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.

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