luxurious self-contained chalets built along the top of a rugged headland. A short trail links the two and guests are welcome to wander between them. Outdoor settings are scattered throughout the property.

Cable Cove Inn (201 Main St., 250/725-4236 or 800/663-6449, www.cablecoveinn.com [4], $225–340 s or d) has a main street address, but you’d never know it sitting on the private deck of your ocean-facing room. It’s tucked away in a quiet location overlooking a small cove, yet it’s only a two-minute walk from the center of town. Well furnished in a casual yet elegant style, each of the six rooms features a private deck and a fireplace.

You’ll find cheaper places to stay in Tofino [1], but you won’t find a lodge like Pacific Sands Beach Resort (Cox Bay, 250/725-3322 or 800/565-2322, www.pacificsands.com [5], $295–650 s or d), which is perfect for families and outdoorsy types who want to kick back for a few days. Set right on a popular surfing beach eight kilometers (five miles) south of town, guest units come in a variety of configurations, starting with one-bedroom, kitchen-equipped suites. Some of these have a prime beachfront location—ask when booking. The best units are the newest—two-level timber-frame villas equipped with everything from surfboard racks to stainless steel kitchen appliances.

The Wickaninnish Inn (Osprey Lane, Chesterman Beach, 250/725-3100, www.wickinn.com [6], from $480 s or d) is justifiably regarded as one of the world’s great resorts. Just for good measure, the in-house Pointe Restaurant is lauded in a similar manner. Designed to complement the rainforest setting, the exterior post-and-beam construction is big and bold, while the interior oozes west coast elegance. Public areas such as the restaurant, an upscale lounge, a relaxing library, and a downstairs TV room (plasma, of course) make the resort feel like a world unto its self. But it’s the guest rooms that will wow you. Spread through two wings, all of the 76 rooms overflow with amenities including fireplaces, oversized soaker tubs, super-comfortable beds, and captivating ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The Wickaninnish is a five-minute drive south of Tofino, but who cares? You won’t want to leave.