Clear Vision
In 1972, Bill Pettinger—a real estate developing visionary, risk taker, and lover of the land—found his next bet when his brother Barry called about an ad for a motel in Tofino, British Columbia. Which at the time, was a little-known area on the rugged, west coast of Vancouver Island. They ventured out on the majestic drive, and six hair-raising hours later (now far less, and smoother) they laid eyes on Pacific Paradise Motel and breathtaking Cox Bay for the very first time.
The rest is—as they say—history. They bought the property in 1973, renamed it Pacific Sands Beach Resort, and the Pettinger family rolled up their sleeves and lovingly grew the Resort to 77 beach houses and suites.
New Perspective
In 2015, after almost 42 years of friends, family, and legendary stories, the Pettingers passed ownership to Gordon Nelson Inc. (now solely owned by Nelson Investment Inc.), another family-run resort operator.
With a vision for ‘staged development’ that embraces Tofino’s unique setting, Pacific Sands Beach Resort has been expanded to 122 beach houses and suites. And as we greet each new and returning guest, the Resort’s rich legacy lives on through new generations of memories and stories.
