Whee, it’s free (or doesn’t cost much) in Tofino! Part 2 of 3: Top 5 places to stay

Did you know that Tofino offers a wide range of accommodation choices for all budgets?  Oh, it’s true.  While you can sleep at a beachfront resort or a vacation home with a dream kitchen and an even dreamier view – it’s also possible to stay here on a dime, or for a close multiple of it.

Here are some Tofino accommodation options that all fall well under the $100/person/night mark:

1. Tofino Travellers Guesthouse – This colourful home in the town centre offers accommodations ranging from bunk beds in a shared room to your own private room and bathroom.  We should also mention that a breakfast of homemade waffles and coffee is included in the nightly rate, which starts at $35/person in summer and $20 in winter.

2. Tofino Trek Inn B&B – You can’t miss this cheerful blue house on historic Main Street in downtown Tofino, offering a hostel-style budget bed & breakfast.  Dorm room rates start at $35/person in summer and $25/person in winter, and we’ve seen host Joe shopping at the Common Loaf Bake Shop for the daily light breakfast included with your stay.

3. The Ecolodge at the Tofino Botanical Gardens – Its setting on 12 acres on old growth forest, steps from the other-wordly Tofino Mudflats Wildlife Management Area, may inspire you to stay longer than anticipated.   A bunk room for four people is $159 in summer and starts at $89 in winter.  Daily continental breakfast, including an organic oatmeal bar, is included in the rate.

4. Jamie’s Rainforest Inn – Tofino’s newest budget accommodation option is nestled on the southern end of the Inn, right by the rainforest and a mere five minute walk to Chesterman Beach.  Dorm rooms here are equipped with five bunk beds, double vanities and toilet quarters.  There’s also a restaurant and lounge on-site.  Rates are $30/person/night throughout the year.

5. Whalers On the Point Guesthouse HI – You can’t get closer to the calm waters of Tofino’s inlet than this well-appointed HI (Hostelling International) accommodation.  Guests can choose from shared, private or family rooms.  Add to that a self-catering kitchen, laundry room, patio with BBQ and TV room (not that you’ll want to tear yourself away from the spectacular views at your doorstep), and call it a perfectly affordable homebase for your Tofino adventure.  Rates start at $32/person for HI members in peak season, and go as low as $25/person from October through April.

Have you stayed with a Tofino accommodation provider – or at a campsite –  that offered a great value?  We’d love to hear about it, and so would potential visitors to Tofino!  Feel free to recommend your experience in the comment section below.

* Please note that the rates quoted are subject to change.