Thank you to all who joined us for the 6th annual Sea of Lights, a beloved tradition at Tofino Resort + Marina where locals and visitors gather to toast the festive season under the glow of thousands of twinkling lights. This year we had the biggest turnout yet! We are so excited to welcome you back for Sea of Lights in December 2026.
Sea of Lights 2025 Featured Tons of Festivities:
- Photos with Santa: We set up the Marine Adventure Center as a little photo studio where families and friends could come take photos with Santa himself! Photos are free and delivered after the event.
- Christmas Carols: The Treble Sparrows Kids Choir spread the holiday magic with their caroling in the Courtyard.
- Gingerbread Contest: Put on by Shelter Restaurant, there were some outstanding works of art on display. This year’s theme was Jurassic Tofino where participants had to pick a Tofino location and make it well,… Jurassic. All members of the public were able to vote for their favourite! Top 3 houses were: ‘Eat or Be Eaten’, ‘Crazy Ron Sushi’, and ‘Long Beach Surf Shop’.
- Festive Market: The ground floor of our hotel turns into a boutique-style festive market. This year, we featured vendors from across Vancouver Island and BC.
- Fire Pits and Mulled Wine: The mulled wine was a huge hit this year. There’s no better way to stay warm than by a fire put with your deliciously spiced wine.
- Fire Pits, S’mores, and Hot Chocolate: This year, hot cocoa and s’mores were by donation for the Westcoast Community Resource Society’s (WCRS) 16 Days of Activism campaign.
- Music by Dakota Cooney: After the Treble Sparrows Kids choir, local singer and songwriter Dakota Cooney took up the stage with beautiful folk-y music. A great way to enjoy your hot cocoa, s’mores and mulled wine.
- Vessel Illuminations: Of course, the main point of Sea of Lights is the… Sea of Lights. Boat owners and businesses decorate and light up their boats as they compete for prizes. It’s holiday magic and cheer, Tofino style.
- Beer, Wine, and Cioppino: And to top up the event, Shelter Restaurant was offering drinks and a cozy seafood-y soup called Ciopinno.
Lighting Up the Inlet with Vessel Illuminations & Competition
The marina transforms into a shimmering display of creativity as boats (and sea planes) of all shapes and sizes are decked out in dazzling lights. Stroll the docks and watch as their reflections dance across the dark waters.
Here are this year’s results:
- 1st place (93 votes): ENSO by Redd Fish Restoration Society
- 2nd place (86 votes): Prime Time by Tofino Ocean Adventures
- 3rd place (68 votes): Island Girl by Pearl & Hannah
- 4th place (61 votes): MV Gertrude by Gerald Frank-Perry
- 5th place (31 votes): Reel Season by WCRS
- Notable mentions: Mangata, High Pressure, Blue Pearl, Tuna Can, Rainbow, Blackfish, and Blue Line
Thank you to all the boats who participated this year. Lighting up the marina is truly a magical sign for visitors and locals alike. Stay tuned for next year, we have special prizes in store for winner and all pariticipants.
Purple Lights for a Cause
Sea of Lights is proud to support Westcoast Community Resource Society (WCRS) as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (Nov 25–Dec 10), a global movement raising awareness and encouraging community action toward safer, more equitable lives.
WCRS provides essential services across the West Coast of Vancouver Island, including safe housing, counselling, outreach, crisis response, and programs that strengthen community wellness and resilience.
As part of the Purple Lights Campaign, WCRS will #LightUpTheNight by displaying purple lights in solidarity with survivors on a Sea of Lights vessel. Funds raised support the vital programs WCRS provides year-round.
At Sea of Lights, WCRS will have:
- A purple-lit vessel in the marina
- Hot chocolate and s’mores by donation, with all proceeds supporting WCRS
Purple lights across homes, businesses, and community spaces serve as a powerful reminder that our region stands with survivors, and that support shines brightest together.
A Holiday Market Like No Other: In-Room Vendor Experience
This isn’t your typical market. On the first floor of our waterfront hotel, each outdoor-facing guest room transforms into a cozy boutique for the evening. Wander from room to room, discovering handcrafted goods, artisan treats, and locally made treasures; all while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
You’ll find warm lights, warm drinks, and vendors from across Vancouver Island behind every door.
A Tofino Tradition
Sea of Lights is a celebration of community, creativity, and the warmth that shines brightest during the winter season. Bring your friends, your family, your festive spirit, and help us light up the inlet for a good cause.
See you on the docks for Sea of Lights 2026.
