Create lasting memories at this original post + beam inlet beach home and make it your retreat. Wake to the sunrise peaking over Meares Island, casting a golden hue over the water- from the comfort of your king bed. With ample room (just under an acre) to explore the yard and private beach, the home is spacious for up to 6 guests. Soak in the hot tub, lounge on the outdoor couch (seasonally), check out the vintage decor or the exposed cedar beams - these touches allow the home to stand out. From the house or yard, we have seen orcas, heron, seals and bears. It's amazing.
As you enter the house, you are met with large windows overlooking the inlet and a propane fireplace in the centre of the living / dining. There is a bedroom on the ground floor with queen bed and forest views. The open concept living room has sweeping ocean views and a 55 inch smart tv with Netflix, Prime, Crave log in from the TV (no cable). We've games, books and playing cards for a night in. There is a set of binoculars on the bar cart by the window - keep your eyes open! We have seen orcas, seals, bears, wolves.
KITCHEN
The kitchen is large enough to have several people cook and stocked with everything you need to make an epic meal, such as basic spices, oil + vinegar, immersion blender, hand mixer, chefs knives, soda stream, ninja blender. While washing the dishes, enjoy the ocean view. The dining table seats 6.
COFFEE + TEA: We provide a starter supply of fresh locally roasted beans by Foggy Bean. There is a drip coffee maker with reusable filter, grinder, Breville espresso maker and Le Creuset French Press. Assorted organic tea from Ucluelet Thay Tea. There are 2 coffee flavour syrups for the sweet tooth.
BATHROOMS
There is a bathroom on the ground floor and upstairs. Both bathrooms are stocked with shampoo, conditioner and hand soap (refillable of course!). The house sleeps 6 so we leave out 7 body towels. There are also hot tub towels. There is a hair dryer.
Upstairs is the loft bedroom with king bed. There is a privacy screen to put out if you don't want to be waken by the sunrise. The master bedroom is next, with an incredibly large space. A cozy chair by the window welcomes you with your morning coffee. A walk in "cloffice" (closet/office) has a dedicated work space with a desk and chair by the window. The ensuite attached has a shower. 2 yoga mats and a set of small weights are in a basket. Each bedroom has two robes for lounging.
PETIQUETTE
The house is pet friendly (1 dog max). We provide dog towels, small bed and dog bowls. The property is dog heaven with direct beach access. Please ensure your pup does not chase the wildlife such as shorebirds. Further instructions will be in the house guide. $50 per dog.
Seasonally there is a great outdoor couch and table set up outside. We say seasonally as it rains a lot in Tofino and the yard is not covered! There are six Adirondack chairs down by the beach year round. Bring your paddle boards and check the tides - go straight from the house to the water and explore the area. Safety first - wear your life jacket and tell someone you are headed out. The ocean is mighty and is active with boats and currents. Paddle boarding in the ocean is quite different than a lake.
We love a good fire and this fire pit has a beach view! Wood and axe is not provided (due to insurance). In the summer there is often a fire ban in the province, so follow seasonal bylaws. Further instructions will be in the welcome guide. During a fire ban, a propane firepit is put our for your enjoyment.
RUG RATS
The house is stocked with a baby gate for the stairs, play pen, high chair, step stool and children dinnerware. Do not leave children unattended in the loft area.
- The house is on septic, so it's important to only flush toilet paper. Flushing other items will clog the pump and result in an expensive repair.
- There is a long term local tenant on site as per Tofino bylaw.
Private entry with key access. Check in 5pm onwards. Early check in can sometimes be accommodated; let us know!
First Light is set up for independent check in and stays. There is a Welcome Guide sent to you beforehand and one you can scan at the house. I am reachable by text if you have any questions. You will need to contact me to empty garbage. We have a lovely long term tenant on the property as per Tofino bylaw, that respects your privacy and wishes the same in return.
LOCATION
First Light is situated just on the outskirts of downtown Tofino, before the Crab Dock. This is perfect for car free exploring downtown; in the summer months it is often very hard to find parking, so we very much recommend taking advantage of using the MUP (multi use path) and walking, biking, e-bike or grabbing the Free Shuttle that runs in the Summer months to the beaches.
DIRECTIONS
Once you get into Tofino, head northwest on Pacific Rim Hwy/BC-4 W toward Campbell Street. The house is before downtown, on the right hand side (inlet side). The address marker is normally lit up at night and is on a large slate rock by the cedar tree. Look for our neighbour Storm Bay (blue sign) and Canadian Flag. First Light is one driveway *before* theirs, just a few driveways before the Crab Dock.
To get to Tofino from the mainland, you need to take a ferry to Nanaimo or Victoria. From there, it's a drive. Anywhere from 3-5 hours. You can also fly into the airport with Pacific Coastal Airlines (the flight is stunning and so quick!) or seasonally, take a float plane from the Vancouver harbour downtown to Tofino harbour downtown.
TRANSPORTATION
There is a designated pedestrian path we call the MUP (multi use path) which is safe and has two lanes for walkers, bikers, joggers, strollers. We encourage you to use it! The free Shuttle bus runs during the summer months from town to the info centre. There is a new bus transit service that runs from Tofino to Ucluelet. There are a couple bike rentals (pedal bike and e-bike). There is also a local rideshare app called Coastal Rides (download their app). Tofino Taxi is another option (though only one driver). For larger groups, there is Tiki Bus + Pacific Rim Navigators hat needs to be pre arranged. There is a Budget Rental car service at the Tofino Airport (also needs to be pre-arranged)
PARKING
Space for 2 cars. There is an EV Charger for your use.
LAUNDRY
There is no laundry access. If your stay is longer than 5 days, limited access can be accommodated; please check in with the owner. Otherwise there is a Laundromat in town.
BOOKING POLICIES:
- Bookings are subject to a cleaning fee plus GST, PST and MRDT (Municipal) tax.
- During the peak summer season (June 15 – Sept 15), houses have a 3 night minimum (or more) stay must be back-to-back to avoid gaps. If you book and create a one night gap, we will contact you to shuffle the reservation ahead.
- Mid-season rates apply on Winter long weekends and during Christmas.
- 3 night minimum stay for all Canadian Statutory Holidays
- 5-10% discount for 7 nights or more not during peak season; reach out for it to be applied
- Cancellation: 100% refund less $50 cancellation fee plus GST if cancelled more than 30 days before arrival. Non refundable if cancelled within 30 days of check-in. Both airbnb and the website state slightly different as they are pre set options; this policy takes precedence.
- Direct Booking Damage Deposit: A damage deposit is held (not charged) the day of check in and released 5 business days after check out as long as no damage has been incurred if you are booking direct.
*Please note: A long-term tenant lives on-site in a separate caretaker suite as per Tofino Bylaw. The caretaker gives you privacy and wishes the same in return.