WILD INITIATIVES: The Wickaninnish Inn

Set on the rugged edge of Vancouver Island within Clayoquot Sound (a UNESCO Biosphere Region) and beside the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Wickaninnish Inn is shaped by its wild surroundings: ancient forests, crashing Pacific waves, and the deep-rooted presence of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. Sustainability isn’t a feature here—it’s a foundation. From the earliest days of construction, when trees were surveyed and repurposed into furniture and walls, every decision has been made with the future in mind.

The Inn’s stewardship extends to every detail, from local sourcing and waste reduction to community engagement and regenerative practices. Their teams are empowered to innovate, stay curious, and contribute meaningfully. In a small town of 2,500 that welcomes over half a million visitors a year, Wickaninnish Inn leads by example—ensuring that the land, stories, and ecosystems remain vibrant for generations to come.

CULINARY PHILOSOPHY

Wickaninnish Inn showcases the natural bounty of its surroundings and continually challenges itself to learn more about sustainable cuisine. Local vendors provide fresh, seasonal ingredients that inspire creativity and storytelling in every dish.

Menus evolve daily as new ingredients are uncovered, and the Inn pushes itself to deepen its understanding of sustainable food practices. As proud members of TUCG and Get Wild, Wickaninnish Inn also enjoys hosting events such as World Oceans Day, Sustainability & Wine, and Food for Change.

Within Howard’s wine cellar, Wickaninnish Inn features predominantly regional producers and small growers who prioritize sustainable methods. Cocktails take a creative turn behind the On the Rocks bar, where fresh seasonal ingredients are paired with alcohol from numerous local distilleries.

LOCAL CULINARY VENDORS

The culinary philosophy at Wickaninnish Inn pairs seasonality with sustainability and creativity with curiosity. The Inn sources seasonal, fresh, and innovative ingredients that highlight the surrounding landscape wherever possible on every plate. This feat is accomplished through close relationships with the many foragers, farmers, fishermen, and makers across Vancouver Island. In addition to providing the Inn with decadent products, these partnerships also help support local economies and reduce transportation impacts.

Wickaninnish Inn would like to acknowledge and thank its wonderful culinary partners, including:

Tofino Ucluelet Culinary Guild – The Pointe Restaurant is a founding member of the Tofino Ucluelet Culinary Guild (TUCG). Many of the Inn’s ingredients are sourced through this non-profit organization that connects Vancouver Island food producers, fishers, and foragers with local businesses.

NAAS Foods – An Indigenous-led seafood supplier that ensures fresh, sustainable seafood arrives in eco-friendly totes at The Pointe’s kitchen, including hand-harvested kelp from Clayoquot Sound.

COMMUNITY

At Wickaninnish Inn, sustainability practices encompass more than environmental consciousness. It’s also about teamwork and bringing people together for the social and economic long-term health of surrounding communities. 

Organizations Supported by the Inn:

• West Coast Sustainable Tourism Association: As part of its commitment to accountability and transparency, the Wickaninnish Inn is a member of the West Coast Sustainable Tourism Association (WCSTA). The WCSTA is a member-based, not-for-profit organization that is comprised of accommodation providers, vacation rentals, campgrounds, RV parks and other businesses that rely on tourism for revenue.

• In January 2023, the Association implemented the Sustainability Fee Program - a 1% charge on all visitor bookings to help fund the long-term, capital infrastructure projects necessary to sustain the large tourism base in Tofino. The first donation was granted in 2024 to the Clayoquot Sound Theatre.

• Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre: Envisioned as a hub grounded in community values, The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre is currently in development and will serve as a pivotal space for the communities of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, (Ahousaht), (Hesquiaht First Nation), (Ucluelet First Nation), (Toquaht Nation), Ucluelet, and Tofino. The Centre will share the global significance of the Biosphere Region, fostering unity around climate action, reconciliation, youth empowerment, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. We are excited to support this project with a $40,000 donation to the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, the first in a total of $150,000 planned over five consecutive years.

• The Pointe Restaurant is a founding member of the Tofino Ucluelet Culinary Guild, a non-profit organization that connects Vancouver Island farmers, fishermen, foragers and food producers to families, restaurants, groceries and businesses on the West Coast. Their goal is to make local food more accessible and affordable while providing a reliable market for small and passionate farmers.

• Raincoast Education Society delivers a broad range of high-quality educational and interpretive programs such as field school, speaker series, summer camps, school programs, and events focused on the natural environment, cultures, and communities of the Clayoquot and Barkley Sound region.

• Wildsafe BC is the provincial leader in preventing conflict with wildlife through collaboration, education and community solutions.

Local Fundraisers & Events

Tofino is brimming with talent, passion, and creativity. It is a community that cares deeply about its home and one another. Over the years, the Wickaninnish Inn has sponsored many key events, primarily focused on the arts, health, and environment.

• Starting in 2008, the Wickaninnish Inn led its first Earth Day clean-up on the Nuu-Chah-Nulth trail (multi-use path) inside the Pacific Rim Park. This effort has since expanded to include beach cleanups as well, in partnership with other hotels in the area.

• The Wickaninnish Inn has been a main supporter of the Queen of the Peak surfing event since its inception in 2010.

• The Tofino Saltwater Classic takes place every July and raises funds for a host of community initiatives with an emphasis on children and youth programs, including strong support for the Wickaninnish School’s “Healthy Food Program.”

Artisans

From the beginning, the Wickaninnish Inn has prioritized using local contractors and supporting the incredible talent and skill on Vancouver Island. From Henry Nolla producing the hand-adzed adornments to Robinson Cook refinishing the doors that Henry carved, the Inn continues to embrace the craftsmanship within the community.

• Local artists have always made up at least 90% of the artwork at the Wickaninnish Inn, and always will. Throughout the Inn—as well as in the Carving Shed and Henry Nolla Gallery—guests will find beautiful pieces from Vancouver Island artists.

• The Wickaninnish Inn aims to source as much as possible from local artisans, including soap made in Clayoquot Sound, soap dishes from a local potter, and wooden amenity boxes created by a woodworker from Port Alberni.

Suppliers & Partners

Ancient Cedars Spa at the Wickaninnish Inn uses high-quality products that employ ecologically responsible practices, including:

• Comfort Zone, developed in Parma, Italy, is a B Corp and is also certified through the Lifegate Zero Impact Project.

• Certified organic SeaFlora Skincare hand harvests nutrient-rich seaweed off the coast of Vancouver Island.

• Sangre de Fruta sources ingredients from family-owned farms for their plant-based potions, including pure helichrysum and lavender oils, as well as Pacific Ocean sea salt from Salt Spring Island. Their signature blend of essential oil, Garden of Earthly Delight, is distilled from off-cuts of cedar greens, which would otherwise be wasted from the logging industry.

• Within all areas of operation, the Inn works to reduce post-consumption waste through recycling or partnering with innovative organizations like Soap for Hope Canada. Based in Victoria, Soap for Hope collects and repurposes hotel hygiene products, linens, and lost and found items that would otherwise end up in landfills.

SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS

Sustainability Committee at Wickaninnish Inn

The approach to sustainability at the Wickaninnish Inn originated with the McDiarmid family’s vision and is made possible by its employees. Established in 2004, the Sustainability Committee is a cross-functional team comprised of employees from all departments who are passionate about making a difference at the Inn and in the community. The committee meets monthly to discuss new and upcoming initiatives, progress on targets, and ideas for team engagement—including beach clean-ups, clothing swaps for Circular Economy Day, or the Bike-to-Work program.

Sustainability is always a work in progress, especially in a remote location without the infrastructure of a major city. Here are a few highlights of practices at the Wickaninnish Inn:

• Recycles anything possible, with a strong focus on reducing and reusing.

• Composts most fruit and vegetable waste from the restaurant and café on-site.

• Has reduced chemical usage on-site by 85%.

• Uses high-efficiency equipment, such as Viessmann boilers, which significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

• Offers electric car charging stations and complimentary bicycles.

• Remains mindful of water usage through infrastructure such as dual flush toilets, low-flow shower heads, and sink faucets.

• Prioritizes using the local flora already present in on-property landscaping.

• Works with local vendors and procurement partners, including Soap for Hope Canada.

• Provides a Vivreau Vi Tap station in each lobby, dispensing micro-filtered and chilled Tofino water—sparkling or still.

• Offers Kleen Kanteen water bottles in every guest room.

CERTIFICATIONS

Sustainability Certifications at Wickaninnish Inn

Sustainability has been embedded in the day-to-day operations of the Wickaninnish Inn since its inception. The Inn has intentionally pursued a number of certifications that complement each other and cover a diverse range of initiatives.

These certifications are hard work and require dedication. The frameworks, roadmaps, and audits ensure accountability for actions and transparency in reporting. They allow the Inn to see progress, assess what is working and what isn’t, and adjust actions accordingly. These certifications also provide opportunities to connect with peers in the sustainability field as best practices and milestones are shared.

• Biosphere Certified: Created by the Responsible Tourism Institute in collaboration with the United Nations, the Biosphere Certification program is a promising step into the new world of sustainable and regenerative tourism. It is based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets of the United Nations, as well as the guidelines of the Paris Climate Summit (COP 21) and the principles and objectives of the main international Summits and Charters on sustainability. Beyond the environmental factors, the program also promotes social sustainability, including providing a secure and healthy work environment for team members and a lasting legacy for families and the community.

The Wickaninnish Inn is proud to be the first Relais & Châteaux property to be Biosphere Certified in North America and the second Relais & Châteaux property in the world. The Wickaninnish Inn achieved this certification in 2023.

• Green Key Program: For more than a decade, the Wickaninnish Inn has held Five Key Status as a member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Hotel Association of Canada's Green Key Eco-Rating Program. Green Key Global is a comprehensive, worldwide program delivered by the Global Sustainability Tourism Council. The Five Key Status is the highest level. The Wickaninnish Inn maintains this status through rigorous audits and by demonstrating a commitment to cutting-edge technologies, standards, and programs that set the international standard for sustainable hotel operations.

• Responsible Hospitality Verified: The Responsible Hospitality VERIFIED™ certification from Forbes Travel Guide highlights the Wickaninnish Inn’s commitment to over 100 rigorous standards designed to protect the environment and support the well-being of employees, guests, and the community, all while ensuring an exceptional guest experience. This prestigious verification reflects the Wickaninnish Inn’s dedication to environmental stewardship while upholding the highest standards of hospitality.

• Sustainable Tourism Program: Since 2016, the Wickaninnish Inn has undergone rigorous evaluation by the Sustainable Tourism Program. As the world's largest sustainability certification for tourism businesses, the certification led by Greenstep grades properties on over 80 criteria, calculating greenhouse gas emissions, electricity consumption, and hydro usage, examining both current numbers and future projections. The Wickaninnish Inn is pleased to have consistently achieved Gold Certification, with reassessments conducted every two years.

• Green Leader Business: The Pointe Restaurant proudly holds Green Leader Status, attained by a green level score through the Vancouver Island Green Business Collective (VIGBC) for at least three consecutive years. Operating on a provincial scale, this certification assesses the environmental impact of an establishment, requiring the Wickaninnish Inn to meet or exceed stringent criteria in areas such as waste management, energy efficiency, and conservation. The Pointe Restaurant has been growing its score since it started working with VIGBC in 2016, achieving 46/51 points in 2022 and placing the restaurant among the leaders on Vancouver Island for this certification.

• Ocean Friendly Business: This award highlights the Wickaninnish Inn’s efforts to reduce its plastic footprint and divert waste from the oceans. Single-use plastics make up 90% of the garbage found on local beaches during regular clean-ups. At the Inn, waste audits are implemented to determine the amount of plastic going in and out of operations. In accordance with the Tofino bylaw banning single-use plastics, the Ocean Friendly certification has also supported the Wickaninnish Inn in transitioning to reusable wares throughout the property.

• WildSafe BC Business Pledge: Recognizing the potential for conflicts to arise between animals and humans in the natural environment, the Wickaninnish Inn has embraced the WildSafe Business Pledge to ensure the safety of both team members and guests while preserving the surrounding wilderness of the area. The Inn proactively works towards mitigating wildlife conflicts by implementing best practices in waste management and providing annual comprehensive training strategies by WildSafeBC for team members to enhance understanding of safety protocols and conflict reduction.