Tofino is one of the most picturesque places on the west coast of Vancouver Island and is known for its beautiful landscape, wildlife, and outdoor lifestyle. Over the years, Tofino has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Tofino Resort is one of the major tourist attractions in Tofino. The resort offers guests world-class dining options, luxurious accommodations, and breathtaking views of the ocean. However, not many people know who the owners of Tofino Resort are. In this blog post, we will explore the owners of Tofino Resort and how they have transformed the resort into a popular tourist destination.
Who owns Tofino Resort?
Tofino Resort and Marina were purchased in 2016 by a group that includes Mill Bay-based developer Andrew Purdey and former Vancouver Canucks Willie Mitchell and Dan Hamhuis. The three owners are long-time friends who share a passion for fishing and the outdoors. They decided to invest in Tofino Resort and Marina because they saw an untapped opportunity to create a world-class resort destination.
Andrew Purdey is a well-known developer and businessman based in Mill Bay, British Columbia. He is the founder of Averwood Development Corporation, which is responsible for developing some of the most desirable waterfront properties in Vancouver Island. Andrew has a deep passion for sustainable development, and his company’s motto is “Respect the Environment, Build for the Future.”
Willie Mitchell is a retired professional hockey player who played for the Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings, and Minnesota Wild. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and has been named one of the top defensive players in the NHL. Willie is also an avid fisherman and loves spending time on the water.
Dan Hamhuis is also a retired professional hockey player who played for the Nashville Predators, Vancouver Canucks, and Dallas Stars. He is a two-time Olympian and has been named one of the top defensive players in the NHL. Dan is also a passionate fisherman and loves spending time on the water with his family.
Transforming Tofino Resort
Since purchasing Tofino Resort and Marina in 2016, the owners have invested millions of dollars in transforming the resort into a world-class destination. They have added luxurious accommodations, waterfront dining options, and a state-of-the-art marina. The resort’s unique location on the waterfront and its proximity to the Pacific Rim National Park has made it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
One of the most significant transformations made by the owners was the addition of 62 guest rooms and suites. The rooms and suites offer stunning ocean views, luxurious bedding, and modern amenities. The resort also features a spa, gym, and sauna, adding to the overall guest experience. Guests can relax in the resort’s hot tubs, enjoy a sunset cocktail on the rooftop deck, or indulge in local seafood delicacies at 1909 Kitchen.
The owners are committed to sustainable development and have implemented several eco-friendly practices to reduce their carbon footprint. These initiatives include water conservation, waste minimization, and energy efficiency. The resort has also partnered with local organizations to promote environmental awareness and conservation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the owners of Tofino Resort and Marina are Andrew Purdey, Willie Mitchell, and Dan Hamhuis. These three friends have invested millions of dollars in transforming the resort into a world-class destination. The resort’s unique location and its commitment to sustainable development have made it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The owners’ passion for the outdoors and their commitment to creating a memorable experience for guests has made Tofino Resort and Marina one of the top resorts in Canada.
FAQ
What celebrities have homes in Tofino?
Tofino is a popular destination among celebrities who seek to escape the hustle and bustle of Hollywood and enjoy some time off-grid. While it’s not easy to keep a low profile in the age of social media, some celebrities have managed to maintain a low-key presence in Tofino, while others openly embrace their love for this stunning coastal town and its surroundings.
One celebrity who has been spotted numerous times in Tofino is Neil Patrick Harris, star of “How I Met Your Mother” and “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” He has even described Tofino as “heaven on Earth.” Harris and his family have been known to visit the area regularly and even celebrated his husband David Burtka’s birthday there in 2018.
Another notable celebrity who has a home in Tofino is Canadian singer and songwriter, Sarah McLaughlin. In addition to owning a home in the area, she is also part owner of The Shelter restaurant, a popular dining spot in Tofino.
Several other celebrities are known to be fans of Tofino and have been spotted enjoying the town and its picturesque surroundings. For example, actor and comedian Jack Black was seen with his family in Tofino in 2019, while actress Uma Thurman reportedly stayed at the luxurious Wickaninnish Inn during a visit.
Alanis Morissette, the Canadian-born singer-songwriter, also loves Tofino and has been known to visit the area with her family. In a 2018 Instagram post, she raved about the “perfect” waves in the area, calling Tofino her “favorite place on earth.”
It’S clear that Tofino has a special allure that attracts not only tourists but also celebrities looking for a glimpse of paradise. While some of them may keep a lower profile than others, it’s likely that we’ll continue to see more stars flocking to this beautiful coastal town in the years to come.
Why are the hot springs closed in Tofino?
The Maquinna Marine Provincial Park and Hot Springs, situated a 1.5-hour boat ride northwest of Tofino, was closed for more than two years due to pandemic restrictions. The restrictions were implemented by the authorities to curb the spread of COVID-19, which affected many businesses and tourist attractions in the region, including the natural geothermal hot springs in Tofino. The hot springs were closed to the public, and only the locals had access to the area.
The closure of the hot springs was necessary to ensure the safety of the locals and tourists, and to comply with the health and safety measures imposed by the government. The infectious nature of the COVID-19 virus meant that the hot springs and other tourist attractions had to close down to stop the virus from spreading. The closure of the hot springs was a significant loss to the tourism industry on Vancouver Island, as many people would visit the area for its natural beauty and therapeutic mineral waters.
However, the good news is that the Ahousaht First Nation has recently re-opened the Maquinna Marine Provincial Park and Hot Springs to the public, thanks to the relaxation of the pandemic restrictions. The re-opening is a welcome development for the locals and tourists who will once again get to enjoy the natural beauty and therapeutic mineral waters of the hot springs. The re-opening of the hot springs also serves as an indication that things are slowly returning to normal in Tofino, and people can begin to enjoy the region’s beauty once again.
Was Tofino a logging town?
Tofino is a small district located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. The town is surrounded by scenic landscapes and beautiful beaches, and was originally a fishing and logging town. Historically, forestry was a critical economic activity in Tofino. It started in the early 1900s, when the British Columbia government was seeking to develop the area’s resources, and in the 1940s, the local sawmill scaled up and was producing more than 60 million board feet of lumber per year.
During the early years, logging was done through traditional methods like hand sawing, cross-cutting, and falling with axes. The industry significantly changed after the development of steam-powered equipment and gasoline motors, and by the 1930s, the forests began to recede with logging becoming more efficient and streamlined across Vancouver Island.
Logging declined after the 1960s, and in the 1970s, the government took regulatory action to control logging in Tofino. It introduced a series of rules governing the trees that could be harvested and they focused on sustainable forestry management, which resulted in a gradual reduction of the logging industry to present day.
Tofino’s transition from a logging town to a popular tourist destination started in the 1960s when Highway 4 was constructed, giving access to the town by road, and in the 1970s, the town’s popularity grew when surfers discovered its great surfing conditions. Current economic activities in Tofino consist of tourism, fishing, logging and limited aquaculture.
Tofino was indeed a logging town, where forestry was one of the most significant economic activities until government regulations and other factors led to a decline in the industry. The town’s beautiful surroundings and location made it a perfect destination for visitors, leading to a transition from a logging town to a popular tourism destination.