Seaplane ride in was special, you see how remote this place is.The staff are relaxed and professional, they adapt activities to abilities/wants/needs. Our tent with en suite big,warm sumptuous! The place is Magical with killer views everywhere! The bar and deck are the best we have seen amongst our travels with attentiveness of delivery first class service and variety of drinks! The activities range is brilliant, we stayed a week and tried everything barr fishing as it’s not our bag. Lots of staff here have their dogs so it does feel like a home from home. The remoteness is real we heli hiked to a summit and you can see the vast views mountains and river with the lodge and nothing else !! Horses are well looked after and riding the river bed is cool. Canyoning was a blast and at the end of each activity luxury awaits, food here is like eating at a mitchellin star restaurant we are taking recipes home! Spa and hot tubs are brilliant, along with private dining options too. These guys have it right for a delux remote break with luxury and quality thrown in. We could stay a year!
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Don’t worry if you forget something they have everything here you need to do the activities.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Response from Baillie Lodges, Owner at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Responded Sep 22, 2022
Dear Ann-Marie
Such a heartfelt review, thank you! Your excitement is palpable and we think you've covered every aspect - from the Michelin star worthy food (our chefs will love that!) and wide range of adventures (the heli hiking jaunt sounds like a real 'pinch-me' moment!) to the scrumptious cosiness of the tent and awesome bar and rooftop deck, not to forget the horses and doggies which are so part of the experience.
We're grateful to you for giving others reading a virtual account of what the Clayoquot experience is truly like - in a nutshell, unforgettable.
Best regards Team Clayoquot
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We had a wonderful time during our stay! The setting is magical (it is even better than the photos), the staff is knowledgeable, caring and very hardworking. The dogs to pet are all adorable. The food was delicious (I’m still dreaming about the scallops!). From the restaurant to the bar to the guides the service was excellent. (I had a personal issue one day that meant I needed to change our plans for the day 20 minutes before the trip went out. They moved guides schedules around to accommodate me.) The spa... heaven! I can't recommend Clayoquot highly enough.
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Response from Rosalyn Y, Guest Relations Manager at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Responded Aug 7, 2018
Dear MaryG179,
Thank you so much for this outstanding review! I am thrilled that you had such a wonderful stay with us. 'Magical' is definitely one of the best words to describe our wilderness setting here, and one I find myself using often. And I too, dream about those scallops on the regular! :-) It is our goal to provide excellent service across the board and and I am glad we were able to deliver that for you. We pride ourselves on being as flexible and accommodating as we can when it comes to our activities and excursions, so I appreciate you mentioning that.
Again, thank you for taking the time to share this review. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Sincerely,
Rosalyn Young Marketing and Guest Relations Manager
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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
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Date of stay: July 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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I would highly recommend this resort for an active family. You arrive by seaplane onto this beautiful campsite in the middle of nowhere. The tents are simply beautiful with everything you could need...bathrooms, showers, heated floors. The restaurant is delicious. And all the activities are tailored to your family's needs, ages, etc. Also, a unique and amaxing feature is you don't have to book your activities in advance...you do it after you arrive with John, the founder of this amazing place.
There are s'mores each evening and the kids run around together and make new friends from around the world.
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Date of stay: July 2015Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Response from elguir1, General Manager at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Responded Aug 20, 2015
Hello TW, thank you for writing about your "amazing vacation" experience at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. As General Manager, I am always delighted to hear that our unique combination of wilderness and luxury combine to provide unforgettable memories. Please come and visit us again very soon. Kindest regards,
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I hope the title got your attention, because this place really deserves it. The restaurant is indeed superb, particularly given the fact that it is 18 miles from the nearest paved road. And yes, some of the older tents have chemical toilets outside, but they are immaculate, and apparently good enough for Scarlett Johannsen who was married at Clayoquot in 2008. (It's not Clayoquot's fault that it didn't work out) If the restaurant were located in a metropolis, it would definitely be among the very best, and worth a special trip. The ingredients are mostly locally sourced, and expertly prepared. The sommelier is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about introducing diners to Clayoquot's collection of eye-opening British Columbia wines.
And the culinary experience is only a sideshow to the real heart of Clayoquot, the stunning Vancouver Island environment. Trees, trails, rivers, bays, mountains. Whales, seals, eagles, bears. You can ride a horse, hike, kayak, cruise the bay and the Pacific looking for whales or fishing in a Zodiac. Zipline, paintball, skeet shooting, mountain biking. And the spa is first-rate.
There was so much to do that it felt like we were there for more than four days, but at the same time, at the end of our last day we didn't want to leave.
John and Adele Caton have, along with their very special staff, created a wonderful place in a spectacular wilderness. It's pricey, but more than worth every cent you spend.
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Date of stay: September 2011Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Response from Kathy M, Social Media and Marketing at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Responded Oct 2, 2012
Hello Harrydog44 and what an enticing title you have there. Certainly got our attention! You have nailed Chef Orr's delectable dinning experience to a tee, well done! We strive to make everyone's experience here the best the will have and it sounds like we accomplished that here. We hope that we will stay in your memories and that we will see you again in the future!
Until next time,
Kathy MacRae
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