(Photo: Shorewood Collective)

By Erin Linn McMullan

hini?asči (go outside).

Winter is different here on the west coast where k̓ʷiis (snow) is rare but Nature’s wonder is ever-present and sets the pace. Where ocean tides run to extremes from zero to king Tides for low-tide beach exploring and active water play. Where witnessing balletic surfers dance across epic winter waves and storms sashay across technicolour skies is an art form. And, storm clouds draw back revealing a hiłaayił (sky) filled with t̓at̓uus (stars).   

How could winter camping in n̓ačiqs (Tofino) be anything but extraordinary?

“It’s just a different way to experience Tofino,” says Kyle Mander, Operations Manager at ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ owned Tsawaak RV Resort and Campground. “It’s quieter, a bit slower,” says the former adventure guide, “and when you get the full west coast weather, then you have a cozy place to come back to at the end of the day.”

m̓iƛmaakuk (looks like rain)

Choose from spacious pull-thru RV sites and cozy cedar cabins (with dog-friendly options) for short- and long-term stays in the embrace of the rainforest. Hear that surf music? Just down the path beyond those trees is the Pacific.

Before you head to tinwis Beach for a surf or stroll, savour a coffee at Moss & Milk (daily 8 a.m.–3 p.m.) in the hinin (“to arrive”) Visitor Centre or takeout from Surfside Grill (daily 11 a.m. –9 p.m.).  

Tsawaak’s Allied partners onsite and off are ready to make your winter adventure unforgettable rain or shine.  

Here are 5 elements for an awe-some winter:

• WINTER CAMPING GEAR

c̓uʔičḥ (winter)

Need winter camping gear? On your way to n̓ačiqs (Tofino), pick up an all-in-one camper in Nanaimo at Hullo Ferry or the airport. Backpacking, beach, and camping gear are also available in Port Alberni for pick up or delivery. Propane fire kits and refills are available here at hinin Visitor Centre onsite at Tsawaak.

Book your long-term stay or winter getaway at Tsawaak Here. Check road conditions ahead on Drive BC’s webcam Here.

• COLDWATER SURF

tup̓ał (ocean/salt water)

Named by Outside Magazine as North America’s Best Surf Town, n̓ačiqs (Tofino) is within the ḥaaḥuułi of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ ḥawiiḥ and Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks. With storm season’s big waves, king tides, and powerful currents, be coast smart, and go with an experienced local guide from Allied Tofino Paddle Surf located beachfront on tinwis. Rely on their regional knowledge to forecast conditions. Warm winter gear is essential.

Book your private lesson or rental gear Here.

• SAUNA & PACIFIC PLUNGE

susaačišt (to swim in the ocean)

Experience a unique hydrotherapy circuit with a cold plunge in the “world’s largest saltwater lounge” at Allied Tuff City Saunas beachfront Nordic spa on tinwis. With an imported wood-fired stove from Finland and a Pacific vista from its cedar sauna and covered decks, this is sauna culture with a salty twist. Bask in bliss in a private session or join a social session to share community.

Book your private or social sauna Here.

• KAYAK CLAYOQUOT SOUND

yukstiis (wind blowing up the inlet)

Experience the crisp salt air and blue carbon-rich waters of biodiverse Clayoquot Sound by kayak this winter with Allied Paddle West Kayaking. From beginner to intermediate tours, 2–6-hour Tofino day trips are available on demand throughout the winter, weather permitting. Explore the intertidal zone, peaceful inlets or island hop while watching for resident wildlife. Combine paddling with a hike to the old-growth rainforest on Big Tree Trail on wanačis-hiɫthuuʔis (Meares Island) in the heart of the ḥaaḥuułi. 

Book your Tofino day trip Here.

• HIKE PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK RESERVE

hitaaqƛ̓as (forest/in the forest)

Orient yourself with a three-hour interpretive Pacific Rim Nature Tour with Allied Nomad Adventure Guides. Explore three locations within the Indigenous co-managed Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to dive deeper into the ecology of the Pacific Northwest Coast temperate rainforest, resident wildlife, and a broad history of the area. “It’s a good first day activity,” says Liam Ogle, “and from there you can venture further afield.” 

For those seeking a more in-depth and active experience we also offer a four-hour (10 km) guided hike of Pacific Rim National Park. This is available from April 15–October 15 each season.  

Book your hiking tour Here.

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Learn more about Tsawaak’s Stay & packages with our Allied partners Here.

Listen to Tla-o-qui-aht speakers share more ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ words at ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ Language Department and at First Voices.