Tofino Accommodation: Then to Now
When the first public access road opened to Tofino in 1964, there wasn’t much to the small town at its end. The gravel, pot-holed endeavor terminated in a remote village that was surrounded by untouched, rugged beauty. Wild animals owned the towering forests, and sleeping options were limited. However, with the development of the Pacific Rim Park and the eventual pavement of that gravel road in 1972, Tofino’s explosion as a tourism hotspot was inevitable.
Photo by: B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Today, there are numerous ways to experience the wild beauty of the west coast of Vancouver Island. Luxury resorts, hotels and vacation rentals are a far cry from Tofino’s exposed beginnings endured by the surf bums, hippies and workers of the past. At the same time, cabins and beachy campgrounds cater to those who seek the adventure and wilderness of Tofino’s humble start.
Photo by: Ruth Hartnup
Do you want the best of both luxury and nature? Do those two things even go together? In Tofino, they do. Ocean view patios and post-surf hot tubs make up the amenities of some of the top accommodation options in Tofino. Spas that let you relax to the natural cadence of crashing waves beckon from the main road to town. The intimacy of the temperate rainforest exists in secluded, luxury cabins and vacation rentals tucked away off the main drag. Resorts and hotels open up to private beaches. Five-star restaurants overlook six-star views and beach sunsets with glasses of bubbly create the perfect, romantic evening.
Not quite your thing? Affordable hostels with community living spaces, campgrounds off the beaten path, surf spots and rugged hiking trails provide a budget-friendly, adventure worthy escape. Tofino’s downtown is now an eclectic mixture of avid surfers, foragers and adventurers revelling in the wild lifestyle and upscale spa-goers seeking seaside serenity. Tofino even caters to families with plenty of kid-friendly resorts, hotels and activities that can fit any budget. Enjoy picnics on the beach, whale watching expeditions, fishing charters, surf lessons, or board a floatplane to witness the west coast’s beauty from above.
It’s undeniable that Tofino has grown since that first, long gravel road to paradise. With so many options for accommodation, activities, interests and budgets, why wouldn’t it?
If you’re looking at coming out to Tofino for the last of the long summer days, want to plan for 2018, or are thinking about checking out storm season, visit our accommodation page to explore the options and find the perfect place for you!
For some great vacation rental options, visit www.vancouverislandvr.com!
Contributed by: Laurissa Cebryk
