"Dream of the Ocean" : vacation rental near Tofino
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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Bathrooms | 1 |
| Sleeps | 3 |
| Cabin | |
| Suitability |
|---|
| No Pets |
| No Smoking |
| Not Suitable for Elderly |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 5 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
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All reviews are written by verified travelers
Details
| Rental type | Cabin |
| Minimum Stay | 3 nights |
| Living space | 275 square feet |
| Bedrooms | 2 Total |
| Bathrooms |
1 Total
Show Details ►
|
| Sleeps | 3 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyNo Smoking allowedNo Suitable for childrenAsk Suitable for the elderlyNo Wheelchair accessibleNo |
| Theme | Adventure, Romantic, Wilderness, Away from it all, Beach, Ocean |
Description from the owner
our oceanfront vacation rental cabin on Frank Island, our private island in the Pacific Ocean, about three miles south of Tofino, B.C. on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Walk across half a mile of white sand beach and you reach our island, twenty five acres of west coast splendor.
Our waterfront cabins sit on a rock, right above the crashing waves, with views to the open ocean, the beaches, and the snowcapped mountains of Vancouver Island:
the most spectacular vacation rental in Tofino!
Frank Island is indeed an island, but only at high tide. In the summer you can walk across most of the time, so there is no need...Read more
Amenities
Location
"Dream of the Ocean" : vacation rental near Tofino
Tofino, British Columbia, Canada
(Property location is approximate) ?
What's Nearby:
Additional Location Information
Frank Island is indeed an island, but only at high tide.
In the summer you can walk across most of the time, so there is no need for a boat or water taxi.
The new boardwalk on our side of the island makes it easy to get from the beach across the rocks to the cabins.
Tofino is only a 5 minute drive from our parking lot on shore
Location Type Away from it all, Beach, Ocean
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (Rental listed originally in CAD) (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $242 - $266 | $242 - $266 | $1,694 - $1,863 | $0 | 3 nights |
| July and August | $266 | $266 | $1,694 - $1,863 | - | 7 nights |
| year around | $242 | $242 | $1,694 | - | 3 nights |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: March 22, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
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Josh
BCGreat place to reconnect
Left on 02/25/2013 for a stay in August 2008
We had an amazing time, and wouldn't change a thing. I agree with a previous reviewer that you should think "glamping". It's a rustic, self-sufficient cabin that's cut off from the world. If that's what you're looking for, with a wrap-around ocean view, you won't regret it.
Check-in consisted of getting a key, and walking from the parking spot to the beach. The parking spot is not far from the beach, but yes, you have to carry everything for a long walk along the beach out to Frank Island.
No problems with any appliances, just followed the directions without any help.
Check out was simple -- just left. I would have liked to have met the owners to thank them, perhaps next time. -
Sharonorahs
Vancouver, CanadaDefinately not Our Dream
Left on 09/03/2012 for a stay in August 2012
After many years visiting Tofino we were so excited to finally stay on Frank Island. This weekend was supposed to be a very special and magical weekend for us but unfortunately staying at Dream of the Ocean ended up being one bad dream.
After paying in full up front we received our first set of rules and regulations that should be posted on their website so you can judge if you are receiving the true value for your money. We parked our vehicle at the beach trailhead to unload our gear. This parking lot had a 4 hour limit until we had to move our vehicle to the parking lot Dream of the Ocean provided.
We met up on the beach two of our family members who decided to join us last minute. Since the Sea Square cabin provided two beds one double and one queen we didn’t seem to think it was a problem paying extra upon arrival.
We hiked out to the island and arrived at our cabin. The key to let us into the cabin wasn’t in the place annemieke (one of the owners) said it would be and she had told us if we arrived before the posted check in time we could unload our gear outside the cabin, explore the island and then let ourselves in at 3:00 check in time. This made no sense since the cabin was empty when we arrived.
We went to the owners’ cabin to get the key and met annemieke. Before we could say anything the she was going on and on how she cleans the cabin after every guest and how it takes her three hours to clean it. Finally we had our opportunity to let her know we and two family members join us and we would pay for their stay. Annemieke became very upset and said there was no room for them in the cabin, and how much they wouldn’t like staying there and once again she went on and on. She finally gave us the key and said her husband Hans will come up to the cabin to show us how everything works because she didn’t know. This couple has been living there for 23 years, she spends a good part of the day cleaning the cabin and she still doesn’t know how everything works. Interesting…..
The Sea Square was poorly maintained and not very clean. It was decorated with worn out pieces of paper with rules what one was not allowed to do. I made up our bed made of foam that had a piece of Tupperware stapled under the skylight to catch leaks and keep our bed dry. The cooler that was provided was filled with leftover food and melted ice. Good thing we brought our own cooler. The stovetop was filthy with grease and the oven was broken. In the kitchen sink I was happy to see annemieke gave us a 4 litre bottle of drinking water only to discover the seal was broken and all she did was refill the bottle. Once again I was glad we brought our own water in.
Our family members found a place to stay in Tofino and left. We stayed for a few hours for Hans to come by with the waiver form and to show us how everything worked. We never saw him and had to leave because we had dinner reservations and we had to move the car from the 4 hour limit parking.
When we returned after dinner, we parked our car in the parking lot the Dream of the Ocean provided. Fortunately we are an adventurous couple because the walk back to the beach trailhead was approximately 1 km in the pitch dark. Make sure you keep a flashlight in your car. If you are planning to book this cabin just be aware of the distance one needs to travel by foot from the parking lot to the trailhead and from the trailhead to the cabin.
Once we arrived at our cabin I was looking forward for a nice hot shower and ready for a deep sleep under the stars. The closet on the deck had simple instructions how to turn the shower on, the shower never went on after several tries. I gave up boiled some water and washed camp style.
The next morning annemieke came by to pick up the waiver form. I told her I couldn’t get the shower to work the night before even with all the instructions. I was then told Hans would know because she didn’t know but there is a main switch in the house that needs to be turned on. I discovered in the eating area there was a switch that looked like light switch at the back of the bottom cabinet. This was main switch. It would have been nice if it was labelled “Main Switch”. I couldn’t figure with all the labels and rules why this was not in the instructions on how to operate the shower.
Our family came to the island and joined us for breakfast. We sat outside and enjoyed the view. We then spent the day in Tofino and bought fresh crab for dinner and everything else for a fabulous dinner. We had an incredible feast and then called it a night.
The next morning we packed up and fortunately our family came by and helped us do the final cleaning and hauling our personal belongings as well as the garbage. When we reached the beach we took a final look at Frank Island only to see a very angry annemieke with her hands on her hips. We couldn’t figure out why since we hardly even touch their water, the cabin was swept, dishes and pots were washed and packed away, kitchen counter and the table were wiped, the stove top was left cleaner than when we arrived, and we brought in our own bath towels, dish towels and bedding.
The location was magical as I have always loved Tofino. If it wasn’t for the unwelcoming tone, the unwelcoming rules posted all over the cabin and if the maintenance was kept up this could have been the jewel of Tofino.
One other note bring in your own toilet paper as we were left with half a roll and bring batteries to replace the dead batteries for the radio provided in the cabin.Response from Hans Terlingen - 09/28/2012
Owner
there are a lot of comments here, and I`ll try to respond as briefly as possible:
-we usually book well ahead, and upon receiving the deposit we send our brochure with lots of further info, e.g. re the parking situation, flashlites etc (most people don`t see them as `rules`!) If the guests then decide it is not for them, we arrange a refund of the deposit.
This guest insisted on coming at the last minute, so there was no time to send the info.
I am open to posting some or all of that info on our website however.
-the extra guest: they did end up staying the second nite, quietly, without paying!
-I don`t think that actual check in time at 3 pm is unreasonable.
-the cooler did have some left over food and ice: here on an island one thinks twice about throwing away food. Annemieke did offer to empty the chest, but the lady said she was happy to leave it.
-we collect rainwater for drinking, it is what we use ourselves, and it probably of better quality than what you buy at the store. Sorry, no seals!
-I have posted another note (not a rule) about having the inside switch òn`when using shower. This is the first time in 18 years that someone had trouble reading our manual.
-there is a whole drawer of extra toilet paper.
- we did appreciate how the cabin was left swept and tidied (except for the wine stains on the wooden table and the seat).
Hans Terlingen -
Carol C
San Marcos, TexasSimply...Astonishing!! Go for the "your eyes only" 360 degree V
Left on 10/07/2011 for a stay in September 2011
Had this on my "Places to Die For" list for years and finally made it Now it's back on the "Must Return" list. Usually we stay in luxury cabins but having your own private island at land's end in the Pacific Ocean?...Priceless! I literally cried my first walk out and my last walk back The island scenery is astounding--the lighthouse, cliffs, huge resident eagle's nest surrounded by crashing surf , snow-capped mountains and the stillness of the rain-forest. Tofino is remote and wild. and not easy to get to--a 17 hour trip from austin, Texas in one day. Staying here made it totally worth it. The rustic glass cabin is cute and cozy with amazing views from every window and rock. While it may not have everything you want, it has everything you need, including wood stove. Think "glamping,." travel light. and don't over plan too many activities:: You won't want to leave here and that car can feel like long trek from your bed with a view after a long day of sightseeing. (Early Sept, we personally never had any problem getting on or off the island, even at high tide, and the boardwalk/stairs made it much easier than we thought it would be--the exception being getting their wheelbarrow up and down the rocks,)
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Nicole K
Detroit, MichiganBeautiful & Adventurous
Left on 08/25/2011 for a stay in July 2011
We visited the Sea Square on our honeymoon. When we were planning our trip we wanted to find unique places to stay -- and this was perfect. I was a little nervous about the "going to bathroom and showering outside thing" but it was worth it for the views and privacy. So from the beginning... We parked in the lot they told us too and walked down Chesterman Beach with our heavy bag--take backpacks-it's a must. It was a really long walk but you can park closer which we didn't find out till later--in a public lot and then go and move your car in the lot they own so you don't get a ticket. We saw the island and you have to climb a few rocks to get to the trail they have made which takes you right to the Sea Square. It is very nice and clean inside, but the huge bonus is the view--looking right out at the Ocean. Going to bed and waking up to waves crashing on the rocks was awesome. One day we climbed the rocks --lots of sea life to see and picked some muscles-which we couldn't cook because it was red tide when we were there and you can get sick. Another day we just sat on the rocks with a bottle of wine, reading and soaking up the sun. We saw a few bald eagles-they are so beautiful. Usually when we go on vacation we try to do too much but Frank Island is so beautiful we were happy to just spend the time on the Island surrounded by nature ---the true beauty of Tofino. Also get a tide schedule before you get there - because it's an island when the tide comes up you have to walk through the very cold water to get to the rocks. One night we went to SoBo for dinner-so good and when we got back (too late) we didn't see any land leading to the island so my husband navigated and we got a little wet but it was also exciting! There is a toilet but it's a composting one-so you go to the bathroom and put a cup of peat moss down the hole--which wasn't bad at all. I was nervous at first and then sad to leave -we only stayed four nights and I wasn't ready to go. We highly recommend the Sea Square-it is worth the money! There is no room service or someone who comes and cleans up for you - but it was so unique, romantic and special- you won't mind not having hotel amenities. Thank you for sharing this wonderful place with us-we will be back and will never forget our experience.
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Claudia T.
Antwerp (Belgium)Superb experience
Left on 03/13/2011 for a stay in July 2010
We travelled from amsterdam to spent a week at Franks Island and it was the most beautifull place we ever saw. Whales in front af the house. Surfing for the kids. The ocean all around. We booked again to stay there for three weeks in 2012. It is an absolutely amazing, asthonising, wonderfull rock in the ocean. Don't go there for the luxury, but if you love the wild and ocean views and unique settings: this is it!
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