Update June 5, 2020

Based on Dr. Bonnie Henry’s press conference yesterday, where she confirmed non-essential travel could likely resume “end June into July” (in Phase 3 of the province’s restart plan) we decided to postpone the Inn’s opening date for BC residents to June 22nd, tentatively, and opening to the rest of Canada after July 6th.

We understand other properties around Vancouver Island have already opened, or did not close throughout this pandemic in order to provide accommodations for essential workers; however, we want to ensure we are making the best decisions for our guests, staff, and community based on the most cautious recommendations from our top health officials. Once our province announces the beginning of our Phase 3 Restart Plan, we are very eager to welcome travelers through our doors.

Dear friends,

As many regions begin to explore the gradual easing of restrictions due to COVID-19, I’ve been touched by the number of guests, community members and staff reaching out to express their excitement and interest in the reopening of the Wickaninnish Inn, The Pointe Restaurant and our Ancient Cedars Spa.

Believe me, we are as eager as anyone to re-open our doors! We have chosen to move at a deliberate, measured pace toward the goal of reopening, in the spirit of caution and safety for our staff, community and valued guests.

On May 6th, our Premier John Horgan and our Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry released their phased plan to ease restrictions on various sectors of our economy. Phase 2, which begins Tuesday May 19th, allows for the opening of Provincial Parks, restaurants as well as some other services; however, still strongly advises against non-essential travel and requests everyone stay in their communities. Phase 3, in which leisure accommodations are able to reopen under recommendation of the province, is slated to begin – depending on how British Columbia continues to fare on reducing the transmission rate of COVID-19 – two to four weeks after Phase 2’s start.

After careful consideration and consultation with our staff and community, as well as allowing time for full implementation of Work Safe BC’s recommendations for the Hospitality Sector, we are hopeful for an opening date of Monday June 15th to British Columbia Residents to start. Providing all goes well in our region, we are again hopeful that we will be able to welcome any guest able to travel to British Columbia under relevant travel advisories from July 6th onwards. The Pointe Restaurant will also open to guests from British Columbia initially, and Ancient Cedars Spa will follow at a later date, yet to be determined.

We’ll be implementing some changes under the new Work Safe guidelines and regulations, and will be updating the website as these are finalized. For information on our response to COVID-19 to date, please check here.