Guests have a whole new way to experience Tofino.
Steps from iconic Tinwis Beach, also known as Mackenzie Beach, Tsawaak RV Resort invites travellers to adventure on the wild West Coast, in a way that resonates for them.
Choosing from both scenic and private settings, with all the necessities for a most memorable getaway, some will love glamping in one of the 13 Longhouse-style cabins. Inspired by the traditional longhouses of the Tla-o-qui-aht people, these were built from cedar harvested from the grounds.
Others will appreciate pulling their home-away-from-home into one of 34 RV sites to enjoy nature at their doorstep, including private access to Mackenzie Beach, just a three-minute walk through Tsawaak’s partner resort, Tin Wis.
And – welcome news for those tired of struggling to navigate tight RV sites – 10 roomy, pull-through sites are part of the mix, along with 50-amp service. Also under construction is a visitor centre, complete with a gallery space for local artists and a retail shop with all your camping essentials, plus a central building with laundry, showers and bathrooms.
In fact, with those kinds of amenities, snowbirds may well want to experience the region like a local, setting up home in the off-season to take in all the outdoor experiences on offer, without the summer crowds.
Cultural integrity and environmental sustainability
The resort embraces dual touchstones of cultural integrity and environmental sustainability. Appropriately, Tsawaak is derived from His-shuk-nish-tsa-waak, meaning “we are all one,” honouring a deep connection to nature and the land.
Built by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation with an eye to an authentic cultural experience, first steps included identifying any features to be preserved, like culturally modified trees. Connection with surrounding rainforest is further fostered by features like large glass windows in the visitor centre, and thoughtful repurposing of felled trees into the longhouses, a welcome sign by Tla-o-qui-aht artist Hjalmer Wenstob, boardwalks and more.
While the RV resort and cabins are the first step, Indigenous storytelling, artwork and locally informed activities are all expected to be part of the experience visitors will enjoy in the future.
“Ecotourism has been around for quite a while now but really Indigenizing tourism is something that we’re just starting to nowsee come to the forefront, and I think it’s something that so many people want,” Wenstob says. “As Tla-o-qui-aht members, we really want it to be known that we are here and that our history is so deep in this place, and it’s such a beautiful history as well.”
Tsawaak RV Resort is just a seven-minute drive or short bike ride to Tofino, with numerous outdoor adventures right outside your doorstep.
Tsawaak RV Resort and Campground is just a seven-minute drive or short bike ride to Tofino, with numerous outdoor adventures right outside your doorstep. Learn more at tsawaakrvresort.ca or call