By Erin Linn McMullan

Imagine a different kind of family holiday this festive season with a west coast beach vibe. Trade the holiday rush for coastal bliss. Muzak for the melody of the surf with a chorus of shorebirds and solo notes from c̓ixʷatin (eagle). Ditch your formal wear for all-weather gear and gumboots to splash through the intertidal zone carefree. Experience laid-back mornings playing in surf and sand. Days filled with adventure.

The word ƛayaaḥuʔał (pronounced Tla-yaa-huu-alth) in Tla-o-qui-aht language means “welcome”. With every suite facing oceanfront, Tin Wis Resort is an Original Original and Authentic Indigenous world-class destination. Start a new and meaningful family tradition here in your home-away-from-home.

On Tin̓uwis (pronounced Ti-nu-wis), extreme winter tides transform this protected cove from a beachcomber’s treasure trove with sand stretching all the way out to rocky headlands into a natural playground for surf, SUP, and saltwater kayaks as King tides race back towards the dunes – all in the same day. Marvel at sea stars during low tide treks and 100 billion t̓at̓uus (stars) in the Milky Way galaxy twinkling overhead around a cozy beachside bonfire.

This season, the best gifts are indelibly etched across your heart: time together, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and the opportunity to form a deep and lasting relationship with this marinescape stewarded by Tla-o-qui-aht since time immemorial.

Witness Nature’s spectacle  

The winter hiłaayił (sky) here in Načiks (Tofino) offers a neverending spectacle from fogbows to double rainbows, blue skies to breathtaking storms, and painterly sunsets shimmering their magic multicoloured glow across the crest of the waves.

Snowfall is rare but when it happens, the resort’s front lawn becomes an impromptu toboggan slide. Everyone converges on the beach to lob snowballs and build ephemeral snowmen for as long as those gently wafting flakes last.  

Keep cozy and bright

Warm up afterwards in the hot tub, with a hot cocoa at Tofino Browns Socialhouse, or with a visit to the Mux̣šiƛa Hot Springs at Nism̓aakqin in the Ahousaht haḥuułii.

Choose your own holiday adventure

Let everyone in your family choose their own favourite activity. Go on beach and rainforest hikes in the co-managed Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, hike the Wild Pacific Trail, or summit Lone Cone. Grab a bucket to help in Ucluelet Aquarium’s annual public release from tiny Dungeness crabs to Giant Pink, Bat, and Ochre stars back into the harbour where they were collected from. ^[1]

Get closer this season

Enjoy family togetherness in the resort’s spacious two-storey Queen Loft (up to 6 people) on the third and fourth floors. Fluffy bathrobes are provided for cozying up in your favourite PJs during your holiday movie marathon on Netflix^® and keeping comfy on trips to the resort’s hot tub.

If cooking and sharing food is your family’s love language, the Executive Suite (up to 4 people) offers a full kitchen and dining table perfect for holiday dinners. Family members can choose to dream in front of a decorative fireplace on the living room’s double sofabed or retreat to a king bed in a separate private bedroom. There’s lots of elbow room in the ensuite bathroom with Jack & Jill sinks, a deep soaker tub, and separate shower.

These upper family-sized suites include a perfect vantage point to check on surf conditions or watch the fireworks from your private balcony!^[2]

Our friendly staff can help make your family’s visit special

Ask anytime at Tin Wis Resort’s front desk about purchasing firewood and propane fire kit rentals. Our youth games basket is 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. 

Our knowledgeable staff know the area well and don’t forget to pick up your portable tide guide to help plan your adventures. 

Come sit by the lobby’s cozy fire to admire the holiday tree, incredible Indigenous art by local artists, and some winter whimsy!

Join in family-friendly events in Tofino and Ucluelet

Enjoy the warmth of the west coast with family-friendly events from Breakfast with Santa to the Sea of Lights—all part of Tofino Winter Nights. Join in one-of-a-kind experiences like Ucluelet Aquarium’s annual public release to help return its marine residents to their ocean home.

Jingle into Christmas – Friday, December 6 starts at 5 p.m.

The quest for that perfect present just got easier and a lot more fun! Mingle with the locals in village shops and a festive night market during Jingle into Christmas. Hop on and off free shuttle is available throughout the evening between Tofino Visitor Centre and downtown. 

Breakfast with Santa, Aquarium Release, Sea of Lights – Saturday, December 7

In Tofino, you can Breakfast with Santa (9-12) at the Tofino Community Hall then return downtown that evening (5-9 p.m.) for the 5th annual Sea of Lights. Vote for your favourite in a parade of glittering vessels gliding through the dark harbour.

In Ucluelet, plan to arrive early at the Whiskey Dock to help Ucluelet Aquarium release its locally collected marine creatures back into the harbour at noon. Buckets will be provided but bring your own mug for hot chocolate. Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Holiday artmaking – Sunday, December 8 from 1–4 p.m.

Register to join Tla-o-qui-aht artist Ivy Cargill-Martin for a Lino Printmaking workshop at the Tofino Community Hall to create a print, card, and wrapping paper. 

Craft beaded ornaments – Wednesday, December 11 from 12–5 p.m.

Join Nuu-chah-nulth artist Elizabeth George from the Ahousaht First Nation for a hands-on workshop creating beaded holiday ornaments at the accessible Tofino Visitor Centre.

Ugly Sweater Family Dance – Friday, December 13 from 6–9 p.m.

Wear your ugliest holiday sweater (think Mr. Darcy’s “reindeer jumper” in Bridget Jones’s Diary) to the Tofino Community Hall for a family dance and chance at a prize.

Community feast – Saturday, December 21 starts at 6 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to come celebrate the annual Tofino Community Christmas dinner. Hosted by Fish and Loaves at the Tofino Community Hall, dinner starts at 6 p.m. with delicious food and desserts provided by local restaurants and community members.

Enjoy breakfast at Browns Christmas Morning

Guests of the resort can enjoy breakfast at Tofino Browns Socialhouse on the 25^th. For stocking stuffers, purchase a $50 Gift Card by Christmas Eve (early close at 4 p.m.) and receive a $10 bonus card.^[3] The restaurant is closed the remainder of Christmas day. Reserve your spot now to #socialize on New Year’s Eve après fireworks until 1 a.m. by emailing tofino@brownssocialhouse.com.

What’s open during the holidays?

Please check Tofino Tourism for updated winter business hours here.

New Year’s Eve fireworks – Tuesday, December 31 starts at 9:30 p.m.

Come celebrate 2025 with family-friendly fireworks on Tin̓uwis (aka MacKenzie Beach) right in front of the resort. B.Y.O.S. (Bring your own sparklers!) Come early to pull up an Adirondack chair on the lawn or gather round a cozy bonfire beachside. Dazzling explosions of colour coruscate across the sky – their lustre mirrored in the glistening sand. This family-friendly public event is a collaboration between Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort and all our neighbours: Crystal Cove Beach Resort, Ocean Village Resort, and MacKenzie Beach Resort.

Start 2025 with intention to carry the spirit of Tin̓uwis with you. 

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Offers and Promotions

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! Coming soon 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. Social Hour daily from 2–5 p.m. Join us on the Hot Cocoa Trail during December’s Tofino Winter Nights. Treat yourself this Holiday Season! Buy a $50 Gift Card by Xmas Eve and receive a $10 bonus card – both valid from January 2^nd-February 28^th, 2025.

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 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.

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[1] Marine creatures collected from near the Wild Pacific Trail and other dive sites will be released by the aquarium separately.

[2] Please note: upper units at the resort are not pet-friendly.

[3] Both valid from January 2^nd-February 28^th, 2025.