Ten Years of Storm Watching at the Wickaninnish Inn

November 6, 2006

(Tofino, BC) Winter storms have been battering the west coast of Vancouver Island for thousands of years. Wickaninnish Inn guests have been flocking to Tofino, BC for the last decade to witness the fury of the storms.

Ten years ago, the McDiarmid family opened the doors of the Wickaninnish Inn to world travelers. At that time, Charles McDiarmid, Managing Director of the Inn, knew his challenge was to entice visitors to come to Tofino in the winter. Charles developed an aggressive winter marketing plan based on Winter Storm Watching on the Pacific Coast. He knew that travelers love open water vistas. The question was, would they come in the winter to witness winter storms? Well, they came! And they continue to come from all over the world to watch the powerful Pacific weather as it rolls in over the ocean.

The team at the Wickaninnish Inn tries to "arrange" at least one storm for every winter guest that comes to the Inn. Guests want to see the rain, feel the wind and experience a full-blown storm while visiting the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island. Because the Inn is located on the edge of a temperate rain forest, chances are very good that it will rain at least once during any winter visit. The best months for stormy weather are from early November through to the end of February. Mother Nature offers storms every three to four days in the winter months. Few guests leave disappointed.

Guests can enjoy the storms from any of the guest rooms or suites at the Wickaninnish Inn, as all rooms offer a view of the Pacific Ocean. Walking on Chesterman Beach, adjacent to the Inn, is exhilarating during a storm. Every guest room is equipped with Helly Hansen rain gear. Rubber boots are also available to properly outfit storm watchers as they head out to face the elements. The ultimate location for storm watching is in The Pointe Restaurant which offers 240 degree views of the Pacific Ocean. The sound of the powerful surf is delightfully soothing as it is piped into the restaurant through a state-of-the-art sound system.

When a gale is not blowing, guests can head out on to the beach under clear skies with the sun warming their faces, exploring what the last storm brought ashore.

The 2-night Winter Storm Watchers Package starts at $799.25 for 2 guests, based on double occupancy. To book a winter getaway like no other, contact Reservations at the Inn by calling 1.800.333.4604 or the Wickaninnish Inn website at www.wickinn.com.

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For editorial and/or photographic information, please contact:
Jane Ince, Public and Media Relations Representative

Email: pr AT wickinn.com
Telephone: 604.987.6047