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If you’re feeling the call to explore the coast of beautiful Vancouver Island, you’ve come to the right place. This guide on where to stay in Tofino will help you pick the best spot to kick back and relax, try your hand at the surf, head out in search of bears or whales, or just soak up the very best of beautiful British Columbia’s scenery that’s here. The only problem – you might never want to leave!
Mention the words “Vancouver Island” and one of the first places that probably comes to mind is picture-perfect Tofino. It’s one of the best places to visit on Vancouver Island for good reason. We’ve visited Tofino lots, especially while living in Vancouver, and writing this guide to the best places to stay in Tofino has me dreaming of the ocean and wishing I could teleport back!
Tofino is Canada’s premier surfing destination and whether you’re dreaming of Tofino cabins to spend long summer days by the ocean in, or want to find an ecolodge Tofino getaway, this guide to where to stay in Tofino will answer all your Tofino accommodation questions for your trip!
So without further ado, here’s what you need to know to find the best place to stay in Tofino!
Don’t have time to read the full article? If you want to book a hotel in Tofino right now, we love the beachside location of the Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort or the Tofino Motel Harbourview where all the rooms have balconies with an ocean view!
Choosing the Best Accommodations in Tofino


One of the first things to be aware of when pondering the question of where to stay in Tofino is that accommodation here gets booked up really quickly. So if you’re dreaming of that summer by the beach here (or even winter!), you’ll need to act fast. And if you’re road-tripping through Vancouver Island, you’ll want to make sure you have a cozy place to crash after a long day of driving.
Weekends are especially busy. I recommend planning to come mid-week if you can to have a better chance of finding more Tofino rental cabins, hotels, and resorts available for you to take your pick from.
Prices for Tofino cabin rentals and hotels alike can go sky-high during summer and when it comes to cheap Tofino hotels, options get booked up quickly or can be harder to find.
Best Areas to Stay in Tofino

Tofino Village
Tofino itself is a small town with a population of just a few thousand (which of course swells dramatically during the summer months). The town (or village) of Tofino is small, and located on the very tip of the peninsula, so if you want to be within walking distance of pubs, shops and restaurants, this is a great area to stay in – although here you’re not on the beach.
Tofino Beaches
Many people ask which the best beach in Tofino is (there are several), and when it comes to where to stay in Tofino, there are some simply incredible beach-front resorts and cabins. You’ll find plenty of cool places to stay on Vancouver Island here complete with oceanfront hot tubs and ocean-facing decks – perfect for sunbathing or storm watching – if you are coming prepared to splurge, that is!
Beachfront Tofino accommodation spans from Long Beach in the south up to Tonquin Beach in the north. The southern beaches are a quick drive into town (but not an easy walk), whereas the northern beaches such as Tonquin, Middle Beach, and MacKenzie Beach are all an easy walk into town.
If you’re looking for the best resort in Tofino with plenty of privacy and seclusion, then some of the beaches offer good options for just this.

Jensen Bay
Located across the peninsula, Jensen Bay faces over the water looking back towards the mainland – offering beautiful water views, but more sheltered than the wild westerly facing ones on the western coast. A short drive from Tofino, Jensen Bay has some lovely accommodation options including the eco-friendly Black Bear Guesthouse which has a relaxing and homely vibe.
Ucluelet
A more budget-friendly location is nearby Ucluelet (pronounced “you-clue-let” if you’re wondering!). Ucluelet is just down the coast along Long Beach and an easy 35-minute drive to Tofino. This is a charming small town that’s quieter and a nice change of pace from Tofino. Chances are if Tofino hotels are fully booked up, you’ll be able to find something here! One of our favorite options here is the cozy and affordable Ukee Peninsula Motel.
Related Read: If you’re coming from the mainland, check out our guide on how to get from Vancouver to Tofino including the best road trip stops!
Tofino Accommodation Reviews
1. Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort


Best for – Beachside breaks with an ocean view
The Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort is a Tofino hotel that offers a great feeling of space, as all rooms overlook Mackenzie Beach and have patio doors leading onto a terrace or balcony. All accommodation comes with free WiFi throughout, a flatscreen TV, and a mini fridge. A daily breakfast is included in the room rates.
A good range of amenities at this property places it above other resorts in Tofino. In addition to a waterside restaurant and lounge, there is a surf shop, gym, hot tub, and laundry facilities. The hotel is decorated in a contemporary style throughout, with cool grays, warm woods, and pops of color.
We think the relaxed coastal feel, modern decor, and great facilities here combine to make this resort an all-rounder and one of the best places to stay in Tofino! The beachside location is unbeatable, and surfing and paddling equipment can be supplied.
Rooms typically range from $250-$300 CAD, but can go over $500 CAD in the busy summer months.
Check rates and availability for Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort here!
2. Seafarers Bed & Breakfast


Best for – Warm welcome and the best breakfast
If you prefer properties with a more intimate feel, Seafarers Bed & Breakfast could be the pick of the hotels in Tofino for you. Hostess Maria extends a warm welcome to all guests and serves up a delicious breakfast each morning.
There are just two spacious rooms on-site – a King and a Queen. The former has an extra large double plus a sofa bed, while the latter has a single in addition to the large double. Both have a pleasant garden outlook and spa baths for that lazy, post-beach soak.
Seafarers B&B in Tofino is ideal for those seeking a home-from-home atmosphere and a beach within a couple of minutes’ walk. Past guests recommend the incredible breakfast, watching the sunset, and the cleanliness here in particular.
In the spring, you can snag a room for under $200 CAD, while in the summer/fall, it’s around $400 CAD. But remember that rate includes an amazing, homemade breakfast!
Check rates and availability for Seafarers Bed & Breakfast here!
3. Sienna’s Tree House (Tall Trees and Salty Breeze)
Best for – Space, seclusion and self-catering facilities
Sometimes the option of self-catering and a little more space is just what you want. If that sounds like your ideal vacation, Sienna’s Tree House provides lodging in Tofino in two private apartments.
A one-bedroom unit with a kitchenette or a two-bedroom apartment complete with a full kitchen and dishwasher are the options for your stay in Tofino. Both come with the use of a barbecue, free WiFi, and flatscreen TV.
All accommodation is clean, modern, and decorated with a subtle coastal theme. The tall trees surrounding the property screen it from view somewhat and provide a feeling of seclusion. Hiking trails are easy to access from here, and the beach is just over five minutes away on foot.
Summer dates book up months in advance, but if you can grab one, rates start at $286 CAD per night.
Check rates and availability for Sienna’s Tree House here now!
Related Read: While you’re here, check out the best whale watching tours on Vancouver Island and see how many you can spot!
4. Hotel Zed Tofino


Best for – Fun facilities and a retro feel
The colorful, four-star Hotel Zed Tofino is near Chesterman Beach and offers all the amenities you might expect from larger hotels in Tofino. There’s private parking, a restaurant and bar plus a lounge, and of course free WiFi throughout.
A 24-hour front desk and concierge service can help your stay run as smoothly as possible, while making sure it’s also an enjoyable experience. There’s a hot tub, table tennis zone, sauna, and even karaoke! Hotel Zed is a one-off among Tofino resorts for sure.
We love the cool retro vibe that really makes this place stand out, and there are plenty of fun features like classic cars, arcade games, and quirky accessories. Even the room names are playful and will appeal if you fancy being King for a Night or Queen of the Sky. (Who wouldn’t?!).
Rates start at $250-$300 CAD, but book quickly as summer prices can be double that as the cheaper options get booked up first.
Check rates and availability for Hotel Zed here now!
5. Sienna’s Harbour House
Best for – Beautiful beaches and bird watching
Harbor by name and harbor by nature – Sienna’s Harbour House is right by the ocean and there are water and mountain views. Overseen by experienced host Sienna – who owns several local guest properties – this large apartment offers over 1,150 square feet (106 square meters) of living space.
If you’d rather have the place to yourself than book into a Tofino, BC hotel then get in quick – all Sienna’s apartments tend to book up fast. With two bedrooms, lounge and dining areas, and a full kitchen, this is possibly the best place to stay in Tofino for a small group or family, and can easily accommodate six guests.
Though the location is peaceful, guests staying here have easy access to the restaurants and shops of Tofino while enjoying all the natural attractions of the hiking trails, beaches, and wildlife. As well as stupendous views, you can even indulge in a spot of bird watching from your accommodation.
Rates start at $400-$500 CAD and book up quickly. But remember, this is for a whole apartment to yourself!
Check rates and availability for Sienna’s Harbour House here now!
6. Tofino Motel Harborview

Best for – Harbour vibes and glorious garden
If you’re seeking the rustic feel of a Tofino cabin but would prefer more space and facilities, take a look at the Tofino Motel Harbourview. The main building is like one big, blue-painted coastal cabin, but offers spacious, well-equipped accommodation in a range of large rooms.
Each has a balcony offering views over Clayoquot Sound, and guests can walk down a delightful rainforest trail to reach Tonquin Beach. Something perhaps just as unexpected at this Tofino motel is the glorious garden setting, and you can even picnic at a table by the Sound here.
Some rooms at Tofino Motel Harbourview have kitchenettes, and all come with a coffee machine, fridge, microwave, free WiFi, and cable TV. With rooms sleeping two, three, or four, we rank this place among the best resorts in Tofino for families.
If you’re willing to come outside of peak season, rooms start as low as $115 CAD per night, but rise to around the $300-$400 CAD mark in the summer months.
Check rates and availability at Tofino Motel Harborview here now!
6. Himwitsa Lodge

Best for – First Nations friendliness and central location
Located on Main Street, Himwitsa Lodge is the ideal spot for anyone who likes having instant access to downtown amenities. How many other hotels in Tofino, British Columbia can boast an art gallery on-site? There’s also a restaurant and store selling local smoked fish.
In fact, Himwitsa Lodge is First Nations-owned and occupies one of those classic cabins in Tofino that’s actually surprisingly spacious inside. Each room has two double beds or one double plus a sofa bed, and even the smaller ones offer 450 square feet (41 square meters) of space, including a kitchenette. The larger suites offer 750 feet (70 square meters) and have complete kitchens.
With free parking, family rooms, and amenities like coffee machines, flatscreen TVs, and complimentary WiFi, Himwitsa Lodge offers comfort and convenience as well as some of the best Tofino lodging around. Rooms start at $295 CAD, with higher rates in the summer.
Check rates and availability at Himwitsa Lodge here!
7. Island Village Properties at Fred Tibbs

Best for – Access to the water and town center
Island Village Properties at Fred Tibbs is one of the best hotels in Tofino for getting out on the water – which is why we (and so many others) come to Tofino in the first place! Staying here means you can easily launch a canoe or kayak from the small beach right beside the hotel. A range of studios and lofts is available here, sleeping up to four in each.
All apartments come with a complete kitchen, so it’s easy to cook up your own casual seafood feast after an active or relaxing day. This can then be eaten al fresco if desired, as all accommodation comes with an outdoor terrace or balcony. And let me tell you, this is dining with a view as all accommodations face either the ocean or mountains!
Rooms are simply styled, with authentic coastal touches like surfboards on the walls. Whether you want to step onto a boat or stroll into town, everything you could wish for is also close by. Room rates hover around the $235 CAD mark in the off-season and start more around $400 CAD in the summer.
Check rates and availability at Island Village properties now!
Related Read: If you’re looking for an extended trip on the island, check out our 10-day Vancouver Island itinerary full of all the places you don’t want to miss!
8. Ukee Peninsula Motel
Best for – Great value stay with restaurant and bar
A good budget-friendly accommodation option in nearby Ucluelet, Ukee Peninsula Motel is located within a five-minute walk of Ucluelet Aquarium, and conveniently offers an on-site bar and restaurant. Long Beach and Tofino are just up the coast from Ucluelet, so it’s easy to explore the entire area when staying here.
While rooms here are a little smaller than at other Tofino hotels, the room rates offer great value for money and all have either two doubles or a sofa bed. Free WiFi, microwaves, flat-screen TVs, fridges, and coffee machines are supplied for guest comfort, and the en-suite bathrooms come complete with complimentary toiletries.
This motel offers clean, well-kept accommodations in the Tofino-Ucluelet area. We think it’s perfect if you’re looking for a great room rate in a charming coastal town. It’s also by far the cheapest hotel on our list so far with rooms starting at only $119 CAD.
Check rates and availability at Ukee Peninsula Motel here now!
9. Black Bear Guesthouse

Best for – Local wildlife and nearby beach
Last but definitely not least, the Black Bear Guesthouse is one of those rare places that seems to have it all. Guests staying at this accommodation in Tofino, BC can walk to the beach in a couple of minutes, enjoy spotting wildlife, and take advantage of some lovely little extras supplied by the thoughtful local hosts.
You’ll have to book early if you want to take advantage of all this superb property has to offer! Further highlights include Clayoquot Sound views, board games plus DVDs and books, and use of the owners’ waterfront terrace. Wildlife such as seals, otters, and bald eagles are often spotted nearby.
With a much more homely ambiance than some other hotels in Tofino, BC, the Black Bear Guesthouse comes highly recommended. There’s a suite with a hot tub offered here too – should you manage to snap it up quickly enough!
There is a minimum length of stay of two nights which costs between $350-$650 CAD (for both nights) depending on the time of year.
Hurry – Check rates and availability at the Black Bear Guesthouse now!
Haven’t found quite what you’re looking for?
Worry not – you can search all Tofino accommodations here on Booking.com.
Renting a Car in British Columbia

If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!

Tofino is one of our all-time favorite getaways in British Columbia. Whether we’re surfing, enjoying a craft beer (or two!), or just soaking up those coastal views, it seems like we can never spend enough time here. Hopefully, you found the perfect place to stay in Tofino after reading our recommendations!
If you need more inspiration for your trip, check out our other Vancouver Island blogs. We have road trip itineraries, top tours, and hidden gems for you to explore! Here are a couple popular blogs I think you might find helpful:
14 BEST Stops on the Drive from Nanaimo to Tofino
12 Things to KNOW About Visiting the Malahat Skywalk, Vancouver Island
The BEST Tours to Tofino from Vancouver
How to Spend ONE Day in Victoria, BC: An Ideal 1-Day Itinerary