Are you looking for the best Tofino AirBNB options? Well you are in the right place. Tofino has all kinds of AirBNB’s from rustic cottages to custom built cabins overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Whether you are on a budget, or want to splurge on a romantic getaway, there is something for everyone in this list of AirBNBs in Tofino.
Tofino is a remote town on the West Coast of Vancouver Island and the ideal getaway for couples, families or groups of friends. It is one of British Columbia’s gems, known for its beautiful sandy beaches, its amazing west coast climate, and its year-round surfing! But, it is not just a surfer town or a beach town, it has an amazing food culture, unique accommodation options, and an upbeat vibe with a laid-back, gumboot wearing lifestyle! It is hard to explain until you have visited it, but it is definitely somewhere you will never forget!
The Best Tofino Hotels
MIDRANGE:
Duffin Cove Resort Duffin Cove is newly renovated and is right in Tofino. They have a few A frame cabins right on the water that you can book as well. The nice thing about staying here is that you can leave your car and walk into town. Parking can be busy in town in high season.
Hotel Zed Tofino Hotel Zed is right off the highway and less than 500m from Chesterman Beach. It is 1.1 km from Mackenzie Beach. Your stay includes free parking and there is a restaurant on site. Hotel Zed is known for its eclectic styled accommodations. You cannot miss it! Pets are welcome at Hotel Zed.
Shoreline Tofino Shoreline Tofino offers a rustic feel with A Frame loft style cabins. it is close to the downtown core of Tofino and on the harbour side.
LUXURY:
Pacific Sands Beach Resort Pacific Sands is the epitome of luxury. Featuring townhouse style accommodations and jetted tubs with a view, few other properties can walk right out to Cox Bay beach! Depending on your accommodation type, you can have a full kitchen and multiple bedrooms. If storm watching or walking the sandy beaches are your thing, choose Pacific Sands! It is perfect for families and getaways with friends!
Long Beach Lodge Resort Long Beach lodge features oceanfront rooms as well as cabins with hot tubs. There are surfing rentals and lessons right on site. It is situated on Cox Bay beach
Tofino AirBNB Top Picks
Surf Cabin Tofino AirBNB
This cabin in Tofino plays up the local surf culture with its surfboard decor and west coast style. It is a 7 minute drive from the Tofino city center and just a few minutes walk to Cox bay and Chesterman beach.
Book Online: HERE
Best For: Couples, Family or Group of Friends
Sleeps: 6
What sets it apart: Surf Culture styling
What Guests are Saying:
The Surf Cabin is so comfortable and homey we didn’t want to leave. The hosts were friendly but mostly just let us be which I love. Beautiful spot close to everything. Decently priced for such a wonderful property. – Genevive B (Sept 2022)
The Surf Cabin is a great casual home away from home. Great proximity to Cox and Chesterman beach. Gorgeous windows that look out into forest. Perfect for our group of surfers. – Sue (Aug 2022)
Click here for pricing and availability
CedarWood Cove Cabin
This cabin is a stunning oceanfront retreat on the Tofino Inlet. Nestled in ancient cedars, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the ocean, mountains and wildlife from the comfort of your private cabin. This Tofino AirBNB is minutes away from the surf, coffee and delicious takeout options and provides all of your home comforts including a hot tub, breakfast supplies, firewood, and wifi. Bikes, wetsuits, and surfboards are also included for your convenience and extra value!
Best for: Couples
Sleeps: 2
What sets this place apart: Hot Tub
What Guests are Saying:
Great house, well laid out and well stocked. Was not missing anything we needed during our stay. Dining room is spacious and covered deck was great for sitting and conversing. 2 level dock is fantastic for sitting up high over looking the lake and feels very private being so far from adjacent docks. All in all great experience and would rent again. – Robert (Oct 2022)
Click here to check prices and availability
Ray of Sunshine Architect Designed Cabin
This custom built cabin for rent in Tofino is perfect for a romantic getaway or family vacation.
Outside, it features an outdoor hot shower and a covered back deck with a private hot tub and BBQ.
Inside, the open-concept living area has lots of room to stretch out with custom furniture, a fireplace, and a 46” flat-screen TV. On rainy days, it’s a cozy retreat with abundant comforts, including a fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, and almost every imaginable tool. There’s also a washer and dryer.
The master bedroom on the main floor has a queen bed and ensuite bathroom with soaker tub and shower. There is direct access to the deck, sunken hot tub, and large, private, wooded setting.
The upstairs bedroom has two double beds and a balcony overlooking the living area, which can be closed off for privacy. The ensuite bathroom has a large, walk-in shower.
Best For: Couples, Family or Group of Friends
Sleeps: 6
Click here to check prices and availability
Casita Tofino Cottage for Rent
This forest cabin AirBNB in Tofino is nestled in the temperate rainforest that surrounds Tofino. It features high ceilings and large windows allowing plenty of natural light into the space. It is suitable for two guests and does not accept children under 12.
Best for: Couples
Sleeps: 2
What sets this place apart: Cozy cabin in the woods vibe
Click Here for pricing and availability
Harbourview Hideaway Airbnb Tofino
Oceanside and in town, this condo is perfect for anyone who wants to be right into the city center with walking distance to the shops, restaurants and overlooking the harbor. It has one bedroom but sleeps 4.
Best for: Couples but sleeps 4
Sleeps: 4
What sets this place apart: condo in town on the water
Click Here for pricing and availability
Resources for Your Vancouver Island Getaway
In the high season and even into shoulder season on weekends, it can be hard to actually find availability on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. It is just that popular. If you do not find what you want in Tofino, do not be put off by staying in nearby Ucluelet. I have a post on the best AirBNB’s in Ucluelet for you to check out as well
Getting to Tofino
Popular ways to access it involve taking the BC Ferries from the Metro Vancouver Area to Nanaimo and then driving (about 3 hours) across the Island. There are two terminals on the mainland that will go to the Nanaimo region. There is Horseshoe Bay (North Vancouver) to Departure Bay or Tsawwassen (South of Vancouver, closer to USA border) to Duke Point. Read about driving from Vancouver to Tofino and as well driving from Nanaimo to Tofino and where to stop along the way!
If you are doing this in the winter, expect snowy conditions along the way. Tourism Tofino recommends you check out the Sutton Pass Webcam as the area can be very snowy! It is a small highway, one lane each way (for the most part) and accidents or poor road conditions can delay your arrival.
You can also fly into Tofino by plane from Vancouver. This is increasing in popularity and there are daily flights
More driving resources: Ucluelet to Tofino
Where to Eat In Tofino
Tacofino is a popular choice and the most well known food truck in town. It is an iconic place to eat in Tofino (and a must try!)
Wolf in the Fog is always busy. It is probably the most well known place in Tofino
Chocolate Tofino Do not miss this gem for ice cream and locally made chocolate. Try the lavander ice cream and chocolates for a unique and satisfying flavor.
Popular Things to do in Tofino
Surfing – If it is your first time on a surfboard, I highly suggest taking a lesson! It can make all the difference in your day!
Fishing – Want to experience salmon or halibut fishing? Consider a fishing daytrip in Tofino!
Boat Tours – If you are not a serious fisherman, how about a day on the water with some fishing, crabbing and sightseeing? choose a Tofino boat tour!
More BC Travel Resources
5 Things to Bring with You to Vancouver Island
A good rain jacket is always a good idea, even in the summer. The Fog bank can roll onshore anytime of year. It is a ranforest and always pretty wet in Tofino and Ucluelet.
A good power bank to charge phones and other devices is always a good idea. After a day of videoing, GPS and taking photos, the last thing you want is a dead cell phone. These are inexpensive and come in handy during the day. If you are flying to Vancouver, make sure you keep any power banks in your hand luggage, as security will often remove them from checked bags (I have found that out the hard way before).
A Universal Adapter is going to be handy for International Visitors. Canada uses the same plugs as the USA but if you are coming from somewhere else abroad, grab yourself one before you arrive.
A good guidebook is something I always get when I am researching a new location. Lonely Planet is the usual go-to, but also check out these.
Reusable shopping bags are available to buy everywhere, but if you want to get a compact one before you arrive, it is a good idea.
Reusable water bottles are also a good idea. You can buy bottled water anywhere that you can get drinks, but Canada does pride itself on recycling as much as possible, and why shell out wasteful dollars when you can drink the tap water all over British Columbia.
Travel Insurance for Canada
There are a few other things to think about when it comes to international travel. The first thing is travel insurance. Whether it is an emergency room visit for something as simple as strep throat, or an emergency appendix surgery, or an unfortunate moped incident things do go wrong when people travel everyday. Canada is a very expensive country for medical care and a doctors visit in an Emergency Room is over $800 to just see the doctor.
I highly suggest travel insurance and a good policy. I personally never travel without it, and I even checked into my policy about care for my children if I am ever in an accident or hospitalized. There are just too many things to think about.
You can find out more information and buy your travel insurance here.
Header Image Credit: Destination BC / Johan Lolos
Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!