Coastal Splendor in the Mountains of British Columbia

When summertime rolls around in New England, we're always hit with the desire to high tail it for the mountains. Summer in the Pacific Northwest, specifically British Columbia holds a splendor that is hard to put into words. From misty rainforests of Douglas Fir and Sitka Spruce to crystal clear glacial lakes, Vancouver Island is the perfect place to spend a week in relative solitude. 

A ferry from Vancouver or Seattle drops you on the wild and scenic island. While there, there's really one choice for lodging, the famed Wickaninnish Inn on Tofino's Chesterman Beach. In a relaxed, charming surf town, "the Wick" offers a front row seat to the untamed natural beauty of Vancouver Island. The hotel's beautiful cedar post and beam restaurant, The Pointe offers 240 degree views of the Pacific and guests have been known to spot Bald Eagles or Grey Whales over their entrees.  

The Wick's guest rooms embody rustic elegance, taking cues (and materials) from the natural landscape including driftwood, cedar, fir and stone with expansive windows to maximize the view of both the temperate rainforest on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. A defined North West Coast architectural style informs the property, and guest rooms are comfortable with touches of whimsy. 

There is no shortage of outdoor activity to engage in around the property, including hikes, paddling, surfing or a trip out with a local outfitter to explore the coastline in search of whales. Exploring the art, craftsmanship and history of the island's First Nations people is one of our favorite ways to spend a rainy day in Tofino. 

While there's no quick and easy way to get to the island, The Wick is well worth the journey. As the saying goes, "there are no shortcuts to any place worth going."