The Wickaninnish Inn

Tofino, British Columbia

PERSONALITIES

Artists. Woodcarvers. Surfers. Nature Enthusiasts. Wildlife Lovers. Couples looking for a destination wedding location.

MOMENTS

Moody seascapes. Slow days. The rugged shore of the Pacific coastline. Ancient rainforest. Yoga overlooking the sea. Storm watching from your window. Fireplaces in every room. Sunset bonfires.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Tofino, British Columbia, is a year-round destination, with each season offering its unique allure and experiences:

Spring (March to May):
Spring in Tofino brings mild temperatures and blooming landscapes, making it an ideal time for outdoor exploration. Visitors can witness the awe-inspiring migration of gray whales along the coast during the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival. The season also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including migratory shorebirds, bald eagles, sea otters, and bears emerging from hibernation. Hiking trails and guided nature walks are particularly vibrant as the temperate rainforests come alive with fresh greenery, whilst scents of salmon berry blossoms and rhododendrons blooming waft through the Spring air.

Summer (June to September):
The summer months are Tofino's most popular season, with long days and pleasant weather perfect for beach activities, surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay become havens for ocean enthusiasts, while boating and fishing tours are at their peak. Summer also offers clear skies for helicopter and floatplane tours, providing stunning aerial views of the coastline and nearby islands. Warm evenings are perfect for enjoying vibrant sunsets on the beach and creating unforgettable memories under the stars.

Autumn (September to November):
As summer fades, autumn brings cooler temperatures and a quieter, more peaceful vibe to Tofino. The natural hot springs near Tofino offer a warm and tranquil retreat from the crisp air. The first storms of the season eventually make their appearance, creating awe-inspiring scenes of crashing waves and moody skies. Cozy indoor experiences like spa treatments and fireside dining then take on a special charm. The evergreen forests become speckled with autumn hues, making guided nature walks and hikes especially captivating. Surfing conditions are also excellent, with consistent waves attracting seasoned surfers.

Winter (November to March):
Winter transforms Tofino into a serene and atmospheric escape. This is the best time for storm watching. The unbridled fury of the Pacific storms reach their peak, drawing visitors for the dramatic storm-watching experience from the comfort of oceanfront accommodations like the Wickaninnish Inn where every room has a view. While the days are shorter, the moody landscapes and quiet beaches create a sense of solitude, perfect for reflection, beachcombing, and enjoying the slower pace of the season.

Please note the hotel is closed every January for the month.

WHY STAY

The Wickaninnish Inn, located on the rugged western edge of Vancouver Island in Tofino, British Columbia, is a place where raw nature and thoughtful design converge. Nestled between the ancient rainforests of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the dramatic shores of the Pacific Ocean, the Inn offers unparalleled access to some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Surrounded by towering cedar and spruce trees, miles of unspoiled beaches, and the rhythmic crash of ocean waves, Wickaninnish is a sanctuary for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Its location on Chesterman Beach provides stunning views of the ocean and endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as surfing, storm watching, exploring nearby trails and contemplative beach walks .

The Inn’s architecture and design reflect a deep respect for its natural surroundings and local craftsmanship. Built with locally sourced materials from Vancouver Island, including red and yellow cedar, yew wood, and black Carmanah marble, the Inn showcases an authentic connection to its environment. Hand-adzed cedar beams, carved by the late Henry Nolla, the original resident carver, along with handmade Maxwell Newhouse driftwood chairs and custom-built furniture, add unique touches to each room. Guests will also find hand-adzed coffee tables and Fred Peters evocative paintings of Tofino’s scenery, making every space a tribute to the region’s artistry. The onsite carving shed, home to resident carvers, highlights the Inn's commitment to celebrating local artisanship, providing a window into the rich traditions of the area.

Every guest at the Wickaninnish Inn is treated as an individual, with the team dedicated to delivering warm, genuine service and creating unforgettable experiences. The Ancient Cedars Spa and The Pointe Restaurant embody this ethos, offering locally inspired menus and treatments that complement the inn’s natural surroundings. The Wickaninnish Inn is more than a tranquil retreat—it’s a celebration of nature, craftsmanship, and a deeply rooted connection to the Pacific Northwest.

WHY WANDER

Tofino is located in the heart of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a region defined by every experience being an invitation to connect deeply with the natural beauty of Tofino's rugged coastline. Guests can begin their day with a beach stroll along Chesterman Beach, where the Pacific's waves meet the shore in a rhythmic symphony. Hikes through the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve unveil ancient rainforests boasting towering 1200-year-old trees such as Sitka Spruce, Western Red cedar, and Shorepines, surrounded by lush undergrowth, and rich ecosystems teeming with life. The area’s hiking trails, including breathtaking coastal paths, invite exploration at every turn, while biking offers a dynamic way to take in the lush surroundings.

Paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating excursions provide an up-close encounter with Tofino’s diverse marine life, while whale-watching tours offer the thrill of seeing majestic gray or humpback whales in their natural habitat, with occasional rare sightings of transient orcas. Bear-watching boat tours along nearby inlets allow guests to witness these incredible creatures as they forage along the shoreline. Surfing enthusiasts can ride the legendary waves of the Pacific, while chartered fishing trips invite adventurers to cast their lines and experience the thrill of reeling in salmon or halibut on the rolling ocean swells. For a bird’s-eye view of this untamed region, guests can take to the skies with helicopter or floatplane tours, soaring above the dramatic coastline, ancient forests and verdant hillsides.

Wellness enthusiasts will relish a visit to Tofino’s natural hot springs, reached by boat or seaplane andset against the ocean bedrock with the forest at their back, the hot springs trail leads you through the shoreline forest to reveal the soothing natural pools. End your day with a sunset bonfire, embraced by the cool ocean breeze—a perfect conclusion to a day of adventure.

INDULGE IN

Dining at the Wickaninnish Inn is an extraordinary culinary journey, set against the stunning backdrop of 240-degree ocean views at The Pointe Restaurant. The menu celebrates the bounty of the Pacific Northwest, featuring dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include the West Coast Clam Chowder at the On the Rocks Bar, the local whole steamed Dungeness Crab paired with Island farm-fresh accompaniments. Sweet treats like our own Coastal Dark Chocolatecrafted from scratch in Paris by our pastry team working with master chocolatiers to create this exclusive blend are not to be missed. All while enjoying an expansive wine list and a curated selection of single malt scotches. Each dish is a reflection of the region’s bounty, thoughtfully prepared to complement the beauty of Tofino.

GETTING THERE

The Wickaninnish Inn is nestled in Tofino, a picturesque town on Vancouver Island, on Canada’s rugged west coast.

Traveling to Tofino is an adventure in itself, with several options to suit different preferences. For those opting to fly, Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ) provides convenient access, featuring 5,000-foot (1,500-meter) runways. Scheduled and charter flights are available from Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle, making it easy to reach this remote destination by air.

For travelers arriving by car, the journey involves a scenic ferry ride to Vancouver Island. Ferries depart from Horseshoe Bay, north of Vancouver to Nanaimo or Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver also to Nanaimo or from Tsawwassen to Victoria. Visitors from Washington State can also access ferries to Victoria from Seattle, offering a beautiful introduction to the Pacific Northwest’s striking landscapes.

WILD INITIATIVES

Sustainability lies at the core of the Wickaninnish Inn’s operations, reflecting a profound commitment to preserving the pristine beauty of Tofino’s land and seascapes. From its inception, the Inn has prioritized sustainable practices, integrating them into every aspect of its design and daily management. The property was built with careful attention to minimizing environmental impact, ensuring that it operates in harmony with the surrounding rainforest and coastal ecosystem.

The Wickaninnish Inn takes a comprehensive approach to sustainable operations, addressing everything from energy efficiency to waste reduction. Energy-saving systems, eco-friendly cleaning products, and robust compost and recycling programs are implemented throughout the property. Locally sourced materials, including cedar, fir and stone from Vancouver Island, were used in the Inn’s construction, blending the architecture seamlessly into its environment while supporting regional artisans. Guests are provided with curated Tranquillity™ Blend Comfort Zone products in the guestrooms, and the culinary offerings emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers.

The Inn’s sustainability efforts extend beyond its property, actively contributing to local conservation initiatives and community well-being. Partnerships with sustainability organizations help protect Tofino’s delicate ecosystems and the social fabric of its residents and work forceAdditionally, the Wickaninnish Inn promotes sustainable tourism by engaging visitors in practices that honor and preserve the area’s natural beauty.