Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guesthouses & Suites, located in Tofino, British Columbia, offers accommodations across multiple buildings. Each unit has a different layout, some with kitchenettes and others with full kitchens. The owner of the property reports that the most popular unit is a two-bedroom suite, providing around 1,200 square feet of living space. Communal amenities include barbecues, garden areas, and a fire pit. The property's gardens attract a variety of birds. Ken, the owner, says they try to prioritize a "home away from home" experience. Positioned away from the highway, the property is generally close to local attractions. Its history dates back to a community-driven effort in the late 1990s and early 2000s to transform an old sawmill site into a residential community. Ken has played a role in the guesthouse's development since 2000, as he was previously a contractor. Future plans focus on maintaining the property's integrity and preserving its peaceful ambiance.
Nestled in the coastal town of Tofino, British Columbia, Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guesthouses & Suites offers five accommodations to visitors. Each unit comes with its own layout. Ken, the owner of the property, mentions that the rooms are not themed, but their individual designs offer a variety of amenities to suit different guests' preferences. Some units feature kitchenettes, while others offer full kitchens. Additionally, patrons can choose between accommodations with full baths or showers, as well as heating options such as wood-burning stoves or electric heat.
Accommodations are spread across multiple buildings. One building houses three accommodations, including a two-bedroom unit and two studio suites. These layouts can fit a range of travelers, from relatively small families to couples and even solo visitors. The studio suites offer king-sized beds, which Ken reports makes them particularly popular among elderly guests.
Ken believes that Cobble Wood's most sought-after unit is the two-bedroom suite, resembling a condo, with approximately 1,200 square feet of living space. Those staying at Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guesthouses & Suites are encouraged to bring their own food, as the property does not provide breakfast.
Communal spaces and amenities are provided by the business to anyone staying at Cobble Wood. Outside the buildings, there are barbecue grills and garden areas with lawn chairs for relaxation. There is also a fire pit where visitors from any building can congregate. The owner explains that the gardens on the premises attract a diverse array of birds, particularly because of the multiple bird feeders set up. The main building for the guesthouses backs up to the bird sanctuary. This area is a part of the UNESCO biosphere, says Ken.
The owner of Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guesthouses & Suites, Ken, says that they focus on creating an atmosphere that provides patrons with a "home away from home" experience. Ken aims to provide a place where visitors are not in a hotel but rather in a place where they can feel “comfortable.” The property's layout plays a role in Ken’s goal of fostering this sense of comfort, with different units offering different layouts and isolation from one another.
Cobble Wood is situated at the end of a one-way street, away from the fairly busy highway. The guesthouses are located near local attractions, such as a beach that is a 10-minute walk, while a 5-minute walk leads to a bike trail. One of the features of Cobble Wood is its proximity to the bird sanctuary. While it is not officially designated as a sanctuary, the property's location is within walking distance of where birds commonly congregate, in addition to the Botanical Gardens, both of which are a relatively popular draw for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Ken mentions that each time a patron checks in, he goes over a map of the area with the purpose of trying to help orient visitors upon arrival and pointing out attractions they may want to visit during their stay. Those who have stayed at the Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guesthouses & Suites have left reviews commenting on their time at the business. One such review said, “Awesome place to stay. Ken gave great tips on where to visit and eat.” Another review reads, “What a wonderful location. Ken and Michelle are wonderful hosts. Not only were they helpful with everything we needed to make the stay memorable, but they were also very knowledgeable about the area and the many possibilities at our doorstep. The guesthouses are stunning and very well equipped.”
Regarding the demographic of guests, visitors of all ages, from families to older couples and solo adventurers, often stay at the business, according to Ken. Everyone who stays at Cobble Wood is expected to abide by certain policies, which Ken says are meant to emphasize a quiet atmosphere and respect for other patrons. Parties, especially stag parties, are prohibited, in alignment with the property's aim to provide a peaceful retreat.
The history of Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guesthouses & Suites is said by the owner, Ken, to date back to the late 1990s and early 2000s when a group of community members decided to transform what was once an old sawmill site into a residential community. Ken reports that this group, which was predominantly from a local church, recognized a need in Tofino for accessible properties, particularly for young people. The shortage of available housing in the area led to their endeavor. Ken recounted how the group formed a corporation and embarked on the journey to purchase and subdivide the surrounding acreage.
Ken's background as a general contractor played a role in the business' evolution. With his experience, they constructed the first guesthouse on the property. Over time, they expanded by acquiring another piece of land across the road and adding another building. The Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guesthouses & Suites has been welcoming travelers since 2000. Throughout the years of running the establishment, Ken remarks that he finds joy in meeting people from around the world and sharing insights about the area.
When it comes to changes and future plans for Cobble Wood, Ken's approach is one of maintaining the property's integrity. While they keep the accommodations up to date, there are no major overhaul plans. They may consider adding additional housing in the future, but they intend for their focus to remain on providing a comfortable and inviting place for guests.
1115 Fellowship Drive
Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0
Canada
Guesthouse
Ken & Michele
