Located on 12 acres of waterfont gardens and rainforest at the gateway to the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this eco lodge is surrounded by paths and boardwalks in the middle of the rainforest and is only five minute walk to the sandy open ocean beaches. The Ecolodge at the Tofino Botanical Gardens provides affordable accommodation for the conscious traveler in a comfortable, clean, quiet and friendly environment and place an emphasis on conservation and help visitors to Clayoquot Sound learn about the people and natural history of the area.
We love:
The proximity to the rainforest and the tofino botanical gardens… The quietness and perfect location in Tofino for an eco friendly week end getaway.
Eco friendly highlights:
Tofino Botanical Gardens developed the Ecolodge in order to offer visitors to Tofino the kind of accommodation they would expect in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Energy efficiency begins with the building itself which is thoroughly insulated, has double glazed windows and uses individual thermostats for each room. Most lighting is by way of compact fluorescent lamps. The electricity comes from hydroelectric projects throughout BC, but most recently from a Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations micro-hydro project located on Canoe Creek about thirty miles from Tofino. Lighting and tool battery recharging in the tool shed is powered by a solar panel. In 2011 they plan to expand to four panels which will power low voltage exterior lighting.
The y have a beautiful organic garden and never have used any chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. All kitchen waste is composted in bins that are part of the public education programs. Herbs and greens from the garden are available for guests to use in the kitchen and are used in their own Darwin’s Café. Native plants comprise more than ninety eight percent of the biomass on the twelve acre property.
All cleaning supplies in the lodge are non-toxic and biodegradable. They have policies against the use of plastic cutlery and bottled water. They encourage sensible use of linens and towels. Recycling is a participatory activity at the lodge. A small fleet of used bikes is available for guest use.
The water conservation program includes dual flush toilets, low-flow shower heads and the use of rainwater for gardening and other outdoor uses. In 2011 the ecolodge at Tofino plans to develop a surfers’ station for rinsing wetsuits, washing surfboards and outdoor showers, all with captured rainwater.
Tofino Botanical Gardens is actively involved in several initiatives address ing indigenous peoples’ governance and economic development. They are an active supporter of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations Tribal Park initiative. In May of 2010 they co-hosted the 12th Biennial Congress of the International Society of Ethnobiology – an organization devoted to the conservation of bio-cultural diversity. More than 350 participants from 55 different countries attended the week long event.
Double room from $60 per night |
