We have installed an electric fence around our garbage shed at Tofino Hummingbird Cottage.

Bears, with their well developed sense of smell, have found their way to our shed on numerous occasions and are willing to break the door down if they have to, to get to the garbage inside. According to Critter Care’s article on Southern BC black bears, “A black bear’s keen sense of smell is its superpower. It’s estimated that their sense of smell is seven times stronger than a bloodhound’s, allowing them to locate food from great distances.”

Wanting to care for bears and humans, I sought advice. Bob at WildSafeBC Pacific Rim was extremely helpful. He advised me to install an electric fence on the outside of the garbage shed, and he himself did the installation.

We now have a fence that protects bears by deterring them from the potential food source (garbage) in the shed. And it protects humans too as it lessens the chances of us encountering a foraging bear as we go to the shed to throw away garbage.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made us alter the ways we view and interact with the world. Many industries (the spa and wellness field included) have needed to change their operations to ensure the continued safety of staff and clientele.

Even before the pandemic, my goal with Tofino Hummingbird Cottage has always been to provide a purposeful space for people to relax, unwind and recharge away from the hustle-and-bustle of modern life.

In keeping with this goal, we have gone above what is simply required by the provincial and federal governments. Tofino Hummingbird Cottage has received the BSAFE certification and is one of an exclusive list of businesses in the hospitality sector to have completed this training.

My years of experience in the spa and wellness industry include being a founding member of the Spa Industry Association of Canada (Leading Spas of Canada); Canada’s only association dedicated to the advancement of spas and spa professionals. Part of this work included being on the Standards and Practices committee where I helped design and implement The Quality Assurance Program which is now used by spas and clinics nationwide. Please be assured that after each booking the cottage undergoes a rigorous and comprehensive cleaning and sanitization process in preparation for the next guest. I continually monitor and evaluate hospitality best practices so that I can update my operations according to the most current professional advice.

Thank you, everyone, for your continued support of Tofino Hummingbird Cottage and the lifelong pursuit of mindfulness, peace and relaxation.

– Vivienne O’Keeffe, Owner