Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
People visit us from all over the world and sometimes they are not sure what to expect on arrival. We want you to be as happy and comfortable as possible. So we would like to make sure you know what to expect. If you have any questions that are not answered here, please fill out the form below and send it to us. We will respond directly to you.
Can we drink the water?
Yes, all the tap water at Ocean Wilderness Inn comes from a deep water aquifer more than 100 metres below the surface. The water is tested regularly. In addition we filter the water and expose it to UV light which ensures safe clean water for all our guests.
Do we get free WiFi?
Fast, free, reliable internet. Our WiFi connection to the Internet is 1TB. This means your WiFi connection will be as fast as your device can receive.
Do you have cell phone service?
We do have cell service here, but it can be unpredictable. Once connected to our WiFi you can call via WhatsApp, Facetime, or similar without issue. We do also pick up some service from the cell towers in Washington State, just across the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Be sure to get on our WiFi if you do not have a USA roaming package.
Do you provide coffee and tea?
You will find a coffee maker and a tea kettle in every room. Complimentary coffee and tea are included, sugar and creamers as well.
Do you have a laundry service?
We do not have a laundry facility on the property, but we do recommend the Sooke Laundromat, 250-352-2212
Cancellation Policies
Payment & Peace of Mind
To secure your sanctuary, a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. The final balance is automatically processed 14 days before your arrival.
Cancellations
We understand that plans can change. Because we are a small boutique inn with limited inventory, we maintain the following policy:
- 14+ Days Notice: Your deposit is refundable, minus a seasonal administrative fee ($125 Oct–April / $225 May–Sept).
- Extended & Group Stays: For bookings of 4+ nights or multiple rooms, cancellations made outside the 14-day window are subject to a fee of 15% of the total stay
- Within 14 Days: At this stage, all reservations are final and non-refundable. This includes no-shows or early departures.
Travel Protection
Because we cannot make exceptions for weather, emergencies, or travel disruptions, we strongly recommend travel insurance. This ensures you are protected even when the unexpected happens.
Pets
To preserve the comfort, safety, and tranquility of the Inn for all guests, pets are not permitted on the property.
We appreciate your understanding.
Children
To maintain a peaceful environment for all travelers, we accommodate guests aged 18 and older.
Guests traveling with younger children are welcome exclusively through our Full House Buyout option, which grants your private group full access to the entire property and all suites.
House Rules & Property Policies
Guest Agreement & Policy Acceptance: By making, confirming, or holding a reservation, and by entering or staying on the property at Ocean Wilderness Inn, all guests and visitors acknowledge and agree to adhere to all property rules, safety guidelines, and damage remediation terms outlined below.
Ocean Wilderness Inn features a unique blend of wall-to-wall carpets and historic, original hardwood flooring. We kindly ask our guests to take care with liquids, mud, and heavy footwear during their stay.
- Linens & Bedding: Accidents happen, but severe or permanent staining (such as red wine, coffee, heavy cosmetics, hair dye, or food) to sheets, duvets, or bed skirts requires specialized deep cleaning or full replacement, up to $450.00 per bed.
- Flooring & Room Finishes: Liquid spills on antique hardwood or severe carpet staining requiring commercial steam cleaning, spot treatment, or wood restoration will be billed based on actual cleaning and repair costs.
- Missing Room Items: Missing bathrobes will be charged at $40.00 + tax each, and missing corkscrews at $20.00 + tax each.
- Adult-Only Retreat: We welcome guests aged 18 and older. (Guests traveling with younger children are warmly invited to book our Full House Buyout option for private, exclusive access to the entire property).
- Pets & Service Animals: To ensure an allergy-free environment for all travelers, pets are strictly prohibited anywhere on the property. (Certified Guide and Service Dogs assisting guests with disabilities are warmly welcomed in accordance with BC law).
- Guest Access & Occupancy: Standard room rates are based on double occupancy. Property amenities and grounds are reserved exclusively for registered guests.
- Smoking & Odor Remediation Policy: All guest suites and indoor spaces are strictly smoke-free. A minimum $500.00 remediation fee (plus the cost of any lost room revenue while the suite is out of service) will be charged for smoking, burning candles/incense, or using essential oil diffusers inside guest rooms.
- Prohibited Items: Candles, incense, open flames, and essential oil diffusers are forbidden inside rooms and subject to our remediation fee.
- Outdoor Designated Areas: Fire-safe outdoor smoking areas are available (Smoking may be fully banned during active local fire bans).
- In-Room Amenities: Suites are equipped with a small fridge, coffee maker, and kettle. Food preparation or cooking appliances (hot plates, toaster ovens, rice cookers, burners) are strictly prohibited inside guest rooms and incur a $500.00 + GST fine.
- Guest Amenities: Guests are welcome to use our common-use Hut on the west side of the property (equipped with a microwave, plates, and utensils).
- Fire Safety: Personal open flames, gas/chemical stoves, personal grills, and fireworks are strictly forbidden anywhere on the grounds.
- Check-In Requirements: At least one guest per suite must be 19 or older. Guests must present a valid government-issued ID and a valid credit card for incidentals and property damages upon arrival.
- Terrain & Wildlife: Guests are encouraged to explore our maintained grounds with caution. Nature trails feature steep, uneven, or slippery terrain, and our rural area is active habitat for bears and cougars. Please remain alert.
- Personal Belongings: Ocean Wilderness Inn is not responsible for the damage, loss, or theft of personal items left on the property prior to, during, or following a stay.
- Unavoidable Disruptions (Force Majeure): Ocean Wilderness Inn is not liable for service disruptions caused by weather-related incidents, power outages, travel restrictions, government closures, or acts of God beyond our control.
Getting Here
From Victoria International Airport (YYJ) & Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal:
Approximately a 75 km drive (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes) west through Victoria and Sooke along Highway 14. A vehicle is required to explore this area comfortably.
From the U.S. (Washington State):
Black Ball Ferry (Coho): Vehicle and passenger service from Port Angeles directly into Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
FRS Clipper: Passenger-only ferry from downtown Seattle to Victoria (car rental required upon arrival).
The Drive: From downtown Victoria, follow Highway 14 west for a scenic 1-hour drive (53 km) through Sooke. Ocean Wilderness Inn is located directly along Highway 14 on the Pacific Marine Circle Route.
Travel Note: Ferry reservations (BC Ferries and the Coho) are strongly recommended during summer months and holiday weekends.
