Vancouver Island’s celebrated luxury outpost Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge skirts the banks of its namesake ocean inlet, Clayoquot Sound and offers an escape to the still, tranquil beauty of Canada’s remote wilderness. Set among magnificent conifer forests, the lodge offers guests an unforgettable experience of the landscape and its wildlife. Adventure-filled days are bolstered by local produce-driven, sustainable dining, fine wines and the chance to unwind in generously appointed guest quarters. Twenty-five canvas tents designed with contemporary interiors complement local artisan-designed pieces to offer a decadent retreat.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Location
Bedwell River Valley, British Columbia V0R 2Z0 Canada
Without question, this was the most incredible travel experience of our lives. While it was probably also the most expensive, it was undoubtedly the best value for money. As soon as we arrived, we regretted the fact that we were only staying three nights. Everything about Clayoquot is breathtaking. From the scenery and wildlife, to the rooms and facilities. The dining experience is absolutely 5-star, as are the staff and the tours offered. Every experience here exceeded our high expectations, in particular the wildlife viewing and the dining. We want to thank John and Gary in particular, who made our honeymoon absolutely unforgettable after giving us a complimentary helicopter ride and hike, our own private tours on everything we did, and plenty of hand-selected champagne and wine. It was such an incredible experience and we cannot wait to come back.
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Date of stay: August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We travelled to Clayoquot, as a family, at the end of an awesome trip through Alberta and BC. I was slightly nervous that CWR couldn't live up to my hope of topping off such a great holiday.
Every minute there was a joy for all of us (helped by meeting some truly lovely guests and the great atmosphere created by all members of staff). A few of the reasons we loved it (in no particular order): scenery stunning; the beds could not have been more comfortable; the yoga was blissful (although sadly we couldn't do it every morning or we would have missed some trips) and massages perfect; the food was exquisite - I'm hungry at the memory; guides fascinating, fun and knowledgeable; water falls refreshing; horses understanding; wildlife plentiful (can't list it all) ..... It wasn't a high octane activity stay ... it felt like the perfect family gathering with all the relaxed fun you could possibly want. Of all the family holidays we have been lucky enough to go on, this one will be remembered with the best, possibly as the best, for a very long time. Can't thank you (and the birthday cake providers) enough.
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Date of stay: July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is our second visit to Clayoquot. We had an even better (but without the unique "first-time" feeling) experience than two years ago. The staff is amazing, the location breathtaking and the food glorious. We did a helicopter drop off on top of a nearby mountain, had a picnic next to a beautiful lake and hiked for a while before the helicopter came back to pick us up. Kudos to the amazing pilot who then did a daring flyby the camp, very, very close to the ground. The kids loved it. Thanks to John and Adele for a warm welcome and to Gary, the new general manager who does a fantastic job.
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Date of stay: July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from elguir1, General Manager at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Responded Aug 21, 2015
Dear sikorskd, I am so very grateful that you took a moment of your valuable time to tell everyone about your second visit to Clayoquot Wilderness Resort including your wonderful heli-hiking experience. Josh is an amazing pilot! As General Manager, I am pleased that we exceeded your expectations and your comments will be helpful for others planning a trip to visit us. Thank you for your kind words and allow me to extend the "fantastic job" kudos to the entire team here at the resort. I hope to see you and your family here for the third visit. Best regards,
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I have traveled all over the world to every continent except Antarctica and have stayed in some of the finest accommodations available. I have experienced superb service in places one might not expect it, but NEVER to the degree our group received at Clayoquot last week! Every single staff member, from John and Adele to the guys who fill the torches and stock the fire wood are superbly friendly and helpful. The food is fabulous and the servers are absolutely first rate. The sommelier Teresa (Tereza?) was absolutely superb in her knowledge of the wonderful BC wines and paring them with the different courses. The servers, Sasha and Johnny made every meal great fun!
I have read most reviews of Clayoquot and find it hard to add to what others have said. This place is very expensive, but once you are here there is very little that is not included in the price you paid. Perfection on the order of Clayoquot does not come cheap! Every single thing here is better than first class (a term airlines are rapidly degrading!) Everyone in our group received value far in excess of the price we paid! WOW!
Experiencing Clayoquot reminds me of the first time I saw the Grand Canyon. Nothing you have read or seen or been told by others will prepare you for the experience until you see it yourself!
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Date of stay: September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My 84 year old mother and I just left here yesterday afternoon. Let me start by saying that in my 35 years of traveling, and her 55 years, we have never experiences such a splendid three days as we did at Clayoquat.
It all started before arrival with a scenic and thrilling seaplane ride landing right at their private dock. Then a refined tone was set with a sparkling wine and creative sushi welcome. All staff were present to meet us. The location is majestic and John and Adel accent it with equally as special accommodations. It's all in the details and there are many details. The food is as good as it gets and that includes comparing it to the finest urban restaurants. Slumber in your pristine antique appointed tent is dead quiet.
And, mornings bring an endless array of activities. Among other things, I went on a land and marine wildlife safari, had a hot stone massage, road a horse named Wrangler into pristine old growth forest, shot rifles and shotguns and did archery, fished for salmon and brought home 14 dungeness crab for my fellow guests to dine on.
I am certain that if you choose to come here you will be glad you did. Clayoquat is just that special and definitely is worth the price.
Go for it.
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Date of stay: September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kathy M, Director of Marketing at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Responded Mar 5, 2015
Love that not even the sound of the birds chirping or the crickets disturbed your slumber Steven C! Thank you for such a lovely review. How lovely that you and your 84 year old mother were able to have such a wonderful time here together!
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A stay at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is a once in a lifetime experience that you will want to re-live over and over again. The resort is located in one of the most beautiful locations in the world, and the Resort’s staff, amenities, and unlimited activities match the exquisite location.
The accommodations (tents with wood floors) are wonderfully sited along an estuary in the forest connected by board walks as to not disturb the forest floor. They are absolutely luxurious! The bathrooms have double sinks, heated floors, outdoor showers with forest views, and beautiful roughhewn cedar walls and doors. Gorgeous! The beds and linens are so comfy it makes getting out of bed difficult every morning. The tents also have private decks with beautiful views to enjoy an afternoon glass of wine after a long day of activities.
My husband and I spent our days hiking, horseback riding (they have a horse for every level of rider) kayaking, and touring beautiful Clayoquot Sound. Wildlife in the Sound is abundant. We saw Stellar Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Orca Whales, Harbor Seals, Eagles, and even a few spawning Coho salmon in the Ursus River. Black bear, wolfs, cougar and elk frequent the area as well. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable and you will often have them to yourself, as each day’s activity is personally set up just for you.
Dinner each evening was a real treat. Chef Ryan does a fantastic job showcasing the delicious regional cuisine, and sommelier Tereza was very knowledgeable, picking the best Canadian wines to showcase each evening. Jonny made sure we had some fabulous drink in our hands at all times, and even checked on us late into the evening one night as we played pool in the pool hall tent.
Owners John and Adele could not be more welcoming and their care and concern for the place the call home is evident in every way. This place will make you understand why protecting and preserving natural environments is so important, and I want to personally thank the owners for their efforts and dedication to protect, preserve and restore this piece of heaven for generations to come.
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Date of stay: September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our 3rd visit in 5 years and we had booked for 12 days/11nights (1st time 4 days - 2nd time 7 days) so we were questioning whether we could last this long in this activity heaven !! But sure enough, yet again, John and the crew at Clayoquot over-delivered. We all (family of 5 with 17, 14 yr old boys and 8-yr old girl) came away going wow that was fantastic again please can we go back next year! It is hard to single out any one thing or any one person - I can't mention one name because that would be unfair to everyone else - every staff member we met was awesome and committed to making your time a significant and memorable time. The activities and Wilderness are truly unique and we found brand new ones that made our length of stay exceptional again. I could go on and on with the qualities of the experience - basically just trust me, most of the posts here and every Clayoquot guest I have ever met and make sure you go here if you can - it is an experience you will never forget !! Enjoy.
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Date of stay: August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where to start?? Usually after a great trip, there is a handful of staff that you want to thank. In this case, it was the ENTIRE staff. And I mean the ENTIRE staff. I would put each one of your names here, but just know all 50-ish of you were each so very much appreciated.... First off, the food is truly AMAZING. Each and every meal and snack is just perfect. Sommelier-paired with wines if you like (Thanks, Tereza!) Whether you are a meat-lover, seafood lover, or vegetarian...you will find that each meal is better than the average 5-star restaurant. Not only that, but the staff prides itself on knowing your preferences and ensuring that everything is perfect every time. I'd tell you what my favorite meal was, but it would take 5 pages as they were all amazing. Oh, and the baked goods are made fresh every day, so don't plan to lose any weight here! (PS Caris makes the most "deadly" chocolate-cappuccino cookie in the world.) Now...for the activities....It rained almost every day we were there. It took us a few days to figure out how to deal with the rain, but once we did it was amazing. The best thing to do in the rain is....head for the water! The paddle boarding, kayaking, river kayaking, fishing was all so much fun. But so was the running with a guide, hiking, Walk on the Wild Side, horseback riding, etc etc. Hardest part of the trip was having to decide. And, then there was the spa. Our package had a few free massages (amazing) but don't stop there! We also sampled the facials and the wraps - even dreamier than the massages if that's possible. Housekeeping - THANK YOU FOR ALL THE LAUNDRY! Being active, you will change clothes a lot more than in real life, and in our case we usually did 3 things a day (like a run, kayak, horseback ride). (Sign up for activities the night before) Don't come with a preconceived notion about your day. Just go with the flow and listen to John's suggestions for your day. He watches the weather and gets to know you fairly well and will help you put together the most amazing days. The housekeeping staff is so so sweet and handled our sloppy laundry bag with elegance and grace. They ensured we had clean clothes as often as we needed as well. And coming back to the candlelit tent after dinner is so amazing. Things to remember to pack for sure....extra wicking t-shirts, extra workout capris or pants, a non-down puffy jacket and rain jacket, hat, and extra socks. Hadn't anticipated changing 3-4 times a day!! Trail runners and water sandals are the only shoes you need. I did need to buy a jacket and Adele showed me the best one (thanks!). However, they do have great rain gear, rain boots, overalls for riding when wet, dry suits, wet suits, riding boots, neoprene water booties....As for dinner attire, some folks dressed up and some folks did not - and nobody really cares what anyone else does. It is the most relaxing and fun place ever. As to previous TA comments on kids and noise...we had a number of kids at the Resort while we where there - and they only added to the fun. Everyone seemed to have a good time whether honeymooning, proposing, spending time with family, being there as a couple, or with a group of friends. We will miss you all...!
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Date of stay: August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kathy M, Director of Marketing at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Responded Aug 29, 2013
Thank you addax12! We are constantly being overwhelmed by great reviews and this is no different! We are truly thankful to each and every guest that writes a review here for us and is able to outline everything that they felt exceeded their expectations. Each and every staff member here thanks you for being wonderful guests! As you can tell by other reviews, each of us love our jobs and love where we are. John and Adele have done a wonderful job of finding staff that appreciate the outdoors, people and everything that goes into a making this an extraordinary wilderness experience. I am sure I can speak for Chef Ryan and his team when I say, thank you for your kind words about the food, the atmosphere and the staff. We are incredibly lucky to have the staff in our cookhouse that work as hard as they do and always do it with a smile on! With that I say, I hope that we are lucky enough to see you again in the future! Warmest regards, Kathy
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Possibly the most difficult thing is to put this experience into words, because from the moment you arrive there, it renders you speechless.
I am born and raised in British Columbia and am all too familiar with the spoils of this great place but nothing prepared me for this side of our stellar province. My boyfriend managed to surprise me, so I had no idea where I was going or what to expect. I am deathly afraid of flying but our pilot gave us the view of a lifetime flying us over and through the mountains, and the hidden lakes within. We had a family flying with us from North Carolina and we are were all chatting away and expressing our excitement, and collectively with the pilot, my boyfriend and this family my fears of flying dissipated. We landed in the middle of nowhere and came to a dock. The first thing that happens when you get off the plane is see the staff and owners waiting to greet you with a hug and a big welcome. They take your bags, tell you not to worry about a thing, and warmly guide you to a horse-drawn carriage where appetizers and drinks await you while you settle in. In that first few minutes of arriving, they set the tone for world-class service while treating you like a member of their cherished family.
As you arrive to the main lodge called the Outpost/Cookhouse, there is the staff holding trays of drinks, smiling and waving at you. They guide you in, and the sommelier begins talking to you (Tereza) and getting to know you. I call her the ‘mind reader’ for her ability to pinpoint what appeals to your palate before even you do!
It is magical, to say the least. I’ve experience all-inclusive resorts before, but never have I experienced an ALL-ENCOMPASSING getaway. The service is unparalleled, where they mirror the joy and excitement you feel in the way they interact with you. The guides are knowledgeable and kind, and so open and friendly that you feel like you’re part of this beautiful secret that is their lives. Especially Eugene who took us to go whale watching and looked genuinely concerned for me when I asked him to suddenly stop the boat, when I realized I had not yet gotten my ‘sea legs’!
The Executive Chef, Ryan Orr, has a gift for food where just eating becomes one of the best parts of this vacation. I would go ‘off menu’ and ask him to create things for me, and if he had time, he would do it! I recommend the elk salami and brie grilled cheese ;) Possibly the most exceptional food I have ever tasted in my life, and I have experience a lot of fine dining. The entire cook staff will talk to you and hang out, while they’re prepping the food if you sit at the bar. They are geniuses, humble and cool, all the while creating masterpieces… it’s sensational to witness, and taste!
I wish we had had enough time to experience all that this resort had to offer!! But we managed the following; Healing Springs Spa, there are tents on the water with a main spa in a little lodge. It is already a stunning place to stumble into but then you get your massage (hot stone and deep tissue for me) and you hear the rain gently tapping on the tent and every masseuse there (I experienced 2 of them!) has the ability to render you more relaxed than you even thought possible. I’m a spa junkie, and never have I had a massage like these. Horseback riding, I haven’t been on a horse since I was 9 and was terrified. Take a look at the Facebook page and you’ll see my face. I was reassured by the owner who took us out, John Caton, that I would come back from my ride as if I have always ridden. Yeah right, I thought. Elle (my horse) and I weren’t too sure about each other to begin with. Every step of the way, John reminded me what I should be doing so that I didn’t have the chance to panic or worry. We went through the old-growth forest trails and through the river! It was exhilarating! I came back ‘at one’ with Elle ;) We went whale-watching, skeet shooting, eagle feeding, and sea kayaking. We got to see a pod of Orca’s on our whale-watching tour and it was like witnessing a miracle. Eugene was on that radio, taking us all over the water to make sure we got to see this.
My boyfriend had planned a proposal here, and many of the staff and the owners knew what was up, and were all a part of the secret plan. No one gave anything away!! I knew once we got there, that this place was my gift for the year, and did not anticipate a ring. Knowing I didn’t want an audience for this kind of special and intimate moment, my boyfriend took me to our tent in the rainforest, on our big patio overlooking the water and fell to bended knee. After a lot of tears and laughter (so much so that the guests in the hot tub down below thought I might be dealing with a bear!) and a resounding YES, we returned to the cookhouse where everyone waited to see if I knew. Once they realized the question had been popped, out came the champagne and cheers, and hugs and congratulations! And the whole group, staff, owners and guests celebrated with us. Just writing about this is bringing happy tears to my eyes… again.
John and Adele know what they’re doing because they love what they’re doing, and that’s making their guests a part of this enchanted world with a graciousness you have yet to experience.
Kathy is a rock star because no matter how many times you change your plans, she’ll find a way (and a guide) to make sure you still get to do what you want. Although sticking to the planned activities would probably be preferred by her, she’ll never let you know it.
You don’t have to worry, rush, settle a bill after a meal… nothing. This is your time and they will make sure you remember that this is about you and your experience here. It’s unreal, it’s a fairytale.
Leaving was the hardest part, and I’m a woman who loves to go away, but loves coming home just as much. I actually cried like a baby upon leaving. You experience the same hospitality leaving as you do arriving. Everyone stands in a line and hugs you or shakes your hand, and John and Adele hold you tight and thank you for being there, and then you board the plane, sad but infinitely thankful.
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Date of stay: August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As soon as you arrive at Clayoquot, you feel part of the family. The staff are knowledgeable and warm. The location is breathtaking. The food is some of the best I have ever tasted. Just being here is both immensely calming yet the vastness of the surroundings leaves you feeling slapped in the face by Nature. In fact I'm finding it really hard to summarise just how it feels to be at Clayoquot - the experience is peaceful yet stimulating, down to earth and yet heavenly. It is a place that is very hard to leave but that will always stay with you.
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Date of stay: September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kathy M, Social Media and Marketing at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Responded Nov 9, 2012
Thank you Jools_B_London for that wonderful review. We are able to do what we do so well because of guests like you. Thank you for taking the time to write to let others know about your time with us, this goes a long way and we truly appreciate it. Hope to see you back again soon. It is always so nice to see that wagon coming over the bridge with familiar faces on it! With warm regards, Kathy
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Hi there Sandra,
Unfortunately we can't allow pets at the lodge. The reviews are with reference to our staff dogs, who undergo training to ensure they are capable of managing in the wild.
We have to take precautions to safeguard biodiversity and ensure the ecosystem goes undisturbed, we hope you understand.
Sincerely,
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Thanks for reaching out and great question.
The temperature and weather between July and August is very similar, with both months recording average daily highs of 23 degrees (Celsius), and the lowest months of rainfall for the year with less than 100 millimetres. August typically sees the return of thick morning fog, striking a nice contrast to the mountains and burning off throughout the morning. The dates you've mentioned showcase fantastic weather to explore the Sound, and I hope we get to show you in person!
On our website you can find a "Reserve Now' button on the top right of the page. This will allow you to check availabilities and provide more information about rooms and bookings. Contact information for our reservations team is also available via our website. We hope to welcome you soon !
Hi Richard,
While we offer ocean fishing and alpine lake fishing experiences, we are no longer offering activities targeting Salmon due to environmental sustainability implications. We do have specialist fly fishing guides who can take you fishing the beautiful lakes and rivers, but protecting Salmon is critical for the ecosystem.
Thanks Richard
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