Clayoquot Sound was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000. A diverse range of ecosystems exist within the reserve, ranging from temperate coastal rainforest and old growth conifer forest to ocean inlets and rocky coastal shores. Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is located at the very centre of the reserve, at the northeast end of a seven mile-long (11km) deep water fjord at Bedwell Sound – part of Clayoquot Sound – at the mouth of the Bedwell River.
Adventures abound in the wildly diverse natural playground at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge with seemingly endless options from exhilarating heli-flights and remote hiking to rewarding wildlife-spotting and yoga. The experiences on offer at Clayoquot promise an unforgettable journey of shared discovery and memory-making with those who matter most.
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From an e-bike ride and paddle up the glacial-fed Bedwell River to scrambling over boulders and a (voluntary!) leap into the whitewater, the Canyoning expedition has it all!
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This action-packed, half-day marine excursion tours Clayoquot Sound’s vast ocean expanses and estuary reserves in search of the region’s wildlife superstars: whales and bears.
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Practice mindfulness and stillness in a cold-water immersion in the pristine Bedwell River, flowing through different modalities to realign the spirit, mind and body connection.
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Clayoquot’s heli fly fishing adventure takes the craft to new heights, reaching remote, secret fishing spots accessible only by helicopter, with tips and tricks shared by an expert angler guide.
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Clayoquot Sound is a wonderful playground for marine activities where guests can try their hand at a raft of paddling adventures, from canoes and kayaks to stand up paddle boards.
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Get back to nature on this challenging trail, following the contours of Penny Creek to take in scenic lookouts, crystal-clear pools and a spectacular waterfall. Bring your swimsuit!
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Explore the heart of Clayoquot Sound taking in the sights of the Ursus Valley trail on foot, then swap your hiking boots for wings and enjoy the return leg of the journey in style.
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A challenging skill and concentration-boosting experience, guided rock climbing is offered for adventurers of all ages and stages on a dedicated climbing wall looking out over Bedwell Sound.
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Perfect for a special occasion, the decadent Sip to Sky heli experience takes in Clayoquot Sound’s natural highlights whilst enjoying sky-high signature drinks and charcuterie.
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Clayoquot’s ancient deep-green forest setting evokes the inner Robin Hood. This is a better time than any to take aim for the bullseye; set your sights and steady the nerve with a fun and skill-building game of archery.
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Set off on a fun ocean fishing experience around Clayoquot Sound. Armed with local tips from the captain, cast off for halibut, wild lingcod, salmon and more and trawl the prawn traps - each catch offers a new thrill or discovery.
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Clayoquot is the traditional home of the Ahousaht people, who are a part of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, who have lived around the sound for more than 2000 years. Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is located in the First Nations territory of Ahousaht. Since 1995, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge and the Nuu-chah-nulth have fostered a friendship-based partnership built on a mutual desire to honour, celebrate, protect and educate guests about the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Clayoquot Sound’s protected ecosystem comprising temperate rainforest, lakes, rivers and alpine peaks provides habitats for a vast array of species, many of which are endangered or rare. Temperate rainforest makes up a majority of the Biosphere Reserve’s land component and is dominated by large trees including the Western Hemlock and Western Red Cedar, while around 300 animal species include the American black bear, cougar, American mink and grey wolf. The sound is home to grey whales, orcas, humpback whales and porpoises as well as the California sea lion.
Clayoquot Sound’s pristine natural environment also produces a bounty of seafood and edible wild and harvested plants, fruits and vegetables. Local produce that appears regularly on the menu at the Clayoquot Cookhouse include fresh fish, crabs and scallops, foraged wild mushrooms, turnips and radishes, cabbage and berries. Local wild and sustainably produced ingredients feature in a dining experience that offers a taste of Vancouver Island’s natural beauty. Read about our Dining Philosophy.
The temperate rainforests that dominate the landscape and ecosystem at Clayoquot Sound also drive the weather systems. While the region generally receives good rains that sustain its forests, in summertime the conditions are warm and quite dry, ideal for marine sports and outdoor activities and making summer and shoulder months an ideal time to visit. The temperate rainforests that dominate the landscape and ecosystem at Clayoquot Sound also drive the weather systems. In summertime, the conditions are warm and dry, ideal for marine sports and outdoor activities and making summer and shoulder months an ideal time to visit.
(DECEMBER – FEBRUARY)
The lodge is closed for winter. Winters on 'The Wet Coast' are temperate, and if snow falls it doesn’t stay long. The winds pick up to produce bigger swell with more power and storm watching is one of the top things to do. Fun winter festivals in Tofino keep spirits high and bring everyone together.
Daytime temperatures range from 1-8°C (33-46 F) in Winter.
(MARCH – MAY)
As the weather warms up during spring, the lodge opens and summer activities begin in earnest from May onwards. The laziest of the black bears awaken from the winter’s hibernation and can be spotted along the coastline feasting on the first wild berries of the season.
Daytime temperatures range from 7-14°C (44-57 F) in Spring.
(JUNE – AUGUST)
Summer is in full swing with warm temperatures during the day and comfortable cooler temperatures overnight. Whale migration is at its peak along the coastline. Summer is driest of all four seasons, making it an ideal time to explore.
Daytime temperatures range from 11-19°C (51-66 F) in Summer.
(SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER)
Temperatures gradually begin to fall and surf swell around the coast increases. The salmon begin their run up the Bedwell River and the many black bears find their den for the winter and the lodge winds down in September for winter closure.
Daytime temperatures range from 9-17°C (48-62 F) in Fall.
Vancouver Island is situated in the Canadian province of British Columbia. Travelling to Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is all part of the adventure and the easiest and quickest way to arrive is to fly to Vancouver on the mainland and take a scenic 45-minute seaplane flight directly to the lodge dock on the Bedwell Sound. Alternatively, guests can boat the 45-minute passage from the relaxed town of Tofino on Vancouver Island.
Gloriously remote and set in one of Canada’s wildest and most astounding natural settings, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge offers guests an unforgettable experience of Vancouver Island, where the landscape and wildlife combine in an exhilarating adventure.
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Clayoquot's cuisine is flavourful, heartfelt and contemporary - rooted in sustainable ingredients, sourced, foraged, and harvested almost entirely from Vancouver Island and delivered daily to the lodge by boat.
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The Healing Grounds Spa offers a menu of rejuvenating treatments including hot stone massage and toning facials, yoga, sound healing and glacial immersions.
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