Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge opened in 2000, the vision of its founder Richard Genovese, on 600 acres at the mouth of the Bedwell River, at the head of a deep fjord in the middle of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The land is the traditional territory of the Ahousaht First Nation, and no road reaches it: guests arrive by a 45-minute seaplane flight from Vancouver or by boat from Tofino. Now part of the Beckons collection, the lodge keeps 25 white canvas tents along the shore and in old-growth rainforest, a nod to the region's gold-prospecting past, furnished with contemporary pieces and with textiles and art by First Nations makers. The Cookhouse has an open kitchen where executive chef Ben Godin writes daily menus from Vancouver Island produce and the lodge's own garden, and the Ivanhoe bar, named for a vintage tugboat, looks out on bears, eagles and seals from the water's edge. The Healing Grounds Spa adds glacial clay treatments, a sauna and cedar hot tubs. Stays are all-inclusive, with horse riding (it is the only lodge on North America's west coast to pair riding with marine safaris), canyoning and whale and bear outings; helicopter flights and spa treatments are extra. Children from six are welcome.
- Nearest airport
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR), 123 Miles / 198 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 25 canvas tents
- Taken whole
- Private group retreat with sole access to the 600-acre reserve; 25 canvas guest tents
Insider tip Stay long enough to add the newer outings: bioluminescence kayaking at night, a floating sauna at Lemmens Inlet and a guided walk on Flores Island.
Why I choose it Canada's original wilderness camp, reached only by seaplane or boat, with days of bears and whales and a helicopter flight to add if you wish.
