Author
Vivian Chung
Situated on the west coast of British Columbia's Vancouver Island, Tofino is a sleepy fishing village best known for its surf, food scene, and access to unmatched nature. Surrounded by islands, mountains, and the sea, the natural landscape is made up largely of sand and pebble beaches and ancient rainforests, making Tofino a year-round destination for outdoor adventurers—while the town sees an uptick of beach bums and hikers in the summer months, storm watchers and surfers make Tofino their top destination in the fall and winter months.
Getting to Tofino requires some effort, but it’s worth it. From the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal on the mainland south of Vancouver, it’s a 90-minute ferry ride to Swartz Bay Terminal north of Victoria, followed by a 4.5-hour drive to Tofino. Or if you’re feeling spendy, you could always splash out on a seaplane ride and get there in just 45 minutes from Vancouver International Airport.
Anyone who's visited Vancouver Island will tell you the journey's worth it. Once there, you're free to play in the ocean and explore Clayoquot Sound by kayak, spot gray and humpback whales traverse the waters, or hike through forests thick with old growth Douglas fir, Western red cedar, Sitka spruce. And after a day of surfing and adventuring along the rocky shorelines, take part in a local Tofino tradition by heading to the original Tacofino truck and gorging on fish tacos.
While Tofino is small and remote, there are plenty of great Airbnb cabins and other vacation rentals to stay at once there. Whether you’re staying in Tofino proper or the nearby and equally cool town of Ucluelet, here are the 11 best Airbnb surf shacks, cabins, and cottages to call home during a Tofino vacation.
11 Best Tofino Airbnbs, Surf Hotels & Vacation Cabin Rentals
The Shoreline — Tofino, BC
Vibe: Oceanfront Cool
Built in the late 1960s, this oceanfront resort in Tofino oozes old-school cabin vibes. The Shoreline consists of two A-frame cabins and an A-frame house, each of which offers a distinct feel ranging from retro to boho chic. For the ultimate getaway, splurge for the A-frame house. With a master king room downstairs, a queen bedroom on the main floor and two single beds in the loft, this rental is perfect for groups of six. Check in here to take in the dramatic views of old-growth cedars against the ocean from its two private decks and enjoy nature knowing you have an outdoor shower, hot tub, and extra-large wood stove to come home to. The town center is a 10-minute stroll away, and other spots like Tonquin Beach, Chesterman Beach, and Cox Bay Beach are an easy drive.
Rate: $327/night
Treehouse at Middle Beach Lodge — Tofino, BC
Vibe: Beach Lover's Oasis
Though Middle Beach Lodge is a resort, its 40 acres of land will still give you that secluded feel, no matter which accommodation option you go with. Whether it’s a single or duplex cabin, or a suite, you’ll have access to almost a mile of secluded beach. For both forest and ocean views, get the treehouse. It also has a queen bed, balcony, kitchenette and gas fireplace to make this your most comfortable stay.
Rate: $311/night for the treehouse
Cabin at Ocean Village Resort — Tofino, BC
Vibe: Surfer Fun
The Ocean Village Resort offers a smattering of cabin options, but whether you go with the oceanfront studios (beachfront) or ocean-view suites (behind the oceanfront studios), you’ll be less than 100 feet from the surf. The upper suites have a private balcony for ocean views, while the lower suites come with a picnic table. For groups of four or six, consider their one or two-bedroom cabins, each of which comes with a fireplace, full kitchen, full-size tub and a queen-size pull-out sofa in the living room. If you didn't bring your own board, Tofino Paddle Surf is right next door with rentals and lessons.
Rate: $342/night
Wooden Waves — Tofino, BC
Vibe: Rainforest Contemporary
Custom built, Wooden Waves sits on its own acre of Canadian rainforest close to South Chesterman and Cox Bay beaches. The timber frame home comes with a fully equipped kitchen, plus heated floors and a generously sized soaker tub. If you’re here on a rainy day, hang out in the covered outdoor space. If you’re looking to explore, then hit the bike path out front, which connects downtown Tofino to Long Beach.
Rate: $302/night
The Peaks — Tofino, BC
Vibe: Mod Beach House
Sleek meets modern at The Peaks, a three-bedroom surf shack nearby Chesterman Beach. The private master bedroom has a comfy queen bed and soaker tub, and the top floor has two bedrooms, one with a queen and the other with two twin beds. Altogether, this property comfortably sleeps six (or more—it's pet-friendly). After a day of riding the waves or exploring places like Cedarwood Cove and the Naa'Waya'Sum Gardens (formerly the Tofino Botanical Gardens), rinse off in the outdoor shower, or follow the heated concrete floors to the entrance of the home. Then fire up the propane grill and dine al fresco on the patio, which also houses the six-person private hot tub.
Rate: $535/night
Casita Tofino — Tofino, BC
Vibe: Dreamy Hideout
Don’t let the smartphone photos deter you. This one-bedroom Airbnb cabin in the rainforest is hand built with cedar and balsam sourced onsite. Its picture windows look out into the woods and fill the space with ample natural light, plus its high ceilings give it an airy feel. Make your meals in the fully appointed kitchen and rest on the comfy queen-size bed after a day of adventures. Situated between Chesterman and Cox Bay beaches, this cabin is built for surfers, and it’s equipped with an outdoor shower and a space to store surfboards. Take advantage of the property’s bicycles to explore the town, too.
Rate: $146/night
Salt Water Retreat — Ucluelet, BC
Vibe: Scandi Dream
Owned by pro snowboarders Leanne Pelosi and Jeff Keenan, this Scandinavian-style Airbnb cabin enjoys an acre of land on Hyphocus Island on the Ucluelet Inlet. Practice morning yoga on the ocean-facing deck, and with any luck, you’ll see seals bob alongside fishing boats. After a day of surfing, retreat to the sauna or Japanese Ofuro hot tub, then warm up by the firepit or fire up your dinner on the grill.
Rate: $214/night
Earth Home in the Rainforest — Ucluelet, BC
Vibe: Wonderfully Whimsical
Owned and lovingly hand-built by Canadian pro snowboarder Marie-France Roy, this cob home guest house serves as a whimsical escape into the woods. Its distinct curved walls and rounded structure is made of a mixture of sand, straw, and clay, and expertly shaped from the ground up. Its interiors feature recycled materials like driftwood and upcycled bottles, plus a wood stove. This tiny home is about 400 square feet, and its ground floor has a kitchen and bright living space, plus a loft with a queen bed where you can fall asleep to views of the inlet. Its outhouse is full-size with a skylight above the vintage clawfoot tub and toilet. But rest assured that with super fast wifi, this unique Tofino Airbnb isn't all rustic.
Rate: $190/night
Warung Ombak — Ucluelet, BC
Vibe: Mellow Hideaway
Those looking for a tranquil getaway will appreciate this centrally located and low-key space in Ucluelet. The owners live on site but the private suite boasts its own separate entrance. The kitchen is equipped with an espresso machine, kettle, toaster, mini fridge and hot plate, which means you’ll have all the amenities you need to cook up a simple meal to enjoy in the forested backyard. There's also a fire pit in the backyard and a covered area to hang up your wetsuit after surfing. The location is unbeatable and is within walking distance of the Wild Pacific Trail and beaches while still being close to restaurants and grocery stores.
Rate: $101/night
Inn Charter — Ucluelet, BC
Vibe: All Aboard
For a less conventional stay, this floating bed and breakfast is anchored in Ucluelet Inlet this season. With six staterooms, a main saloon, wood burning fireplace, an ocean-view bar and a generously sized sun deck, this 1920s boat comfortably charters 12 for an epic family getaway. The fee also includes an onboard cook who crafts freshly made breakfasts and dinners each day. Make use of the free kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and rowboats, and relax in the floating wood-burning sauna.
Rate: From $938/night
The Cocoon — Ucluelet, BC
Vibe: Couple's R&R
The Cocoon is aptly named for its coziness. The kitchenette on the main floor of this Ucluelet Airbnb is well equipped with an electric kettle, microwave, mini fridge and freezer, and the loft bedroom comes with a queen size bed that overlooks the garden. For those who are itching to explore, set out for the nearby 1.8-mile Lighthouse Loop, and find solace in watching the waves crash against the Pacific coastline.
Rate: $98/night
Published 10-17-2022
