March 28, 2023 (Tofino, B.C.) The Pointe Restaurant at the Wickaninnish Inn is delighted to announce Clayton Fontaine as our new Executive Chef. Fontaine has been a part of the Wickaninnish Inn family as the talented Sous Chef in The Pointe Restaurant since November 2019 and will take on the role of Executive Chef as of May 1, 2023.

Clayton grew up in Abbotsford; graduated from Northwest Culinary Academy in Vancouver before venturing out to develop his craft at establishments that “speak to him personally” such as Osteria Savio Volpe in Vancouver, Lake O’Hara Lodge in the Rockies, Villa Eyrie on the Malahat, Canoe in Toronto, and finally at The Pointe Restaurant. While he has taken inspiration from all the places he has lived and worked, the Island and its ocean air has always drawn him back, so has the environment and its distinctive culinary possibilities.

“The ingredients you find here are some of the best -probably the best - I’ve worked with. Working with foragers, fishers and farmers to incorporate their latest bounty into our culinary program is always an inspiration. I believe it’s of the utmost importance to highlight the beauty and incredible quality of what our Vancouver Island region has to offer” states Fontaine.

During the time the Inn was closed due to the pandemic, Fontaine’s passion for food creativity found him making fresh handmade pasta for friends that turned into a cheekily named venture called “Send Noods”. Fontaine’s other passion is wellness and the balance it brings. Making sure to go to the gym or a hike in nature is something he focuses on to keep energized for his culinary pursuits.

“Chef Clayton is a wonderful example of the Wickaninnish Inn’s commitment to sustainability and promoting from within. His passion for the local bounty, his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to improving every day excites us and we look forward to him leading our culinary program” says Charles McDiarmid, Maître de Maison of the Inn.

The Inn also thanks and congratulates Chef Carmen Ingham, Executive Chef at The Pointe since 2019 for his many contributions to our culinary program and wishes him the very best on his upcoming transition to Victoria to be closer to family.

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About the Wickaninnish Inn

Perched on the western edge of Vancouver Island, the Wickaninnish Inn is an iconic year-round destination. Combining elegant accommodation and refined dining in spectacular natural surroundings, the Wickaninnish Inn is a haven on Vancouver Island’s wild and rugged coastline. A Relais & Châteaux property since 1997, the Wickaninnish Inn is owned and managed by the McDiarmid family of Tofino and is exclusively located on beautiful Chesterman Beach.

Each oceanfront guestroom is designed to AAA/CAA Five Diamond standards, welcoming guests with a beach or ocean viewscape, gas fireplace, soaker tub with view, local art and an individual balcony. The Pointe Restaurant boasts 240-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, and an innovative culinary program which supports local suppliers and sustainable harvesting practices. The award-winning Ancient Cedars Spa provides an exceptional menu of services to promote wellness and relaxation.