All You Need to Know About the Fireplace
at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
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Fireplace review highlights
... carpets, a queen bed, an in-room heater that looks like a fireplace, chairs and writing table and dressers and coffee/tea...
... a locally-inspired forage-fresh 5 star dinner and the fireplace is lit and there are hot water bottles in the beds for a...
... nights were fresh. We had a gas-heater looking like a fireplace - quite romantic, that worked on a thermostat through the...
Reviews that mention fireplace
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Wow. I have traveled the world and stayed in some of the most magnificent resorts on 4 continents. This is one of the very best and, due to its distinctive nature, the best of its genre.
I searched for a year for the perfect spot for my 25th wedding anniversary and found it. I would add that September is the best time to go (in my opinion) as the summer "rush" has faded. We shared the camp with 8 other guests, all adults, and 50 staff. All you had to do was mention an activity (fishing, hiking, swimming, horseback riding, cooking lessons were some we did) and two or three expert guides appeared to take you alone or anyone else whenever you wanted. Yet there was never any pressure to do anything. The hosts, Jon and Adele, are amazing and fascinating people which adds to the overall ambience.
The resort combines simplicity with sumptious elegance. The accommodations and buildings are pristine but simple and rugged, the ideal integration into the wilderness location. You sleep in tents, but large, magnificent white tents on wooden platforms with oriental carpets, a queen bed, an in-room heater that looks like a fireplace, chairs and writing table and dressers and coffee/tea brought daily at your chosen wakeup time if you so desire. Each tent is semi-isolated, so you feel very private.
While we were there we rode horses for 8 hours into old growth forest (with little prior experience). We took "Horse 101" and spent an afternoon getting to know horses, brushing them, saddling them and then simple riding, just my wife and I with an expert horsewoman. Sounds corny but made me comfortable for the first time on horses. Loved it.
The food is everything they say. Except, while there is a daily menu you can ask for anything at any time and they will make it. Dinners can be personal and romantic, incredible setting, but you can share with others and we met some great fun people and had some witty and laughter-filled dinners with them. Local BC wines, very good, are offered paired with dinner courses, or you could choose your own selections. Breakfast and lunch tends to be more wander in and out.
The pictures on the website may have been posed, but we have pics just as beautiful taken at random. The setting is magnificent.
My wife is more powerful and beautiful than the day I married her and I could not imagine a more perfect way to celebrate a quarter century together.
I searched for a year for the perfect spot for my 25th wedding anniversary and found it. I would add that September is the best time to go (in my opinion) as the summer "rush" has faded. We shared the camp with 8 other guests, all adults, and 50 staff. All you had to do was mention an activity (fishing, hiking, swimming, horseback riding, cooking lessons were some we did) and two or three expert guides appeared to take you alone or anyone else whenever you wanted. Yet there was never any pressure to do anything. The hosts, Jon and Adele, are amazing and fascinating people which adds to the overall ambience.
The resort combines simplicity with sumptious elegance. The accommodations and buildings are pristine but simple and rugged, the ideal integration into the wilderness location. You sleep in tents, but large, magnificent white tents on wooden platforms with oriental carpets, a queen bed, an in-room heater that looks like a fireplace, chairs and writing table and dressers and coffee/tea brought daily at your chosen wakeup time if you so desire. Each tent is semi-isolated, so you feel very private.
While we were there we rode horses for 8 hours into old growth forest (with little prior experience). We took "Horse 101" and spent an afternoon getting to know horses, brushing them, saddling them and then simple riding, just my wife and I with an expert horsewoman. Sounds corny but made me comfortable for the first time on horses. Loved it.
The food is everything they say. Except, while there is a daily menu you can ask for anything at any time and they will make it. Dinners can be personal and romantic, incredible setting, but you can share with others and we met some great fun people and had some witty and laughter-filled dinners with them. Local BC wines, very good, are offered paired with dinner courses, or you could choose your own selections. Breakfast and lunch tends to be more wander in and out.
The pictures on the website may have been posed, but we have pics just as beautiful taken at random. The setting is magnificent.
My wife is more powerful and beautiful than the day I married her and I could not imagine a more perfect way to celebrate a quarter century together.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Traveled here in August with a combo of commercial seaplane and resort boat transfer from Vancouver > Tofino > Resort.
Upfront, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is EXPENSIVE. Possibly the most costly in Canada. On the days we visited, due to Covid restrictions, the guests were mostly Canadians. As Canadians, far-flung holidays once every year are comparative in price as visiting the resort. Given this is our travel style, and we hadn't been away for almost two years, we had the cash saved to afford it. It is worth it to spend the money abroad on something local instead; if local is Clayoquot. Now what do you get for the cost of "moderately-priced sedan"?
Everything is included and delivered by staff who are devotees to their craft; be it from the culinary team, to the guides, to the captains (boating experience in the Arctic). Even housekeeping adds touches to the experience; like coming back from a locally-inspired forage-fresh 5 star dinner and the fireplace is lit and there are hot water bottles in the beds for a nice and toasty night in. Beds are heavenly, which we greatly appreciated for a reason. The resort loves to pack in active itineraries and will absolutely run people into the ground with their extensive and custom offerings. The heli experiences weren't available at the time, and there was no lack of wanting for it.
The view, the sumptuous food, fabulous mixology, the restorative spa... this was still an active holiday. The cost value is ultimately based on their included activities: fishing, hiking, horse back riding, the sight seeing boat trips, and the exhilarating experience they call "canyoning" (which is an insane activity of paddle boarding, rocking climbing, and swimming up rapids, followed by floating down a glacially-fed river in a cozy wet suit). There are plenty more (archery, shooting, rappelling, paintball, etc) , and it's a case of asking the coordinator what fits best. With the exception of the sight seeing experiences out in the Sound, all activities are personally curtailed and include an assigned guide for your party only. Equipment is provided for every activity variant, including if you'd like a private picnic on your hike, which was one of the experiences we requested and was readily and enthusiastically accommodated for.
The resort itself is a fantastic operation, relatively self-sufficient with an emphasis on respecting the Bedwell River Valley and restoring it following the mining and logging that was done to it prior to being proclaimed a protected biosphere. Their personal goal is revitalizing the salmon grounds, emphasis on nurturing salmon fry and protecting the ecosystem meant to sustain them. Many of the wood structures within the resort are crafted and sourced locally from deadwood (natural tree fall); included on property is a mill. While attempting to be as self-sufficient as possible with a mill, water-treatment facility, forage food + local gardens, the tents are opulent and they even have wi-fi (5mb) when the nearest town/city is a 35-minute boat ride away. It's glamping without the sacrifices, unless one desires cell service and TV.
Wouldn't recommend the resort for individuals looking for a chill vacation. The pampering is amazing, and every amenity is modern. However, if you're afraid of bugs (don't get the tents with outdoor showers if you're terrified of spiders like me. Lots of shrieking later...), don't enjoy nature, or are adverse to moving, it's a lot of money to spend on a spectacular view which other resorts in the area do provide. Still would come back for the food, and just the food alone, though looking forward to when the restrictions lift to do the beach combing experience.
Upfront, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is EXPENSIVE. Possibly the most costly in Canada. On the days we visited, due to Covid restrictions, the guests were mostly Canadians. As Canadians, far-flung holidays once every year are comparative in price as visiting the resort. Given this is our travel style, and we hadn't been away for almost two years, we had the cash saved to afford it. It is worth it to spend the money abroad on something local instead; if local is Clayoquot. Now what do you get for the cost of "moderately-priced sedan"?
Everything is included and delivered by staff who are devotees to their craft; be it from the culinary team, to the guides, to the captains (boating experience in the Arctic). Even housekeeping adds touches to the experience; like coming back from a locally-inspired forage-fresh 5 star dinner and the fireplace is lit and there are hot water bottles in the beds for a nice and toasty night in. Beds are heavenly, which we greatly appreciated for a reason. The resort loves to pack in active itineraries and will absolutely run people into the ground with their extensive and custom offerings. The heli experiences weren't available at the time, and there was no lack of wanting for it.
The view, the sumptuous food, fabulous mixology, the restorative spa... this was still an active holiday. The cost value is ultimately based on their included activities: fishing, hiking, horse back riding, the sight seeing boat trips, and the exhilarating experience they call "canyoning" (which is an insane activity of paddle boarding, rocking climbing, and swimming up rapids, followed by floating down a glacially-fed river in a cozy wet suit). There are plenty more (archery, shooting, rappelling, paintball, etc) , and it's a case of asking the coordinator what fits best. With the exception of the sight seeing experiences out in the Sound, all activities are personally curtailed and include an assigned guide for your party only. Equipment is provided for every activity variant, including if you'd like a private picnic on your hike, which was one of the experiences we requested and was readily and enthusiastically accommodated for.
The resort itself is a fantastic operation, relatively self-sufficient with an emphasis on respecting the Bedwell River Valley and restoring it following the mining and logging that was done to it prior to being proclaimed a protected biosphere. Their personal goal is revitalizing the salmon grounds, emphasis on nurturing salmon fry and protecting the ecosystem meant to sustain them. Many of the wood structures within the resort are crafted and sourced locally from deadwood (natural tree fall); included on property is a mill. While attempting to be as self-sufficient as possible with a mill, water-treatment facility, forage food + local gardens, the tents are opulent and they even have wi-fi (5mb) when the nearest town/city is a 35-minute boat ride away. It's glamping without the sacrifices, unless one desires cell service and TV.
Wouldn't recommend the resort for individuals looking for a chill vacation. The pampering is amazing, and every amenity is modern. However, if you're afraid of bugs (don't get the tents with outdoor showers if you're terrified of spiders like me. Lots of shrieking later...), don't enjoy nature, or are adverse to moving, it's a lot of money to spend on a spectacular view which other resorts in the area do provide. Still would come back for the food, and just the food alone, though looking forward to when the restrictions lift to do the beach combing experience.
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Room Tip: Lowest and highest numbered water view tents have the best views
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Helpful
Response from Baillie Lodges, Owner at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Responded Sep 19, 2021
Dear Vanessa, Thank you for your incredibly comprehensive review. Your kind appraisal of our staff, setting, dining and spa offerings is very generous, and it’s a pleasure to hear we hit the mark for what we’re sure was a much longed-for vacation. It sounds like you also enjoyed our extensive range of personally guided experiences – a flop and drop destination Clayoquot is not! Such a beautiful natural location needs the absolute lightest footprint, and we’re glad our passion for sustainability shines through to the guest experience. As you say, a stay at Clayoquot is ‘glamping without the sacrifices’, and we appreciate your sharing such a genuine and thoughtful summary of your visit (bugs and all!). Best wishes, and we hope to welcome you again! Team Clayoquot
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
After the toll this pandemic had on all of us, we searched for a Canadian destination where we could reenergize with ultimate peace and beautiful nature. We found Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge. Our first time "glamping". But not the last. We flew there from Vancouver, a quick 1 hour flight from the Vancouver airport. We were welcomed by Manager Extraordinaire Sarah, along with her equestrians and 2 magnificent horses and carriage. A very pleasant 10-min ride to the resort. And after a short distance on the road, you then face the estuary/delta of the Bedwell river, a magnificent view backed by snow-topped mountains. Perfect postal card picture.
We stayed 4 days.
The 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. We were not distracted by the internet, texting, etc. A true intimate experience.
We were there last week, early July and the nights were fresh. We had a gas-heater looking like a fireplace - quite romantic, that worked on a thermostat through the night. No A/C but it was not required at all during our stay.
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.
No safety box in the room but they do offer this service at the main lodge. We had no issue leaving all our stuff in the tents.
I was prepared with bugs spray - and it is offered in the rooms too - but did not have to use once.
Tons of activities, for adults and children. The horseback-riding was truly a wonderful surprise. First time for my young daughter who now adores this activity - so much she is asking for a horse now (you were right Paula). hahaha! parents, be warned! The horseback-riding sessions took us through streams, valleys, and the wonderful rainforest.
Multiple hiking trails are offered, some close, some needing the lodge's transportation by car/truck. Most hikes (one can be done safely alone but with a bear "noise-maker honking device") are with one of the many wonderful and knowledgeable guides as the forest does have cougars and black bears; we were fortunate to see 3 gentle black bears (at a distance) in our 4-day trip as this was the berry season in this part of the world. The guides can be quiet if you prefer and can teach you tons of stuff if interested.
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.
I adore hiking and did 3 beautiful hikes, one was easy enough to bring my daughter with us to a wonderful fall, seeing valleys, small plains, numerous streams, and luscious rainforest.
There is a fun but somewhat difficult/challenging cable-climbing to the top of a magnificent sitka tree - not for the faint of us I must say - yet my young daughter did it with zero fear, putting her papa to shame hahaha.
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 DuPéré, Toronto
We stayed 4 days.
The 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. We were not distracted by the internet, texting, etc. A true intimate experience.
We were there last week, early July and the nights were fresh. We had a gas-heater looking like a fireplace - quite romantic, that worked on a thermostat through the night. No A/C but it was not required at all during our stay.
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.
No safety box in the room but they do offer this service at the main lodge. We had no issue leaving all our stuff in the tents.
I was prepared with bugs spray - and it is offered in the rooms too - but did not have to use once.
Tons of activities, for adults and children. The horseback-riding was truly a wonderful surprise. First time for my young daughter who now adores this activity - so much she is asking for a horse now (you were right Paula). hahaha! parents, be warned! The horseback-riding sessions took us through streams, valleys, and the wonderful rainforest.
Multiple hiking trails are offered, some close, some needing the lodge's transportation by car/truck. Most hikes (one can be done safely alone but with a bear "noise-maker honking device") are with one of the many wonderful and knowledgeable guides as the forest does have cougars and black bears; we were fortunate to see 3 gentle black bears (at a distance) in our 4-day trip as this was the berry season in this part of the world. The guides can be quiet if you prefer and can teach you tons of stuff if interested.
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.
I adore hiking and did 3 beautiful hikes, one was easy enough to bring my daughter with us to a wonderful fall, seeing valleys, small plains, numerous streams, and luscious rainforest.
There is a fun but somewhat difficult/challenging cable-climbing to the top of a magnificent sitka tree - not for the faint of us I must say - yet my young daughter did it with zero fear, putting her papa to shame hahaha.
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 DuPéré, Toronto
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Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Baillie Lodges, Owner at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Responded Jul 14, 2021
Dear Marc and family, Thank you for taking the time to write such a superbly detailed review of your stay. It captures the Clayoquot experience perfectly! We love hearing that you enjoyed the comforts of your tented sleeping quarters complete with a private, cedar-scented outdoor shower (such an evocative description!) and that we’ve found the right balance between seclusion and luxury. Likewise your praise of our decision not to provide wifi service in the restaurant ensuring the focus is very much in the moment. As a result, everything is amplified - the flavors of Chef Asher’s exceptional cuisine, the ever-changing conditions on the Sound and most importantly the conversation happening around the dining table. There is always a lot to talk about when at the lodge! The lodge was founded to showcase the wilderness surrounds in a manner that really engages with all ages and interests. How lovely it is to hear from a passionate hiker that you enjoyed the quality and diversity of our trails and that you could share the activity with your daughter. Our team is adept at choreographing an itinerary to our guests’ interests, and it sounds you were certainly kept busy with the hiking, Zodiac wildlife watching tour, kayaking, tree climb, horse riding and more. We couldn’t agree more – it’s our people that really elevate the guest experience and it’s not an accident that we’re blessed with nature, sustainability, and outdoor enthusiasts across all departments. We’re thrilled to hear their genuine love for Clayoquot Sound was felt by you and your family. It’s kind words like yours that make all of the effort worth it Marc and the team are greatly humbled by your testimony. As to your daughter’s wish to now have a horse, we’re sorry about that! Please rest assured there will always be one saddled here waiting for her return! Sincerely, Team Clayoquot
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Imagine, arriving in a float plane “Fantasy Island” style, reminiscent of the 70’s TV show with Ricardo Montalbon greeting you with the famous line; “Welcome to Fantasy Island!” But instead of a suave Spaniard, you are greeted by a down to earth, attractive, couple in their 50’s dressed in stylish blue jeans and cowboy hats. John and Adel Caton, meet your plane at a deserted dock in a remote part of Clayoquot Sound, with a warm smile and firm hand shake. Accompanied by the their staff, you are then loaded onto a horse drawn rig, where you follow a gravel road along the islands shore to a beautiful waterside campsite, with camp dogs running in tow, barking to announce your arrival. You are quickly deposited at an outdoor living room, complete with red velvet couches, chairs and blazing majestic rock fireplace, where champagne cocktails and fresh sushi appetizers await. John then gives his welcome speech and gives you the lay of the land (including copious warnings about bears and not keeping food in your tents). Yes, you are in a very remote part of BC Canada, and wild animals are abound.
The camp is expertly designed with beautiful canvas tents joined by cedar wood walkways intertwined through a big cedar forest opening to the lovely Clayoquot Sound. It’s like an upscale camping safari – but western style. Our tent was complete with unimaginable creature comforts including a big 4-poster king size bed, soft bamboo sheets with down feather pillows, a leather couch, wood flooring, antique rungs, antique armour, as well as electricity and a gas lit stove. We also had an attached bathroom with ambient lighting, heated floors and outdoor shower with high-end Grohe rain shower fixtures. Our nephews stayed in a double tent just as lovely, but smaller and no attached bath. Their facilities although unattached, also every nice, are free standing and within short walking distance to their tent.
This experience actually has a name, it’s called “Glamping” short for glamour camping. I discovered this new trend, after meeting an upscale travel agent on a trip to Utah a few years ago. The idea is, you get a very authentic outdoor camping experience in one of the world’s most beautiful and remote areas, while still having a most exceptional luxury experience. I’ve stayed at many 5-star hotels (Mandarin, Aman, Four Seasons), and this place is right up there! Important to note, it’s not stuffy or snooty. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about everything from hiking, kayaking, fishing, shooting, boating, horse riding, mountain biking and more. This is the ultimate outdoor experience! They also have an exquisite spa area with outdoor cedar soaking tubs (overlooking the Clayoquot sound), and beautiful cedar spa cabins with excellent massage therapists. And more importantly, massages offered until 10PM, so you have time for dinner and a massage before bed. The staff makes it easy to get treatments, makes sure to schedule around any excursions may have planned during the day.
John and Adel have thought of everything to make you feel special. The meals are prepared by a gourmet chef, accompanied by attentive table service, as well as an experienced wine Sommelier. But be prepared, most of wines are Canadian (Canada is not friendly to wine imports). As experienced Canada travelers, we brought our own stash of wine to be served with our dinners and the staff were more than happy un cork the bottles. After dinner arrive home to your tent, to find turn down service with candles and oil lamps warmly lit to greet your arrival.
In the morning, you’ll awake to find a small cooler outside your door, filled with a freshly brewed coffee craft, cream sugar and coffee cups. At breakfast in the shore side dining room, you can order any array of gourmet breakfast choices from omelets, bacon, sausage, crapes, oatmeal, or have them pack a quick breakfast burrito for you to go. For your back pack, they have an abundance of candy, cookies and snack bars self serve. All excursions include pre packed lunches.
The excursions are very varied and your allowed to decide the night before what you want to do for the next day. John comes to your table during dinner, with clip board in hand, to schedule your next day’s activities. This is great, because if you change your mind, you can adjust your schedule as you go. We stayed for 5 days, and had every day packed full of adventures. The first morning we had an exciting whale watching boat ride into the pacific ocean. We then went to a nearby island where we took a “walk on the wild side” – accompanied by our knowledgeable guide (with a degree in environmental science) and his guide dogs Annie and Rango (a 4 month black lab in training). The days followed with riffle shooting, skeet shooting, paintball, whitewater kayaking and mountain biking. The excursions can be mild or very challenging, depending on your level of experience. We are very experienced hikers, and found some of the hikes are very challenging. But the whitewater kayaking was the most challenging and exhilarating excursion (yes its very cold and you will overturn in your kayak).
The camp is populated with over 19 dogs, all trained to guard the camp from bears and other critters, as well as accompany you on hikes and trail rides. If you’re lucky, you’ll actually witness the dogs chasing a bear through camp. We had the pleasure of hiking with 3 awesome dogs during our trip, as the guides are allowed to bring their dogs, if they are well trained and can get along with other camp dogs. These are the best of the best dogs (all different breeds), the Dog Whisperer would be proud!
Last year we had our first “glamping” experience at PawsUP near Missoula Montana. While we enjoyed that experience, Clayoquot is a far superior. PawsUp also has very nice accommodations (including first rate tents, beds, sheets etc.), in comparison lacks the warmth and special service touch of Clayoquot. PawsUp is run by a corporation, and thus feels a bit cold and undetached (we also encountered some disgruntled employees), while Clayoquot has proprietors who own and operate their camp, so they touch and feel the operation daily. All the employees we encountered at Clayoquot were professional, highly trained and happy to be there (many returning multiple seasons). Important to note, Clayoquot is much more expensive in comparison to PawsUP, but worth every penny!
The camp is expertly designed with beautiful canvas tents joined by cedar wood walkways intertwined through a big cedar forest opening to the lovely Clayoquot Sound. It’s like an upscale camping safari – but western style. Our tent was complete with unimaginable creature comforts including a big 4-poster king size bed, soft bamboo sheets with down feather pillows, a leather couch, wood flooring, antique rungs, antique armour, as well as electricity and a gas lit stove. We also had an attached bathroom with ambient lighting, heated floors and outdoor shower with high-end Grohe rain shower fixtures. Our nephews stayed in a double tent just as lovely, but smaller and no attached bath. Their facilities although unattached, also every nice, are free standing and within short walking distance to their tent.
This experience actually has a name, it’s called “Glamping” short for glamour camping. I discovered this new trend, after meeting an upscale travel agent on a trip to Utah a few years ago. The idea is, you get a very authentic outdoor camping experience in one of the world’s most beautiful and remote areas, while still having a most exceptional luxury experience. I’ve stayed at many 5-star hotels (Mandarin, Aman, Four Seasons), and this place is right up there! Important to note, it’s not stuffy or snooty. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about everything from hiking, kayaking, fishing, shooting, boating, horse riding, mountain biking and more. This is the ultimate outdoor experience! They also have an exquisite spa area with outdoor cedar soaking tubs (overlooking the Clayoquot sound), and beautiful cedar spa cabins with excellent massage therapists. And more importantly, massages offered until 10PM, so you have time for dinner and a massage before bed. The staff makes it easy to get treatments, makes sure to schedule around any excursions may have planned during the day.
John and Adel have thought of everything to make you feel special. The meals are prepared by a gourmet chef, accompanied by attentive table service, as well as an experienced wine Sommelier. But be prepared, most of wines are Canadian (Canada is not friendly to wine imports). As experienced Canada travelers, we brought our own stash of wine to be served with our dinners and the staff were more than happy un cork the bottles. After dinner arrive home to your tent, to find turn down service with candles and oil lamps warmly lit to greet your arrival.
In the morning, you’ll awake to find a small cooler outside your door, filled with a freshly brewed coffee craft, cream sugar and coffee cups. At breakfast in the shore side dining room, you can order any array of gourmet breakfast choices from omelets, bacon, sausage, crapes, oatmeal, or have them pack a quick breakfast burrito for you to go. For your back pack, they have an abundance of candy, cookies and snack bars self serve. All excursions include pre packed lunches.
The excursions are very varied and your allowed to decide the night before what you want to do for the next day. John comes to your table during dinner, with clip board in hand, to schedule your next day’s activities. This is great, because if you change your mind, you can adjust your schedule as you go. We stayed for 5 days, and had every day packed full of adventures. The first morning we had an exciting whale watching boat ride into the pacific ocean. We then went to a nearby island where we took a “walk on the wild side” – accompanied by our knowledgeable guide (with a degree in environmental science) and his guide dogs Annie and Rango (a 4 month black lab in training). The days followed with riffle shooting, skeet shooting, paintball, whitewater kayaking and mountain biking. The excursions can be mild or very challenging, depending on your level of experience. We are very experienced hikers, and found some of the hikes are very challenging. But the whitewater kayaking was the most challenging and exhilarating excursion (yes its very cold and you will overturn in your kayak).
The camp is populated with over 19 dogs, all trained to guard the camp from bears and other critters, as well as accompany you on hikes and trail rides. If you’re lucky, you’ll actually witness the dogs chasing a bear through camp. We had the pleasure of hiking with 3 awesome dogs during our trip, as the guides are allowed to bring their dogs, if they are well trained and can get along with other camp dogs. These are the best of the best dogs (all different breeds), the Dog Whisperer would be proud!
Last year we had our first “glamping” experience at PawsUP near Missoula Montana. While we enjoyed that experience, Clayoquot is a far superior. PawsUp also has very nice accommodations (including first rate tents, beds, sheets etc.), in comparison lacks the warmth and special service touch of Clayoquot. PawsUp is run by a corporation, and thus feels a bit cold and undetached (we also encountered some disgruntled employees), while Clayoquot has proprietors who own and operate their camp, so they touch and feel the operation daily. All the employees we encountered at Clayoquot were professional, highly trained and happy to be there (many returning multiple seasons). Important to note, Clayoquot is much more expensive in comparison to PawsUP, but worth every penny!
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Room Tip: I highly recomend the tent with attached bathroom, its expensive, but worth every penny!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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We really enjoyed this getaway. Spent one day fishing, caught lots of fish and they assisted us in getting them smoked and shipped home. Went on several bear and whale expeditions. Horseback riding and kayaking. THe rain forest ae amazing and the staff cant be beat. At teh end of the day sit on the couch near the fireplace. And absolutely the best food and chefs you will ever meet!!! Did I mention the smoked salmon????? MMMMM makes me wish we were there right now!!!yrs
We stayed here several yrs ago maybe 6 yrs ago, the When did you travel button below does not go back that far!!!
We stayed here several yrs ago maybe 6 yrs ago, the When did you travel button below does not go back that far!!!
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Room Tip: Doesnt matter which room they are all the best!!!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Responded Jun 29, 2012
Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to write about your time here with us 6 years ago! You can tell that there are fond memories from your visit with us which was great to read. There has been a lot of changes in 6 years, might be time for a re-visit and another wonderful wilderness getaway! With warm regards, Kathy Social Media and Marketing.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.