by Erin Linn McMullan

On Tin̓uwis (pronounced Ti-nu-wis), the drumbeat of the rain on the sand signals the oncoming storm – softly at first, steadily growing in power. wiiqsi?is is the Tla-o-qui-aht phrase for “It’s stormy weather”. While storms on the west coast are a natural source of wonder, it is the temperate rainforest wrapping the beach that is truly miraculous.

Notice the way rain brings the forest alive under the natural umbrella of the canopy. Inhale the restorative scent of ḥumiis (cedar) as moisture saturates the p̓ic̓up (cedar bark), and the petrichor as plant oils and geosmin are released from the understory. Have you ever seen so many shades of green blend so harmoniously? Pay attention to the flutter of wings as birds alight in the branches, shaking off droplets. The wind whistling through the treetops. Listen to the forest breathe. Spot the solitary ʔaanus (Great Blue heron) on the rocky headlands bordering the forest – its head tucked into its feathers, bracing for the storm.

In the embrace of the rainforest and with every one of its 85 rooms facing oceanfront, Tin Wis Resort is the perfect place to cozy up and watch the storm whether from its comfortable suites or while enjoying hot cocoa and comfort food at Tofino Browns Socialhouse next to a warm fireplace within its fully covered glassed-in porch. Even in the most dramatic of storms, both the resort and restaurant are backed up by generator – so you won’t miss any of the action. Bring your gumboots to splash through the puddles après storm!

An Original Original and Authentic Indigenous, Tin Wis Resort is situated on an ancestral village site on Tin̓uwis (pronounced Ti-nu-wis) within Unceded Tla-o-qui-aht Territory and the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks.

“The biodiverse ‘old growth’ forests of Tla-o-qui-aht territory are the result of Indigenous silviculture over thousands of years. Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks is also a continuation of intergenerational tending and caretaking of ancestral gardens,” says Gisele Maria Martin.

“We are so fortunate in this part of the world to have these impressive and largely intact old growth temperate rainforest ecosystems,” says Brad Parsell, Executive Director of Tourism Tofino. “It is so good for the soul to disconnect from screens and reconnect with these rainforests. And that feeling of wonder is heightened when you reflect on the millennia of Indigenous stewardship that protected these ecosystems and helped them thrive. That connection to and respect for the land is so needed today. I encourage you to slow down and take time to reflect and show gratitude in the forest on your next trip to Tofino in Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks.”

As the 2023 Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Report points out, “These lands and waters are not only important to Tla-o-qui-aht and other Nuu-chah-nulth Peoples. They are also enormously important to Canadians: The Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks are a biodiversity hotspot with some of the highest species richness in Canada, provide crucial ecosystem services like clean drinking water to our communities, and offer a pathway towards realizing Canada’s commitments to cut emissions by 45% and protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030. They encompass the largest intact old-growth coastal temperate rainforests remaining on Vancouver Island, sequestering over 100 million tonnes of carbon dioxide: roughly 1.5 times BC’s average annual greenhouse gas emissions.” 

Seventy-six thousand hectares in Clayoquot Sound are now protected via Indigenous-led conservancies through a collaborative effort between Tla-o-qui-aht and Ahousaht, working with the province of British Columbia.

Cool rainforest facts

Did you know that nearly 25% of the world’s temperate rainforest is in BC? It’s part of the Pacific Temperate Rainforest, the largest remaining intact temperate rainforest in the world which stretches from Alaska to Northern California. Temperate rainforests are defined by their location (between the Arctic Circle and Tropic of Cancer) and cooler climates. Together, temperate and tropical rainforests cover only 10% of the planet’s surface but provide one third of its oxygen as “the lungs of the world.”

Favourite storm viewing and forest bathing under Nature’s umbrella

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Visiting the co-managed Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers so many incredible options for storm watching, beach access, and hikes through the temperate rainforest comprised of Western Red Cedar, towering Western Hemlock, and Sitka Spruce. Day passes are available from kiosks throughout the park. Youth up to 17 can enjoy the park for free.

Always be aware of changing tides and any beach closures due to seasonal King tides. Check trail conditions here and watch for storm debris on the multiuse ʔapsčiik t̓ašii which is not maintained in winter (mid-October to mid-April).

The front deck at K^wisitis Visitor Centre at Wickaninnish Beach

The panoramic view of Wickaninnish Beach from the front deck at K^wisitis Visitor Centre makes it an exciting place to watch a storm spread across sky and sea. Bundle up and feel all those positive ions dancing across the wind. The visitor centre is open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday through Monday until the end of December but the deck is accessible year-round during park hours.

Forest bathing on the Rainforest Trail

This winding boardwalk trail descends down stairs and across bridges into the ravines on either side of the highway over two moderate 1-kilometre loops – Rainforest Loops A and B. Stand amidst the hushed quiet of the old-growth trees as the sound of the rain dims. Look wa-a-a-y up into the forest canopy and imagine back to the time when these trees first sprouted. 

Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet

From the spectacular overlook at Amphitrite Lighthouse to the viewing platforms along the Rocky Bluffs, the Wild Pacific Trail in the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ ḥaaḥuułi offers fantastic storm watching as well as shelter from the rain within the cloistered silence of the rainforest.

“Prior to the Wild Pacific Trail coming into existence, very few opportunities outside of in-and-out viewpoints provided for viewing the spectacular power and extent of the stormy waters coming across the Pacific crashing onto the headland,” says Oyster Jim Martin, who originally conceived, championed, and designed the trail. “The Wild Pacific Trail has provided continuous opportunity of approximately 8 kms to witness the extreme power and magnificence of thundering surf as it impacts the rugged headland. This enables unprecedented viewing of this spectacle of nature from a secure and safe position.

“The importance of involvement on all aspects of the Wild Pacific Trail construction by the Indigenous population, led by Vi Mundy, cannot be disregarded. They always injected important historical perspectives and inputs into the sensitive areas where the trail would be placed. The Ancient Cedars Loop, as well as all of the lower peninsula of Ucluelet, holds culturally modified trees and middens that spoke to the use of this whole area by the Indigenous populations.”

Respectfully share the trail and give wildlife space. Deer, bears, cougars, and wolves may use the trail or surrounding areas. Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ youth, together with WildSafe BC, created this video on the importance of wildlife co-existence in their ḥaaḥuułi.

Pacific Playground

Storm season ultimately means more wave action, transforming the protected cove of Tin̓uwis right in front of the resort into an ocean playground. Onsite Tofino Paddle Surf offers Surf, SUP, and saltwater kayak rentals, making it easy to join in the fun.

Soak in the hot tub après storm or surf session

Revel in the sensory experience of soft rain falling on your skin while you soak in the warm and bubbling hot tub overlooking the beach. Refresh your spirit as you breathe in that invigorating ocean breeze and rejuvenate your body post-surf or rainforest hike. If you dare, take a cold plunge then come back to soak some more.

Craving more adventure?

Experience Mux̣šiƛa Hot Springs

Travel deeper into Clayoquot Sound to experience Mux̣šiƛa Hot Springs at Nism̓aakqin in the Ahousaht haḥuułii. This day trip combines a marine excursion with masterful storytelling and sharing of culture, a lush half-hour rainforest hike, and luxuriating in geothermal bathing pools and waterfalls. With exclusive morning and evening access, Ahous Adventures offers their signature Tofino Hot Springs Eco-Tour year-round, weather permitting.

Attend Tofino Adventure Film Festival onsite at the resort

Anticipate the exhilarating action with a preview of the 5^th annual Tofino Adventure Film Festival (TAFF) hosted onsite in Tin Wis’s conference centre November 15–16. TAFF is produced by local conservation society Clayoquot Action.

“TAFF has great line-up of films that are thought provoking, packed with adventure, and a variety of sports,” says festival organizer Bonny Glambeck. “We’re excited to be showing a recent film by Nate Laverty called Creatures of Habit. It features some local surfing legends and was filmed on the west coast. From the ocean to the mountains and the desert, festival goers will be stoked at the variety of film this year!”

Ten percent of all proceeds from this year’s festival and online Wild Salmon Auction will be donated to mułaa – Rising Tide Surf Team. Read more about how mułaa empowers Indigenous youth to reclaim the sport of surfing here.

Take it easy

Storm season offers the perfect opportunity to relax and read a great book or with binge Netflix^® on the big screen. Prop yourself up with extra pillows and snuggle up in a warm blanket on that sumptuous bed as Nature’s drama unfolds outside your suite’s window.

Cozy up with the kids

Ask at our front desk for the youth games basket filled with cards, board games, Cribbage, and unforgettable family memories in the making. Outdoor toys like soccer balls, badminton, and sand toys are all available to sign out for free. 

Gather round the bonfire when the sky clears

Let that double rainbow arcing over Tin̓uwis tempt you back outside. Our brand new beachfront firepits are elevated from the dunes and any puddles. Come see us at reception to purchase fresh firewood or rent propane fire kits overnight. 

Plan a Storm Season staycation

If you’re our neighbour, Storm Season is also an ideal time to plan a staycation. Come play in our oceanfront yard and let Tofino Browns Socialhouse do the cooking.

Whether you’re visiting Načiks (Tofino), or local, we’re your perfect home away from home for relaxation and adventure in the rainforest. Take our 360° virtual tour and preview storm conditions via our live beach cam.

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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 Tuff City Sauna at Mackenzie Beach, or for a mobile sauna that can be delivered right to the resort! By Storm Season, a sauna will be installed 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 online portal Here. Open from 12 p.m.–11 p.m. with a full menu until closing time. New comfort food on the menu includes Spicy Ginger Beef and Blackened Chicken Wonton soup. New Social Bites – Red Chili Wontons during Social Hour daily from 2–5 p.m. Join us on the Hot Cocoa Trail during December’s Tofino Winter Nights.

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, which features both E-bikes and standard bikes. Visit: https://www.tbirdebikes.com/

Plan ahead for next summer’s Tofino Wine & Dine 2025 (June 5-9) with an Early Bird special of 25% on a minimum 3-night stay at Tin Wis Resort. Book Here or with Promo Code WineDineEB before December 31, 2024. Purchase your weekend showpass for Tofino Wine & Dine 2025 (June 7-8) Here.