Frequently Asked Questions
We accept Visa, Mastercard, debit card, and cash. If you would like to pay via Interac e-transfer, please email our team.
We strongly recommend making a reservation, especially during our high and shoulder season (May to September).
We love pets, but unfortunately, our hostel is pet-free.
Our front desk is open daily from 10 AM to 12 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM. Outside of these hours you can still reach us by phone or email.
Arriving after 9 PM? No problem! We’re happy to accommodate late check-ins. Just email or call us for more details.
Check-in: 5PM to 9PM
Check-out: 10AM
We do our best to accommodate early check-ins, but unfortunately we cannot guarantee your room will be available as it depends on our checkouts and cleaning schedule for that day. On your check-in day, feel free to call us between 10 AM and 12 PM to check if your room is ready. If it is, we’ll gladly check you in early. Otherwise, regular check-in starts at 5 PM.
Yes! Our office closes at 9 PM, but no need to worry if you arrive later ! We have a procedure for late check-ins. Just email or call us for more details, and we’ll be happy to help.
Absolutely! You do not need to be a Hostelling International (HI) member to stay with us and membership is not required to qualify for the member rates at our hostel.
However, if you’d like to enjoy great discounts at hostels around the world, you can sign up for a FREE HI membership here
We provide all bedding, linen and towels for free and ready for you when you arrive. In fact, we kindly ask you not to bring any sleeping bags, blankets, personal linens etc.
We have soap dispensers in our bathrooms for your convenience. However, in an effort to reduce plastic waste and minimize our environmental impact, we’ve chosen not to offer single-use toiletries like the travel-size shampoo and conditioner typically provided in many hotels. We’re committed to reducing plastic waste and appreciate your understanding.
We have paid onsite parking at a rate of $5CAD per day for standard size vehicles.
Please note that our parking is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis, and we do not accept reservations for parking. However, if you call us on your arrival day between 10AM to 12PM we can put a parking pass aside for you (based on availabilities).
Prefer not to pay for parking? There are street parking options nearby, including both paid and free spots. For more details, visit: https://tofino.civicweb.net/document/153601/
While we don’t offer breakfast, our fully equipped communal kitchen is available for you to prepare your own meals. Plus, we’re located in a great spot in Tofino, with plenty of coffee shops and restaurants nearby. If you’re looking for recommendations for the best breakfast and coffee spots in Tofino, our team is always happy to help! The amazing Savoury Island Pie Company is located on the water less than a block away and offers fantastic coffee, pastries, breakfast and lunch.
The age of majority in British Columbia is 19. If you’re under 19 and traveling alone, your parents will need to make the booking for you and email us afterward. A parental consent form is required for your stay.
For dormitory bookings: Guests must be at least 16 and accompanied by someone 19 or older. If you’re under 19 and traveling alone, you’ll need to book a private room instead.
If you have any questions or need help with the process, feel free to email our team—we’re happy to assist!
Yes! We have a locker room across from reception where you can store your luggage. Just bring your own padlock to secure your locker. Forgot a lock? No worries—you can purchase one at the front desk!
Yes! We have a heated surf shack where you can store and dry all your surf gear. We also have an outside shower to clean and rinse your surfboard and wetsuit after a fun time on the water.
The most affordable option is by taking the BC ferry and bus: Take the bus (#250 or #257) from Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal. Catch the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo (Departure Bay). Once in Nanaimo (Departure Bay), transfer to the Tofino Express Bus (operates year-round) or Vancouver Island Connector (does not run year-round!) heading to Tofino. In Tofino, get off the bus at the “Tofino – Main St @ First” stop (bus stop 12 @ House of Himwitsa). This will be the final stop. From the Tofino CO-OP parking lot stop, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the hostel.
Important: You must reserve your bus ticket in advance. Some bus companies do not operate daily, so be sure to check the schedule.
Up for a treat? You can also fly to Tofino! Pacific Coastal Airlines offers year-round flights several times a week from Vancouver South Terminal to Tofino Long Beach Airport, located about 30km from town. An airport shuttle service is available to take you directly to the hostel. Visit Pacific Coastal Airlines for more details.
In summer you can up the Westcoast adventure quotient by flying to Tofino via float plane! Check out Harbour Air or Tofino Air for schedules and to book.
We are in downtown Tofino. Grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, and shops are all within walking distance . The closest beach (Tonquin Beach) and trails are just a 10 minute walk from us. Tofino also has a public transit system, connecting Tofino and Ucluelet – with many stops along the way including the Pacific Rim National Park. We also offer onsite bike rentals – perfect for exploring Tofino and the surrounding area by bicycle.
You can rent bikes from our front desk during office hours: 10am to 12pm and 5pm to 9pm. No reservations are needed, and don’t worry — we rarely run out.
Our bikes are classic West Coast cruisers single-gear belt bikes custom-built by Tofino’s own Cypre Bikes. Perfect for exploring!
Yes, we’ve partnered with several local companies in Tofino to offer some great activities – all at exclusive discounts for our guests. These include whale watching, bear watching, hot springs tours, surf lessons, and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as gear rentals.
Since tours and activities tend to fill up quickly, we recommend letting us know as soon as possible if you’d like to book any of these experiences. Just email us which activities you are interested in and we will send you rates and more information.
Absolutely! We’re in a quiet waterfront location right in the heart of downtown Tofino, with grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and plenty of shops just a short walk away. Our staff is always happy to give you directions and recommendations and share their favorite spots—don’t forget to ask for their top picks!
