Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Under $50
Tofino's least expensive accommodation is
Whalers on the Point Guesthouse
(81 West
St., 250/725-3443,
www.tofinohostel.com
, dorms $34, $90-100 s or d). Affiliated with
Hostelling International, it is a world away from hostels of old, appealing to all travelers.
The building 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,
laundry room, large deck with a barbecue, free wireless Internet, game room, and bike
rentals.
$100-150
OfTofino'sregularmotels,leastexpensiveisthe
Dolphin Motel
(1190PacificRimHwy.,
250/725-3377,
www.dolphinmotel.ca
,
$115-159 s or d), on the road into town. The 14
rooms each have a fridge and wireless Internet while out front is a barbeque area.
As you continue into town beyond the Dolphin Motel,
Tofino Swell Lodge
(341
Olsen Rd., 250/725-3274,
www.tofinoswell.com
,
$150 s or d; no credit cards) is above a
busy marina. This seven-room motel offers well-decorated rooms, shared use of a fully
equipped kitchen and living room (complete with stereo, TV, and telescope), and pleas-
ant gardens with incredible views of Tofino Inlet, tree-covered Meares Island, and distant
snowcapped mountains.
Out of town to the south are several oceanfront resorts. Of these,
M
Middle Beach
Lodge
(on Mackenzie Beach Road, 250/725-2900 or 866/725-2900,
www.middlebeach.com
, $150-410 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, with its own private beach; and the other, At the Headlands, with
luxuriousself-containedchaletsbuiltalongthetopofaruggedheadland.Ashorttraillinks
the two, and guests are welcome to wander between them. Rates for At the Beach start at
$150, ocean views and a balcony from $200, and all rates include a gourmet continental
breakfast served in a magnificent common room. Rates for At the Headlands start at $165,
rising to over $400 for a freestanding cabin. This part of the complex has a restaurant with
a table d'hôte menu offered nightly.
