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Rough seas calming: Tin Wis, past, present, and future

Tin Wis is within Tla-o-qui-aht Ḥaaḥuułi and the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks, and like the ancestral village site that existed here for tens of thousands of years, the 85-room beachfront hotel stands facing one of the oldest highways on earth – the ocean. Connected to this deeply storied place, Tin Wis Best Western Resort’s own evolution relies upon the resilience of the Tla-o-qui-aht people, ancestral land and identity, and the perseverance of Cultural Lifeways as well as the Indigenous laws which protect biological diversity.

Raising Maht-Mas-Uuthluuk — “The Chief that looks after his people”.

Standing strong against the Pacific winds, Maht-Mas-Uuthluuk — “The Chief that Looks After His People” — now rises proudly at Tin Wis Resort. Hand-carved from cedar and raised in the traditional way, this 23-foot čiinuł (totem pole) tells the story of leadership, respect, and ancestral teachings. Guided by Tla-o-qui-aht master carver Joe Martin, along with artists Gordon Dick and Kelly Robinson, the pole honours Hiyoueah Seitcher — a hereditary chief and healer — whose spirit lives on in the Thunderbird perched above the whale. Together, this artwork stands as a reminder of community, responsibility, and the enduring strength of Tla-o-qui-aht culture.

5 SWEET COLDWATER SURF SPOTS    

When the winter storms roll in, Tofino’s coastline transforms into a surfer’s paradise. Powerful swells, dramatic skies, and misty rainforest backdrops create the perfect setting for coldwater surf adventures. Named by Outside Magazine as North America’s Best Surf Town, Načiks (Tofino) is home to world-class breaks and a tight-knit surf community rooted in the lands and waters of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) people. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer chasing the next big swell or a beginner eager to experience the Pacific’s wild beauty, here are five incredible local surf spots to explore this storm season.

Paddling Into a Winter’s Dream

When the first storms of fall roll into Tofino, the coastline transforms into something extraordinary. The summer buzz gives way to quieter beaches, dramatic waves, and a slower rhythm where ocean, weather, and community move in harmony. Surfers trade swimsuits for thick wetsuits and rubber boots, storm-watchers flock to the shore, and on rare days, snow drapes the beaches in a fleeting winter wonderland. This season is also when stand-up paddleboarders gather for SUPTOBERFEST, and when Indigenous-led surf programs like mułaa Rising Tide Surf Team carry forward teachings that connect youth to the ocean and culture. Whether you’re here to storm-watch, surf, or simply immerse yourself in the beauty of the season, winter in Tofino is a dream worth experiencing.

5 WAYS TO DECOLONIZE YOUR VISIT TO NAČIKS (TOFINO)     

When you visit Načiks (Tofino), you enter the unceded haaḥuułi (territory) of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks—the first of their kind in Canada. Traveling here offers more than breathtaking landscapes; it’s an opportunity to engage respectfully with a living culture that has stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial. By taking the ʔiisaak Pledge and embracing mindful practices, visitors can decolonize their travel experience, contribute to community well-being, and deepen their connection to this place.

Travel with intention guided by the ʔiisaakPledge

September marks a time of change and reflection, inviting travelers to journey with intention. In Načiks (Tofino), respectful visiting begins with the ʔiisaak (ii-saak) Pledge—a commitment to regenerative, Indigenous-led tourism and the continuity of Nuu-chah-nulth stewardship in Clayoquot Sound. As Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approach, the ʔiisaak Pledge offers guidance to honour Indigenous laws, protect biodiversity, and build community through every step of your travels.

5 NUU-CHAH-NULTH-OWNED CAMPGROUNDS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND  

Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground: Where Your Adventure Begins

There’s nothing like waking up to the sound of waves and the scent of the rainforest. Camping in Tofino is a soul-stirring experience—whether you’re tucked beneath towering trees at Tsawaak RV Resort or watching the sun set over Vargas Island’s sweeping shores. From beachside firepits to backcountry adventures, discover what makes this coastal wilderness one of the most unforgettable places to camp on the West Coast.

5 LUXURIOUS LOW TIDE WALKS

Craving a salty breeze and coastal adventure? Tofino’s low tides unlock a whole new world—revealing secret sea caves, vibrant tide pools, and ancient landscapes shaped by wind and water. From Tin Wis to Tonquin, discover five stunning beach walks rich with Indigenous place names, natural wonders, and epic photo ops. Ready to wander?

Your West Coast Summer Beach Primer

There’s nothing quite like summer on the west coast—bare feet in warm sand, salty breezes, and long beach days stretching into glowing sunsets. At Tin Wis Resort, an oceanfront Indigenous-owned retreat in Tofino, your summer getaway begins the moment you step outside. Whether you're starting the day with yoga by the waves, exploring sea caves at low tide, or simply soaking in the calm of Tin̓uwis, this is the place to reconnect with nature, culture, and yourself. Discover the best of beach life and coastal adventures—right from your doorstep.

Stay & Explore: Tin Wis Resort Partners with Long Beach Nature Tours