Welcome back, spring sunshine!

After an extended storm watching season, spring has quickly arrived. The peninsula has a hum of activity: the flowers are blooming, the bears are out of hibernation and the Saturday market is in full swing again. We love all seasons here on the west coast, but there’s something about this time of year that brings a lively sense of excitement about the days ahead. Whether it’s planning hiking adventures, going whale watching or finally shedding our thicker winter wetsuits for the lighter versions, we are preparing to make the most of the long summer days.

As you may know, Canada is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. And in recognition of the sesquicentennial, Parks Canada has offered free admission to its National Parks, Historic Sites and Marine Conservation Areas for all 2017—including our own Pacific Rim National Park Reserve! The history of this protected area is personally meaningful to me as my late father, Dr. Howard McDiarmid, was at the forefront in advocating for its creation. Establishing a national park to maintain the ecological integrity of this area of our coast was central to his campaign as MLA for the Alberni-Clayoquot region (1966-1972), and I’m proud to see what his legacy has achieved. While it means you can no longer drive on the beach, the park protects an invaluable ecosystem and enables people from all around the world to enjoy the area’s immense cultural and natural beauty.

Supporting initiatives that build and benefit future generations continues to be something we are proud to do. Our donation of $4,500 to the Tofino General Hospital Foundation this year as part of our 20th Anniversary celebration, as well as sponsoring the 2017 Clayoquot CleanUp and new initiatives with the Pacific Rim Surfrider Foundation, are some examples of giving back to a community we are so proud to be a part of. Locally-based organizations like these encourage us to work together in pursuit of a common goal—it’s inspiring and rewarding to take part!

Elevated by our fantastic community, the future continues to be bright here in Tofino. And, as always, it is with great pleasure that we welcome you to share a part of it with us at the Wickaninnish Inn.