Tigh-Na-Mara a Family and Pet Friendly Resort
Our Family Beach Fun this Summer
Yes it’s true fall is officially here but with it comes the beautiful colors as the leaves change, crisp sunny mornings and for those of us who had dry hot summer weather some much needed rain. As we settle into the fall I still just have to share our favourite summer experience this year. I want to share it not just because it was our most memorable trip this year but because it’s also somewhere you can enjoy all year long! In fact checkout their Canadian Thanksgiving special where their chefs will do all the work and provide you a 4 course Thanksgiving dinner! I’ve not had it but I have been there on the Thanksgiving weekend with friends and can attest that there is not a bad time to visit Tigh-Na-Mara as you’ll enjoy it no matter when you go.
One of the many amazing beach views at the Tigh-Na-Mara resort
Pssst Tigh-Na-Mara is such a beautiful spot to visit and I took so many pictures that I simply can’t put them all in this post. That’s why I’ve created another Tigh-Na-Mar Photo album that you can go and enjoy HERE. Also make sure to read to the bottom and find out about Tigh-Na-Mara’s amazing Vacay It Forward Challenge!
I can’t share enough of the stunning beach pictures at Tigh-Na-Mara
In fact you may have seen my previous article on the fabulous Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort where I had mom’s getaway with two of my closest friends in the month of November. If you haven’t seen it check it out HERE, the pictures alone are worth taking a look at. No matter what time of year you go to Tigh-Na-Mara whether it’s in autumn like I went to for the mom’s getaway or the summer it’s a beautiful place to visit.
Our “rustic” pet friendly cabin at Tigh-Na-Mara
Family Summer Fun
This summer my family and I including our beloved dogs Luna and Little Zeus had the opportunity to go the Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort. While this was not my first time to this fabulous resort it was the first time for my family and the first time I’ve ever gone in peak season. I have to admit I was a bit worried about how busy the resort would be since it was summer. I know we’ve all experienced those crazy busy places packed to the seams during the summer. I’m happy to say it did not feel or look like that at all at Tigh-Na-Mara even though the resort was full while we were there!
My daughter with our dogs LZ and Luna on the porch of our rustic cabin at Tigh-Na-Mara
Now you may wonder how is it possible that a resort that has a conference centre, spa, swimming pool, gym, restaurant, tennis courts, spa bungalows, rustic pet friendly cabins and waterfront rooms could not feel crowded. Well a big part is that they’re all located on 22 acres of property and it’s all been designed to keep complement nature not obscure it. In addition every building has been well planned out, nicely laid out amongst the forest and in my opinion just well thought out.
Hanging out in our cabin cul-de-sac which is surrounded by forested area.
Before I go on too much about how much I love Tigh-Na-Mara let me show you more of the “rustic” pet friendly cabin we had the pleasure to stay in. First off my daughter was so impressed with the cabin that the first thing she said when she walked in the cabin was how “fancy” it was. Now that does not sound rustic does it. Well check out the slideshow of pictures below of our two bedroom pet friendly cottage and judge for yourself. I know you’ll agree it’s quite lovely and we could quite happily live there all year long!
Dogs welcome
To welcome us and our dogs Luna and LZ there was even a nice little gift for our dogs. I heard that all families who arrive with their furry family members receive this nice little welcome package. They loved it and we appreciated the little doggy towel to wipe off their paws after our many visits to the beach.
There was even a nice welcome package for my daughter who was over the moon to have something made up just for her! The snacks did not last long and she used those bubbles every time we went to the beach. I thought that was a nice touch as I wouldn’t have thought of bubbles but she had lots of fun with those on the beach.
Beautiful surroundings
Even though every cabin in our cul-de-sac (there were 4 cabins if I recall) had a dog, not once was it every noisy and everyone was respectful and taking care of their dogs. We also did not feel over crowded in our area as there was lots of room in between cabins so we all felt like we were in our own little forested paradise. I know our dogs enjoyed sniffing around the forested area right in front of our cottage, it felt like home for them but just quieter, oh so quiet and lovely.
Our dogs liked to of course sleep right beside our bed each night.
Room to explore and more
Remember I said it never once felt or looked crowded during our stay at Tigh-Na-Mara? Being on 22 acres that really helps and the beach is so big that it felt the same there, especially when the tide was out. Just check out some of our pictures during our beach time, it doesn’t look busy does it? These were some of my favourite moments this summer, just hanging at the beach with my family and dogs, it was peaceful and fun. Dogs did run loose on the beach (leashes are required but..) but they were not unruly, everyone had their own area and the dogs were having too much fun running to really notice each other.
My hubby and our dog Luna strolling on the beach.
Oh the beach!
When the tide was out it made the beach seem endless and vast. I loved that there were small pools of water that were so warm and great for puddle jumping. We also had a great time collecting sand dollars when the tide was out, the beach was littered with sand dollars, now that’s litter we don’t mind, it was very cool!
You never know what you’ll see!
During one of our visits to the beach while the tide was out we event spotted this little guy, can you guess what he is?
We just had so much fun at the beach as there’s lots to explore, enjoy the beauty of it all and just sit back and relax, whatever catches your fancy or like I mentioned early go blow some bubbles :). Can you see how the beach seems to go on forever when the tide is out? Now that makes beach time so much more fun!
It’s not easy to keep a teenager occupied but my daughter enjoyed her time on the beach too!
Check out the town of Parksville & Coombs
Tigh-Na-Mara is located near the lovely town of Parksville where you will find grocery stores, town stores and lots of restaurants. While we there this summer there was also an amazing sand sculpture competition! You can read about that HERE but here a few pictures for you to see below. A little farther away but not too much farther is Coombs known for it’s goats on the roof, yes sometimes the goats really are on the roof eating the grass on the roof. I’ve seen them I promise it happens, there’s also the well known Coombs market and one of my favourite restaurants Cuckoo in Coombs. It’s definitely worth the short drive!
Tigh-Na-Mara = Fun Family Time with Pets Too!
As you can see we enjoyed our family time at Tigh-Na-Mara and while they have lots of activities for the family and kids like the kid’s club, going to the Go-Karts, Food Tour, Music by the Sea and so much more you can also just have a lot of fun hanging out at the beach, enjoying the fireplace in the cabin or using a bbq on the porch. You don’t run out of things to do at Tigh-Na-Mara and it can fee like a solitary oasis or an activity filled resort, it can be whichever one you want it to be as you have choices and more than all the comforts of home at Tigh-Na-Mara.
Hubby and our dogs just strolling.
Remember I mentioned Tigh-Na-Mara’s Vacay it Forward Challenge? It’s yet another reason that I think this resort is awesome and not just for their accommodations but how they give back too!
The people who deserve a vacation the most are often the very last people who have the opportunity to take one. Now, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort has created a social corporate responsibility initiative to change all that with the Vacay It Forward Challenge.
“Those of us in the hospitality industry are in the business of creating wonderful experiences for our guests. We also value our special relationships within our communities by supporting a number of different charities. By creating the Vacay It Forward Challenge, Tigh-Na-Mara and our hospitality industry can work together to help make a difference and reward those who do so much to make the lives of others better,” says Luba Plotnikoff, Marketing & Media Relations Manager at Tigh-Na-Mara.
The rules of Vacay It Forward are simple. Tigh-Na-Mara is challenging seven hospitality properties to select the charity of their choice, determine a recipient and Vacay It Forward.
Kudos to Tigh-Na-Mara for giving back to the community and those who could truly use and deserve a vacation!
Now we leave you with one last picture but don’t forget you can check out our full Tigh-Na-Mara summer vacation photo album HERE!
Mary M. says
This looks like a fun and relaxing place. If it is set up for cats, not just dogs, it looks ideal.
Olivine Eyes says
My cats would love to go there, but there’s one problem, dogs. My cats would love to go anywhere with me on vacation, especially if there’s human food. Sorry, kitties. I could see them clawing the wood that makes up the cabins.
Cindy Merrill says
I have two cats. Would this resort allow cats? They both had their front claws removed by a previous owner, so I’d keep them on a harness when ever they’re outside.
Debbie White Beattie says
This lace is beautiful, I can’t believe how scenic it is. I love that it’s pet friendly because I don’t go anywhere without my dog.
Bridget Harrison says
We never travel cause we don’t want to leave our pets behind but how wonderful it is that you get a cabin and they can come and sleep next to you. This is my perfect vacation I’m definitely going to have to show this to my husband and maybe start to plan our first trip!
belinda bell says
I love that this resort is pet friendly
Marcie W. says
This resort looks amazingly perfect for summer. We would love to bring our dog along.
Ann says
Wow! What an amazing place. Even if it wasn’t pet-friendly, it still looks great– but the fact that dogs are not just “allowed” but truly welcomed makes me love it even more. And I can’t get enough of the little “doggy welcome package”! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your experience at Tigh-Na-Mara, and I’m glad you had a great time.
Dotty J Boucher says
What a beautiful place to visit, I love that they treated you like family with gifts and the rooms are very nice , with their own stove and everything, WOW!! very nice,,
Tawny says
One reason I haven’t been on a vacation, in addition to lack of money, is that my cat doesn’t eat or drink if I am not with him. This would be great then that I could have my first vacation in 10 yrs. and I wouldn’t have to worry about him dying from not eating and drinking. Everything says pets, but it only mentions dogs, so I don’t know if they only include dogs or not.
kath g says
You had me at pet-friendly. I’ve never taken a vacation with a pet, but I would absolutely love to do it. Your pictures are great, looks like a fun and relaxing place.
clojo9372 says
This must have been an amazing vacation! I have a lot of dogs so I don’t get to go too far away because I don’t have anywhere to put them. But it’s nice to know there are places that can accommodate them. 🙂
KATE SARSFIELD says
Tigh-Na-Mara is Irish (and Scots Gaelic) for House Of The Sea. What a beach! It seems to go on forever!
denise smith says
we have 2 dogs and im always wanting to try and find a place where we could go on vacation and bring them along i hate having to put them in a kennel so this would be so nice
rebeccabasset says
What a beautiful Place, I love that they are giving back, and that they accept Dogs is a +!
The Pictures and the review are wonderful, thanks for the Post!
Heather Arnould says
A wonderful place to vacation with the family. Your pictures are great.
Jennifer Ann Wilson says
I have stayed here many times and it is so calm and relaxing. My dog is one of the family, so being able to take him with us just makes staying here all the better.
Maryann D. says
Tigh-Na-Mara resort seems like a lovely place to visit. That is terrific that it is pet friendly also. Super photos.
melody hodge says
What a nice place to visit! I never go anywhere without my furbabies. If I cant travel to a resort or hotel with my babies, I dont make reservations. Ill find somewhere else that will accept them. I love all the pics you posted. It looks so relaxing and a place to have a great time with my family and furbabies.
Mia says
This sounds like exactly the kind of place that I would like to take my family on vacation. Its looks so beautiful and relaxing and nice to have a kid and pet friendly place.
ellen beck says
This looks like heaven on Earth. Love hpw it is pet friendly and I love all the pictures too.
Darlene Demell says
This looks like a very nice place and I wouldn’t have any problem staying in that cabin or walking the beach.
loucheryl says
I love that they accommodate pets. They are part of the family too and need a vacation. 🙂
Jodi Hunter says
It is always hard to find a great place to take your pets, this seems amazing. Thanks!
Rosie says
I’d love to experience this area, and my favorite are cabins. They really know how to show the hospitality and make it good for everyone, pets, kids, parents – so nice! I have to keep this in mind! It is my kind of place!
Sandy Weinstein says
looks like a beautiful resort. it is nice they allow pets on the beach. many beaches do not. i will tell my friends b/c they like to take their dog with them and go to the beach areas resorts.
Amber Ludwig says
Wow!! What a gorgeous place!! I love the little welcome packages!! So super cute and thoughtful!! I love that they are pet friendly and yet super nice places!! The cabin is so cute and really rustically gorgeous!!
Sandy Cain says
Oh, is this gorgeous! It looks like you had a super time. And what a relief not to have to leave your fur babies in a kennel. That always would get me nervous, no matter how good the kennel is. It’s like leaving your children in day care while you’re on a holiday!
Jill H says
Would love to go there & the little extra’s they did for your daughter & the doggies was sweet.
Hannah C says
Beautiful photos!
Jennifer H. says
The photo looks so nice – I would love a place like that!
Donna says
Thanks for this review, looks like a great place to stay, we are always looking for pet friendly places!
mary gallardo says
This place looks so nice and relaxing! I love the photos!
Shannon L. Barlow says
My dogs would love that place as much as my hubby n I would. Too bad we could never afford to do something like that. We have been able to afford a vaca. Live on a fixed income as we are both disabled. Something like this would be awesome for us as well as our pets.
justin orkin says
Wow, I’d love to be able to take my pet with me places.
elinor semira says
My entire family are really aquaholic. We would love to get there someday.
lisa says
I tried to leave a comment on their spa resort. I’m not sure why, but every place I try I’m getting a message 405. It won’t let me post anywhere.
lisa says
That looks like a lovely place to vacation. I’m not fond of animals personally, but I can see how it being pet friendly would appeal to pet owners. I’m sure it costs quite a bit to board them when you want to go away on a vacation.
Barrie says
I wish I lived closer to Canada as this sounds like a great place to vacation…accepting pets at a vacation spot is near impossible to find and we’re always looking for places to take our two dogs with us.
Jasmine P says
This looks awesome! My dogs would love this!
Tamra Phelps says
This looks like a great place to vacation! I have seen your older posts from there & it looks like fun & relaxation for everybody.
Cheryl says
Sure does look like a great spot 🙂
Deb E says
I think dogs are part of the family and should go on vacation with you. It’s such a pain to board them and they may catch something and of course hate being away from you. This looks so fun too.
Sophia,M.,McConnery says
Looks like you all had a great time!
M.Clark says
Tigh-Na-Mara looks very rustic, all in all a nice vacation destination. Pet friendly locations are always a plus. Thank you for sharing this review.
Marthalynn says
Great pics! I love the idea of a mom’s only getaway. And how nice that it’s a great location year-round! Good to know that there are still good vacations spots where the family pet is welcome, too.
Sandra Watts says
Really nice. I wish we traveled more. I love being able to take pets on vacation.
Shannon says
Wow what a really nice pet friendly place. I know Sorcha would love this and thank you for sharing.
David Fultner says
Being pet friendly is always great. I love your pics.
Linda Manns says
This sounds like a wonderful, relaxing vacation. The scenery is beautiful. I am so happy you got to take this vacation. I would love to be able to do this one day
Janel says
It’s so hard to find accomodations that will take your pets , great to read about this one! Usually I end up having to put my chihuahua in a kennel while I’m on vacation which I hate.