July 29, 2025
Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground: Where Your Adventure Begins
By Erin Linn McMullan
Nothing is more exhilarating than waking up to the sound of the surf whether you’re nestled in the rainforest at Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground in Tofino next door to Tin Wis or on Vargas Island’s gorgeous white sand beaches in the Ahousaht haḥuułii with panoramic views of Clayoquot Sound. With Stay & Paddle, a collaboration between Tsawaak and Paddle West Kayaking you can experience both.
“I think Vargas is one of the most special places in BC because of a), its remoteness, but b), its proximity to a town,” says Sam Cutcliffe, Paddle West’s Communications Manager and an avid paddler himself. “There’s not many places that you can paddle out and within two hours be on fully remote beaches with nobody else around, just you. It’s really an incredible place.”
On this 2-night, 3-day guided kayak expedition you’ll explore the Sound, camping and savouring delicious meals on remote beaches such as Ahous Bay or Dick and Jane’s.
Sam describes Ahous Bay as an absolutely huge sweeping beach and prime feeding for Grey whales, known in Nuu-chah-nulth as Ihtuup. “Sometimes you’ll be at camp, and they’ll just be milling around feeding all day long.” More often, there are sea lions, seals, and porpoises expelling breath with a soft whoosh. An incredible experience while cooking dinner and watching the sunset.
That immersion in nature rarely experienced except virtually in nature documentaries is the big draw. Each day focuses on enjoying the journey as you spot marine life on sea and shore, rock walls vibrant with sea stars and anemone, miniature crabs camouflaged amidst kelp, all while chatting and getting to know each other. If you’re very lucky, you may even see humpbacks which feed here in summer and resident kakaw̓in (orcas).
Typically, you can expect 4–6 hours of paddling per day with beach breaks and snack breaks but as Sam points out “if you’re an active person you’ll easily adapt to paddling.” A pre-trip consultation matches you with a dynamic group who share your pace.
Vargas is the perfect size to circumnavigate over three days. In the morning, you leave your first camp around 10 a.m. and arrive at the next camp by 4 p.m. “But part of the reason we’re there is to go enjoy these remote places, go for walks, enjoy the beach, watch the sunset, eat food, go for a swim.”
Dick and Jane’s is a smaller beach similar in size to Cox Bay. It faces Flores Island and Catface Mountain. With the sun setting directly off it, it offers “some of the best views, the best sunsets that you can find in Tofino.”
Private tours can be customized, explains Sam, if families with small children or groups prefer staying at a single basecamp.
“You are on a backcountry expedition but we are introducing as much comfort as there can be.
“Hot coffee on the beach is one of life’s biggest pleasures,” says Sam, adding, “a meal that would taste really good in your kitchen is going to taste 10 times better whenever it’s cooked on the beach, just for the wow factor. For a lot of people, it’s their first time doing that… it might be their first time sleeping in a tent.”
Camp fare exceeds expectations with West Coast-inspired meals using super-high-quality ingredients prepared ahead by Ryan Rogers, Paddle West’s owner, who is a great chef. Breakfast ranges from bacon and eggs to egg-and-avocado breakfast sandwiches, granola with fruit and yogurt; lunch may be salmon chowder and sandwich or a salad (quinoa or beet); dinner features a charcuterie board and signature dishes like Mexican-style tacos or even fresh-caught fish.
“Our guides are always trying to go above and beyond for that authentic experience. We’re only having fun if you’re having fun.”
Sam expresses gratitude to the Ahousaht People for allowing visitors, emphasizing that a $15 per day fee included in this package helps support continued stewardship.
Whether you’re driving into Tofino on a longer road trip, picking up your all-in-one rooftop tent and vehicle rental at Hullo Ferries terminal or flying here, simply pack your personal clothes and rent all your Vargas camping gear.
Pre-expedition, you’ll get a great night’s sleep in your tent, RV, or longhouse at Tsawaak then return for two nights to enjoy Tofino and revel in your memories around a propane firepit under the t̓at̓uus (stars) in the night hiłaayił (sky).
Craving more time on the water? Mid-August to mid-September is prime viewing for bioluminescence with a beginner-friendly Discover the Night Tour. Wearing a headlight, kayaking across the harbour where every paddle stroke and the entire wake is lit up is indescribable—starry sky above mirrored in starry waters below.
That’s why you’re coming to Tofino, suggests Sam, whether it’s the bioluminescence experience or Vargas tour, for that rare glimpse into a world you’ve never seen.
Offers and Promotions
💤 Best Western Rewards
Book online and stay 3 nights between May 12–September 1, 2025 to receive $50 off (10,000 points) toward a future stay.
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🔥 Tuff City Saunas – 15% Off Onsite
Enjoy a sauna session at the newest location of Tuff City Saunas onsite at Tin Wis.
Use the discount code and present your Tin Wis Bonus Card when booking.
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🏄♂️ Tofino Paddle Surf – 10% Off
- 10% off online bookings year-round (daily 9 a.m.–7 p.m.)
- Celebrate summer with a Sunset paddle.
📩 Contact: info@tofinopaddlesurf.com | 📞 250-244-6399
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🚴 T̓iick̓in (T-Bird) Ebikes
- $90 for Ebike rentals 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Book through Tin Wis Resort using PROMO CODE TINWIS2025.
🧘 Beach & SUP Yoga with Tofino Yoga
- Beach Yoga: Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun @ 9 a.m.
- Sunset Beach Yoga: Wed & Sun @ 7:30 p.m.
- Beach Fitness Classes: Mon & Fri @ 7:30 a.m. Wed @ 9 a.m.
- SUP Yoga: Wed & Fri, 9–10:30 a.m.
💡 Use code TINWIS at checkout for local/seasonal worker rates.
✨ Always free for First Nations guests.
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🐋 Ahous Adventures – 10% Off Tours
Book through our Guest Services team to receive 10% off tours with Ahous Adventures.
📍 Visit them at 368 Main Street, Unit 313, Tofino
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✈️ Tofino Air – $25 Off the Sand to Summit Tour
Guests receive $25 off this stunning seaplane tour.
📞 Book by calling 250-725-4454
📍 First Street Dock, Tofino Harbour
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🍕 Browns Socialhouse Tofino – Dine & Unwind
- Daily buffet breakfast: 7–10 a.m.
- Take-out combo: Pizza + 6-pack or wine for $39.99
- Open Mic Mondays on the dog-friendly patio: 6:30–10:30 p.m.
🎉 Social Hour 2–5 p.m. daily.
👉 Order & Reserve Online
🍦 Chocolate Tofino – 10% Off Gelato & Sorbet
Receive 10% off handmade treats.
🍫 Non-dairy, nut-free & gluten-free options available
Show your Bonus Card at checkout.
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💆 In-Room Massage Therapy with Alkålign Coastal Spa
Experience the ultimate relaxation with in-room massage from Lauren Powers, RMT, owner of Alkålign Coastal Spa.
Available daily from 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
📩 Contact: alkaligntofino@gmail.com
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Evo Return – New members’ discount
Evo Return is a flexible round-trip car share, now available at:
Reserve a car in advance, explore the beaches, and return it to the same designated location when you’re done. Register | Evo Car Share or directly through the app to join. Your guest discount code is TOFINO for free registration and 100 free driving minutes.