IISAAK Ecolodge, on the grounds of the Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Gardens in Tofino
The town of Tofino, on Vancouver Island’s west coast, is known for its sandy Pacific Ocean beaches that draw surfers and sunseekers. But this region of British Columbia also has vibrant First Nations cultures and a growing number of experiences where visitors can learn about and support Indigenous communities. The former Tofino Botanical Gardens are now operated by an Indigenous conservation organization, and the gardens’ IISAAK Ecolodge is both a place to stay and a way to contribute to the organization’s mission.
Here’s the scoop:
In the rainforest at the Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Gardens
The Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Gardens
The IISAAK OLAM Foundation, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization, is now managing the Tofino gardens, which have been renamed the Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Gardens. The gardens are part of the Clayoquot Campus, which is an emerging hub for Indigenous-run education and conservation programs.
The gardens themselves encompass 12 acres of coastal rainforest, with trails through the woods and down to an inlet with views to the nearby offshore islands.
The Ecolodge has a large common room for guests.
About the IISAAK Ecolodge
Surrounded by the tall evergreens of the west coast’s temperate rainforest, the IISAAK Ecolodge sits directly within the botanical gardens. The two-story property is designed for educational programs and group retreats, but it’s now open to individual guests as well. Lodge guests have access to the garden and its rainforest pathways to wander at their leisure during daylight hours.
The comfortable ecolodge is positioned somewhere between a mid-range lodge and a hostel. It was renovated in 2024-25 before reopening to guests in the spring of 2026.
One of the two private rooms with en suite baths at IISAAK Ecolodge
Two of the guest rooms are spacious mini-suites with queen beds, sitting areas, and private baths. Amenities include tea kettles and mini fridges. The first-floor Garden Suite has a small outdoor terrace.
The other 10 rooms are simpler, with either single or queen beds, desks, cabinets to store your belongings, and not much else. Two rooms on the first floor and two on the second floor have a shared bath between them. The other rooms share the all-gender bathrooms in the hallway on each floor.
There’s Wi-Fi throughout the building, although there are no TVs.
A simple guestroom at the Ecolodge
On the main level, a large common room is furnished with overstuffed couches and long tables. Lodge guests can hang out in this space or bring their own food, although the lodge kitchen is currently reserved for groups’ use. Guests can also sit outdoors around the fire pit.
A short walk from the lodge, čukʷaa haʔuk, the garden cafe, serves coffee, tea, pastries, and light meals, including a delicious seafood chowder. The name, pronounced “CHOO-kwa ha-OOK,” is a Nuu-chah-nulth word meaning, “Come, let’s feast!”
The Cafe at Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Gardens
Note that IISAAK Ecolodge has a strict policy forbidding the use of alcohol or drugs anywhere on the property.
What’s Nearby
The Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Gardens and IISAAK Ecolodge are about three kilometers (2 miles) south of the town of Tofino, a five-minute drive. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes in town. In the shopping area just south of the gardens, there’s a small grocery, a chocolate shop, and a couple of other places to eat.
You can walk or cycle into town on the paved Multi-Use Path that parallels the main highway. The pathway also runs south toward Tofino’s beaches and joins the 25-kilometer ʔapsčiik t̓ašii pathway that takes you through Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
NaWas, the totem pole that stands in the Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Gardens
Supporting Indigenous Communities
A good place to learn about the Indigenous nations whose traditional territories encompass western Vancouver Island is at the Kwisitis Visitor Center in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, where exhibits talk about the nations and their history.
First Nations tour operators, such as Ahous Adventures and Clayoquot Wild, offer whale watching, bear watching, and cultural experiences with an Indigenous perspective.
In town, the Roy Henry Vickers Gallery shows works by an established Indigenous artist. The notes that accompany most of the works on display tell the story of what inspired them.
Also visit the Tofino-area businesses that are part of the Tribal Park Allies program. One percent of your purchase at any of these locations supports local Indigenous communities.
A stay at the IISAAK Ecolodge in the Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Gardens will benefit Indigenous education and conservation programs, too.
IISAAK Ecolodge Rates
Rates for the suites with private baths at the IISAAK Ecolodge currently range from CAD$300-450 per night (US$210-315), based on the season.
The shared-bath guestrooms are CAD$125-275 (US$90-195), depending on the room configuration and time of year.
Looking for other places to stay in Tofino? Check out some of our other reviews:
- Duffin Cove Oceanfront Lodging: Tofino Town, Trails, & Sea
- Hotel Zed Tofino: The Most Fun Hotel On Canada’s West Coast
- Wickaninnish Inn: Luxe life on Vancouver Island
Hotel feature by Vancouver-based travel, food, and feature writer Carolyn B. Heller. Photos © Carolyn B. Heller. Tourism Tofino arranged my stay at IISAAK Ecolodge while I was researching stories in the Tofino area.
