The crisp days of autumn are shorter than summer’s, but we’ve been enjoying sunny days lately and the interspersed brilliant fall colours have made up for fewer sunlight hours in their vibrancy. Of course, living in a rainforest means we have ample boughs of green in our forests year-round—evidence of where their “evergreen” name comes from!

As we become accustomed to earlier evenings, it’s wonderful to continue to shine a light on the successes of our neighbours and community. Pluvio restaurant + rooms—the fantastic creation of former Wickaninnish staff members, Lily Verney-Downey, and former The Pointe Restaurant Executive Chef, Warren Barr—in Ucluelet, earned a spot in the Top 10 on enRoute Magazine’s list of Best New Restaurants last week! This wonderful achievement in their first year of business was well-earned, as we saw their hard work and dedication first-hand during their time with us.

Indeed, the number of talented entrepreneurs that have spent time at the Inn over the years— learning, sharing and honing their skills—is a matter of pride for us. You may not know it, but several successful Tofino businesses are founded by talent that was previously part of our team; Wolf in the Fog, Summit Bread Co., Tofino Soap Company and now Pluvio, are a few of these!

While I could never take credit for their ambition or success, their numerous accomplishments do speak to the calibre of talent our team holds, as well as the aspirational environment we foster. Cultivating a place of work that encourages continuous learning across an array of positions with unique skill sets allows team members to find their personal niche, and thrive!

Not only does this satisfy our employees’ personal goals, it strengthens our own offerings; I attribute our success to the committed enthusiasm of our team members, and guests often tell us how engaged and resourceful they are!

I am grateful for all of our team members, past and present, for making the Inn what it is today. While some talent has moved on to pursue other objectives, it is the continuity and culmination of all their efforts that makes our hospitality—at the Inn and the West Coast community—so evergreen.

Hoping this season reveals its treasures to you, wherever you’re enjoying it!