Harbourview Coffeehouse — Restaurant in Tofino

I am rating Harbourview very low because they still live in the Dark Ages by not allowing dogs on their patio, and then providing misinformation to customers about the law in BC with regards to dogs and restaurants. To be clear, in BC the law allows dogs in food 'serving' areas of restaurants, they are only not allowed in food 'preparation' areas. But it is up to the owner to make application. In the year 2025, many progressive restaurants, cafes and pubs in BC have received such permission in cases where 'preparation' and 'serving' areas are physically separate. Also, many restaurants have designated special zones for dogs, and zones for no dogs. Some restaurants only disallow dogs at busy times e.g. lunch hours. It is well understood and very much appreciated that not all customers like dogs and some might not support dogs in restaurants. Also, it is understood that dogs around and under tables can sometimes be a nuisance for serving staff particularly during busy times. But there is no excuse for the total banishment of dogs if a facility has physically separated areas from food preparation. The question of allowing dogs or not is of course totally up to how familiar an owner is with respect to the laws in BC and also how creative and progressive that owner is. For instance, restaurants could even add to their profits by charging a reasonable fee for dogs and most dog owners would willingly pay. But, clearly, BC laws do allow dogs in 'serving' areas and customers should never be told misinformation (and possibly lies) as to why dogs are not allowed. In the case of Harbourview I was offered the option of a lonely seat by the road facing cars...nice, lol ! It is hoped that creativity and imagination can find a solution that allows dog owners to bring their dogs to this cafe...

There are so many amazing spots in this area. Do yourself a favour and pick literally any other one...

I've been in Tofino and Ucluelet for the past few days, and the people here have been incredible, every shop, restaurant, and business has gone above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Even our own Vrbo landlord is super nice.

This business is the exception.

My partner and I each ordered a pastry and a drink. He got his pastry right away. Mine? Nowhere to be seen. When I asked, I was told to just wait, it would come out with my drink. No explanation, no reason, and no logic. These weren’t heated or customized items, just pastries that should’ve been ready to go.

The place wasn’t busy. There were no excuses. Just a dismissive attitude and the sense that I was bothering them by asking.

To top it off, the tables were dirty, and no one seemed in a rush to clean them, even though the place was far from full.

The only redeeming quality here is the view of the harbour from the patio, which unfortunately isn't enough to make up for the lackluster service, mediocre experience, and underwhelming food and drinks.

Not quite up to the local welcoming and...

So let’s start off with the good: the latte and Nanaimo bar were great and the view is to die for. It’s a nice location and captures that Tofino charm well. Now the bad? One of the people working there, could’ve been the owner, was extremely condescending and rude. He quite condescendingly demonstrated to us how to line-up after we said we were thinking of getting some drinks. So despite how good the food and view was, I cannot recommend this place for the sheer amount of disrespect and embarrassment that owner...