A new breed of vacationer descends on Canada's Vancouver Island from November through February. Called sorm watchers, they thrill to see the breakers tossing giant beach logs like matchsticks. While some watch from the Jacuzzi tub of fireside easy chair in their spacious room at the Wickaninnish Inn, others don courtesy slickers and immerse themselves in the experience.
Migrating Pacific gray whales arrive as the next big attraction. From March through October, about 21,000 parade offshore. Then summer brings activities like hiking in Pacific Rim National Park, surfing, scuba diving, and sea kayaking.
More than a few come to the Wickaninnish just for the pampering, however. The 46-room inn gives everyong a stunning ocean view, balcony, fireplace, soaking tub, down duvet, private bar, microwave, coffee maker, large-screen TV, and dual high-speed phone lines with data port. The Pointe Restaurant seats them with a 240-degree ocean view, then dazzles them with the regional cuisine of Chef Jim Garraway.
Early last year, the inn topped even its own reputation for pampering by opening the Ancient Cedar Spa. Tucked between the open Pacific and old-growth forest, the spa's equipment includes a steam room, Vichy shower, and sumptuous Bouvier Hydro Equinoxe whirlpool tub. Andits services range from manicures and facials to body wraps, rubs, soaks, and signature treatments like Sacred Sea Thalassotherapy and Hot Stone Massage.
Some guests come seeking fair weather, others foul. But all find the Wickaninnish true to its founding principle:to optimize the enjoyment of nature and elevate creature comfort to new heights.