Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Ocean Wilderness Inn, including accommodations, amenities, local attractions, and how to make the most of your stay on Vancouver Island’s Southwest coast.
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 or http://www.sookelaundromat.ca/
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
To reach Ocean Wilderness Inn via BC Ferries, take a sailing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay , then drive approximately 1.5 hours west through Victoria and Sooke. If traveling from the U.S., the Coho Ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria or the Clipper from Seattle will dock in downtown Victoria. From there, a scenic 1-hour drive along Highway 14 leads you through Sooke to the inn, nestled in the lush coastal wilderness.
Reservations are highly recommended, as travel and traffic fluctuate greatly by season.
For detailed ferry fares and schedules, please visit the following links:
BC Ferries Fares & Schedules
Coho Ferry Fares & Schedules
Victoria Clipper Fares & Schedules
West Of The West Coast
Perched on the edge of the Pacific, Ocean Wilderness Inn sits west of the West coast, where rugged shorelines, ancient forests, and endless ocean horizons create a true escape into nature’s wild beauty.
Adventure In The Forest
Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Vancouver Island’s West coast, where moss-draped forests, towering old-growth trees, and hidden waterfalls invite endless exploration. Wander along winding trails, breathe in the fresh cedar-scented air, and discover the magic of nature at every turn.
Visit Local Spots
Discover the charm of Vancouver Island’s West coast by visiting its hidden gems, from local cafés and artisan shops to scenic parks and rugged coastal viewpoints. Explore nearby trails, stroll through quaint communities, and experience the welcoming spirit of this breathtaking region.
Explore The Beaches
Wander along the wild beaches of Vancouver Island’s West coast, where crashing waves, driftwood-strewn shores, and hidden tide pools create a stunning coastal escape. From the cascading waterfall at Mystic Beach to the rich marine life of Botanical Beach, every shoreline offers a new adventure.