It’s been over a month since we closed the Wickaninnish Inn’s services for our guests, but we are still keeping the Inn warm and welcoming! Like many of you, a return to normalcy has been top of our mind—we can’t wait to reopen! However, we are continuing on this essential course for now, and grateful for everyone’s communal efforts.

The official word from Dr. Bonnie Henry our PHO (Provincial Health Officer) on a plan for reopening the province or various areas within the province to non-essential travel is anticipated to be announced next week. In the meantime, it is heartening to note that of Canada’s larger provinces, by population, we lead the country in reduced rates of transmission and hospitalizations, we have bent the curve and are already coming down the other side.

Of course mother nature is taking no notice of our current travails with spring on full display at the Inn, with new growth budding out everywhere, our Raven family back in residence and the Bald Eagles overseeing their domain from their several roosting trees around the Inn. Our maintenance staff are currently busy working on many smaller projects in and around the property to ensure everything is in perfect shape for the day we will eventually reopen.

During this time, we have a reservationist in each building to answer your calls and respond to future bookings or any questions and considerations you may have. We are also keeping up with our daily tasks, such as sanitizing any surfaces that may be touched throughout the day, and adding more comforts such as placing a shipment of new chairs into our guest rooms.

While we don’t have concrete dates for reopening we are hopeful that sometime in June or July will be possible, and in anticipation we are we are fine tuning our operations plans to address post-COVID concerns to ensure all staff and guests will be and remain safe and secure. We know there will be some worries connected to the pandemic once we reopen, but I assure you we are taking every consideration in how to facilitate a positive and healthy visiting experience as well as a safe working environment for our team when the time comes.

Thank you to our front line workers, and everyone who is showing patience and perseverance. Wishing you and your families all the best during this time and we look forward to connecting with you again before too long. I can assure you the fresh ocean air and beautiful Chesterman beach remains just as you remember it.