Clayoquot is the perfect family adventure getaway for anyone who wants to be off the grid, in the gorgeous untouched Canadian wilderness of Vancouver Island, and experience fun, and sometimes personally challenging, activities. An extremely unique and special spot - surrounded by water, forest, animals, and fresh air! But most importantly, the staff were truly A+.||||It is a trek to get there but absolutely worth it. Once on property - which will involve some combination of planes, seaplane, car, or boat - (highly recommend the seaplane) - you are there and do not leave. There are no outside roads that lead to this resort, and your accommodations are fixed wooden structures with tent-like roofs. Upscale glamping at its best - amazingly comfortable with everything you could need - including an outdoor shower and an indoor gas heater that looks like an old-fashioned wood burning one. Genuinely nice touches. We were in the only attached tent with our young girls which was ideal for us. There is even a door you can close in between the two attached “tents.” We were up in the woods, which was a short walk from the main buildings. If you want to be on the water, then I would request one of those tents which are right on the water’s edge. Really beautiful.||||We traveled with another family and absolutely loved our stay. Delicious food prepared by Chef Mark and his team - fresh, local, and yummy. Something for everyone and dietary restrictions respected. But note - you are not leaving for any meals. Dinners are different every night (and gourmet in preparation), and breakfast and lunches were the same every day during our 4-day stay, but there are plenty of options to choose from. However, you are not going to Clayoquot for a culinary experience - this is about being one with nature, doing and seeing things that are unique, appreciating the utter beauty of your surroundings, and challenging yourself with new adventures! Plus, we were not lacking for food. All the meals were delicious – we even asked for recipes to take home.||||Activities were a-plenty. Rock climbing, whale watching, tree climb, e-biking, archery, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, and much more. Guest safety is of utmost importance. Helmets, special shoes, fitted equipment, and lessons on everything were all key before departing on any adventure. Our days were jam packed with action which was perfect for early evenings at the bar for the adults and the kids spending time together in the game tent. Bartender John kept the creative cocktails flowing with a smile and lite bites pre-dinner. Nice touch that all food and drink was included so we never saw a bill…||||Post-activities, you can also completely relax at the spa. Massage therapists were fantastic, and loved the outdoor hot tub, plunge pools, and sauna. It was awesome to work hard all day, and then relax for a bit before heading to dinner. Plus, the scenery is unparalleled being outdoors while soaking your sore muscles!||||The true stars of this property are hands down the staff. Maybe it is the Canadian hospitality, but everyone at Clayoquot has this enthusiasm that is infectious. They help to get you out of your comfort zone, try new things, and most importantly have so much fun. Their training is also top notch. It was all the little things - every detail was thought about. Even the servers at each meal knew what your schedule was and would ask you how your hike was that morning or how was last night’s bonfire and s’mores. You feel more like a family member rather than a resort guest. It was an appreciated touch.||||Shout outs to Justin - Wow. Host with the most and an incredible group leader. All his suggestions were fantastic, and he went the extra mile to make our entire group had the best time possible. Sadie and Mercedes were impressive on all our excursions - from trail walks in the woods to spotting whale blowholes on the water, we did it all and had an incredible time. These ladies always had a smile and made our days super memorable. Linda is a star - she has a heart of gold and amazing energy…she even got our hiking group to have a spontaneous dance party in the woods! Truly a special person inside and out. And resort-mom Sarah is extraordinary. ||||We were sad to leave and still talk about our time at Clayoquot. Memories that will last forever! If you are looking for a family adventure for 4 nights (good amount of time, but you can also do a 7-night stay if you are a more advanced adventure traveler) – check out at this Canadian hidden gem! I highly...
Read moreThe tented accommodations were impeccably clean as one see in those fancy "desert glamping". Full glamping inside; elegant, peaceful, private. Large bedroom with enough seating for 4; a private section with 2 sinks and an enclosed toilet, and a separate outdoor private shower.
They have various tented areas, ours were the last too up one of the few long narrow bays (stream-like) that would fill up and empty down with the tides, twice a day. SUPER private and calm. For us to be close to the water was important, and so was quietness and privacy. But we had a 10-12-min super pleasant walk to do to reach the main lodge, over an elevated and lit beautiful wooden path, within the rainforest. Some rooms were along a quiet bay of the estuary like ours, some in the middle of the rainforest, some had a view on the wider and vast bay of the Bedwell sound.
This place is mostly "off-the-grid". We did have Wifi in the rooms, although slow. We knew about this and our goal was to really disconnect from my busy plastic surgical practice. No wifi in the main eating space - a very good thing too.
Outdoor yet private shower. Such a beautiful way to wake up in the morning, with the luscious rainforest cedar tree scent around you. A wonderful experience for me.
Tons of activities, for adults and children. The horseback-riding was truly a wonderful surprise. The horseback-riding sessions took us through streams, valleys, and the wonderful rainforest.
Multiple hiking trails are offered.
The canoeing and kayaking were wonderful too. You could chose the many "branches" of the estuary for an intimate promenade, including all the way to the last tents at high tides, or in the wider bay of the Bedwell sound. Exquisite, peaceful and spiritual, along eagles and a variety of ducks. Very "Canadian"!
We did the boat trip that took us all the way to the Pacific Ocean and Tofino. The wonderful guides know of the locations where it is most likely to see wildlife. We were fortunate to see a mother Grey Whale and her juvenile swimming 2-3 meters from us - what an experience for all off us, kids and parents. We saw also countless seals and otters, and over 25 American Bald eagles too.
The food was excellent with a great selection every day; fresh fish, seafood, and all kinds of meats. Breakfasts were very varied too and fresh. The chef is super fun and very present during the stay, and dynamic and welcomes culinary requests from guests. The chef made a special dinner/menu for my family as one of us was celebrating a birthday. They offer exquisite BC wines but also have a good selection of international wines, chosen by wine expert Paula. The restaurant staff is truly wonderful and friendly and from many cultural backgrounds.
Food, beverages and most activities are included in the pricing, including a visit to their spa, so there is no need to carry money with you on your daily activities. It is stress-free.
What I will remember the most is still the genuinety, friendliness and passion everyone at Clayaquot shares about Nature and Nature Protection... and about your experience with them at Clayoquot. The staff is quite wonderful with young children and the team is always teaching us, children and adults. After 4 days, we felt we got to know most staff/guides and that they got to know us too. I've learned so much about trees, ferns, culturally-modified cedars, nursing logs, logging, First Nations customs, all kinds of salmons, what is being done to help restoring the salmon population, etc.
In concluding, there was even a slight melancholy in us when we left as we truly felt welcomed and "home" for 4 days, yet we know we will be back.
As we were departing in the float plane for our next destination up the coast, as a last goodbye, a black bear was seen not too far, looking at us from a safe distance.
Magical.
Highly recommended.
Dr Marc...
Read moreWOW what an experience! There are places that take your breath away—and then there’s Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, where even your soul exhales. Tucked away between old-growth rainforest and the wild Pacific, this extraordinary sanctuary delivers luxury so seamlessly woven into nature that it feels like it was always meant to be there.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear this wasn’t just a resort—it was a community. The people at Clayoquot are as warm and grounding as the cedar that lines the en-suite bathrooms of the luxury tents (which, by the way, have heated floors—a welcome surprise after misty morning hikes or river adventures). Their hospitality is sincere, their smiles constant, and their passion for this land palpable.
Each day held something unforgettable: horseback rides through lush forest paths, gourmet meals with ingredients sourced from the very land and sea around us, and soul-stirring hikes through towering old-growth trees. Knowing that this ancient ecosystem is actively protected—thanks in part to Clayoquot’s support of partners like Seaflora Skincare and the Ancient Forest Alliance—made every step feel purposeful. It’s rare to find a place so deeply committed to preserving the magic it shares.
The line between luxury and wilderness blurs here. You might wake up to the call of eagles, spend your afternoon kayaking alongside sea lions, and come home to a turn-down service in your tent that rivals the finest hotels—all in the same day.
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is exceptional in every way. But what truly sets it apart isn’t the stunning setting or five-star comforts—it’s the people who make you feel like you belong in this wild, wonderful place. And once you’ve been, a piece of your heart will always...
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