Frequently Asked Questions

We’re located at 6880 Pacific Rim Hwy on the west side of Port Alberni, along the route to Tofino — just 5–10 minutes from where you’re going. Tofino is about 1 hour 45 minutes away, depending on traffic and road conditions. Many guests use us as a base for day trips to Tofino to keep travel costs down.

While driving west toward Tofino, take the left exit at 6880 Pacific Rim Hwy. If traffic is heavy, continue 2 minutes to the Tseshaht Market Gas Station, turn around safely, and exit on the right-hand side heading back east.

Yes. Chims started as Chims Guest House with a single cabin and was later known as Chims Motel. As the property grew to six self-contained cabins, we changed the name to Chims Cabins to better reflect what we offer. It’s the same family-owned business, run by Ed and Naomi Nicholson, at the same address: 6880 Pacific Rim Highway.

Each unit includes a full-size kitchen with pots, pans, and utensils; basic condiments including salt, pepper, coffee pods, creamer, and sugar; a Keurig coffee machine (bring your favourite pods); a mini ductless heat pump for heating and A/C; fresh bedding and towels; and shampoo, conditioner, and soap dispensers.

Every cabin has a smart TV (42 inches or larger) with ad-free Netflix, and satellite TV on the main TV in every cabin except Butterfly. Wi-Fi is Rogers Business Wi-Fi.

Bear and Wolf have their own washer and dryer, included in the nightly rate. Guests in our other cabins can use the dedicated guest laundry room by arrangement, at $10 per load including detergent.

Yes. Our cabins are mobility-friendly, but not wheelchair-accessible. Here is what each one has, so you can decide which suits you:

Bear: no steps, 36-inch door, bathtub/shower combination, grab bar beside the toilet, separate hot and cold taps.
Wolf: one step, 36-inch door, walk-in shower, separate hot and cold taps.
Butterfly: one step, 36-inch door, walk-in shower, grab bar beside the toilet.
Eagle, Raven and Hummingbird: two steps up to the deck and one step into the cabin, walk-in shower.

If you’d like to talk through which cabin fits your needs, call or text us at (250) 724-4746.

Children are always welcome. Note that units are not specifically set up for small children — playpens and highchairs are not provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own. All units have deadbolt locks for added security.

Unfortunately our units are not pet friendly. We strive to maintain a clean, odour-free environment for all guests, and pet hair and smells can be difficult to remove completely. We appreciate your understanding.

Smoking and vaping are allowed outside on your cabin’s covered deck only, never inside the cabins. Smoking or vaping indoors results in a cleaning charge of $250 or more.

You can book through any of these options: call or text (250) 724-4746, email Sleep@Chims.ca, book online at http://www.chims.ca, or manage existing reservations via the Guest Portal on our website. Our phone hours are 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Check-in is from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Arriving after 9:00 PM? Contact us in advance and we’ll give you the code for the keybox at your cabin door.

We will do our best to accommodate early check-ins whenever possible. Our cabins take approximately 1.5 hours to clean, and availability depends on how many cabins are checking out that day.

If you know you’ll be arriving early, please give us a call in advance. When possible, we can arrange for your cabin to be cleaned first.

Unfortunately, we do not offer late check-outs. Please plan your departure so you have vacated your cabin by 11:00 AM. A grace period is provided until 11:15 AM, after which late check-out charges will apply.

Thank you for departing on time. This allows our contracted cleaners and staff to prepare each cabin to the high standard our guests expect and ensures incoming guests can check in at our promised 4:00 PM check-in time.

Each reservation includes one dedicated parking spot. If you’re bringing additional vehicles, an oversized truck, boat, or trailer, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate you.

We currently do not have a dedicated EV charging station. Guests may charge their vehicle using a standard electrical outlet with their own charging cable and extension cord, where available.

A dedicated EV charging station is planned. We’ll update this page once the installation date is set.

Reservations may be changed or cancelled free of charge up until 4:00 PM, two (2) days (48 hours) before your scheduled check-in date.

Cancellations received after 4:00 PM, two (2) days before check-in, as well as no-shows, are charged the full reservation amount and no refunds will be issued. If you choose to check out early or shorten your stay for any reason after checking in, no refunds or credits will be provided for the unused portion of your reservation.

Our cabins are scheduled for cleaning based on confirmed reservations. We coordinate staffing with both our employees and our contracted cleaning company in accordance with employment and scheduling requirements. Once your reservation falls within the 48-hour cancellation period, staffing and cleaning schedules have already been arranged specifically for your stay.

If your travel plans change, please contact us as soon as possible. We’ll always do our best to assist whenever we can.

Our cabin rates are based on the number of beds in each cabin, with two (2) guests sharing one bed. Depending on the cabin, accommodations include 1–3 beds for 1-4 guests.

Some cabins already include additional beds as part of the cabin layout. In the Bear Cabin and Wolf Cabin, there is one queen bed, with additional sleeping options available if needed.

The Bear Cabin can accommodate 1-3 extra guests with a double pull-out sofa and twin folding cot. The Wolf Cabin can accommodate 1-2 extra guests with a traditional queen hide-a-bed for a $25 plus tax, per night, per bed guest fee applies. This covers the additional linens, towels, toiletries, laundry, and cleaning required to prepare and service the extra sleeping area.

Please ensure the number of guests in your reservation is accurate before arrival so we can prepare your cabin accordingly.

Yes! Sign up for our newsletter to receive $10 off your first booking (excludes provincial rates). There is also a $5 online booking discount automatically applied when you check-ou (nice little surprise!) There are no discount when you book on third-party sites like Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, etc.

Yes. We require a credit card on file for pre-authorization. If a credit card isn’t available, a $120 deposit can be made via e-transfer or cash. Your deposit is returned promptly after your stay, provided there are no damages or extra charges.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, debit, cash and e-transfer. We don’t accept American Express or Diners Club.

However you pay, a valid credit card must be kept on file for the reservation to cover potential incidentals. Cash or e-transfer can also be used for the security deposit. Third-party credit cards are accepted for authorized corporate bookings only.

The Tseshaht Market Deli (7581 Pacific Rim Hwy) is the closest option with hot breakfast, lunch, and convenience items. The town centre is 5–10 minutes away with more dining options including Clam Bucket, Boston Pizza, and Starboard Grill. Uber Eats delivers from Boston Pizza, Panago Pizza, and Alberni Sushi. Liquor: Alberni District Liquor Store (5086 Johnston Rd). Cannabis: Highway Cannabis or BC Cannabis Store.

The region has a varied wet west coast climate. Spring and fall bring warm temperatures with frequent rain. Summers are hot. Winters are cold and damp with heavy, wet snowfall.

Year-round essentials: waterproof jacket, layers, hiking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. Summer additions: swimsuit, sandals, beach towel, sunglasses, and a hat. Winter additions: heavy coat, warm layers, waterproof boots, hat, gloves, scarf, and hand warmers.

No we don’t have any meeting space.

In general, No. Guests are not permitted to host events or gatherings on the property, including birthday parties, weddings, receptions, family reunions, or other celebrations that exceed the maximum occupancy of the reserved cabin(s). Business activities, such as catering, food preparation for off-site events, or other commercial operations, are also not permitted. Working on your laptop or having zoom calls during your stay is fine. 

If you have reserved all of our cabins for your group, you’re welcome to enjoy your stay together. For example, celebrating a birthday with a cake or sharing a meal with the registered guests staying on the property is perfectly acceptable, provided the occupancy limits of each cabin are not exceeded and no outside guests attend.

Our insurance coverage is for accommodation only and does not extend to private events or commercial activities. For the safety and comfort of all guests, only registered guests are permitted on the property unless prior oral or written approval has been obtained.