We felt like we won the lottery when our turn came around on the Parks Canada booking website. We were the chosen ones able to book the one and only Otenik at Green Point Campground in Pacific Rim National Park. If you have ever tried reserving that special campsite, let alone something special like an Otentik, you know what I mean by winning the lottery! But we were successful in getting our September reservation and overjoyed that we found a more affordable way to spend a week in the Tofino - Ucluelet area.
Preparing for our stay in the Otentik
After booking our stay, we quickly realized that there was scarce information on what to expect when staying in an Otentik. The Parks Canada website had on generic photo that didn't even look like it was specifically from Green Point. You can stay in Otentiks at several National Parks and it appears that the Parks Canada people don't see a need to go into any details.
We had legitimate questions that we needed answers to in order to pack properly. We didn't want to over pack unnecessarily and conversely, we didn't want to show up unprepared. Here are some basic answers to our questions that we discovered:
- Is there power/power outlets: Yes! There is power and one power outlet
- Is there heat or AC: Yes, there is a heater that is easily regulated by a thermostat. There is no AC but the windows roll open at the front and back of the building.
- Is there lighting: There is one central light. We brought a secondary light for outside as well as a set of solar string lights. You know, to set the mood :)
- Is there Storage or hangars: There is no built in storage or anywhere to hang things like towels and wetsuits. We brought our own hangars and draped our towels over the rafters.
What are the Otentik Beds like?
Did you go to Summer camp as a kid? Do you remember those vinyl covered mattresses you slept on? The ones that if your sleeping bag or sheets were misaligned left your cheek stuck to them? Well get ready for some nostalgia! We really value sleep when we are on an adventure so we packed our thermarest mats. The provided mattresses worked as a great base and with the addition of our own sleeping mats, we were very comfortable.
There is ample space for a family of four like ours. Although the Parks Canada website states you can sleep six in the Otentik, it would be close quarters. Doable if the kids are little but ours are growing on a daily basis so I would recommend sticking to four happy campers.
The Space Around the Otentik
The Otentik at Green Point campground feels like a it is on its own private plot of land in the rainforest. Although close to the parking lot and washrooms, the Otentik is surrounded by ample natural forest and fauna which makes it feel disconnected from the regular campsites. The campsite is a longer triangle shape that has one end exiting to the parking lot and the other a short trail to the washrooms and washing facilities. It is complete with a picnic table, fire pit and a nice large deck off the front of the Otentik itself.
Walk-in site
When we booked the Otentik, the site is referred to as a walk-in site. That is true but it is right next to the parking lot. Not like the other walk-in sites where you are required to haul your gear into the forested tent sites. We scored the parking spot closest to the little trail making set up and pack up a breeze.
Washrooms, Showers and Dish Washing Station are Close by
The location of the washrooms and dish washing station couldn't be more convenient. The washing station is huge and complete with hot water and a filtered bottle filling tap. The washrooms are compete with hot water showers and are kept nice and clean on a regular basis.
Location, location, location
Walking down to Long Beach at Green Point Campground
One of our misconceptions of the Green Point campground was the relation to the beach. When we visit the Tofino area, beach time is high on the priority list, especially when it comes to sunset. Everything we heard describing the campground is that is was situated on a bluff above Long Beach and that there was a 'hike' down to the beach.Yes, it is a walk down to the beach but it takes less than 10 minutes from the doors of the Otentik to the shores of the Pacific. And the walk is stunning. We found ourselves down on the beach every evening where we were treated to the most unreal sunsets you experience on the west coast. We even brought our little BBQ down there and cooked burgers!
One of our favourite discoveries was sitting on the rocks at sunset and feeling the spray of the waves crashing. There is nothing like inhaling a lung full of fresh ocean air, watching a golden sunset and seeing your children exclaim with wonder as the spray flies up over their heads.
Good night from the Green Point Otentik
Our stay at the Green Point Otentik was a wonderful experience that, if we win the Parks Canada lottery again, we will definitely do again. We went into it a bit blind so I hope this little write up helps someone prepare for their trip. If you have any specific questions about staying in this Otentik, please drop a comment below and I would be happy to help you out!