December 30, 2024
Plunge into 2025 with a deeper connection to the ocean
By Erin Linn McMullan
“I want people to challenge themselves psychologically and experientially in the ocean in a safe and comfortable manner,” says Jordan Hanthorn of Tuff City Saunas.
Built for outdoor engagement, the newest and largest sauna – a Nordic spa with a west coast twist – is nestled on Tin Wis Resort between the rainforest, with Sitka Spruce, Cedar, and Salal, and the white sand of Tin̓uwis (pronounced Ti-nu-wis), a quick dash to the sea.
Nordic spas focus on hot and cold therapy in a practice thousands of years old to boost your body, mind, and spirit.
“The idea,” he explains, citing Dr. Rhonda Patrick, “is to challenge your body and create all these endorphins, hormones, and endogenous cellular proteins that make you live forever.
“We have the coolest water element here which is the north Pacific Ocean,” insists Jordan. “I always tell people it’s the largest salt lounge and the world’s largest cold plunge tank.”
Designed to create community, the new sauna is the first big enough to host social saunas (up to 6 adults) twice daily and accommodate private groups (up to 12). Besides spacious change rooms, it boasts two covered ocean-viewing decks, a side lounge area with wraparound bench seating and a live edge table for preparing food or storing backpacks, water bottles, and towels, and a fire triangle perfect for continuing conversation.
“We really went all out at Tin Wis because this is the location I wanted since day one,” he effuses, “a space we could thrive in. It allowed us to be more creative with the style of sauna and stove. We imported a very beautiful stove from Finland that has been tried and tested.”
Jordan was inspired by sauna culture growing up in Thunder Bay, Ontario with its vibrant Finnish community dating back to World War II.
The real bliss, he explains, happens when your body is hot and you step outside after a cycle (usually 10-15 minutes), experiencing the vulnerability of being in a bathing suit and a deep energetic connection to nature during the cooldown phase. While the spa includes a plunge bucket and cold showers, most people choose the ocean.
“When you get out of the water and walk back to the sauna from the beach, this magical thing happens yet again where you feel cold just for a moment. Then the deep heat within your body starts to percolate to your exterior. And the walk back from the ocean is a euphoric event where you watch the eagles overhead or you see the snow dusting the mountains over the resort.
“It’s an experience meant to engage you in grounding with nature. It’s not a city spa. It’s a therapeutic and spiritual experience. Especially because we’re on these ancestral and sacred lands. This location has a particular affinity to really change paradigms.”
Benefits of cold plunge in this protected cove
“For me when I first started it was a challenge,” says Kelsey Smith, who practices her cold plunge on Tin̓uwis. “To get into the sea every few days, at the single digit temperatures, I felt superhuman almost. As time went by, it became easier, I stayed in for longer, controlled my mind and my breathing.
“The benefits slowly started to appear. Increased mood, mental resilience, and boosted metabolism to name a few. The part that I enjoy most, and still do, is just being in the ocean. Connecting to the aquatic world I love so much. Seeing what’s beneath the surface, watching the sun set on the horizon. Nearing my 300th lifetime dip before the end of the year, I could not imagine a life where I wasn’t part of the ocean, and it isn’t a part of me.”
Deep Ocean-based Tribal Park
2024 saw a new milestone towards marine stewardship with the declaration of a fifth Deep Ocean-based Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park — ḥačxwiqaq Tribal Park. “The updated Tribal Parks declaration endorsed on the 40th anniversary of the Meares Island Tribal Park (wanačas hiłhuuʔis), includes the footprint all the way out to the deep ocean vents, where sometimes our Whalers would be away for several days seeking out a suitable whale to harvest and feed our Nation,” says Saya Masso, Manager of Lands and Resources. Learn more Here.
New Year’s Day Polar Dip
Refresh your ocean connection with Surfrider’s polar dip at noon on Tin̓uwis January 1st. Bring a mug for coffee or hot chocolate afterwards and s’mores around the resort’s cozy firepits. First-come first-served sessions available for participants at Tuff City Saunas.
Offers and Promotions
Best Western Rewards members who stay 2 Nights at any Best Western in Canada, the U.S. or the Caribbean Islands until February 2, 2025, receive 5,000 bonus points. Sign up or login for this promotion Here.
Come enjoy Storm Season (3-night minimum from November through February) at a 30% discount by following the link OR by using the promo code “STORMS30”. Book Here.
During Storm Season (October 1, 2024–May 1, 2025), Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground offers long-term (off-season) monthly rates for RV Sites and Cabins. For more information Visit Here: and to Book, email: manager@tsawaakrvresort.ca
Guests of Tin Wis Resort and Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground receive 15% off a session at the newest location of Tuff City Saunas onsite. Book Online using the discount code and present your Tin Wis Bonus Card.
Order food to go or make reservations for lunch or dinner via Tofino Browns Socialhouse’s online portal Here. Open from 12 p.m.–11 p.m. with a full menu. Social Hour daily from 2–5 p.m.
Guests of Tin Wis Resort and Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground enjoy a 10% discount for online bookings at Tofino Paddle Surf onsite year-round. Open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Book Here.
Guests of Tin Wis Resort and Tsawaak RV Resort & Campground receive $20 off with their discount code when booking with Ahous Adventures online or by calling 250-725-0650. Hot Springs tours run year-round weather permitting. Ahous Adventures is located downtown at 368 Main Street, Unit 313. Present your bonus card on arrival for your tour.
Prebook for spring with T-Bird E-Bikes reopening in April 2025. Choose the Tofino location online for Tin Wis Resort, which features both E-bikes and standard bikes. Visit: https://www.tbirdebikes.com/
Plan ahead for next summer’s Tofino Wine & Dine 2025 (June 7-8) by purchasing your weekend showpass Here. Use promo code “HOLIDAY15” to save 15% before January 6th.