On the site of this former village, the Nation-owned Tin Wis Resort offers guests a unique opportunity to travel and stay ethically, immersing themselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of this place. It’s time to embark on an Indigenous journey and become a part of something truly extraordinary.

The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation warmly welcomes visitors who are seeking a special place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and show respect for the land and its people. When you choose to stay at the Tin Wis Resort, you are embarking on a journey that will enrich your soul, open your mind, and allow you to experience the profound stories that have shaped this incredible land. It’s an invitation to embrace Indigenous culture, support vital preservation efforts, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of something truly transformative.

For thousands of years, the Tla-o-qui-aht Nation has been hosting visitors, sharing their traditions, and offering a glimpse into their way of life. The Tin Wis Resort stands as a legacy, serving as a cultural bridge that connects past and present, but it is also an economic pillar that fuels the Tla-o-qui-aht’s future. “Proceeds from the operations of Tin Wis go towards our new longhouse, gymnasium, and much-needed youth-focused programs, leading to the survival of our culture and Tla-o-qui-aht language,” shares Saya Masso from Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks. By choosing to stay at the Tin Wis, you are not just enjoying a memorable vacation, but also contributing to the preservation and empowerment of the Tla-o-qui-aht community.

Staying at the Tin Wis Resort opens doors to Indigenous culture, providing you with a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic experiences while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Tofino’s paradise. It’s time to unlock the magic, support preservation efforts, and embark on a journey that will forever leave a mark on your soul. From Indigenous Art to exploring the surrounding nature and connecting with the land, every moment spent at the Tin Wis Resort is an opportunity for personal growth and transformation.

Supporting the Tla-o-qui-aht’s rise in Tofino’s visitor economy is both meaningful and effortless. By simply choosing to book your next stay in Tofino at the Tin Wis Resort, you become a vital part of the collective effort to preserve Indigenous culture, support sustainable practices, and empower the local community. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime as you immerse yourself in the beauty of Tla-o-qui-aht Lands. The adventure awaits!

The Tin Wis also champions the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Allies program in the accommodation sector. To learn more about the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks Alliance and how you can make a difference, visit tribalparksalliance.com today.

As you plan your trip, keep in mind that the Tin Wis Bonus Card awaits you, offering exclusive benefits and unlocking a world of unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s exploring the pristine beaches, participating in cultural activities, or connecting with the local community, your journey at the Tin Wis Resort promises to be like no other.

Be sure to inquire about our Indigenous rates when making your reservation. The Tin Wis Resort proudly accepts status cards, making it even more accessible for everyone to experience the magic of this special place.

You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.

Rumi

The prelude to a west coast winter storm builds like improvisational jazz: those first haunting blue notes of whistling wind, the percussive Pacific backbeat as ocean rewrites shoreline, that elusive frisson of electricity as you catch its cadence. There is a unique quality to the winter light here with the kaleidoscopic sky shaded from tangerine to indigo as a child’s kite soars above the beach, its fabric snapping like a riff. A pod of neoprene-armored surfers leapfrog waves just offshore, paddling out to play amidst the action, alongside SUPs and surf kayaks.

West coast winter paradise is the protected cove of MacKenzie Beach where the dramatic panorama of the Pacific is as ever-changing as its diurnal tides: from zero and even negative tides stretching the beach out to tidal pools in rocky outcroppings, to king tides racing back onshore, inviting wave play.

All only steps from your oceanfront suite at Indigenous-owned Tin Wis Resort in Tofino, BC, perched high above the dunes — the perfect vantage point for storm watching up close or from the comfort of your cozy suite.

Rain sashays in like a soft jazz brush across drums, releasing a petrichor potpourri: Cedar and Sitka rainforest, salty kelp, and freshwater rivulets. A wave of silvery sanderlings chases syncopated surf.

Further downshore, a family in colour-coordinated raingear splashes delightedly through puddles swinging their matching yellow and bright pink pails and shovels.

Tin Wis means “calm waters” in the Tla-o-qui-aht language and is the true name for this place. Once an ancestral village site, this long-stewarded oasis offers everything you need to reconnect with nature and breathe in rhythm with the ocean.

His-shuk-nish-tsa-waak. Everything is one. Everything is interconnected.

When winter skies clear, a rainbow arcs above the resort against the snow-capped Insular Mountain range in the distance.

You can choose both comfort and adventure, especially when you have the benefit of local knowledge. Tin Wis Resort’s staff can give you directions to Tofino’s best beach cruiser rentals (Tofino Bike Co), best Hot Chocolate Elixir (Chocolate Tofino) and favourite takeout options, while the homegrown pros at Tofino Paddle Surf onsite offer gear and guidance mere steps away from “Mack Beach” action. Or simply bundle up with a good book and curl up in a bright red Adirondack chair to watch the show.

Après storm or après surf, the resort’s hot tub offers a ringside seat for glowing winter sunsets and to reconnect with your own circadian rhythm. Extend your beach-time with a bonfire under the amphitheatre of the sky as sunset time-lapses into a zillion stars and a supermoon casts its milky wash across the sand while a barred owl calls from the rainforest.

Next morning, warm mist blankets the beach as a distant foghorn solos, spring teasing its melody.

Tin Wis Resort is within Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks which includes nearby co-managed Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Let its epic beaches and rainforest trails renew your sense of wonder and respect within this place the Nuu-chah-nulth call home.

Learn more about the history of Tin Wis: https://tinwis.ca/rough-seas-calming-tin-wis-past-present-and-future/

-Erin Linn McMullan