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Westview and Marina Lodge
The exterior of the Westview Marina & Lodge.
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Westview and Marina Lodge
The on-water patio at Westview Marina & Lodge.
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Westview and Marina Lodge
While moorage is available, it’s best to call ahead with a reservation.
Words by Steve Fennell
Tahsis is the quintessential cliché of the BC coast. It’s where the mountains meet the sea, seals bask in the hot sun, whales rise from below the water’s surface and beautiful salmon can be caught with every outing.
Tucked away at the head of Tahsis Inlet on the west coast of Vancouver Island, amidst Esperanza Inlet and Nootka Sound, Westview Marina and Lodge provides a personal experience to all the natural splendor. Is fishing your thrill? Are you a kayaker looking for the ultimate experience? Want to relax among some of BC’s finest wonderscapes? Be careful what you wish for – you will find it all here.
One of the last full-service facilities before heading north to more rural boating destinations on the island (or the first if you are heading south to Tofino), Westview Marina and Lodge is many things to all boaters. Ready to serve transient cruisers looking to refuel, enjoy a great lunch, or inquire about what lays ahead, Westview offers ample transient slips and as its moorage has increased to 160 slips in recent years, the marina is also an ideal place to use as a home base season after season.
“We have been in operation for 26 years and pretty much have everything honed down when it comes to service for boaters and our guests,” says John Falavolito, owner and operator. “The boaters usually come from the south part of Vancouver Island, but they travel on the east side up the coast. So, once you get up past Port Hardy there are no amenities. We are the first facility that has fuel, WiFi, laundry, showers, plus lodging and dining.”
Boaters do have the option of staying on their boat in the full-service marina, however high-end cabins, suites, vacation homes and condominiums are available on-site and multi-day packages are available. In fact, during the summer of 2018 Westview expanded its accommodations after leasing additional rooms from a recently closed, neighboring resort.
The accommodations are a short walk from Westview’s main grounds, which includes a 30-seat dining room at the Marina Grill House Restaurant plus a covered patio that can seat up to 100. Every Friday night the restaurant serves an expansive buffet dinner followed by an evening of live music at the popular “Rock the Dock” on the patio. There’s also the Island Attitude Coffee Café, which is located on right the water and serves a variety of beverages – from 5 am to closing.
Although transient boaters come and go throughout the season, Falavolito says many guests visit primarily for the fishing. While many bring their own boat, boats are also available to rent, and charters and/or guides are for hire. Westview is also popular among families or couples who come for a short vacation. If fishing isn’t everyone’s game, there are a plethora of activities to enjoy as well.
“We commonly get fishermen who want to stay for three days/four nights with the available meal package, but we also get families and couples who just want to relax,” says Falavolito. “While only one or two people will fish in a family, we also offer paddle board and kayak rentals, and there are many hiking trails to explore. Basically, we cater to what the guests want as there’s a lot to explore here.”
Open seasonally from March 15 to November 15 (and whether you’re a transient boater arriving with little notice or looking to book a room for a few nights), reservations are always recommended to ensure you get the most of your stay.
“There’s a lot to be said about the solitude of cruising. As we offer permanent moorage, transient moorage, lodging, fishing charters, and great dining, this is a great spot to enjoy it all. People need a break and we are the perfect area to provide that.”
Coordinates for the marina is N49*55’13 W126*39’ 78.5 and for all the details, Westview Marina & Lodge in Tahsis, B.C. can be reached at (250) 934-7672, (800) 992-3252, info@westviewmarina.com or Watch the video:
Westview Marina Promo 2014
The Many Services at a Glance
Are you a Transient Cruiser? Westview offers many boating amenities to include:
- 15-, 30- and 50-amp shore power.
- Free WiFi
- Laundry facilities, showers, ice, and potable water
- Gas, diesel, and propane
- Boat service as a marine mechanic is onsite with a 24-hour parts delivery service.
- A courtesy car to visit Tahsis, which has a small grocery, liquor and hardware stores plus walking trails and annual events.
- An on-site tackle shop with most of the necessary gear available.
- Nightly fire pit gatherings
- Coffee, cappuccino, espresso and hard ice cream shop