My husband and I, along with our little 4-legged companion, stayed at the Seashack Cottage for a week in December and we definitely wanted to stay longer. The cozy cottage is on a private oceanfront section of Chesterman Beach. It is laid out in a spacious studio/one room fashion with a beautiful yurt-like ceiling and huge bay windows that look out onto the most beautiful ocean view money could buy. Falling asleep to the sound of the ocean and next to a crackling pot-belly wood fire was heavenly. (Tip: bring a box of Duraflame firelogs with you – the wood in Tofino tends to be damp, so getting the fire going with a firelog makes life a little easier.) It is just steps to the ocean for long walks along the beach and a few minutes drive into town where you can enjoy a meal at one of the many top-notch restaurants. We had great lunch experiences at Shelter and The Schooner, and great takeout from Red Can Gourmet where we then popped across the street to Tofino Brewing Co. for some amazing beer. We also bought some fresh seafood in town and cooked it in the fully equipped kitchen at the cottage. Every creature comfort of home is available and it is obviously loved by the owners who have left plenty of homely touches; pillows galore, books and dvds (but you really shouldn't watch tv with that spectacular view out the windows), a jacuzzi tub and a comfy king bed just to name a few. It is clean, so other than an initial quick vacuum because I am a neat freak, I felt at home. I would recommend this cottage over one of the many resorts that Tofino has to offer, to any couple.

The Seashack Cottage is a hidden gem. It is located just steps from the beautiful Chesterman Beach but is so well situated that it affords excellent privacy as well. The cottage is cosy and comfortable and is outfitted to a high standard. The small kitchen has all manner of cooking utensils and there is a gas barbecue on the spacious deck. The large skylight and many windows bathe the cottage in light. There are panoramic views of the beach and ocean both from inside the cottage and from the outdoor seating areas. Check out the video on the website. The Seashack is exactly as advertised. We were delighted with our visit and look forward to a return visit.

New Yorkers who hike and kayak regularly in Maine, we were drawn to Tofino for the opportunity to do the same, but in a coastal rain forest on the Pacific coast. Initially, we considered staying at the famous five star Wickaninnish Inn, but then we found SEASHACK! Nestled among the furs and beach hedges on the north end of the justly famous Chesterman Beach, Seashack is like a luxury hotel suite (robes, soaking tub, fine bath products, fine bedding, Bose CD player, dvds, arrival gift basket with a bottle of Prosecco) for two but with the added benefits of a full kitchen, rain gear, free wifi, beach towels, wood burning stove, gas grill, multiple decks for sunset gazing, direct access to the beach and divine privacy. The interior is bright, white, charming and very beach cottage - with picture window seats that are inviting even when it rains. Convenient to both Tofino and the Pacific Rim National Park, we rented beach cruiser bikes from Marc at Tofcycles, who delivered them directly to Seashack. And the Wickininnish Inn is there, just a beach walk (or ride) away for coffee or wine at their beach side cafe, dinner (book ahead!) at the Pointe (excellent!)and spa treatments, should you desire. There are fancier properties on Chesterman, and many McMansions being built (really sad), but none of them have the charm or integrity of Seashack which just seems to belong here. While not inexpensive, it was worth every penny.