A gem within the treasure chest that is British Columbia’s Tofino, the oceanfront Long Beach Lodge Resort holds 41 lodge rooms that are practically set right onto sandy, spectacular Cox Bay. The only place closer to the spray of the mighty Pacific or the gentle lulling sounds of the rainforest might be the 20 two-bedroom cottages, self contained with a fully equipped kitchen, gas fireplace, soaker tub and approximately 1,000 square feet to lounge in. Wherever you lay your lead (on your pillow-top mattress) you can access the boutique resort’s Surf Club Adventure Centre, exercise facilities and outdoor hot tub and sauna.
When you enter the resort’s Great Room, you might have a feeling like you’ve been there before. It could be that you’ve seen photos of the resort’s heart and hub on the pages of “Architectural Digest,” but most likely it’s because you feel like you’re on the beach itself, with the expansive rim of oversized windows, soaring ceiling, stone fireplace and elements of the wild west coast at every turn.
Executive Chef Ian Riddick has recently joined the culinary program, and reinforced the resort’s commitment to local and sustainable producers and ingredients. Handmade chocolates, rich roasted coffee and heady microbrews are all crafted in town, and the ingredients and dishes on the seasonal menu are foraged or sourced locally when not made in house. Last summer the resort opened the SandBar Bistro, the only beachside dining in Tofino. With communal, al fresco seating for 40 guests the dining option welcomes beachcombers, surfers and sunset cocktailers with a menu of simple, seafood-centric small plates.
If you haven’t surfed or tried stand up paddleboarding before, now’s your chance—in one of the most otherworldly settings on earth. The resort’s Surf Club Adventure Centre is a one-of-a-kind facility, open to anyone who is looking for professional, customized surf instruction or equipment rentals (over a well-made latte or while browsing the stocked retail store).
Long Beach Lodge Resort || 1441 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino || (250) 725-2442 || longbeachlodgeresort.com
