When you first think of Vancouver, your mind will probably conjure up images of a tall twinkling modern city on the Canadian west coast. In the small town of Tofino on Vancouver Island, however, you will find secluded beaches, ancient rain forests, and some of the best whale-watching spots on the planet.
So grab your hiking boots or your surfboards, there is no better place to get in touch with the natural beauty of Vancouver than from Tofino!
Although Tofino is the perfect base to explore all of the secluded lakes and beaches of Vancouver Island, you will find an absence of backpacker’s hostels and budget-friendly options for places to rest your head. Does this mean that backpackers traveling on a shoestring can’t also explore all the wilderness and beauty of Tofino?
We put together all the best budget options in Tofino together in one place so you can find a stay that fits how you like to travel! From the best hostels in Tofino to budget guesthouses, you will be getting away from it all on Vancouver Island before you know it!
Just a few clicks away your adventure to Tofino is just one step closer to becoming a reality!
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Tofino
Whalers Guesthouse
- > $
- > Bike Hire
- > Well-Equipped Kitchen
The Best Hostel in Tofino
Before you know it, you will be traveling into the unknown, exploring all of the wonders hidden within the Canadian wilderness and on its coast. First, you will have to pick that perfect hostel to set the tone for your trip! Well, I’ll tell you what… Tofino makes your decision easy. It only has one true hostel!
Whalers Guest House – Overall Best Hostel in Tofino
Whalers Guest House (Also known as HI Tofino Hostel) is THE place to be for backpackers heading to Tofino. The hostel sits on the edge of Clayoquot Sound, so you’ll be waking up to epic waterfront views every day. It’s got a cozy, laid-back vibe that makes you feel right at home.
You have the option of crashing in a dorm or splurging on a private room. The communal spaces are where the backpacker magic happens – there’s a lounge to chill out in, a games room with a FREE pool table, and a BBQ terrace to enjoy some epic sunset cook-ups.
If you’re into cooking your own food, the shared kitchen is fully equipped with everything you could need! Location-wise, you’re just a short walk to the town center, Tonquin Beach Trail, and all the surf shops. The staff here are super lovely and can help you organise tours and surf lessons.
More Budget-Friendly Stays in Tofino
Thought that was all? Nope, I got you covered, my friend. Here are a few more options for places to stay in Tofino. Although there is only one hostel, there are other budget-friendly (ish) options to choose from.
Sienna’s Tree House
Rather than having you pack into a dorm room, Sienna’s Tree House will have you moving into your very own apartment in Tofino just minutes away from the gorgeous beaches of Vancouver Island. Complete with their very own kitchen, TV, and private bathroom, you will be getting quite the upgrade when checking into one of the cozy and homey rooms at Sienna’s Tree House. With an outdoor terrace, you will find that there is no better place to crack open a beer and enjoy the evening that at your guesthouse. With tons of hiking trails nearby, this budget hotel makes for the perfect base in Tofino!
Tofino Resort & Marina
Although you will not find hardly any budget hostels in Tofino, what you will find are some of the most romantic resorts in Canada that won’t totally break the bank. Tofino Resort & Marina will have all you couples out there enjoying a glass of fine wine while overlooking the nearby harbor in Tofino!
You will get so much more than budget rooms and great views, however. Tofino Resort will also hook you and your boo up with an onsite bar, cafe, and even a fitness center. This budget resort will also help you get your adventure started with bear watching tours and fishing charters. No matter if it is exploring or romance, you will be able to find it at Tofino Resort and Marina.
The Maq Hotel
Let’s get a beer in your hand and your foot tapping. While in Tofino, you will find that the best party is always at The Maq Hotel! Although this budget hotel may be a little bit more expensive than the hostels you are used to, you will find that you will get a one of a kind experience when staying in this cheap hotel in Tofino.
Not only will you have views of the coast and hiking trails nearby, but you will also have access to your very own in house pub. The fun doesn’t stop there, The Maq Hotel will have you hitting the dance floor with their weekly live music events. From cheap rooms to a stellar party, The Maq Hotel is a place that will give you memories that will last a lifetime.
Mackenzie Beach Resort
We know you came to Tofino to hit the beaches, so why would you settle for any place that doesn’t put you right next to the sea? Mackenzie Beach Resort will have you doing just that, putting you just a few minutes from sinking your toes into the sands of some of Tofino’s most gorgeous beaches. Plus, if you book quick enough you could grab space in one of their two on-site Airstream trailers. Fun!
This budget resort offers not only a great location, they will also pamper you with an onsite convenience store, a pit to cook up some barbeque, and tons of room to simply just kick back and relax in! Great ready to throw another log on the fire and stay a bit longer, Mackenzie Beach Resort is one place where you will never be wanting to leave!
Tofino Motel Harborview
Last but certainly not least on our list of some of the best backpacker-friendly stays in Tofino is Tofino Motel Harborview. Wake up every morning with a hot cup of coffee and pull the shades to reveal some absolutely gorgeous views of the nearby harbor and sea. Putting you right by some of the best hiking trails in all of Tofino, you will find that there is no other place that can top Tofino Motel Harborview when it comes to location. With its cozy rooms and stunning views, you will know that you are home.
Surfs Inn Rainforest Cottages
Located a bit down the coast from Tofino in the small town of Ucluelet, Surfs Inn Rainforest Cottages will not only hook you up with some of the cheapest rooms in the area, but they will also having you staying in a laid back atmosphere perfect for just kicking back and watching the world slowly pass by. With their surf lessons and bike rentals, they will give you everything you need to hit the trails and start exploring all the beauty of Canada’s rugged coast. On Surfs Inn’s outdoor terrace and garden, you will find no better place to hang out with the other guests and enjoy the nature of Vancouver Island.
Travel Safety Tips for Tofino
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Over to you
Pull out your binoculars, you may be able to catch a whale along the coast or a bear poking its head out from the dense wilderness surrounding Tofino. With a kind of rustic beauty that you can only find in Canada, Tofino will have you driving along breathtaking coastal roads, hiking through untouched rainforests (yes, really!), and taking to the seas in search of adventure. Being far away from the crowds and noise of Vancouver, you will be truly getting away from it all in Tofino!
The seclusion and natural wonders of Tofino come at a price. With the lack of casual tourists, you will find a lack of hostels and budget hotels for your typical travelers. Although you may have to splurge a few extra dollars, you too can travel to Tofino on a budget and begin exploring all the mysteries and scenic beauty of the Canadian coast!
Have you ever traveled to Tofino? We would love to hear about your trip! Let us know what you think is the best hostel in Tofino in the comments below!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Canada for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the beautiful places in Canada covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Canada before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Canada to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
