Clayoquot Sound was designated as a UNESCO protected Biosphere Reserve in 2000. A diverse range of ecosystems exists within the reserve, ranging from temperate coastal rainforest and old growth conifer forest to oceans 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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A short paddle from the suspension bridge reaches a glacier-fed waterfall channel, with access to some wonderful hidden waterholes. Here, guests have the chance to swim, float and explore the crystal-clear waters and see fish swimming below the surface.
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This half-day adventure is an action-packed marine adventure that 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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A new signature experience for this season invites guests to 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 fly fishing to new heights, reaching remote, secret fishing spots accessible only by helicopter, with tips and tricks shared by expert angler guides.
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Clayoquot Sound is a wonderful playground for marine activities where guests can try their hand at either relaxing or more challenging paddling adventures, from canoes and kayaks to stand up paddle boards.
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A wide variety of trails for hiking, nature walking and trail running are on offer at Clayoquot, ranging from one hour to full-day excursions complete with a gourmet packed lunch.
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Explore the heart of Clayoquot Sound taking in the sights of the Ursus Valley trail on foot, then ditch the hiking boots and enjoy the return leg of the journey in style.
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A great way to explore Clayoquot’s 600-acre property is by bike. A single-track bike trail suits any level of skill, while the lodge’s high-quality full suspension and hard tail mountain bikes come in all sizes.
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A challenging skill and concentration-boosting experience, guided rock climbing is available 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 canapes.
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A four-stall archery range is set up in the meadows in the valley behind the lodge, a perfect spot to hone skills and take in some practise shots before opting for a more competitive game.
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A fun ocean fishing experience, guests take a guided tour around Clayoquot Sound and cast a line to see what's biting, perhaps a Halibut or wild Lingcod. Be sure to keep a look out for prawns and crabs too.
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Clayoquot derives from ‘Tla-o-qui-aht,’ the largest community of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation peoples 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.
The easiest and quickest way to travel to Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is to fly to Vancouver, British Columbia and connect with a scenic 45-minute seaplane flight directly to the lodge dock on the Bedwell Sound.
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 enchanting adventure.
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Cuisine is fine, luxurious, and comforting - rooted in sustainable ingredients, sourced, foraged, and harvested almost entirely from Clayoquot Sound and Vancouver Island, and delivered daily to the Vancouver Island resort 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 forest bathing.
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