As I’ve mentioned before, insiders know that September is Tofino’s best-kept secret. With warm, pleasant weather and fewer visitors after the Labour Day weekend, it’s easier to enjoy activities and restaurants. Less traffic on the roads and ferries also makes getting to the West Coast feel more relaxed. Plus, room rates drop to shoulder season pricing – with some great special offers available as well.
As you may know, Tofino receives an average of 365 centimetres (12 feet) of rain each year. However, like many remote communities, the District has limited water storage capacity, and much of the rainfall flows past the reservoir before it can be captured. This can lead to water shortages during the busy summer season, impacting water use across the region. Knowing that the Lodge uses a significant amount of water, we’ve taken steps to do our part: this spring, we installed our own on-site well. The water we draw will be used for the hot tubs, hot pool, wetsuit rinsing at the Surf Club, and outdoor showers. By next season, it will also supply our laundry. This initiative will reduce our reliance on District water to just 65% of our total needs – an important step toward greater sustainability and resilience.
Although it’s still early, I’m excited to announce that we’ll be open this year for both Christmas and New Year’s. As in previous years, we’ll close briefly at the beginning of December to give our hardworking team a well-earned rest, and then reopen in time to celebrate the holidays. Christmas at the Lodge is truly special – with festive decorations, a warm atmosphere, and a traditional holiday feast. Our New Year’s celebration is a standout too, complete with a beachside fireworks show. Whether you’re staying in the Lodge or one of our cozy rainforest cottages, the experience is truly magical.
If you’ve never stayed with us and are thinking about a first visit, I encourage you to read our TripAdvisor reviews. We’re incredibly grateful for the outpouring of 5-star ratings, which have earned us a spot in their “Best of the Best” category.
Warm wishes,
Tim
