Watching the sunset from Duffin Cove Oceanfront Lodging in Tofino BC
Some of Western Canada’s most beautiful waterfront extends along the west shore of Vancouver Island, particularly around the surfer-friendly town of Tofino. Yet when you’re looking for lodging in the Tofino area, you generally have to choose between staying in town and staying by the ocean. Fortunately, Duffin Cove Oceanfront Lodging lets you do both.
Here’s the scoop:
Welcome to Duffin Cove
In Town in Tofino
Duffin Cove Oceanfront Lodging is built into a rocky cliff at the end of the village, with guest rooms looking out across a seaside cove. Many of Tofino’s eating and drinking spots, from casual cafes like Rhino Coffee House or Savary Island Pie Company, to more upscale options, including Ombré, Wolf in the Fog, and Jeju, are all a short walk away, as is the Co-op grocery store.
The Tonquin Trail, a walking path through the rainforest, starts in town, too, leading to several almost hidden beaches. And if you want to go further, you can rent a bike or ride the West Coast Transit buses that run up and down Highway 4 between the towns of Tofino and Ucluelet. In summer, the free Tofino Shuttle can take you from town to the coastal beaches.
Updated guest rooms at Duffin Cove
Guest Rooms and Amenities
So what does the Duffin Cove look like inside? The contemporary guest rooms with wood floors and colorful throws aren’t huge, but they’ve been nicely updated, with modern furnishings, including either a king bed or two doubles, small refrigerators, and coffeemakers.
Although not every room has an unobstructed ocean view, most of the upper-floor units do, with large windows and balconies facing the waterfront.
The bathrooms have been renovated as well, with rain showers, large vanities, and peek-a-boo windows toward the sea.
Also on the property are two A-frame cabins, which require a 50-step walk down to the shore. Each sleeps four, with a king bed and two twins, plus a kitchenette. There’s also a two-bedroom condo, sleeping up to six, in a separate building set back from the water, which is also where the reception desk is located.
Island views from Duffin Cove
It’s All About the Ocean
Duffin Cove doesn’t have a fitness room or pool or much in the way of service, beyond the cheerful crew who staff the reception area. It’s not a posh resort like the Wickaninnish Inn or a funky motel like the Hotel Zed Tofino. There are no food outlets onsite, as there are at the Wick or the Hotel Zed, or at food-forward Pluvio Restaurant + Rooms in nearby Ucluelet.
Still, if your priority is to look out over the ocean—at a moderate cost—and be able to walk, hike, or cycle to Tofino’s eateries, beaches, and attractions, Duffin Cove is worth considering.
Because at Duffin Cove Oceanfront Lodging in Canada’s surfing capital, whether you visit in peak summer or during the winter “storm season” when the bigger waves roll in, it really is all about the sea.
On the Tofino waterfront, a short walk from Duffin Cove
Rates
Double room rates at the Duffin Cove Oceanfront Lodging start at CAD$239 (US$167) per night.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
Hotel feature by Vancouver-based travel, food, and feature writer Carolyn B. Heller. Photos © Carolyn B. Heller. Tourism Tofino arranged my Duffin Cove stay for review purposes.
