The Wickaninnish Inn sits on a rocky point at the edge of Chesterman Beach, just outside Tofino, and it is widely regarded as the best-known luxury stay on Vancouver Island's west coast. It has 75 rooms and suites in two buildings, the Pointe Building on the rocky outcropping and the Beach Building facing the sand, set in about 100 acres of ancient forest. It is a Relais and Chateaux property, and the details show: carved cedar, big windows, wood fires and a quiet confidence. The inn offers a dedicated winter storm-watching experience, which makes the cooler months its signature season, when the waves crash on the rocks below your window and the lobby feels like the best seat in the house. It is the right choice for a milestone trip or anyone who wants comfort as well as drama.
Location and getting around
The inn is at 500 Osprey Lane on Chesterman Beach, a short drive from the centre of Tofino, so most guests have a car or arrange rides for town visits. Chesterman Beach itself is on the doorstep, with surf lessons, tide pools and a walk out to Frank Island at low tide, and Long Beach and the Kwisitis Visitor Centre are a short drive south. The setting is the point: you walk out of your room into forest and sea air.
The rooms and the feel
The Pointe Building holds most of the Deluxe rooms and a few Premier rooms, while the Beach Building has more Deluxe rooms and the suites, and there are ten room types in all, from Deluxe rooms of about 385 to 420 square feet to the Chesterman Loft Suite of about 1,150 square feet. The inn's own pages list a Pointe restaurant, a bar on the rocks, a wine cellar, a cafe, the Ancient Cedars Spa, a fitness room, an art gallery and a library, so you do not need to leave for a rainy day. Ask for a room on the beach or ocean side, and check the hotel's pet-friendly information if you travel with a dog.
Who it suits and what to know: couples, honeymooners and anniversary travellers will love it, and so will anyone who wants a high-service base for storm watching. Rates are at the top end, so winter midweek stays are the best value, and rooms book far ahead for summer and holidays. Check the hotel for parking, dining reservations and spa bookings before you arrive, since the restaurants and spa fill quickly. It is less suited to travellers on a tight budget, who will find better value elsewhere.
Why stay here
- ✓Oceanfront on Chesterman Beach
- ✓75 rooms and suites in two buildings
- ✓Ancient Cedars Spa
- ✓The Pointe Restaurant
- ✓Winter storm-watching experience
- ✓Fitness room
- ✓Art gallery and library
- ✓Pet-friendly options (check the hotel)
Good questions
Where is the Wickaninnish Inn?+
It is at 500 Osprey Lane on Chesterman Beach, a few minutes from the centre of Tofino. The beach is on the doorstep, and Long Beach is a short drive south.
Is it good for storm watching?+
Yes, the inn offers a dedicated winter storm-watching experience, and the rooms and the rocky point give a front-row view of big waves. Winter midweek stays are usually the best value.
How many rooms does it have?+
There are 75 rooms and suites across the Pointe Building and the Beach Building, in ten room types. The Pointe Building is on the rocks and the Beach Building faces the sand.
