Our storm season visit to the Wick has become our annual tradition and serves as the perfect 'gateway' experience to the Christmas season. We take care to book our next year's visit before we leave and always ask for the same beautiful room. I will concede that the hotel and restaurant are pricey, but we know that in advance and budget accordingly for our stay.
First things: I do agree with an earlier reviewer that the menu items at the Pointe can come across as somewhat extravagant. The chef who designed them can be excused for indulging his virtuosity, but I would like to have one or two simpler options to choose from. I did find the concept of cheddar ice cream intriguing, but I confess I could gladly have killed for a slice of actual cheese with my apple pie. :) That said, I do applaud the presence of a delicious vegetarian option on the Pointe menu!
The lounge menu is smart and satisfying. After driving across the island, we always look forward to decompressing with a glass of wine and a basket of artisanal breads and cheeses while we watch the tide coming in. Later, we don the wet weather gear from our room and the wellies provided by the front desk, and go for a walk.
We have been able to tear ourselves away from the hotel for brief excursions into Tofino for lunch and for the odd rainforest hike and, of course, long beach walks. For the most part, however, we keep planning to spend more time out of our room, but the fire is so warm, the armchairs are so soft, the sound of the surf below our little balcony so intoxicating, and the constantly changing seascape outside our windows so mesmerizing - it's just very hard to leave.
Time stands still while we are at the Wick. The staff are reasonable, cordial, and accommodating. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. The hotel is lovely and clean. The location is breathtaking. The weekend is healing.
I would share these tips:
If visiting in the late autumn and winter months, make sure to book a winter-capable vehicle for that cross-island drive.
Don't overlook the Driftwood Cafe in the Beach building. After a wonderfully rich, filling supper at the Pointe on our first night of our most recent stay, we opted for a lighter tapas-style meal at the Driftwood the following evening. Quite different, but just as lovely. And the young woman who managed the counter at the Driftwood was warm, expert, and generally fantastic.
The Driftwood Cafe is a great place to stock up on sandwiches, treats, and delicious coffees for the trip out at the end of a stay.
Do check the daily tide tables that appear in your room every day.
Do ask the front desk for wellington boots for the beach.
Visit the hotel's website and check out the Pointe menu so that you'll know what kind of foods and prices you will have to choose from. Also at the website, learn about the hotel's customer service policies and view the rooms.
And this goes for every hotel, whether it's a luxury resort or budget inn:
Do, for heaven's sake, tip the people who prepare your room. Every day, because the same people don't service the same rooms every day. If ever anybody deserves our recognition and thanks, it's the person who picks up our wet towels and makes our bed.
- Also Known As:
- Wickaninnish Inn And The Pointe Restaurant Hotel Tofino
- Wickaninnish Inn And The Pointe Restaurant Hotel
- The Wickaninnish Hotel And Pointe
- Wickaninnish Inn
Phone Number:
Region:
Canada >
British Columbia >
Vancouver Island >
Clayoquot Sound >
Tofino
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge
Beach
Business Center
Fitness Center
Free High-Speed Internet
Free Parking
Kids Activities
Kitchenette
Pets Allowed
Restaurant
Room Service
Shuttle Bus service
Suites
Wheelchair access
#2 Luxury Hotels in Tofino
#2 Romantic Hotels in Tofino
#3 Family Hotels in Tofino
#3 On the Beach Hotels in Tofino
Price Range:
$$$$
Hotel Class:5 star (5*)
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
-
Wickaninnish Inn, a Relais & Chateaux property since 1997, overlooks the Pacific Ocean from a rocky point on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast, near the eclectic town of Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park. Two contemporary cedar buildings, set against a backdrop of ancient rainforest, boast an extensive local art collection (complemented by the neighbouring wood carving shed), and all rooms and suites offer ocean or beach views, gas fireplace, soaker tub and individual balcony. Uncompromising service, including a Clefs d’Or Concierge team, is a standard. The sole resort on Chesterman Beach, Tofino’s longest at 2.5km/1.5mi, the Inn is home to refined West Coast cuisine at The Pointe Restaurant and naturally-inspired treatments at its intimate Ancient Cedars Spa. Tofino’s McDiarmid family welcomes you to this locally owned, world renowned sanctuary offering Rustic Elegance on Nature’s Edge.
...
more
less
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, Priceline, Travelocity, Expedia, Hotels.com and Orbitz so you can book your Wickaninnish Inn and The Pointe Restaurant reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.
