Tinwis, otherwise known as Mackenzie Beach, is perfect for a stroll (or a run) to see the beautiful coastline of Western Vancouver Island near Tofino. This beach is known for it’s gentle waves and calm waters so it is a popular spot for paddle boarding, snorkeling or for families with children that want to learn to swim. I loved that this beach (especially the south side) has so many gorgeous rock pools to explore.

Tinwis (Mackenzie Beach) details

Location: 4 km south of Tofino, on the Pacific Coast.
Parking: The carpark is here, at the end of Hellesen Road, next to Ocean Village Resort.
Facilities: Public washroom and a shower in the parking area.
Access: There is an entrance ramp (called a Mobi-Mat) to make it easier for people with strollers and wheelchairs to access the beach. This is normally out from May long weekend to Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend.
Walking distance: If you take a stroll along the beach and back, it’s about 2km.

Beach walking map

Amazing rockpools!

There are some large rock formations as well as small islands that shelter the beach. This whole area is great for playing rock-pool safari; Especially the rockpools around mushroom island on the south side.

Surfing at Tinwis (Mackenzie Beach)

This beach isn’t normally a surfer’s beach. However because it is more protected than the surrounding beaches, it can be a good spot to surf in winter when it’s too dodgy or dangerous to surf everywhere else.

Can you set up a fire on the beach?

You can have beach fires on Mackenzie beach between 8am – 10pm. Summers in BC are getting increasingly warm, so you should check current restrictions and regulations. These change regularly, especially when the surrounding forest is dry. Wildfires and fire bans generally start in summer and end in mid-October. You can check current bans here. Please be aware:

• Fires must be contained in a clean burning or reduced smoke fire appliance. So it needs to be raised off the ground and use propane or dry wood.
• Do not use beach materials (e.g. driftwood, sticks, etc.) or garbage.
• Can be no larger than 24 inches (61cm) in diameter and less than 39 inches (1m) high.
• Must be at least 3m (9.8 ft) from vegetation, logs, and structures.
• Must be supervised at all times by an adult (or at least someone 16+ years old)
• Pack in and back out all your personal items, food, and garbage.

  

Why Tinwis?

Tla-o-qui-aht peoples were the original inhabitants of this area. In their Nuu-chah-nulth language, Tinwis means calm waters. This was because the beach is so sheltered, it was a good place for canoes to land. Locals set up a petition in October 2023 to bring back the Indigenous name for the beach; Tinwis. From the linked article: “It’s an important step for reconciliation. It puts the name on the land that has been on the land for thousands of years,” said Saya Masso, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation lands director.

Now (in summer 2024) google maps still lists Mackenzie Beach, but the parking area now includes “(tinwis)“.

Where to stay at Tinwis

These are the closest options. We didn’t stay at any of these, I jogged to Mackenzie Beach from where we were staying at Hotel Zed.

• Tin Wis resort which is proudly owned and operated by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. (If you are interested, you can be an ethical consumer by spending at the various businesses that are allies of the Tla-o-qui-aht.)
• Ocean Village Resort has gorgeous cabins right on the beach
• Camp at Bella Pacifica Campground that has walk out sites right by the beach.
• Crystal Cove Beach Resort for an RV park, log cabins and glamping options.
• Mackenzie Beach Resort for cabins, camping & quirky accommodations like airstreams

The Tofino coastline is really beautiful with misty rainforests that stretch right up to the pristine beaches. I loved seeing all the surfers and big waves at other beaches along this coastline, so it was a nice surprise to find such a calm, family friendly beach so close to town. Whether you know this beach as Mackenzie Beach or Tinwis, it’s a lovely spot to visit.