press release
Springtime at the Wickaninnish Inn
May 31, 2006
(Tofino) Any season is a wonderful time to visit the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island . However, rustic elegance on nature's edge is just what travelers need to relax and rejuvenate this spring before the hectic pace of the summer months starts up. To make BC springtime travel even more enticing, the team at the Wickaninnish Inn has extended their spring rates until the end of June. Deluxe guestrooms start at the attractive rate of $220 per night. During the summer season the rate for these rooms is $440 per night. All deluxe guestrooms feature panoramic views of the wild Pacific Ocean , a large, soaker bathtub, an in-room fireplace and a private balcony, overlooking the rugged coast.
Throughout the spring and summer, Joe Martin, Master Carver of the Nuu-chah-nulth tribes, will be working from his carving shed, just steps away from the Wickaninnish Inn. Recently, Joe has been commissioned by the McDiarmid Family, owners of the Wickaninnish Inn, to create a traditional Nuu-chah-nulth dug out canoe for the Inn . This 10 foot canoe is now displayed in the lobby of the Wickaninnish On the Beach building.
Joe is now working on a 33 foot canoe using all of the native traditions handed down to him by the elders of his tribe. First, Joe chose the tree for the log near Kennedy Lake and felled it himself. He started carving the hull on the spot. Then Joe brought the hull to his carving shed on Chesterman Beach to be completed. Once the hull was fully carved, Joe used 200 red-hot rocks to boil sea water, and with the boiling water, he stretched the canoe an extra 5" in width. Guests of the Inn are always welcome to wander down the beach and chat with Joe as he works on these magnificent pieces of native history.
o book a spring get-away at the Wickaninnish Inn, contact the reservations team at 1.800. 333.4604 or look for more information about the Wickaninnish Inn at www.wickinn.com . Information about Joe Martin and his canoe carving can be found at www.tlaook.com .
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For editorial information and/photography, please contact:
Jane Ince,
Public Relations Manager, Vancouver, BC