The Best Hotels in Tofino, Canada

Right on the waterfront, rooms at Tofino Resort invite the outside in, with large windows and balconies looking out on Tofino Inlet or the rainforest. You’ll be well rested for the adventurous activities on offer, including freediving, sport fishing and wildlife watching. Have the 1909 Restaurant crew cook your catch, then meet the locals at the Hatch Waterfront Pub.

Part of the global Relais & Châteaux portfolio, the Wickaninnish Inn is an especially elegant choice. It is perched over the water, 4km (2.5mi) south of downtown Tofino. The well-appointed rooms and suites spread out over two buildings at this Tofino luxury hotel, with amenities ranging from binoculars for eagle spotting to bathtubs with a view, plus Helly Hansen raincoats and pants for your beach walks. The Pointe Restaurant, one of Canada’s finest eateries, has a panoramic view of the sea, and the Ancient Cedars Spa offers relaxation.

Set right on MacKenzie Beach, Ocean Village Resort has unbeatable access to surfing and sunsets. The rustic beehive-style cabins at this Tofino beach hotel are mere steps from the sand; the garden suites may lack views but are a great value. Other family-friendly amenities include water gear rentals, beach toys, an indoor pool and guest laundry.

The six geodesic domes of Wildpod Glamping offer a creative, comfortable way to do glamping in Tofino right. Each pod has a queen-size bed, kitchenette, propane fireplace and a private ocean-facing deck. Perched on a small peninsula just west of the city center, it’s a short stroll to a bike rental stand, art galleries and local food favorites, including the Common Loaf Bake Shop and Tofino Licks ice cream.

Still one of the most affordable hotels in Tofino, The Maq recently enjoyed a total makeover, with brand-new beds, smartly updated bathrooms and retro-chic decor. The onsite pub has live entertainment, or pick up something from the beer, wine and spirits store to enjoy in your room. When you book, ask about noise levels or views if those things matter to you.

Just 8km (5mi) south of Tofino, Cox Bay Beach Resort is set on a beautiful beach with condo-style accommodations, all with full kitchens and decks. The common areas – including a lookout lounge, library and fitness room – are perfect places to hide out when the weather turns foul. Activity options include onsite yoga classes and surf lesson packages.

Middle Beach Lodge spreads over 40 acres (16ha) south of Tofino, with a private beach, rugged headlands and miles of trails lending a remote, self-contained atmosphere. Guestrooms and suites are arrayed across two timbered lodges and 20 cabins, many built with lumber reclaimed from old buildings in Victoria. Spend your days stand up paddleboarding, whale watching or taking a boat tour to Hot Springs Cove.

Wya Point Resort is run by the Ucluelet First Nation on 600 acres (243ha) of old-growth forest. It is 33km (20.5mi) south of Tofino, making it a somewhat shorter drive from the east coast of Vancouver Island. Beachside and forest accommodations include luxury lodges, yurts in several sizes and campsites. Stay put or explore the nearby town of Ucluelet, a smaller, less touristy version of Tofino.

Chesterman Beach is a beloved vacation spot, south of Tofino. This small property is ideally positioned at the south end of the sandy expanse, perfect for beach walks spring through fall and storm watching in winter. Two suites (one grand, the other cozy) face the open ocean and a self-catering garden cottage is tucked nearby, but still close to the water.