9 Unforgettable Hotels & Venues – Tofino & Ucluelet, Vancouver Island, BC Canada

So now it’s time to cover the West Coast of Vancouver Island, as I mentioned in my Victoria post. Vancouver Island is a two hour ferry ride or 30 minute flight from the Lower Mainland (Vancouver). There are several airports to which you can fly if you’re aren’t driving. Please be aware that this is not a small little Island that you can zip around, in one day, from mile zero in Victoria to Port Hardy it’s 500km / 310 miles. And if you want to reach the very north end, I think there’s a forestry service road, for another 70km / 40 miles or so! Unless you are staying directly in Victoria, you will need a car, and frankly, you’ll need one there too.

It’s important to understand these distances, because it will impact your plans. While getting married on the beach in Tofino and then having your reception in Victoria seems like an amazing idea, you probably don’t want you or your guests driving over 4.5 hours one way to get there.

If you’re looking for group bookings, contact to me and I’ll work with my contacts to put together an amazing package for you.

DON’T FORGET – If you’re getting married, or renewing your vows you will need to check whether you need a Visitors Visa and a Marriage License, as well as a justice of the peace, minister, officiant to make it all happen.

*Disclaimer – prices are just a guideline, talk to the venue to get an accurate picture.

All that being said, one of the top destinations on Vancouver Island is Tofino and Ucluelet, or Long Beach. To get there you’ll need to do one of two things, either fly into Nanaimo airport (it’s the closest, and rent a car) or if you’re driving over from Vancouver, you’ll come via the ferry. Then drive to the West Coast, which is about a 3 hour drive or 200 km / 125 miles. Don’t do this late at night, it’s a really winding narrow road. You can get there by air IF you hire a private helicopter or seaplane to get you there.

The open Pacific meeting the shore, even in winter, the storm watching is fantastic, and they have cleverly turned it into a winter destination for just that purpose. It also offers the best surfing in the Pacific Northwest. There are two towns in this area, Tofino (which is the more developed of the two) and Ucluelet, both have their charms and are within a reasonable driving distance of one another. I’ll start with Ucluelet, though this is in no particular order.

The weather on the West Coast is as unpredictable as the Pacific Ocean, please don’t set your heart on an outdoor wedding without a backup plan. It can rain and be downright cold in the middle of summer, or not!
Also note that if you do plan on getting married on the beach, you will need a permit.

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
596 Marine Drive, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0
Phone: 1-250-726-4808

Style: Hotel | Resort | Beach | Coastal Elegance

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort takes oceanfront to a whole new and spectacular level. Only 24 km from Long Beach and 40 km from Tofino. It has been designed with respect for the land and sea; their innovative architecture – of rock, water, glass, steel, and wood – enhances and contrasts the Wild Pacific landscape. With expansive spaces, natural light and breathtaking seaward vistas, it has become one of the most stunning new outposts on Canada’s wild Pacific coast.

This spectacular destination location on the West Coast, offers fine dining, stunning photo opportunities, endless beach walks, a spa,and event services combined with local resources, providing an unforgettable location for you and your guests.

Guest capacity:  Based on Room chosen
Rainforest Ballroom – 120 guests
Sitka Room – 40 guests
Hemlock Room – 40 guests
Wine Cellar – 45 guests for dinner | 80 guests for seated ceremonies | 120 guests for stand up ceremonies and cocktail receptions. Fetch Patio is a spectacular outdoor setting for wedding ceremonies, for 50 to 120 people. Fetch Patio – 50 – 120 guests. Only available from 4:00 to 5:00pm | Weather dependent |White folding chairs and signing table are included in the patio set up. Check out their brochure here.
Float Patio – 20 guests

Base Rentals (regardless of event type): Rainforest | Sitka or Hemlock | Wine Cellar | Fetch Patio | Float Patio
Group Events: Budget $75 – $150 per person plus base rental price 
Weddings:  Please contact venue for pricing

Accommodations: Starting from $872 to $1170 USD minimum 2 night stay
If you’re planing an event, a minimum guaranteed room block of 20 room nights is required in order to book Black Rock’s function space over a weekend. Mid-week weddings require a minimum of 10 room nights to receive the discounted room rates. Please note a 2 night minimum stay is required between the dates of May 1st to October 1st.

You must provide/arrange for the following: Flowers • DJ/Music • Decorations (approved) • Wedding Officiate • Photographer • And any other extras. 
*Please note, as this is a small community with less resources than a big city, they have access to all the local partners, and have included that list in their wedding brochure.

Ucluelet Aquarium
180 Main St, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0 | Phone: 1-250-726-2782

Style:  Aquarium | Rustic West Coast

This is not your typical aquarium. The Ucluelet Aquarium is a collect-and-release aquarium. Our animals are all local to Ucluelet and Tofino and are only here temporarily before they are released back to the wild. So I’m just going to let the Ucluelet Aquarium speak for themselves. I’m listing it because it is such a cool location to have your wedding or family event.

And I quote “The Ucluelet Aquarium is the most unique wedding venue on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Worried about rainy days? We have your back. Close proximity to the beaches, located right on the water, we are a great location for a wedding reception or ceremony. What is the best part about renting our facility for your special day? All proceeds from your wedding go towards keeping our educational programs running, our doors open, and furthering awareness and education towards local marine life.”

Guest capacity:  80 guests seated | 120 standing reception

• Rentals can begin at 5 pm at the earliest (the aquarium is open to the public before that point) and end no later than 1 am. 
• The aquarium can only be rented during their open season (March 1st – November 30). .
• They can accommodate up to 35 guests for seated events or 80 if additional tables and chairs are rented from an outside vendor. 100 guests standing reception only.
• You must take with you and dispose of your own garbage.

Budget: Starting from $150 hour for the rental, plus catering, decor, etc.,

You must provide/arrange for the following: Third Party Liability Insurance • Flowers • DJ/Music • Decorations • Wedding Officiate • Catering • Photographer • Wedding cake • Extra tables and chairs, etc. • Liquor license (cater can probably arrange) • And any other extras. 

The Lodge at Terrace Beach
1090 Peninsula Rd. Ucluelet, BC, V0R 3A0
Phone: 1-866-438-4373

Style:  Resort / Lodge / Hotel / Beach / Forest / Coastal Rustic

This charmingly unique venue offers a classic yet west coast rustic charm. Nestled amongst old growth forest, yet accessible to the beach. This location allows for a very intimate family get together or wedding. With 11 suites and 3 surrounding cabins, plan it right and the whole place could be yours.

Event Guest capacity:  60 guests
Group Events:  Please contact venue  
Weddings: Starting from $6,000 CDN plus base rental and accommodation (based on 25 guests)

Accommodations: Please note that this is an adult only oriented facility. They have 1 cabin that is child & pet friendly. Rates are peak season.
Family cabin – $329 CDN per night plus pet fees ($179 off season)
Adult only suites – starting from $279 – $499 CDN per night

You must provide/arrange for the following: Flowers • DJ/Music • Decorations • Wedding Officiate • Photographer • Wedding cake • And any other extras. 

The Wickaninnish Inn
500 Osprey Ln, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0 | Phone: 1-800-333-4604

Style:  Resort | Hotel | Spa | Beach | Coastal Rustic

I’m not even sure where to start, when you mention going to Tofino, pretty much everyone I know immediately thinks of the Wickaninnish, and always a bit wistfully, because it’s generally not in a weekend getaway budget. However, is it on everyone’s wish list? Absolutely. For us Islanders, it’s winter storm watching more so than summer time. We’re funny that way! The fact that they are located directly on Chesterman Beach doesn’t hurt.

Event Guest capacity:  60 guests
Group Events: Budget $100 – $175 CDN per person
Weddings: Starting from $6,500 CDN plus accommodations (based on 25 guest)

Accomodations: $627 – $827 CDN per night peak season | $420 – $700 CDN Winter | $420 – $1,080 CDN Christmas season

You must provide/arrange for the following: Flowers • DJ/Music • Decorations • Wedding Officiate • Catering • Photographer • Wedding cake • And any other extras. 

Middle Beach Lodge
400 MacKenzie Beach Road, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
Phone: 1-866-725-2900

Style:  Resort | Hotel | Beach | Coastal Rustic | Cabins

I knew nothing about this place until I started doing research and then realized I’ve camped at Middle Beach (please don’t ask, I don’t camp, I try not to think about that trauma – hahaha, but seriously I don’t camp – the things we do for our international friends). Anyway, had I stayed in the lodge this conversation would be very different! However, that being said, the Lodge has something special about it, this place is about getting grounded and unplugging, and once you listen to the stories of how it all came to be, you want to go and stay there.

Now, about the lodge, it’s truly west coast rustic, refined but rustic, the owner has collected pieces in his travels and they are part of the decor. With separate cabins and lodges, suitable for a variety of group sizes.
The cabins come with a wood-burning fireplace, indoor soaker tub, outdoor hot-tub, decks and wrap-around ocean views.

Event Guest capacity:  60 guests
Group Events: Budget $50 – $100 CDN per person
Weddings: Starting from $4,500 CDN plus accommodations (Based on 25 guests)

Accommodations: Peak Season $180 – $520 CDN per night | Off Season $130 – $405 CDN per night

Group Packages:
Group/Family & company getaways and retreats | Cabin / conference room facilities for smaller groups | 25 room private corporate lodge with lounge and dining room. (For your exclusive use.) | All bookings include breakfast. Dining options can be designed for your own needs | Outdoor adventure |
Spa packages | Off season special rates available upon request.

Weddings:
Consider your own Private Lodge for your special occasion. Middle Beach Lodge at The Beach is one of a kind, and you’ll have exclusive of the lodge facility.- West Coast casual style.

You must provide/arrange for the following: Flowers • DJ/Music • Decorations • Wedding Officiate • Photographer • Wedding cake • And any other extras. 

Pacific Sands Beach Resort
1421 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
Phone: 1-250-725-3322

Style:  Resort | Lodge | Hotel / Beach | Coastal Rustic

Pacific Sands Resort is the perfect group/family vacation destination. They are located right on the beach, perfect for kids and adults alike. They have set up their resort to appeal to everyone. Taking the surf and turf vibe in the most literal sense, they have outdoor seating around picnic tables, a 14-foot communal table, and 4 marshmallow roast-ready fire-pits.

If your vision for your destination wedding is beachfront and intimate, imagine saying ‘I do’ while facing the wild Pacific, only steps from your beachfront suite. With breathtaking views and crashing waves, to the intoxicating smell of the Pacific, it’s as romantic as it is unforgettable.

They have also put together an amazing list of things to do in Tofino!

Events Guest capacity:  40 guests
Group Events: Budget $75 CDN per person
Weddings: Starting from $6,500 CDN plus accommodations

Accomodations: $439 – $899 CDN per night peak season | $220 – $719 CDN Off Season/Storm Watching

You must provide/arrange for the following: Flowers • DJ/Music • Decorations • Wedding Officiate • Catering • Photographer • Wedding cake • And any other extras.  They work with all the local vendors, talk to them first.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Phone: 1-888-333-5405 | Email: info@wildretreat.com

Style:  Resort | Luxury | Lodge | Safari-Style Glamping | Coastal Rustic

This amazing off the beaten track resort takes remote luxury to a whole other level. It’s made the Condé Nast – 2019 Gold List. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is a seasonal, safari-style outpost (that means “tents”), intimate, authentic and eco-friendly. Working with Ahousaht First Nation to provide unprecedented, sustainable access to the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, as well as a variety of their own unique activities and adventures.

You’ll fly in by float plane, and be met by a horse-drawn carriage, which takes you to the log-cabin cookhouse. The waterfront tents are tents in name only—safari-style, with vintage oil lamps and a cast-iron fireplace, a spacious bathroom with heated floors and an outdoor shower. There’s a tent for the piano, and even one for a billiards table. The whole set-up here is determinedly relaxed, like a summer camp for outward-bound adults. 

Accommodations:  Peak season 3, 4 and 7-night all-inclusive packages, based on their float plane schedule. They offer the following options: Per Person rate
Thursday to Sunday – 3 Nights – Starting from $5,500 CAD
Sunday to Thursday – 4 Nights – Starting fro $7,200 CAD
Sunday to Sunday – 7 Nights – Starting from $11,800 CAD
Thursday to Thursday 7 Nights – Starting from $10,500 CAD

Their all-inclusive luxury wilderness safari packages include: luxury tented accommodation, all gourmet meals including snacks, featured wines, beer and alcohol, guided activities, gear and instruction, one 60-minute relaxation massage per adult/youth, evening turndown service and all in-room amenities, laundry service, horse-drawn wagon shuttle, and unlimited enjoyment of amenity tents and waterfront lounge.

Weddings: They work with an experienced, local wedding planner who can secure the services of a local officiate, photographer, and musicians to help make your extraordinary decorating and entertainment dreams come true. Or, if you are happy with simple, lovely natural flora, they can help. Our Maître d’, Executive Chef, and Pastry Chef will work with you to plan the perfect, personalized menu. Six-course white-linen wine-paired dinner, casual coastal lunch, or rustic family style brunch–whatever you wish.

Wedding Budget: Please contact the resort for details, there may be extra costs associated with the location.
Event Guest capacity:  40 guests

Tofino Botanical Gardens
1084 Pacific Rim Hwy V0R 2Z0 Tofino, BC
Phone: 1-250-725-1220

Style:  Coastal | Eclectic | Garden | Rustic | Waterfront

Looking to get back to nature as you celebrate. This location is fantastic for a family reunion or get together, renting the entire place is extremely affordable. Or maybe you’re looking for a boho styled wedding, by embracing nature, this could be the most affordable way to celebrate your special event on the West Coast. Tofino Botanical Gardens are twelve acres of gardens, forest, and shoreline that explore the relationship between culture and nature.

A network of paths and boardwalks will take you from the Café and Gift shop around the flower, herb and kitchen gardens, the duck pond, and Children’s Garden into the forest, where clearings have been transformed into a series of pocket gardens, art installations and garden buildings.

Events Guest capacity:  100 guests
Base Rate: $500 CDN
Group Events: Budget $50 – $75 CDN per person
Weddings: Starting from $3,500 CDN

Accommodations:
High Season May to October 14
$1,760 Rental of full facility – sleeps 30 – 32 people | $159 CDN – sleeps 2 | $169 CDN Bunk Room – sleeps 4 | $239 CDN Suite – sleeps 4 |
June 23 – Sept 14 Botanical House $2,400/week (7 nights) sleeps 6
Low Season October 15 – April 31
$1,210 Rental of full facility – sleeps 30 – 32 people | $109 CDN – sleeps 2 | $129 CDN Bunk Room – sleeps 4 | $159 CDN Suite – sleeps 4 |
Sept 15 – June 22 – Botanical House $1,750/week (7 nights) sleeps 6

Long Beach Lodge
1441 Pacific Rim Hwy, P.O. Box 897, Tofino, BC
Phone: 1-250-725-2442

Style:  Hotel | Resort | Beachfront | Coastal Elegance

Long Beach Lodge Resort, Tofino’s Luxury Adventure Resort, with beachfront acreage on Cox Bay… you’ll create many happy memories here. This retreat location is ideal for either weddings or group events! The beachfront Lodge has 41 luxury rooms, most with Pacific vistas, and 20 two-bedroom Rainforest Cottages just a short walk from the Lodge and beach.

Private banquets, receptions, and catering are available in three of their food and beverage facility’s: the iconic and award-winning Great Room (restaurant and lounge), the outdoor beach-side Sandbar Bistro (open seasonally), or their Long Beach Function Room.

Events Guest capacity:  50 guests
Group Events: Budget $50 – $75 CDN per person
Weddings: Starting from $5,500 CDN

Accommodations: Peak season from $434 – $639 CDN per/night / Off season $369 – $539 CDN per/night

Duffin Cove Oceanfront Lodging
215 Campbell Street, Box 178, Tofino, BC | Phone: +1 866-425-3448

Duffin Cove is an oceanfront property, conveniently located in Tofino.   It’s a boutique style property with several room types available. Ocean Front Cabins, One & Two bedroom suites, and Ocean Front King Studios. Their units will sleep from 2 to 8 people and. This place is in the process of getting a complete overhaul. They’re making every room Oceanfront. So they aren’t even taking bookings yet. However, since this season is pretty much over, and you aren’t planning your event for next month, check them out when they do open.

Want to be one of the first to experience the new Duffin Cove?  Join their mailing list and you’ll be first to be notified when bookings open up!

So there you have another major destination to consider. I’m hoping that these 9 West Coast destinations on Vancouver Island, BC, leave you considering them, as you make your plans. Lot’s more inspiration to be found on Instagram & Pinterest.

And remember, I’m here for all your luxury travel needs.

Please consider sharing and pinning because each share truly helps me out! Thanks – Maria

And if you have a suggestion for a city/country that you’d like me to focus on, please send me a message at maria @ theeventfultraveller. com and I’ll get to it asap.