106501 Wed Sep 05 16:27:21 -0700 2001 6 24 Canada 0 577210 Has anyone been to the Aerie outside Victoria, or the Wickinnish in Tofino? Wonderful, awful, or ? I am to be in both places Christmas week, and would like some input, please! Wed Sep 05 16:27:21 -0700 2001 0 Pat Brebner 1 577212 I was in both places in April. Aerie doesn't ring any bells. Is Wickinnish the fancy resort? If so, there was a lot of construction when we were there, and the restaurant was closed. Place looked nice enough, but we stayed at a b&b. I'd call to make sure the construction is finished, but it probably is by now. Some tips for you. In Victoria, if you want to have a high tea, I recommend the White Heather Tearoom (8185 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria, BC 250-595-8020). Great selection of teas and terrific baked goods as well. Get the largest tea and you'll go home happy and very, very full. If you're looking for a place to stay, I definitely recommend Carberry Gardens b&b (1008 Carberry Gardens, Victoria BC, 250-595-8906), which might qualify as the nicest b&b I've ever been to. Beautiful, immaculate rooms with huge bathrooms that won't cost you an arm and a leg, and terrific homemade breakfasts. Sandie, the proprietor, is a complete sweetheart. Tofino is situated in the midst of absolutely stunning territory, I'm sure you'll love your stay there. There's a great fish and chips place down by the waterfront. Wish I could remember the name, but it's such a small town that you'll be able to find it (and anyone will know if you ask). Basically, you go down Main to 1st, make a right, take to the end, make a left on a tiny street and go to the end. There will be a pier with a little fish shack. Go inside and order and eat your f&c outside on the patio overlooking the harbor. Also in Tofino, there was a restaurant that had just opened in the botanical gardens there (again, can't remember the name, but it's the only gardens and it's about a mile or two outside of town on the main drag). Lovely, reasonably priced food with fresh ingredients (many grown in the gardens). If you're feeling adventurous, go for a kayak trip (no experience necessary) to Maeres Island. The hanging gardens tree alone is worth the trip. Another worthy expedition is to Hot Springs Cove, but it can be crowded. And let us know how your trip goes! Wed Sep 05 19:03:30 -0700 2001 577210 0 Beth P. 2 577220 I had a bit of an epiphany. Name of the restaurant in the botanical gardens in Tofino in Pamploma. Name of the fish and chips place in Tofino may or may not be Earl's. Thu Sep 06 11:42:10 -0700 2001 577212 0 Beth P. 2 581853 Cafe Pamplona is the name of the restaurant in the botantical gardens and the food and presentation were incredible when we ate there 2 years ago. Sun Dec 14 22:14:53 -0800 2003 577212 0 Tim 1 577215 The Aerie Resort & Restaurant is in Cobble Hill (north of Victoria). My friends who live on Vancouver Island say it is the greatest. It's a Relais & Chateaux member too. Sooke Harbour House (west of Victoria), is considered a must-visit. Wed Sep 05 21:22:44 -0700 2001 577210 0 Chris 1 577231 We stayed at the Wickaninnish in early April and loved it....definitely worth having dinner there! It was interesting, though, in that we ate there two nights in a row and were absolutely *WOWED* the first night (had the multi-course tasting menu) and yet couldn't believe it was the same restaurant the next night! We sat at the exact same table, but the whole experience had somehow changed, unfortuntately not for the better!The waiter we had the first night made the entire experience the proverbial "seamless" work of art---the next night, we had somebody who must have been just starting because he didn't have a clue! We aren't demanding people and were on vacation with no schedule (good thing!), so it didn't really matter except that it was just such a stark contrast to the dinner the night before! The food definitely wasn't as good either, but then maybe it had to wait around as long as we did! All of that said, however, I would still definitely recommend it! Also had two breakfasts there and both were excellent. Have also heard good things about the Rain Forest Cafe in Tofino, but after Tofino we went by boat out to the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort for 4 nights (FANTASTIC food, by the way--if you get a chance, go there as you can take a boat out for dinner if you reserve ahead...best food of our trip!...and it's only 20 min. or so by boat from Tofino) so didn't have a chance to try it. We didn't try the Aerie, but can highly recommend a restaurant in Sidney not too far away, the Deep Cove Chalet. Mon Sep 10 12:33:15 -0700 2001 577210 0 Ms. Ghost 2 577234 Thanks so much for the info. We have reservations for 3 nights at the Wick during Christmas week (hoping for foul weather!). We are staying at the Aerie outside Victoria the first two nights on Vancouver Island, then on to Tofino. We will definitly try to get to the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort for dinner (how about the accommodations?). Mon Sep 10 19:38:48 -0700 2001 577231 0 P Brebner