Oh, Canada-Explore in Style: Storm-watching in BC

by eliteGen magazine

Story | Leslie Yip Boucher-Harris

The west coast of Canada offers a whole new scenery.

Pacific Rendezvous
Storm-watching and forest-foraging at Wickaninnish Inn,
Tofino, BC
Perched on the wild, wave-swept shores of Vancouver Island’s west coast, the Wickaninnish Inn is a rare gem where raw nature and refined luxury meet. A proud Relais & Châteaux property, this family-owned and operated retreat is nestled within 80 hectares of old-growth rainforest, offering panoramic views of the untamed Pacific Ocean.

Photo | Simone Mondino

Named the #1 Resort in the U.S. and Canada in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, the Wickaninnish Inn delivers an unforgettable experience in every season.

Photo | John Forde

In spring, forest trails invite guests to forage for wild mushrooms and coastal herbs. Summer and Fall draw surfers to Tofino’s legendary beaches—more than 35 kilometres of sandy shoreline that have earned the area its title as Canada’s surfing capital. Winter transforms the coast into a natural theatre for storm watching, where gale-force winds, crashing waves and brooding skies inspire awe and introspection.

Photo | Michael Becker

Each stay is elevated by thoughtful touches—wood-burning fireplaces, local art, exceptional dining and a deep respect for the surrounding land and culture. Whether you come for adventure or solitude, the Wickaninnish Inn offers an immersive West Coast escape that is both luxurious and profoundly grounding.

Photo | Jeremy Koreski

What to Wear

RW & Co.Mix Materials Dress | $149.90, rw-co.com

This summer whites capsule wardrobe transitions effortlessly from a leisurely beach stroll to savouring local Dungeness crab with a panoramic ocean view at the elegant Pointe Restaurant.

Aldo Bohemia Platform Sandal | $110, aldoshoes.com

Aldo Bohemia Wanderfleur Hair Clip | $20, aldoshoes.com

Flip flops are carefree and breezy, but the lack of sole support can make your heels uncomfortable. These vacationready slides have padded insoles for all-day comfort and we cannot say no to the cute matching hair clip.

Mejuri Celeste Horizon Necklace | $848, mejuri.com

It is said that when you gaze out at the Pacific Ocean from the Wick, the next land mass you’d reach is Japan. This 14k yellow gold necklace with lab-grown diamonds captures the serenity and vastness of that view.

What to Pack

The smooth vegan leather exterior of this sleek Groupe Bugatti carry-on looks sophisticated and it also resists unsightly marks and scratches. The front opening makes it a breeze to take out your laptop for airport security checks.

Bugatti Victoria Carry-On | $200, bugatticollections.ca

This Canadian brand hailing from Quebec has been a leader in innovative designs and quality construction since 1940.

This ultra-nourishing moisturizer from Quebec’s Vivier premium skincare company is packed with 47 key pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and is a restorative treat for your skin.

Vivier Crème 47, 50 ml | $395, vivierskin.ca

Clinically proven to reduce redness, irritation and inflammation, and improve skin barrier function, tone, volume and texture, it saves you from lugging multiple products.

Bring the Experience Home

Salt Spring Island Candle Co. 9 oz Western Red Cedar-Fir-Sitka Spruce candle in reusable whiskey tumbler with bamboo lid | $45, saltspringcandles.com

A whiff of this small batch, hand-poured candle infused with 100% pure essential oils will immediately transport you back to Vancouver Island.

Article Sunny 32” Lounge Chair-Vine Green | $799, article.com

Relax in this bowl-like chair designed in Vancouver. The solid wood dowels offer a minimalist touch.

Endy Muslin Blanket in Eucalyptus | $225, endy.com

This is an incredibly soft pure cotton blanket crafted with four layers of textured muslin from the Canadian Endy mattress company, whose mattress-in-a-box was named Product of the Year Canada 2020.

EQ3 Dew Stone Bowl, large | $39.99, eq3.com

This food-safe river stone bowl from the Winnipeg-based EQ3 furnishing brand will remind you of the rocky outcrops surrounding Chesterman Beach.

 

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