The Wickaninnish Inn – home of BC Green Business member The Pointe Restaurant – has been dedicated to upholding the highest environmental standards since the Inn’s opening in 1996. Their commitment to providing their guests with excellent value, a secure work environment for their employees, and a lasting legacy for their families and community is paramount. In their sustainability journey, the Wickaninnish Inn has implemented several initiatives to minimize their environmental impact. These include a Bike to Work Program, the removal of single-use plastics at The Pointe Restaurant, EV chargers for guests, compost and recycling programs, water fountains in the lobbies, and a partnership with Soap for Hope to recycle gently used guestroom amenities. Additionally, their Sustainability Committee has developed a three-year strategy based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

To ensure they remain accountable and make progress towards their sustainability goals, the Wickaninnish Inn has partnered with BC Green Business to certify The Pointe Restaurant, which provided valuable feedback on operational practices, a framework for measuring progress, and expertise and advice on how to enhance sustainability efforts. BC Green Business also help the restaurant track key metrics related to water consumption, the number of single-use plastics used, and waste diversion.

In addition to The Pointe’s internal efforts, since its establishment, the Wickaninnish Inn has always been committed to positively impacting their community. They continuously organize beach clean-ups and have a volunteer program that financially encourages employees to contribute to their local community. They supported the creation of the Tofino Ucluelet Culinary Guild, partnered with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, and have been instrumental in creating the West Coast Hospitality Association. The initiative, formed in 2021 to support West Coast communities, collects a 1% sustainability fee from tourists on all member accommodation revenue to provide annual grants to address the most pressing local community needs. By taking these actions, the Wickaninnish Inn not only minimizes their environmental impact but also contributes to building a more sustainable and resilient community.