About this hotel
General information
Wickaninnish Inn stands on a rocky headland above Chesterman Beach near Tofino, on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. Around it lie ancient rainforest and Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO Biosphere Region. It is an independent, family-run inn and a Relais & Châteaux member, open all year.
The style is rustic elegance: wood, open fires, hand carving by master carver Henry Nolla and work by local artists. Its 75 rooms and suites are split between the Pointe Building on the rocks and the Beach Building above the sand. In winter guests come to watch Pacific storms, in summer for sunsets, surf and whales. There is the Henry Nolla Gallery, a carving shed on the beach, the ocean-view Lookout Library and Hemlock Hideaway, a forest space for private celebrations.
Location
The inn is in Tofino, on Chesterman Beach 4 km from the village centre, next to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The drive across Vancouver Island from the east-coast ferry terminals takes about three hours on a scenic road through old-growth forest; electric-vehicle chargers are provided.
Spa
Ancient Cedars Spa occupies the ocean level of the Pointe Building, at the edge of the old-growth forest and looking out to the Pacific. The menu covers massage, reflexology, facials and body treatments, followed by the steam cave, and self-guided rituals can be enjoyed in the room. Each morning Hatha yoga is taught beside the fire in the Rainforest Haven studio, in groups of up to four. The spa is adult-oriented: children under 12 are not admitted and those aged 12–15 only with a guardian.
Sports & leisure
The fitness centre has cardio machines, free weights and a strength station. A naturalist leads regular complimentary morning walks through the rainforest, bikes and beach chairs are lent in summer and a daily shuttle runs into Tofino. The concierge arranges boat trips into Clayoquot Sound, where black bears and grey whales appear, sea kayaking, surfing and hikes in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve; in winter storm watching is the main event. Weddings and corporate retreats have their own spaces, including the forest setting of Hemlock Hideaway.
For children
Children receive a basket with beach toys, a West Coast storybook and a scavenger hunt for exploring the grounds. Babysitting can be arranged on request, and the summer crab cookouts offer a children’s menu.
Restaurants & bars
Dining at the inn celebrates what the coast and forest provide.
- The Pointe Restaurant — fine Pacific Northwest cooking with 240-degree ocean views, a three-course table d’hôte or a five-course tasting menu
- On the Rocks Bar — the upper level of The Pointe: cocktails, British Columbia wines and beers, burgers, steaks, Dungeness crab and one of the province’s largest scotch selections
- Howard’s Wine Cellar — over 700 labels and private dinners for up to 20 around a carved yellow-cedar table
- Driftwood Café — the Beach Building café overlooking the sand: breakfast, pastries, sandwiches, soups and local wines, with a patio in summer
- Summer Crab Cookout — summer evenings for inn guests under old-growth trees by the beach, with Dungeness crab served family-style
- Room service
Swimming
A short forest path leads to sandy Chesterman Beach, a broad stretch with tide pools and surfable waves. Beach chairs are lent in summer, and each room has a backpack, beach blanket and towels ready.
Pets
Dogs stay in selected Deluxe rooms, Beachcomber Suites and Frank Island Suites, up to two per room. They get a bed, bowls, treats and a Chuckit! ball launcher, there is a dog wash station, and dogs stay on a lead on the grounds and beaches.
Rooms
The 75 rooms and suites are divided between the Pointe Building on the headland and the Beach Building at the north end of Chesterman Beach. Each has an ocean view, a fireplace and details made by local artists and artisans.
Fireplace, private bar, iPad, Bose speaker, Wi-Fi, Samsung TV, coffee, teas and hot chocolate, binoculars, Brita filter and steel bottles, safe, heated bathroom floor, bathrobes, The Hobbyist soaps and Comfort Zone hair care, Helly Hansen rain gear and Hudson’s Bay blankets.
Pointe South Deluxe
A king room with a fireplace, facing south over the spa patio to the ocean. By the window stands a signature driftwood chair made by a local artisan.
Pointe West Deluxe
A room with a king or two queen beds, a balcony and views west to Secret Cove, where winter waves crash. The best seat for sunsets.
Second Floor East Deluxe
A king room with a double sofa bed and fireplace, with a partial forest and shoreline view. Windows by the reading nook open towards Chesterman Beach; the bathroom has a large shower and heated floor.
Third Floor East Deluxe
A third-floor king room made for watching the surf. A double soaking tub sits against a window with a forest view over Chesterman Beach.
Premier Room
One of three corner rooms facing west and south, with a balcony, fireplace and king bed. The double soaking tub looks out to sea; second- and third-floor rooms connect to the south-facing Deluxe rooms.
Beachcomber Suite
A Beach Building suite framed by old-growth forest, with beach and ocean views. Gas fireplace in the bedroom, king bed, queen sofa bed, full wet bar, generous tub and balcony.
Beach Deluxe Room
A room where the treeline meets the coast, with a king or two queen beds, a fireplace and a balcony. Windows framed by rainforest look out to sea.
Frank Island Suite
A one-bedroom suite with a king bed, a reading nook and a living room with a double sofa bed that catches the morning sun. Fireplace, bathtub and private balcony.
Chesterman Loft Suite
A two-level suite with a kitchen, dining area, living room with queen sofa bed and powder room below, and a king bedroom with spacious bathroom above. Beach and ocean views throughout; some suites connect to adjoining rooms.
Canopy Suite
The inn’s finest suite, with floor-to-ceiling windows across the room and a panorama of Chesterman Beach. Living room with wet bar and fireplace, balcony, canopied king bed and a bathroom with double soaking tub and multi-jet shower for two.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.