Pause + Paws in Tofino, BC

When it comes to pet-friendly, watch your dog’s eyes light up when you say “beach in Tofino.” Yours too, because when you see the magic of Cox Bay at Pacific Sands Beach Resort, you’ll understand.

Bring along the furriest of family members for a Vancouver Island, BC beach vacation in spectacular Tofino the whole family can enjoy. Four-legged friends will feel right at home at Pacific Sands with their Pause + Paws October Pet Offer, complete with dog dishes, treats and pet towels upon arrival.

With Cox Bay as the ultimate backyard, dogs can run free along the shore and when things get messy, the resort offers pet wash stations for an easy, post-beach rinse. Convenient, biodegradable dog bags and disposal containers are also available for guests’ convenience.

Land, Sea and Simple Pleasures

Located on the edge of Pacific Rim National Park, just a short scenic drive from Long Beach and the charming, seaside village of Tofino, Pacific Sands is celebrating 45 years of welcoming guests to Tofino.

Generations and decades of returning guests say it’s simple things like s’mores and board-games around the fire that keep them coming back, along with sunset boardwalk strolls to Pettinger Point and the best surfing in Canada. Others say it’s the ocean air as you relax on your private deck enjoying a home-cooked meal from your fully-equipped kitchen, or at one of Tofino’s many award-winning local restaurants.

Nestled in old-growth forests and powered by the beat of relentlessly pounding surf, guests enjoy year round activities including summer fishing, spring whale-watching, winter storm watching, and all season beach-combing.

As Beachfront as it Gets

Offering a range of beachfront and ocean view accommodations steps from the beach, the recently opened 43 new suites bringing total accommodations to 120, along with the exclusive four-bedroom Sunset House at Rosie Bay. The expansion included one and three bedroom Oceanside Suites—perfect for romantic retreats and family getaways—and the signature two-bedroom Edgewater Suite, which boasts an impressive 700 square foot deck and private hot-tub—ideal for surfer and storm watching.

Renovations to the Sand Dollar Suite, Beachfront and Light House Suites are now complete and include updates to bathrooms, kitchens, flooring, lighting, new premium furniture, stainless steel appliances, and a fireplace to cozy up to during the cold months. Further upgrades will continue throughout 2018 and 2019 to the Lodge Buildings’ suites to complete a resort-wide upgrade.

There are new BBQs for grilling with friends, and hammocks for relaxing and taking in the majestic shoreline. A newly refurbished reception area also welcomes guests to this spectacular, beachfront oasis.

Classic Beach Food

Pre and post-surf snacks are served at the wildly popular beachfront Surfside Grill. Thanks to commercial fisherman Jeff Mikus and chef Jesse Blake, guests can start the day with breakfast items including smoked salmon sandwiches and hot drinks from the Espresso Bar. Gourmet beachside burgers are always on the menu, but you never know what Jeff might catch in Tofino waters for lunch and dinner. Count on catch-of-the-day specials, mouth-watering fish and chips and fish tacos, steps from your suite. Jesse is also known to whip up daily boat-to-kitchen specials, including charcuterie and seafood platters. Event catering is also available, from a taco bar menu for larger groups, to a private seafood dinner for two.

Surf in. Surf out. Repeat.

As Canada’s #1 surf beach, to say the resort is a surfer’s paradise is an understatement, no matter what the weather. All suites at the resort offer ocean views and beachfront access, making it the perfect place to surf in and surf out each day. Not only has Cox Bay earned a reputation for fantastic surfing, Pacific Sands has an onsite Surf Shack run by the infamous Surf Sister.

Convenient and fun for all levels, ages and abilities, lessons run from March to November. Queen of the Peak and the West Coast SUP Symposium surfing contests (both in early October) bring renowned surfers and paddlers to Tofino’s coast each year.

Kid-friendly Too

In July and August, Pacific Sands offers free, daily Kids Camps in collaboration with the RainCoast Education Society. These programs are designed to help educate young guests on the ecology of the beach, ocean, tide-pools, rainforest and wildlife. Other family activities include beach games, hosted fireside s’mores roasts, summer movie nights, bike rentals and complimentary yoga classes.

www.pacificsands.com

Go Glamping With Your Dogs!

Imagine a site where every single gorgeous vacation property listed will welcome your dog. Well, the dream is now a reality! Launched in 2016, Glamping With Pets' singular focus is providing a user-friendly website for pet owners, allowing you to scroll through stunning vacation options across the globe knowing that every one is pet-friendly. They specialize in nature-based, pet-friendly accommodations: from dog-friendly safari tents, yurts, and eco-pods to tree houses soaring above the ground, they've got it all.

If you're looking for a unique and luxurious getaway that doesn't leave your dog at home, this is where you'll find it! They have over 3500 luxury rentals and staycation destinations across the globe, offering one-of-a-kind pet-friendly vacations in every conceivable environment. 

They also donate a portion of their profits from every booking made through their Happy Tails initiative in support of local animal shelters. Plus, up until Homeless Animals Day on August 19, 2017, every guest who books a getaway can choose to have a portion of their booking fee donated to a local animal shelter of their choice and in their name. Check out all of Glamping With Pets wonderful vacation rental options here.  

Sleepypod Air Pet Carrier

It's the time of the year where many of us are getting ready for our summer vacations but let's not forget about our furry friends. For dogs who live the jet-setting lifestyle, Sleepypod have released the Air, the only airline approved pet carrier that redefines in-cabin pet travel. Now your pooch can join you as you relax on the beach even if they can't share your cocktail. -CB