Spectacular beachfront comfort at Ocean Village Resort in Tofino, B.C.

The one bedroom cabin was cozy. The kitchen was well stocked. It  even had a big pot for cooking crabs, the local delicacy. The dining area with its wooden table by the window seemed a perfect place for enjoying a meal. 

Fresh linens on the beds and locally made, all-natural Sea Wench soap  in the bathroom and the sound of the waves filtered in to the living room, as the ocean crashed against the shore.   The view was spectacular. 

We spent a good portion of the day on Mackenzie Beach,  located about 50 paces away from our cabin door. I had one of my very first surfing experiences on this beach over the summer, but now, with only a few people out, it was a different experience.  We pretty much had the beach to ourselves.

Shane recommended we try the Wildside Grill, a food stand in the very close “Live to Surf” complex. From Ocean Village, Wildside Grill is probably less than a ten-minute walk. This was possibly the epitome of what I love about Tofino. Co-owner and fisherman Jeff Mikus greeted us and showed us around the small kitchen, where the friendly staff prepared everything on the spot.

The Wildside Grill prides itself on bringing seafood straight from the boat to the kitchen, and then to your plate. This was no lie – Jacob had a Seafood Gumbo that tasted great and was very fresh.

Being the vegetarian that I am, I got the bean and cheese tacos, and certainly didn’t feel like I was missing out. With their high standards for food, the ingredients were all very fresh and local. Pretty impressive for take-out.

We had tons more activities to keep us entertained. Luckily we had a chance to return to a local favourite of mine, the Common Loaf Bakery. We had Panini’s made on the bakery’s fresh multigrain bread, equipped with fresh and delicious ingredients, and an unbelievable homemade curried pumpkin soup. 

We hiked through one of the old growth forests. Jacob insisted on going surfing so he could test his new adventure camera; and yes, if you’re keen, you can surf. The surf is supposedly even better during the winter months.

In the photos below, Jacob Barker gets ready to meet the surf.  In couple photo: Jacob and Birdie.

I just enjoyed the view of Long Beach and the intimidating large waves. And again, we were the only ones there, which is mind-blowing if you’ve ever been to Long Beach in the summer.

Leaving Ocean Village later that day was very difficult. There was nothing boring about our time spent there during the week. “There are things to do here that you just can’t do when there are lots of people around,” Shane says. “You really get to experience what Tofino offered many years ago, until it became such an international destination.”

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a fun and simple trip for you and your family, a retreat with friends, or even just a vacation for yourself, there are many reasons to choose Ocean Village as your destination. The number one reason is private oceanfront cottages start at $99 per night, and it’s not just a room, it’s your own private cabin.

The staff is friendly, it’s located super close to town and central to all worthy Tofino beaches and trails. It also has great amenities, including a laundry area and that great pool and hot tub. Don’t let the cold weather scare you – give a winter Tofino trip a try. I highly doubt you will be disappointed.

Hey, better yet, enter the VO Contest to win a three-day getaway to Ocean Village.