More about Pacific Sands Beach Resort
We just love this place!
by A TripAdvisor Member
I read with some amusement the review written by the Trip Advisor from Encinitas, Ca dated July 12, 2004. I had to wonder if they were talking about the same Pacific Sands Beach Resort that my family and I know, as it sure doesn't sound like it. We have been coming to the Pacific Sands Beach Resort for almost 30 years, since shortly after it was purchased by the Pettinger Family. We have been treated extremely well and the accomodations themselves and the location have always exceeded expectations every time we come back. Resort staff and management have always been most helpful and friendly. Obviously, this other review was written by someone who must find fault with everyone and anything and there is just no pleasing them at all. We are going back for 4 nights in July 2006 and will always stay here.
Is this Really Canada
by A TripAdvisor Member
We went right after Christmas with no plans and wound up here, WOW what a beautiful paradise it is. We couldnt have planned anything more pleasant..(I recommend you plan though)..we were fortunate and very satisfied. We were able to spend the new-year there too. Didnt want to go back to frosty Alberta after this wonderful experience. Highly recommend.
A Perfect Experience
by TripAdvisor Member p3wiz
Exactly what we were looking for our short vacation. I would highly recommend for anyone that wants a comfortable suite right on the ocean. We stayed in the One Bedroom Ocean Front suites on the ground floor. Everything in the room was neat and clean. Lots of space. We didn’t have a great view from our room (other rooms would have a much better view). The beach is very nice and the trail to Sunset point was much better that I was expecting (half way is boardwalk the other half is dirt) the views of the sunset were remarkable! I’m already planning on returning next year.
Spectcular Views w/ Accomidations to match
by TripAdvisor Member Magoo190
After many TripAdvisor reviews it came down to the Wikkannish Inn and Pacific Sands, and my girlfriend and I couldn't have been any happier staying anywhere else. We stayed in one of their brand new 2 bedroom beachfront Villas during the storm season. We were blessed with clear skies, beautiful waves crashing on picturesque rock formations, soft sand, and clear sea water in tidal pools to observe a pluthora of sealife.
There are plenty of things to do from dining, hiking, surfing and kayak tours. If the movies at the front lodge don't satisfy your needs, head a mile north to the small movie store before town, they have a great selection. Beware, however, that the Villas don't have DVD players. Head into town to grab a cup of fresh brewed coffee and baked goods, great dining no matter where you go.
Accomidations were exceptional. Heated tile floors, exposed timber beams, soft linens, comfy furniture, amazing master bath with soaker tub and view Picasso couldn't match. Two balconies; one in the master bedroom on the 2nd floor and one on the main, both with breathtaking views of the ocean. Plenty of privacy, peace and quite.
We can't wait to go back, maybe this time int he summer so we can go surfing without freezing our toes off. BTW: we drove by the other resorts: Long Beach, Wikkanish, and Pacific Sands should be #1. Long Beach does have a great restaurant. A must see...
Nothing above expected. But at least what you expect is good.
by A TripAdvisor Member
I just spent a 4-day weekend in the Tofino area, and was glad to stay at Pacific Sands. The rooms are all close to the water, and the entire complex is maintained well by friendly staff.
We stayed in an Ocean View Suite. Next time I'll choose Ocean Front, as I didn't realize that meant we would be tucked around the corner a bit. The room was very clean, but rather boring. It surprises me how much they can charge, and consider themselves high-end, but resorts like this and the Tin Wis get by with plain white painted walls and other cheap finishes.
The kitchenette was the smallest I've seen, but it was stocked okay. Micro, toaster, broiler rack... but the quality of these items were sub-par. The toaster wouldn't really brown the bread, the knives were dangerously dull, and the non-stick pans flaked Teflon into our scrambled eggs.
The beach area is fabulous... lots of different terrain, and a nice large beach full of surfers. The trail to Sunset Point, intended for guests only, is wonderful. A short 5 minute walk and you're in another world.
Superb Stay
by TripAdvisor Member Phil&Liz
Tofino dissapointed, but the Pacific Sands did not.
We stayed in a 2 bed lodge and was equipped to a a very high standard with amazing views of the beach.
Shame there was no restaurant on site but a 2 minute walk on the beach to the Long Beach Resort next door overcame this problem.
Thoroughly recommended.
One of Tofino's best
by TripAdvisor Member vb22
Wanted to experience a bit of the remoteness of the BC coast and at the same time enjoy some quality accommodations - we found it in Tofino BC at the Pacific Sands.
After a nearly 5-hour drive from Victoria we arrived at the end of the line in Tofino. Here no GPS navigation is necessary! The property entrance is clearly marked off the one and only main road. The facility is comprised of a wide range of buildings - each having different types of accommodations. We found the web site names and descriptions of the rooms and suites a bit confusing - but a quick call to their reservations number answered all our questions.
Check-in is in the first building you come to upon entering the property. Although they don't have a restaurant here they do have an living room style area complete with a computer and high-speed Internet access available for guests. If you have WiFi capabilities you can also use your own computer but the coverage is pretty much limited to the main office building area.
We stayed in two different kinds of rooms; due to our late booking we were not able to get all nights in our first choice accommodations.
We started off in a suite on the third (top) floor of their largest building. A huge king size plus bed looked out of a large picture windows onto the ocean - which was just metres from our door. A large jacuzzi was located on the balcony porch outside our suite. Watching the daylight fade away with our favourite drink and chocolates in the jacuzzi listening to the waves crashing below ... sorry, words can't describe this picture!
Our second suite was in a different building and was not as lavish as the high end suite. It had a separate bedroom and living room. Although a little further set back from the beach than our first room we were able to sit on the couch with the door open in the evening and enjoy the sounds and view of the beach.
Both suites had a kitchen area with everything necessary for a longer stay. Both suites had a fireplace as well (the first one burn specially provided logs and the second one was gas). Perfect for those chilly nights or just a bit of ambiance.
Although the place was most certainly busy - running at or nearly at capacity - we found it extremely quiet and private ... a definite plus. The staff were very courteous and helpful and they had a large crew out and about attending to even minute detail: washing windows, sweeping stairs, cleaning the grounds, etc.
Tofino as a whole was a very interesting place: a small outpost 100 km from anywhere but with all the convenience of home. And the clientele visiting Tofino varied from campers, backpackers and surfers to those looking for a more upscale experience. We enjoyed it enough that we're considering a return visit - possibly during their "storm" season - and would most certainly stay at the Pacific Sands again!
Wide range of accommodation
by TripAdvisor Member conshohocken
Apparently there are some really lovely rooms/suites, at least by the photos provided by the traveller from Mass. We did not enjoy such luck. Our accomodation in the light house was dark, dreary and very out dated. The location of the resort is beautiful, right on the beach. The staff were friendly and helpful, but nothing could make up for the dreadful and depressingly small bedroom and the sorely in need of updating place we stayed. I would warn future guests to question very carefully when the room was last refurbished. I'm told the villas are much newer. We moved to another resort which was lovely, and we enjoyed the rest of our stay in Tofino.
Totally outdated and drab.
by TripAdvisor Member Morainelake
I certainly agree with the comment made previously. Pacific Sands has as a great location right on the beach but the rooms are in desperate need of refurbishment. We stayed in a two-bedroomed suite in the Lodge of which the room size was good, but so drab and very outdated. The staff were very friendly and helpful. After a couple of days we decided to check out Long Beach Resort and what a difference - we definately wished we had stayed there. Sorry Pacific Sands - bad chose.
Fabulous
by TripAdvisor Member SJ46
Pacific Sands is a wonderful place to get away to. We stayed in one of their new villas and it was first rate. Right near the beach, fully equiped, stunning view, and lovely furnishings. The staff are friendly and helpful and there are lots of them. On the website I think it says there is a video player in each unit but in ours it was a DVD player. Might be good to double-check if you are planning to watch movies. Lots of DVDs in the office for rent at $5.00 each and they are quite up to date. There is only one main highway in and out of Tofino so watch your vehicle speed around Port Alberni or you might get a speeding ticket.... We have stayed at Pacific Sands several times and always enjoyed it. Great running and walking on the beach and trails.
Photos
Shop for Kayakers.
Seaweed on the sand
Water Taxi to Meares,Clayoquot Sound,B.C.
"Walk the Wild Side",Flores Island,B.C.