A Note from Charles

Most of us have had the chance to discover that if you're seeking a scenic setting for some peace and quiet, Tofino's just the destination.  Well, this spring, it seems more than just birds were among the first to herald the arrival of the new season. The lights, camera, and action of a major movie production and its trailers, equipment, and crew moved to Tofino for a week.  “The Big Year”, based on the novel by Mark Obmascik, follows the obsessive quest of three birdwatchers to spot the greatest number of species in America in one calendar year, is directed by David Frankel (of The Devil Wears Prada), and stars Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson.  As this came on the heels of the annual Tofino Shorebird Festival, we think they couldn't have picked a better spot to shoot some pelagic birdwatching, even if Tofino doubled as a small Oregon coastal town and a certain bay in California.  For one day I became Birdwatcher #23, or an extra on the set, which was a boat called the Auklet.  While seeing a production up close is fascinating and thrilling, I'm glad to be back at the Inn, working with our team in greeting guests, and sharing in their excitement.  Maybe with Vancouver having earned the title of Hollywood North, these recent film shoots (remember Twilight?) make Tofino, -Hollywood North by Northwest - without the traffic but adding in wide beaches, some old-growth forest, and fresh seafood.

Now, getting back to the basics of making your Inn stay even better, I'm pretty excited about an amenity we're adding to all 75 rooms and suites - it'll literally change the tune of your vacation.  All bedside clock radios are being replaced with a sleek new Bose Wave® music system, including cd player, iPod docking station and infrared remote control.  Imagine complementing the sound of the surf outside with your favorite music, and the impeccable sound quality for which Bose is known.  The devil's in the details, and we know this will make your sleep, soak, or fireside wine sipping ever more heavenly. 

I'm looking forward to welcoming you to the Inn, for some calm, some cuisine, the sweet sound of the surf and your own personal soundtrack to accompany it all.

- Charles

back to top

Jump For July

Don't be surprised if this special offer has you jumping for joy! Reserve four nights or more with us in July, and save $80 per night. Now, this is a vacation.

For details on this offer click here.

back to top

Spring INN to Summer Packages

We've tucked our gumboots in the closet (though not too, too far back), and are soaking in that sun and the many tastes of seasonally-inspired cuisine. Inspire your taste buds and Spring INNto Summer with us with this delightful vacation package.

back to top

Culinary News

Our kitchens at the Inn are always buzzing with action, executing culinary somersaults for you to enjoy, but Chefs John Waller and Nicholas Nutting and their brigade really go beyond that - these guys are passionate about their food.  In the spirit of producing as much as possible in-house - we're already making our own artisan bread, condiments, ice cream, butter and so much more - we are now smoking our own housemade bacon!  Wherever you decide to eat at the Inn, most items on the plate are handmade, or locally grown, raised or caught, and that tastes and feels good.  The Inn is a charter member of the newly-formed Tofino-Ucluelet Culinary Guild, supporting regional suppliers and adhering to sustainable farm-to-table practices, as we have been doing here at the Inn for years.  I'm so proud to be working with people who are excited about their work and I'm, in turn, very pleased that The Pointe Restaurant was honoured for the fourth year in a row from Vancouver Magazine as the Best Resort Dining in British Columbia.  You can actually view our current Spring menus here, and I can't wait to see (or, in all honesty, taste) what ideas the Chefs have up their sleeves for summer!

back to top

Did You Know You Can Fly?

Oh yes, you can.  Flying is an especially exhilarating way to travel to Tofino, as you soar above snow-capped mountains and view the rugged shoreline and beaches from above, all in a timesaving 45-60 minutes from Vancouver.  Tofino Air is offering scheduled and charter flights between Vancouver and Tofino on its exceptionally maintained floatplanes - and it doesn't get more West Coast than landing in a floatplane at the dock!  Floatplane travel is governed by VFR, Visual Flight Rules, where the pilot must see the ground at all times, thus in generally clear weather conditions, making it a good option for summer travel.  Other aircraft fly using IFR, Instrument Flight Rules, where pilots refer solely to their instrument panel for navigation, enabling them to fly in a wider range of weather conditions.  Our friends at Orca Airways  fly Navajo Chieftains from the newly completed terminal at Tofino/Ucluelet Airport to Vancouver four times a day from July to September and daily the rest of the year.  If you're traveling from the greater Seattle area, Kenmore Air (www.kenmoreair.com) is a premiere transporter available for charter flights.  Upon the time of your Inn reservation, tell us about your "flight plan" and we can provide a comfortable shuttle to or from the airport - or dock.  If you prefer the thrill of the drive down Route 4,  BC Ferries is offering appealing deals this season.  Whether you fly or drive, we'll be expecting you with a warm West Coast welcome. 

back to top

Inn and Around the Wick

• It's good to share. That's the name of the game with our new Share page, where you can see Tofino and the Inn through the eyes of fellow travelers. Share your own Innsider Tip with future Inn guests, or maybe upload some of your "I could be a professional photographer!" shots for all to enjoy.
• Ready, set... It's almost time for the annual Edge to Edge Marathon on Sunday, June 13. This 42.2km course from Tofino to Ucluelet includes a jaunt down Chesterman Beach. Come cheer with us - and maybe get inspired for next year's marathon.
• Have you discovered organic Seaflora Skincare at our Ancient Cedars Spa? It's made from nutrient-rich seaweed, sustainably harvested right here on Vancouver Island by Diane Bernard, the "Seaweed Lady".
• On the horizon for September is the first Carving On the Edge Festival, celebrating the Pacific Rim's lively wood carving scene. The late Henry Nolla, whose carving shed remains a hub of activity right by the Inn, was a mentor to a community of West Coast carvers (as well as a great friend to the Inn), and will be the subject of a special retrospective show.  We'll keep you posted on this Festival.

back to top

Our Neighbours - On the Route du Bonheur

Yes, Virginia, there is such a thing as the road to happiness, or the Route du Bonheur.  

It all started in 1954 when five unique small French properties - now known as the origins of Relais & Chateaux - partnered together to welcome guests traveling the route from Paris heading south to Nice.  This tradition lives on here in Western Canada, where your West Coast getaway to the Wickaninnish Inn has a perfect partner in the historic Post Hotel, situated in Banff National Park. Swiss brothers André and George Schwarz are the seasoned hosts at this year-round alpine haven. This is where outdoor exhilaration is easily complemented by exquisite fine dining, featuring market fresh cuisine and an award-winning wine cellar of over 32,000 bottles.  Healing, soothing, and serene Temple Mountain Spa completes a Post Hotel experience.

From eclectic Tofino, on Vancouver Island to serene Lake Louise, in Banff National Park, the Western Canada Route du Bonheur is yours to discover in 2010.

back to top