The Wickaninnish Inn
VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA
[ Certified in December 2024 ]
Theatre of the Pacific: Ever-Changing Views
The 240-degree view of the Pacific Ocean from The Wickaninnish Inn is like a theatre showcasing the wonders of nature. The view is ever-changing as the weather comes in over the Pacific Ocean. During summer, the rolling surf or flat calm seas often provide sights of sea lions, gray whales, and orcas. Winter is the most exciting season to experience the West Coast, and the Wickaninnish Inn was designed specifically for this. As the seas come alive during the colder months, our favorite time to observe the power of the elements begins. Sitting in The Pointe Restaurant, watching the seabirds dancing in the wind and the massive waves crashing on the shoreline, often sending ocean spray on the windows, is an awe-inspiring experience that invigorates the soul.
Zooming in on the View
When we discovered this unique slice of heaven in British Columbia, we felt compelled to uncover the secret behind its success—a formula that has, since 1996, transformed guests into devoted advocates for this secluded retreat. To gain insight, we spoke with Ms. Shawna Gardham, whose enthusiasm and pride shone through as she graciously revealed the story behind the property’s enduring charm.
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… watch Copacabana Beach unfold below, where the curve of the coastline draws a perfect crescent against the Atlantic's deep blue canvas. The iconic black and white mosaic promenade pulses with the rhythm of morning joggers and cyclists, while the gentle sea breeze carries the faint sounds of bossa nova from a distant café. From this privileged perch at the Emiliano Rio, guests witness the daily theater of Rio life - beach vendors setting up their colorful umbrellas, early swimmers diving into the crystal waters, and the first rays of sunlight painting Sugarloaf Mountain in hues of gold.
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Perched dramatically above the Pacific, The Pointe Restaurant captivates diners with a mesmerizing 240-degree panorama of the untamed ocean. In an innovative touch of immersive design, a hidden microphone channels nature's symphony directly into the space - the rhythmic crash of waves, the call of seabirds, and the whisper of wind creating an unforgettable sensory experience. Here, guests become spectators to nature's daily performance, from the golden warmth of sunrise to the painted skies of sunset, while playful seals, soaring eagles, and skilled surfers complete the ever-changing coastal tableau.
The Wickaninnish Inn's architectural brilliance continues throughout its two distinct buildings. At Wickaninnish on the Beach, a soaring two-story lobby greets visitors with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the sweeping expanse of Chesterman Beach, where endless sand meets pacific surf. Meanwhile, the Wickaninnish at the Pointe lobby offers an equally dramatic welcome, its towering windows revealing an unobstructed vista of the vast Pacific Ocean, where waves crash against ancient rocks and the horizon stretches infinitely beyond. Each space has been purposefully designed to blur the lines between interior comfort and the wild beauty of Canada's western edge.
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Each of the Wickaninnish Inn's 75 rooms opens to a private slice of the Pacific, where the boundary between luxury and wilderness gracefully blurs. From every private balcony, beside every gas fireplace, nature's grand spectacle unfolds in unique ways, creating intimate connections that draw guests back to their favorite viewpoints year after year. Here, the comfort of indoor luxury meets the raw beauty of Canada's western edge.
Among these havens, the Premier Rooms (109, 209, 309) stand as masterpieces of perspective. Positioned at coveted corners, these sanctuaries offer a dual-aspect embrace of the Pacific, where west meets south in a spectacular confluence of horizons. From here, guests can track the graceful dance of sea lions, follow the arc of seabirds' flight, or simply lose themselves in the hypnotic rhythm of incoming waves. Even the spacious bathrooms frame ocean views, transforming morning routines into moments of coastal contemplation. During winter storms, these rooms become front-row seats to nature's most dramatic performances, while sunset hours paint the Pacific in impossible colors.
The crown jewel of Wickaninnish-on-the-Beach, the Canopy Suite, elevates the oceanfront experience to new heights. Here, floor-to-ceiling windows dissolve the boundaries between inside and out, creating an immersive panorama of Chesterman Beach and the vast Pacific beyond. The sophisticated living space, complete with a full wet bar, centers around a romantic fireplace that warms both body and soul. Step onto the private balcony, and the salty breeze carries the essence of the beach directly to you. The suite's crowning glory - a canopy-adorned King bed - promises mornings of gentle awakening to ocean vistas, while the luxurious bathroom, with its heated tile floors, double-soaker tub, and multi-jet shower for two, maintains the connection to the coastal panorama below.
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The Wickaninnish Inn was designed for storm watching, so many guests enjoy sitting in their guestroom by the gas fireplace with the patio door cracked slightly so the ocean sounds can surround them. At the same time, Mother Nature puts on a show of gale-force winds, giant waves, and lively skies.
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Rustic elegance on Nature's edge.
