Best Resort Dining: The Pointe at the
Wickaninnish Inn

This new category speaks to British Columbia’s emergence as a destination for culinary tourism. Our judges were asked to weigh the overall resort experience, with, of course, an across-the-board view to evaluating the full food and beverage program—from breakfast to dinner, soup to nuts. The Pointe at the Wickaninnish Inn’s (Gold) beach barbecues, well-made and hearty breakfasts, breathtaking views over Chesterman Beach into the wild Pacific, and simple crab roasts on the beach at sundown, add up to everything a resort should be. The Pointe’s design complements the landscape and the cuisine never misses a beat, capturing the essence of the West Coast with both polished service and rustic simplicity. Sooke Harbour House (Silver—See Best Vancouver Island) offers the consummate fairytale-cottage experience. “Light a log before breakfast, and enjoy the meal delivered in bed. Then it’s a stroll on the beach to return for a light lunch and a tipple of chenin blanc. The Aerie (Bronze) enjoys lofty views of Finlayson Arm—it’s an eagle’s-eye view with lots of altitude—from plush rooms and plusher cooking from the three-a-day pans (don’t overlook the healthy breakfasts before a swim) of chef Christophe Letard. Honourably Mentioned: The Four Seasons Resort Whistler promises langorous breakfasts in bed, poolside lunches that rise above the pro forma of hotel dining, and skillful, lightly-touched dinners at Fifty-Two 80 Bistro, while the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and its Wildflower restaurant showed well for mountain man early feasting, packed picnic lunches that show imagination, and a particularly fine touch with game at night. The wine list is also well researched.

BACK TO RESTAURANT AWARDS