It’s perhaps no small secret that summer weather can linger well into the month of September and even the first weeks of October out here on the coast, with clear warm days resisting the cooler evenings that foretell autumn’s arrival. It was my father’s favourite time of the year with all the subtle signs of the season’s changing: with sweet cynamoka berries and chanterelles appearing in abundance for those that know where to look, the gulls avidly feeding on the needlefish along our shores, and our sunsets as vivid as always but noticeably earlier. The ambiance is just a little calmer and more relaxed than the urgency of the summer, and as always, we are looking forward to what the future brings while enjoying the afterglow of a beautiful summer.

Throughout stunning Clayoquot Sound, the salmon are starting to move into our rivers as they have for thousands of years. This single natural cycle is fundamental to the rich history of this season of plenty and the many communities and cultures that have made their homes here. As ever, much is happening this month in the bustling little town of Tofino as well.

The 2021 Rip Curl Pro National Series have just taken place over three days on Cox Bay, a welcome return after having been postponed last year. This year marks the 14th edition of Canada’s top professional and amateur surfing talent competing for the top spot. We are fortunate to have an abundance of local Tofino talent and watched the Inn’s very own Bryan Padron, our Human Resources Administrator, compete for the first time and place 1st and 3rd in his respective heats. Congratulations, Bryan and to all the participants!

We are equally thrilled and honoured to have been recognized as one of three Relais & Chateaux properties in Travel + Leisure’s Top 10 Resorts in Canada. Representing five months of qualitative research from travellers worldwide, we could not be in better company with sister Relais & Chateaux properties Manoir Hovey and the Post Hotel and Spa. I must take this moment to thank the incredible, outstanding, and caring professionals across our many teams here at the Inn for achieving such a high honour in a time like no other. It is a testament to their excellence, and I could not be prouder of this achievement by team Wickaninnish Inn that made it possible.

Whether you are looking forward to the beginning of our legendary storms later this autumn or wanting to feel the calmer remnants of summer in these early Fall days, there is a little something special in this season for everyone to experience and share. I hope, as always, that we are fortunate enough to welcome you into the experience of this place we call home and share our warm greetings when we are fortunate enough to welcome you back or for the first time to the Inn.

All of the best,

Charles