A ROMANTIC GETAWAY

Canadian Living Magazine
March 1, 2000

You don't just happen upon Wickaninnish Inn. It's a destination, a romantic getaway perched over the frothy waves of the Pacific Ocean on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island. The magic starts with a drive through cathedral high old-growth forest, followed by the surprise first glimpse of the ocean as you pull open the inn's hand carved doors. Once inside, the rustic elegance instantly begins to soothe your body and soul.

Your room tempts you to linger: Floor-to-ceiling windows invite wave-watching, whether you're snuggled in your comfy bed, stretched out in a chair by the fireplace or ensconced in the commodious soaker tub, letting the warm water lap at your chin.

While all this coziness says "relax and enjoy," the inn offers more seductions - culinary ones. In the almost four year since a consortium headed by Charles McDiarmid created the inn, steps from the white sands of the Chesterman Beach, its West Coast Canadian cuisine has garnered raves from an international clientele and media. Most delight in chef Jim Garraway's dinners, featuring local ingredients but, frankly, the Wickaninnish Inn's breakfast is the meal to linger over. This leisurely repast, which stretches easily into brunch, anticipates all the pleasures of the day, accented by the pulse of the sea and a 240 degree ocean view of swooping eagles and the occasional daring surfer in a wet suit.

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