The Wickaninnish Inn is a luxury oceanfront retreat perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop above Chesterman Beach in Tofino, British Columbia. This intimate Relais & Châteaux property offers 75 elegantly appointed rooms and suites within the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. Set between ancient temperate rainforests and the wild Pacific Ocean, the Inn provides unparalleled access to pristine beaches, intertidal zones, and nature’s raw beauty.
With its commitment to environmental stewardship, world-class Ancient Cedars Spa, and exceptional dining at The Pointe Restaurant, the Wickaninnish Inn delivers an authentic West Coast experience where luxury meets wilderness at nature’s edge.
Their story
The McDiarmid family’s West Coast journey began in 1954 when Dr. Howard McDiarmid arrived in Tofino as the town’s doctor and fell in love with the community. Howard and his wife Lynn spent decades dreaming of building an inn on Chesterman Beach. They also championed conservation efforts that helped lead to the establishment of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in 1971.
In 1977, they purchased land and built a rustic cabin, continuing to plan their vision. Their son Charles, after studying hotel management at Cornell and working with Four Seasons, brought the family dream to reality in the 1990s. The Inn opened in 1996, becoming a Relais & Châteaux member in 1997. Today, Charles continues as Maître de Maison, upholding the family’s pledge to excellence and environmental stewardship. Read more about them.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- From the beginning, the Inn carefully surveyed on-site trees and placed buildings to minimize environmental impact, with no trees taken down unnecessarily for the building footprint.
- Wood from the construction process was repurposed into textured walls and furniture throughout the property.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- The Inn uses high-efficiency equipment including Viessmann boilers that significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
- The property uses low-energy appliances and high-efficiency LCD monitors throughout.
- Electric car charging stations are provided for guests, and complimentary bicycles are offered to encourage lower-impact transit.
- The property remains mindful of water usage through infrastructure including dual flush toilets, low-flow shower heads and sink faucets.
Pioneer in waste management
- The Inn maintains a strong focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling, with proper disposal of hazardous materials.
- Most fruit and vegetable waste from the restaurant and café is composted on-site.
- The property works with vendors like Soap for Hope Canada to divert products from landfill, noting 985 pounds saved from landfill in 2025.
- The resort reduces guest-facing waste with Vivreau Vi Tap stations in the lobby that dispense micro-filtered chilled still or sparkling water, plus Kleen Kanteen bottles in guest rooms. The team has also cut on-site chemical use by 85%.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- The culinary program celebrates the bounty of the West Coast by showcasing seasonal ingredients and sourcing from local vendors, producers, foragers, fishers and suppliers.
- Featured ingredients include ocean-fresh sablefish, hand-harvested kelp and chanterelles.
- The Pointe Restaurant is a founding member of the Tofino Ucluelet Culinary Guild, which connects Vancouver Island farmers, fishermen, foragers and food producers to make local food more accessible while providing reliable markets for small farmers.
Actively protects nature and community
- The Inn landscapes with priority for local flora already present on the property.
- Active community support includes membership in the West Coast Sustainable Tourism Association and support for the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre with a $150,000 commitment over five years.
- The property implements a 1% Sustainability Fee Program to fund long-term community infrastructure.
- The Inn sponsors local fundraisers and events focused on arts, health, and environment, offers employees paid volunteer hours, and supports organizations like Raincoast Education Society and Wildsafe BC.
- Since 2008, they’ve led Earth Day clean-ups and beach clean-ups, partnering with other hotels in the area.
Most Popular Activities Near Wickaninnish Inn
- Ancient Cedars Spa.
- Henry Nolla Art Gallery and Carving Shed.
- On-site rainforest loop trail.
- Surfing (group or private lessons).
- Guided kayaking tours.
- Stand up paddleboarding.
- Bear and whale watching.
- Boat charters and fishing.
- Floating cedar sauna excursion.
- Beach walks and beachcombing.
- Hiking and nature trails.
- Biking (8.8 km multi-use path).
- Bird watching.
- Kwisitis Visitor Centre visits.
- Golf and mini golf.
READ ON – 10 Most Visited National Parks in Canada
Best Time To Visit Wickaninnish Inn
- The destination works year-round. Spring and summer suit hiking, surfing, and outdoor activities, while fall and winter are ideal for storm watching and whale migration viewing.