July 11, 2025
Your West Coast Summer Beach Primer
By Erin Linn McMullan
What’s better than summer at the beach? Your bare feet in warm white sand as the cool Pacific tickles your toes at the seashore. Low tide stretching that sandy isthmus out to rocky headlands abundant with tidal pools ready to explore right in front of Tin Wis Resort. Sun burning off an early morning fogbow as further out, C̓ixʷatin (eagle) swoops down to pluck suuḥaa (salmon) out of the surf. Breathe in salt spray-infused breeze. Exhale everything but this moment.
The west coast is home to world-class beaches—these lands and waters stewarded by Nuu-chah-nulth Peoples since time immemorial. From Tin Wis Beach (aka MacKenzie Beach) to local beaches within walking distance to that sandy coastal crescent across the co-managed Pacific Rim National Park Reserve with free admission this summer, there are so many blissful beach experiences to choose from.
Start with the beach at your doorstep
When you stay at oceanfront Tin Wis Resort, an Original Original and Authentic Indigenous, the beach is always at your doorstep. The Tla-o-qui-aht share a deep cultural connection to Tin̓uwis (pronounced Ti-nu-wis) meaning “calmer waters.” Within this protected cove, your summer oasis awaits.
Warm up and connect with Nature with yoga on the beach, SUP Yoga, or strength and conditioning classes with Tofino Yoga.
Summer waves are ideal for learning to surf, SUP, or SUP surf with private lessons and rentals available at onsite Tofino Paddle Surf. Owner Catherine Bruhwiler points out, “With surfing lessons or stand-up paddle surfing lessons, they can be an adventure in themselves because we tend to go looking for the best waves du jour, so you can learn a lot about the area and different places to go.” To level up, she suggests pairing multi-day lessons with yoga and an e-bike ride to get around. “You stay at Tin Wis and everything’s right there,” adding, “The body feels good, the mind follows.”
Another fantastic way to experience the ocean is a cold plunge combined with a sauna cycle whether you spoil yourself with a private session or join a social session at onsite Tuff City Saunas. Owner Jordan Hanthorn emphasizes, “It’s always our mission to encourage people to psychologically do something out of the norm and to accentuate their living experience by plunging into the ocean. The luxury a beachfront Nordic sauna does for the psyche — you can’t find it anywhere else.”
Feeling creative? Build a sandcastle with family or curl up in a beachfront chair with Inspired, Roy Henry Vickers’ all-ages colouring book featuring iconic Pacific Northwest coast scenes.
Unwind from your “lazy” beach day with an evening sauna, sunset yoga, or a guided sunset paddle as you glide into a Roy Henry Vickers sunset. It’s the perfect way to celebrate summer!
Summer delights at local beaches
Low tide walk to ƛaakašiis (Tonquin Beach Park)
Plan a low tide walk to connecting beaches. Take the high tide trail or during zero and negative tides, walk around rocky headlands to the sandspit which forms on Ḥiłwinʔis (pronounced Hilth-win-is aka Middle Beach). Continue through cool rainforest along Tonquin Trail to ƛaakašiis (pronounced Tlaa-ka-shiis) with its deep white sand and splash pool fed by creek and tides. Ḿaaʔak (Grey whales) may be spotted feeding in Templar Channel here and off nearby Third Beach (accessible via trail).
Tombolo from Chesterman Beach to C̓ixwatsac (aka Frank Island)
Ḿaaʔak also feed off North Chesterman while surfers keep a respectful distance at this popular surf spot – often used for lessons in summer. To access the tombolo or Rosie Bay, use the South Chesterman entrance easily accessible via the MUP with a half-hour walk or quick e-bike. Follow the tombolo (sandbar) revealed during summer’s low tides to connect with C̓ixwatsac overlooking open ocean.
Sea Caves at Rosie Bay
Low tide beckons you to explore the basalt sea caves and plentiful tidal pools at Rosie Bay. Navigate the narrow cave to an overlook facing private Pettinger Point or explore the more spacious chamber with skylights at cliffside. This natural wonder is most accessible during summer’s zero and negative tides amidst clean tide-swept sand. Wear aquatic-friendly shoes to splash through puddles. This spot is also a shortboarders’ paradise with summer waves breaking off the bay.
Beaches in the co-managed Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
That incredible coastal intersection of sand, surf, and sky on any of the beaches within the co-managed Pacific Rim National Park Reserve leaves you breathless. Whether you plan to stroll or surf, free admission this summer provides an all-access pass to:
- Yaaqsis (Long Beach) — backdrop to The Twilight Saga: New Moon, War for the Planet of the Apes, and The Big Year
- C̓icʔiiʔis (Combers Beach) — where shorebirds pause on the Pacific Flyway*
- Wickaninnish Beach — with its incredible dunes, salmon habitat in Sandhill Creek, and the Kwisitis Visitor Centre
- Florencia Bay — popular surf spot at high tide and Jurassic rockscape revealed at low tide
- South Beach & Halfmoon Bay — lush, secluded beaches accessible via connecting trails.
Flying into Tofino? Explore by renting an e-bike from T̓iick̓in onsite or via Evo Return at Tofino Airport.
Make your visit meaningful by taking the ʔiisaak pledge and learning more about Tla-o-qui-aht names for beaches and Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks.
*Leashed dogs are permitted in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve except on Combers (April–Oct. 1).
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
- 10% off online bookings year-round (daily 9 a.m.–7 p.m.)
- Celebrate summer with a Sunset paddle.
📩 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.
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🧘 Beach & SUP Yoga with Tofino Yoga
- Beach Yoga: Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun @ 9 a.m.
- Sunset Beach Yoga: Wed & Sun @ 7:30 p.m.
- Beach Fitness Classes: Mon, Wed, Fri @ 9 a.m.
- SUP Yoga: Wed & Fri, 9–10:30 a.m.
💡 Use code TINWIS at checkout for local/seasonal worker rates.
✨ Always free for First Nations guests.
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🐋 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
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✈️ 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 dog-friendly 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.
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💆 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
Evo Return – New members’ discount
Evo Return is a flexible round-trip car share, now available at:
Reserve a car in advance, explore the beaches, and return it to the same designated location when you’re done. Register | Evo Car Share or directly through the app to join. Your guest discount code is TOFINO for free registration and 100 free driving minutes.