These rustic cabins situated on the Tofino Inlet are an affordable West Coast getaway.
Tofino isn’t just cool, it’s magical. And because the whole world has found out about its natural beauty and thriving food scene, visiting regularly is a treat that’s largely priced well out of reach for most British Columbians. An oceanfront cabin-in-the-woods experience comes at a well-justified premium, and even outside of summer you’ll pay upwards of $400 a night.
“What is this, New York?” you might think. But the truth is, New York wishes it had Tofino’s long beaches, surfable waves and dense rainforest filled with nattering creatures and old-growth cedars. And as soon as you set your bags down, open the sliding door to the misty ocean and hear the crashing waves on the shoreline, you get it. This place is heaven.
Here’s the thing with Tofino: unless you’re prepared to sleep in your car, or take your chances in a tent braving the wind and rain, you might as well do it right and find the ultimate West Coast woodsy ocean-view spot to make the most of your experience.
The Shoreline is a prime candidate for just such a venture, with its rustic-chic A-frame cabins—they were originally built in the 1960s—and location perched right on the Tofino inlet. The owners, Jen Thorpe and Bridge Reichert, made sure their boutique hotel hit the perfect note between SoCal surf shack and retro Pacific Northwest cabin: wood panelling, white shiplap and ample windows bring the coastal outdoors in, while soft blankets from Blacksaw, Slowtide towels and refillable Malin + Goetz bathing goodies are just a few of the well-curated special touches. You’ll find locally roasted Tofino Coffee on the counter, too.
The rooms are separated into suites on different levels of the two A-frame cabins, along with a separate A-frame house that comes outfitted with all kinds of amenities (soaker tubs, hot tubs, patios). The property has surfboard storage, outdoor showers, a communal fire pit for making friends, and a wood sauna.
And the price? Well, this part is a nice surprise, given Tofino’s reputation. The smaller attic suite, which comes with a large ocean-view tub and private deck, starts at $199 per night, while the spacious six-person A-frame house starts at $629 a night.
The Shoreline feels remote, but its location right in Tofino means you can easily access the outdoors—kayaking in the inlet or taking the float plane to Hot Springs Cove—and walk the ten minutes to Wolf in the Fog for craft cocktails and a well-earned dinner of ginger glazed pork belly or black bean clams and Dungeness crab. And with storm watching season upon us, there’s never been a better time to pack your trusty Gore-Tex and hit Chesterman Beach, now that you’ve found a nice cozy suite to dry off in afterwards.
Book your stay at The Shoreline.
The Shoreline
350 Olsen Road, Tofino
