History of the Wickaninnish Inn

In January 1955 Dr. Howard McDiarmid moved to Tofino on Vancouver Islands rugged west coast to assume care of the region's residents and the stewardship of the recently opened Tofino General Hospital. Arriving in this isolated village four years before the first road to the outside world the newly minted medical school graduate was in for a number of surprises; not least among them was an appreciation of the areas unique nature and his ultimate belief in its potential as an international tourism destination. After deciding to remain in the area Howard began investing in his vision and went about acquiring oceanfront property in the Tofino area.

The original Wickaninnish Inn, established by partners Robin Fells and Geoff Crawford, opened on July 4, 1964 on land that is now part of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. It quickly became known as a unique destination for travelers from the region and around the world. Its spectacular setting and remarkable views expanded its reputation and enticed vacationers to return year after year.

In 1971, Howard was instrumental in the creation of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. To his dismay however, the establishment of the park resulted in the eventual conversion of the original Wickaninnish Inn, to its current use as a marine interpretive centre. The original Wickaninnish was forced to close its doors, by government order, in November 1977. Howard's disappointment with the Inn's closure sparked his vision to someday re-create the rustic elegance of the world-renowned Inn, in a modern context.

Inspired by their father's foresight, the McDiarmid family joined with a group of long time Tofino residents and built the renowned Wickaninnish Inn situated on Chesterman Beach. The Wickaninnish Inn opened its doors in August 1996 and the McDiarmid family’s vision became a reality. Situated on a rocky promontory and surrounded by panoramic Pacific Ocean views on three sides and an old growth forest as a backdrop, the Inn, its acclaimed Pointe Restaurant and ocean level Ancient Cedars Spa are a magical combination. When you add the spacious multi purpose Salal Room with its natural light and outdoor veranda you have the ideal setting for a gracious wedding, reunion or corporate retreat. Great effort was made to ensure the Wickaninnish Inn represented the indigenous beauty of the region by retaining the natural vegetation around the buildings perimeter and by utilizing indigenous materials throughout the Inn's interior. Many local artists and artisans, including master carver Henry Nolla, have also made many significant contributions to the design and finish of the interior spaces such as the hand adzed textures on the large dimension post and beam structural members.