Sip Northwest, Summer 2014
33 SIPNORTHWEST COM There is truly no other place on earth like The Wickaninnish Inn The Wick as the property is affectionately called is perched on the far reaches of the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island on otherworldly Chesterman Beach and just a few minutes from the core of the harbor town of Tofino For coastal locals like myself Tofino is a shared pride and joy and the Wick the respected elder The property has become a place for private soul searching retreats romantic getaways destination weddings with nearly as many elopements and family gatherings To many of us growing up around these parts The Wick is that special unwavering anchor that unites us to our Vancouver Island core deep down A FAMI LY R EGALI A To countless others worldwide however The Wick is a yearround destination exemplifying rustic elegance on natures edge A Relais Châteaux member property since 1997 the inn is owned and managed by the McDiarmid family Charles McDiarmid managing director has been hands on from the moment he selected the site on Chesterman Beach McDiarmids father Dr Howard McDiarmid first settled in Tofino in 1955 back when the town was a remote fishing village When Dr McDiarmid first moved to Tofino he was a healer with many hats dentist veterinarian obstetrician and caretaker for the health needs of the local population He assumed great responsibility for the area oversaw the Tofino General Hospital and over the years was instrumental in the creation of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in 1971 When the family decided to build a modern hotel rustic elegance was the aim from the beginning Very forward thinking for the time Charles McDiarmid was instrumental in establishing relationships with local craftspeople for utilizing nearby wood and stone in the construction and involving First Nations artists including art craft and culture in various forms all over the property From the massive hand adzed cedar entranceways and carved entry doors from local carver Henry Nolla to the organic driftwood furniture by designer
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