by Erin Linn McMullan

What ignites your sense of wonder?

Witnessing a Humpback whale breaching in Clayoquot Sound, saltwater cascading off its pectoral fins, its unique tail fluke slapping against the ocean’s surface. The texture of sweet-smelling bark against your warm palm as you connect with an ancient ḥumiis (Cedar) known as The Tree of Life on Meares Island. Those happiness-inducing ions under a waterfall, whether it’s at Mux̣šiƛa Hot Springs or the freshwater spray alight with miniature rainbows at Virgin Falls. A breathtaking 360-degree view of the Sound and the ocean dissolving into the horizon from atop Lone Cone’s summit rewarding your climb. Anticipation as the floatplane descends towards your remote SUP adventure and paddling through pristine flatwater below.

Wonder is everywhere you look here on the west coast in these lands and waters stewarded by the Nuu-chah-nulth Peoples since time immemorial. It’s that moment of connecting with Nature that makes your breath catch and time stand still. That liminal space where you feel the heartbeat of this place.

When you stay at Tin Wis Resort, an Original Original and Authentic Indigenous, this summer, that world of wonder opens up through insight shared by our award-winning Nuu-chah-nulth and allied adventure partners onsite and off.

Catherine Bruhwiler, owner of onsite Tofino Paddle Surf, has intimate knowledge of west coast waters, having grown up here as part of Canada’s first family of surfing and later honing her SUP skills over a decade living in Mexico. She partners with Atleo Air, the only locally owned and operated airline, to offer remote fly-in SUP adventures via seaplane or helicopter. Whether you dream of gliding through glacial waters on a mountaintop or a quiet lake amidst lush rainforest, Atleo’s experienced pilots know all the secret spots and Tofino Paddle Surf’s highly certified SUP guides can help you explore on your wonder quest.

Remote SUP adventures are suited to experienced paddlers with practice in self-rescue, with the guides’ knowledge of local waterways and weather further setting people up for success.
“They are once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” says Catherine, assuring, “the natural beauty of pretty much anywhere we go will capture people.”

Or for an enchanting experience right in front of the resort, you can go with a guide for a sunset paddle.

“You can’t beat that,” Gordon Taylor, Jr., owner of onsite T̓iick̓in (T-Bird) Ebikes, the first Indigenous-owned Ebike company in Canada, describes the exhilaration of riding across a favourite stretch of the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii coming back from the Junction towards Radar Hill. The 70-km return trip from the resort to the Junction is a passport into the co-managed Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Simply park and lock up to hike trails and explore beaches, including Yaaqsis (Long Beach)—considered one of the world’s best.

Kick off your shoes to experience the white sand and soothing surf beneath your toes while marveling at plentiful shorebirds nearby – amongst millions to pause here mid-migration on the Pacific Flyway.

Jordan Hanthorn, owner of onsite Tuff City Saunas, understands the reward integral to challenging yourself whether it’s climbing mountains, road biking, or cold plunging combined with a sauna. “Fire strength is steel,” he enthuses, whether it’s resisting leaving the sauna’s heat before those health benefits kick in or running across the white sand beach and into the cold ocean in your bathing suit afterwards.

While the onsite Nordic sauna operates 9 a.m.–9 p.m., summer nights can usher in bioluminescence making the sea sparkle as you finish that final session.

“They were dramatic. I’ve never seen them so alive,” Jordan describes last summer’s bioluminescence arriving in June and lingering until November. “One night we had a full moon, we had bright phosphorescence, and beautiful calm water. You could see Chinook Salmon swimming between your legs. It was incredible, thousands of fish swimming underneath of your feet at all times, and the only way you could tell is because they were glowing. You could see them trailing away for probably 50 feet.”

Above the omnipresence of the Pacific, summer skies inspire wonder on Tin Wis as the days stretch into showstopping sunsets, as evenfall brings the full Strawberry Moon on June 11th, and Solstice on June 21st celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day. Stargaze using the night sky map here.

To truly appreciate the wonder of this place, this June, during National Indigenous History Month, connect with Tin Wis’s past, present, and future here.

---

Offers and Promotions

💤 Best Western Rewards
Book online and stay 3 nights between May 12–September 1, 2025 to receive $50 off (10,000 points) toward a future stay.
👉 Book Online
📘 Learn More

🔥 Tuff City Saunas – 15% Off Onsite
Enjoy a sauna session at the newest location of Tuff City Saunas onsite at Tin Wis.
Use the discount code and present your Tin Wis Bonus Card when booking.
👉 Book Online

🏄‍♂️ Tofino Paddle Surf – 10% Off + Surf Camp Deal

• 10% off online bookings year-round (daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.)
• 3-day surf camp: Private instructor & gear for up to 6 people – $750 + tax.
  Add-ons: $275/extra lesson | $100/additional person.
  Available until June 15, 2025 (blackout dates may apply).
  📩 Contact: info@tofinopaddlesurf.com | 📞 250-244-6399
  👉 Book Here

🚴 T̓iick̓in (T-Bird) Ebikes – 10% Off Rentals
Get 10% off with your guest discount code for onsite rentals.
Flexible options: full day (up to 8 hrs), all day (8+ hrs), or multi-day rentals.
👉 Book Here

🧘 Beach & SUP Yoga with Tofino Yoga

• Beach Yoga: Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun @ 9 a.m.
• SUP Yoga: Wed & Fri, 9–10:30 a.m.
  💡 Use code LOCALS at checkout for local/seasonal worker rates.
  ✨ Always free for First Nations guests.
  👉 Book Here

🐋 Ahous Adventures – 10% Off Tours
Book through our Guest Services team to receive 10% off tours with Ahous Adventures.
📍 Visit them at 368 Main Street, Unit 313, Tofino
👉 Learn More

✈️ Tofino Air – $25 Off the Sand to Summit Tour
Guests receive $25 off this stunning seaplane tour.
📞 Book by calling 250-725-4454
📍 First Street Dock, Tofino Harbour
👉 View Tour Details

🍕 Browns Socialhouse Tofino – Dine & Unwind

• Daily buffet breakfast: 7–10 a.m.
• Take-out combo: Pizza + 6-pack or wine for $39.99
• Open Mic Mondays on the patio: 6:30–10:30 p.m.
  🎉 Social Hour all day
  👉 Order & Reserve Online

🍦 Chocolate Tofino – 10% Off Gelato & Sorbet
Receive 10% off handmade treats.
🍫 Non-dairy, nut-free & gluten-free options available
Show your Bonus Card at checkout.
👉 Learn More

💆 In-Room Massage Therapy with Alkålign Coastal Spa
Experience the ultimate relaxation with in-room massage from Lauren Powers, RMT, owner of Alkålign Coastal Spa.
Available daily from 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
📩 Contact: alkaligntofino@gmail.com
🌐 Visit Website