Our Front Office Manager, Jeannette Garcia, is a “true local” to the area; and her relationship with the McDiarmid family extends to her birth—Dr. McDiarmid (Innkeeper Charles’ father) delivered her in the Tofino General Hospital!

As is the story in most small towns, histories here are intertwined, and Jeannette’s family has ties with the Inn, too. Jeannette’s parents moved to Ucluelet in the 1960s, and her father helped build the original Wickaninnish Inn (now the Kwisitis Visitor Centre on Wickaninnish Beach) before Pacific Rim National Park was established. There was a slight mishap in setting the concrete during its build (the water hose was running with saltwater), Jeannette tells us, but the beautiful river rock fireplace that still exists in the restaurant is her father’s handiwork.

Fast forward a few years, Jeannette grew up in Ucluelet where she met her now-husband, a fifth-generation fisherman, Chris. They celebrated their first wedding anniversary (September 23, 1996) at The Pointe Restaurant in our first year of being open! At the time, Jeannnette was working at Smiley’s in Ucluelet a coffee shop in the local bowling alley, but the bowling alley was for sale and a friend had suggested she apply at the Inn. A few years later, in 1999, Jeanette did just that. She tells us her second interview was with Charles, and he “did more talking than she did!”

Except for a couple years of maternity leave after having her two children, we’ve been lucky to have Jeannette with us for 20 years now. She has moved through a few positions after starting as a Guest Services Representative, to Guest Services Supervisor and Guest Experience Manager, and she brings a collaborative and empathic approach to every role she takes on. Jeannette says seeing the transformation of guests from their arrival to leaving the Inn after a few days of rest and relaxation is one of the most memorable parts of her job. Another part is working with the team, fostering and helping new members navigate their growth as a professional here.

Outside of the Inn, Jeannette loves to go camping with her family. And, while the Pacific Rim and surrounding area has seen a lot of change in her lifetime, Jeannette says she still feels its rugged charm at places like the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet, or the beaches of the park. As a person with strong roots in the area, guests who meet Jeanette can benefit from her local wisdom and recommendations.

It’s been a pleasure to work with Jeannette over the years, her uncompromising positive influence has made our team stronger and more empowered to provide the elevated level of care, attention and service she models on a daily basis.