A Note From Charles - October 2025

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Charles McDiarmid
By Charles McDiarmid, Owner & Maître de Maison
Newsletters16 October 2025

October ushers in a season of introspection and inspiration. As the long days of summer give way to crisp mornings and the golden hues of autumn, we find ourselves turning inward, seeking meaning in smaller details and deeper connections – to place, to people, and to craft.

In the Pointe Restaurant kitchen, the culinary team draw daily inspiration from the land and sea. Fall serves up the sweetness of parsnips, the comfort of squash in all its varieties, and the arrival of wild mushrooms. From the ocean, sablefish and other local catches pair beautifully with seasonal flavours, a nod to the coast’s generous offerings. The current tasting menu sees preserves from summer, including plums and berries, that add bright notes to dishes that grow naturally richer as the days turn colder.

A closeup of hands holding a kabocha squash. The chef is wearing a white chef coat and black pants.
A locally grown kabocha squash
A closeup of hands holding chantarelle mushrooms and a pocket knife. The rest of the image fades to black
Freshly foraged chantarelle mushrooms

The quieter season also brings a return to craft for many artists. At the Henry Nolla Gallery this fall, we are delighted to feature the work of Sarah Boileau. Her landscapes emphasize fleeting light and strong natural forms, inspired by her explorations of Vancouver Island’s forests and beaches. Sarah’s pieces are an invitation to pause, reflect, and feel the spirit of nature in every brushstroke, offering a chance to see the West Coast through a new lens.

A portrait of Sarah Boileau posing in front of her framed oil paintings hanging on a wall
Sarah Boileau alongside her work

And, of course, there is the pull of nature itself. Migratory birds trace their paths south, sandpipers scatter along the edge of the tide, and the colours of autumn settle into the trees. As October gives way to November, we’ll see storm season gather strength, as powerful swells and dramatic skies draw travellers to Tofino year after year. Whether out on the surf or simply standing at the shoreline, it’s a time that leaves a lasting impression.

Wherever you find yourself this fall – at the table, in the gallery, among friends, or on the shoreline of Chesterman Beach – we hope the season brings you inspiration of your own.

Warmly,

Charles

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