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Immerse yourself in nature in a very different way.
Hurricane tourism isn't a new concept, but its professional development truly boomed in the late 20th century. In the town of Tofino, located on the west coast of Vancouver Island (Canada), the Wickaninnish Inn is considered the birthplace of modern hurricane tourism.
Organized hurricane tourism didn't really boom until 1996, when the classic film "Twister" sparked a strong wave of interest in experiencing extreme weather.
Officially opened in 1996 – the same year the movie “Twister” was released, sparking the initial inspiration for hurricane tourism – this hotel was born and raised in Tofino, with many childhood memories of fierce winter storms. Instead of seeing them as an obstacle to tourism, Charles decided to transform the raging nature into an attraction for visitors.
Wickaninnish Inn is designed to take full advantage of its geographical location: situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it is exposed to massive waves up to 6 meters high during hurricane season. Each of the 75 guest rooms features large windows that can withstand winds exceeding 160 km/h. The interiors create a cozy atmosphere with fireplaces, thick wool blankets, and a "hygge" style – a Nordic concept of warmth and comfort.
What's special is that the hotel also provides raincoats and rain boots so guests can proactively venture outside and explore the raging natural scenery. With the philosophy "there is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing," Wickaninnish Inn not only offers a unique experience but also changes many people's perceptions of coastal winters.
Wickaninnish Inn is located on Chesterman Beach, Tofino.
Specifically designed for storm viewing, each room features large windows that can withstand winds up to 160 km/h, a fireplace, and a private balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
When storms become a "specialty"
Initially, the idea of promoting winter storms as a tourism product was considered strange. However, reality has proven otherwise. During the first hurricane season, from November to February, occupancy rates at Wickaninnish Inn surged from 30% to 58%.
Beyond mere curiosity, many visitors are discovering something deeper in this experience: a feeling of being detached from the noisy city, immersing themselves in vast, powerful nature that sometimes makes one feel small. "Our guests, regardless of age, all have one thing in common – they are adventure lovers," Charles shared.
Whether they venture directly into nature or simply observe from afar, there's always a type of traveler captivated by its destructive power.
The success of this pioneering hotel quickly spread, creating a ripple effect to other coastal towns like Ucluelet. Many upscale resorts such as Crystal Cove Beach Resort, Long Beach Lodge Resort, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, and SookePoint Ocean Cottage Resort began investing in services to accommodate guests during hurricane season, with amenities designed for viewing the rough seas and large waves from a safe distance.
BC Ferries Vacations, a travel service provider in British Columbia, also develops hurricane season packages, including transportation and accommodation in beachfront hotels. Tofino's travel website provides detailed guides on ideal places for walks in the strong winds and relaxing spots like saunas after exploring.
As a result, the period from November to March, which was previously considered the low season, has now become the second peak tourist season in Tofino. For the past six consecutive years, occupancy rates have consistently ranged from 46% to 58% during the winter months.
The global allure of harsh nature
The phenomenon of storm-watching isn't limited to Vancouver Island. This trend has spread to many other places around the world. In Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, local authorities have renamed winter "cozy season" to create a more positive image. Designed travel itineraries include activities such as hiking in strong winds to a lighthouse, combined with romantic candlelit dinners.
In the United States, the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington state is a popular destination for observing "king tide"—a rare phenomenon of extremely high tides caused by the unique alignment of the Moon, Sun, and Earth.
The "king tide" phenomenon in Long Beach, Washington.
In Europe, the five-star Headland Hotel in Newquay (Cornwall, England) offers a hurricane-watching getaway package, highlighted by a spa overlooking the roaring ocean. Statistics show that one in three winter tourists visit solely to experience this unique form of travel.
Whether sitting in a hotel room with binoculars or venturing out onto beaches littered with driftwood under the storm, a segment of today's travelers seems captivated by the sheer ferocity of nature. “There’s something strangely compelling about the contrast between the raging power of a storm and its undeniable beauty,” Charles observes. “It’s an experience that makes one feel small and reminds us of the vast scale of the natural world.”
Storm-watching tourism has been spreading worldwide and is expected to become one of the prominent travel trends this year.
While offering unique experiences, storm-watching tourism also carries significant risks, especially in the context of global climate change. Liam Ogle, a guide at Long Beach Nature Tours, stated: “Forest trails can be affected by broken branches, while coastal areas are prone to large waves and sudden storm surges.”
He advised visitors to check the Coast Smart website before going out to understand the safety recommendations. “The nature here is both powerful and captivating. Respecting Mother Nature is an integral part of the local culture.”
