The Raven House Living Room at Chims Cabins
PORT ALBERNI – Working from her on-site office, co-owner and full-time operator Naomi Nicholson manages the day-to-day operations of the six units at Chims Cabins, including guest services, reservations, marketing, financial management, and overall property operations.
Starting in 2018, the Nicholsons began transforming one acre of treed land on the west side of Port Alberni into a six-unit accommodation property designed to serve contractors, healthcare workers, government employees, and travellers heading to the region and the west coast.
Organizations have taken notice of the work and business acumen behind Chims Cabins, and the property has received several industry and community recognitions over the years.
For Nicholson, the keys to success have been discipline, mindset, and attention to detail. By focusing on creating a comfortable and practical place for guests to stay—whether they are visiting for work or exploring Vancouver Island’s west coast—Chims Cabins continues to grow as a reliable accommodation option in Port Alberni.
A guest house living room at Chims Cabins
Guest reviews highlight Chims Cabins as a reliable accommodation option in Port Alberni.
“Chims Cabins offers a practical and comfortable alternative to more expensive west coast destinations,” states Nicholson. “With accommodation prices in places like Tofino continuing to rise, many travellers are discovering that staying in Port Alberni and driving to the west coast for the day can be far more affordable than paying for a single night during peak summer season.
“For many visitors, Port Alberni has become a convenient base for exploring the west coast while enjoying more space, full kitchens, and easier access to the rest of the Alberni Valley.”
Chims Cabins is particularly popular with professionals working in Port Alberni for extended periods. The cabins feature full-size kitchens, allowing guests to prepare their own meals and maintain a healthier routine while away from home. Nicholson notes that while takeout may be convenient at first, many guests staying for work quickly appreciate having the ability to cook and settle into a comfortable living space. Each cabin offers different bed layouts, accommodating anywhere from one to five guests in one to three beds depending on the cabin.
Two of the cabins include in-suite laundry, and a dedicated paid guest laundry room is also available on the property, ensuring that guests can do laundry regardless of which cabin they stay in. Corporate rates are available for companies with staff working in the area.
Being an independently owned and operated accommodation provider comes with challenges. Many travellers automatically default to well-known hotel brands or online travel agencies such as Expedia or Airbnb. These platforms charge commission fees and can sometimes create complications when issues arise, leaving both guests and hosts frustrated when solutions are outside of the property owner’s control.
The Bear Cabin bedroom at Chims Cabins
Nicholson encourages travellers to use these platforms as a starting point to research properties, but to check whether the business offers the option to book directly. Most travellers want to support small businesses directly, and booking direct often allows for better communication, better service, and access to rates that are not always listed online.
Nicholson encourages travellers to think about Port Alberni as a smart base for exploring the region, with the cabins just a 5–10 minute drive to most amenities and work locations in the city.
“If cleanliness, good customer service, and having your own private space with a full kitchen appeals to you, my advice is simple: stay here at Chims Cabins and travel there.”
If you are coming to Port Alberni for business or an upcoming project, connect with Chims Cabins first.
Guests can save by booking directly at www.chims.ca. Provincial government and corporate rates are also available and can be requested when booking.
