This has been a season of recognition for the Inn, and I find myself more grateful for what it represents than the recognition itself. It speaks to a great many consistent efforts carried out day after day by our team since the Inn first opened its doors 30 years ago. I am thankful for the people whose collective care these awards represent.

One recent honour was also awarded to the coast itself. Chesterman Beach was named the 7th best beach in the world by Lonely Planet, as well as the best beach for winter surfing. We are fortunate to be the only hotel on Chesterman Beach, and having spent much of my life on this coast, it is a special moment to see it recognized in this way.

My own history with this beach goes back long before the Inn existed.

Our family's first cabin stood on the next point past where the Inn is today. Before we built what would become Lynn Road, named for my mother, getting there necessitated either a boat from Tofino or a walk along the beach and up a rugged, root-riddled trail, thick with salal and muddy in more than a few places.

We made that walk plenty of times in the evening, usually with a backpack of groceries and a case or two of beer, having spent more than our fair share of time with friends in town. On one occasion, I believe the local wildlife feasted on some prime New York strip loin steaks that managed to escape the backpack on the last leg of the journey.

That same end of the beach, now called North Chesterman, or simply North to the locals, had no houses on it in those early days. The one exception was a cottage built by a local carver and carpenter named Henry Nolla, who built our family cabin and later stayed on as its caretaker.

As he was the sole resident on North Chesterman, locals came to call that stretch “Henry's End”. On a warm day, you might have caught him making good use of that name, sunbathing in the nude in a sheltered corner of the beach.

There is a quiet charm to Chesterman that I have come to know well. For a relaxing start to the day, I still like to stop at the Driftwood Café for a latte and a pain au chocolat, then find a seat in one of the red chairs outside to watch the waves roll in.

You're sure to spot surfers here in every season, and kite surfers whenever the westerly winds blow through. Some of the best tide pooling can be discovered around Frank Island, where a sandy tombolo reaches toward the small outcropping of islands. It is also a wonderful stretch for a bike ride or building your finest sandcastle.

Chesterman Beach has always been a highlight of a visit to the Inn, long before any recognition came its way. It is, and always has been, part of what makes this place feel like home. We are grateful for all of it, and for the chance to keep sharing it with you.

Warmly,

Charles

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