Finding a great dog friendly hotel is like winning a lottery and you will feel especially lucky in the dog welcoming area of Tofino, BC. There are numerous places to stay with your furry traveler and our most recent trip took us to Pacific Sands Beach Resort at Cox Bay (check out my previous post on why Cox Bay is a dog’s paradise). We have been here a few times and it’s always like coming home.
Pacific Sands is on the North end of the serene Cox Bay beach and it has everything you and your dog will need for a fabulous get away: a great range of accommodations (studios, one and two bedrooms and even a house on the rocks), direct access to the beach and trails, only minutes from Tofino, and lots of doggy amenities.
I’ve stayed in a range of rooms and I can recommend them all, it all depends on your preference and budget. The Lighthouse suites are our favourite go to rooms – one bedroom, stocked kitchen (appliances, pots and utensils…not food) balcony or patio and an ocean view. For a special occasion the Beach Houses are the way to go. Gorgeous west coast townhouse style spaces all nestled into the farthest corner against the forest, facing the beach. A few winter’s ago we split a two bedroom Beach House with another couple and their dogs and it was a fabulous Christmas. The management even included a fully decorated tree in the living room. No matter what room you choose, you are mere steps away from the beach.
Dog bowls, biscuits, towels and a lovely note await you in your room. As Tikka and I are always keen to hit the beach at the first possible second, all our stuff gets dropped in a heap inside the door before grabbing a ball and taking off for a walk. The view, the sand the air, the ocean smell… it never disappoints.
Forgot your poop bags because you were in a rush to put your paws in the sand? There are plenty of bag dispensers throughout the property. Arguably the best dispensers with a view. On my way out for walks, I try and grab a few extra as I may be someone’s saviour when a fellow dog owner is asking if there are any going spare in the middle of the beach.
Pacific Sands provides really handy doggy wash up stations along with washdowns for surfers. If needed (do you have a sand roller?) you can get the majority of the sand out of the fur with a full rinse or just wet the feet and then it’s back to the room for a rub down with the provided towels. 
Wet days are perfect for a dry off in front of the fireplaces in each room, and I’ll put Tikka’s dog bed in front of the fire for the coziest of naps as she dries off.
Sunny days provide lots of patio and balcony dog napping while you catch up on another type of surfing – WiFi is provided in all the rooms. As Tikka is part cat, she is the first to find that warm sunbeam to crash out in after a long run on the beach.
A lot of thought goes towards the environment at this resort has electric car charging stations and an extensive recycling program. And for snacks or pre-made dinners, there is a small grocery in the lobby as well as an extensive choice of board games you can take back to your room.
And don’t forget your camera, no matter the type – There is a photo contest each month (details on their site) and you can win 2 free nights stay plus food!
You can find all the info you need on the Pacific Sands website and it is well worth reading their ‘story’ page and the family history revolving around this resort. No size restrictions and max 2 dogs per room. $40 per dog per stay. You can fly over from Vancouver in an hour and if you have more time, the 3 hour drive is spectacular from Nanaimo with lots of great doggy pit stops along the way.
Can’t wait until my next trip!
A note on shore birds. They live here because it rocks, but it doesn’t rock to be chased. If you have an inquisitive dog keep them away from the birdies.
The resorts at the north end of the beach supply a plenitude of bio-degradable poop bags, so jam some in your pockets if you forget to bring them on your walk.
VanDoggo 