Experience

Located at the heart of Vancouver Island’s natural wild-west playground, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge sits in the pristine UNESCO-designated Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve. The lodge offers a series of extraordinary nature-based adventures and a personalized itinerary is created for each guest and presented on arrival. Guests have direct access to 600-acres of gloriously wild nature reserve and opportunities abound for adventure, education, natural enrichment and personal connection. Experiences span equestrian, marine-based and land-based and are led by personal guides. View and download our experiences fact sheet here.

Private experiences

Many guests value the option of private touring, ensuring an experience of Clayoquot Sound in the exclusive company of immediate fellow travellers, be they family and or friends. Guests on private tours have the luxury of touring at their own pace and designing an itinerary around special interests.

At Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, both Signature and Optional Experiences are offered on a private basis with a personal lodge guide. The tariff commences from CAD$500 for a half day tour, while a full day exploring the wild-west wilderness is CAD$1,000 for up to four guests.

Sample itineraries

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge offers an extraordinary experience of Vancouver Island’s grand wilderness and guests are presented with a personalized itinerary on arrival which may be tailored to preference. Daily adventures include the lodge’s Signature Experiences, a series of must-do guided activities offered on a shared basis with like-minded guests.

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge offers an extraordinary experience of Vancouver Island’s grand wilderness, revealing pristine nature, offering unforgettable wildlife encounters and delivering exceptional dining to create an enriching connection with this remote outpost. Guests are presented with a personalised itinerary on arrival which may be tailored to preference

  • Three Night Bedwell Explorer

    This sample itinerary represents an indicative experience over three nights. Many factors influence the activities experience, including length of stay, pre-booked activities and weather conditions. Any special arrangements made in advance, or once at the lodge, will be choreographed by our team and your itinerary customised to ensure the very best experience of both lodge and island.

    Day 1 Welcome

    Day 1 Welcome

    Arrive at Clayoquot in a horse-drawn wagon. Let the incredible location and beautiful landscape inspire your first impression of your new home in the wild, followed by a glass of Champagne and a tour of the facilities.

    Day 1 Afternoon

    Day 1 Afternoon

    Explore your new home by foot or bike, and familiarise yourself with the Outpost and facilities. Soak up the twilight views of the ocean, crystal clear river and glacier carved valley.

    Day 1 Evening

    Day 1 Night

    Dine tonight in The Cookhouse, styled as a gold rush era general store and drink in mesmerising views of Clayoquot Sound through floor to ceiling glass windows as our team of chefs dish up contemporary coastal cuisine.

    Day 2 Morning

    Day 2 Morning

    After breakfast, hop in a Zodiac and embark on the Sights of the Sound marine adventure for unforgettable whale and bear watching. Catch a glimpse of orcas, otters and seals and even coastal wolves if you’re lucky!

    Day 2 Afternoon

    Day 2 Afternoon

    After a day of adventures in the wilderness, unwind with a treatment at the Healing Grounds Spa. Take time out in the sauna or red cedar hot tubs on the over-water deck.

    Day 2 Night

    Day 2 Night

    After a dinner of premium local produce, venture outdoors to enjoy fine company and s’mores around the fire, reflecting on the day under a glittering canopy of stars in the inky night sky.

    Day 3 Morning

    Day 3 Morning

    Early risers can opt for sunrise yoga, while those seeking a adrenalin-fix can race against the guides on a trail run. Be sure to save some energy for a guided ocean kayak, canoe, or paddle board before lunch.

    Day 3 Afternoon

    Day 3 Afternoon

    After a delicious lunch in The Cookhouse, grab a hat and a pack and take to the popular Penny Falls hiking trail. The Penny Falls hike showcases waterfalls, rivers and is highlighted by a swim in the cool crystal clear pools if you dare.

    Day 3 Evening

    Day 3 Evening

    Enjoy sunset drinks by the outdoor fire, before moving to a charming candlelit private dining tent. Choose your poison in the Ivanhoe lounge post-dinner, and let the lodge bartender shake or stir your final evening to your taste.

    Day 4 Morning

    Day 4 Morning

    This morning, get fitted out and match with a horse from the stables. Set out on one of the many horseback riding trails for an unforgettable experience of Clayoquot Sound in the spirit in which it was intended.

    Day 4 Farewell

    Day 4 Farewell

    Savour a farewell lunch as you drink in the panoramic views. The horse drawn carriage awaits for transport to the dock and bid you farewell, until next time.

     

  • Four Night West Coast Escape

    This sample itinerary represents an indicative experience over four nights. Many factors influence the activities experience, including length of stay, pre-booked activities and weather conditions. Any special arrangements made in advance, or once at the lodge, will be choreographed by our team and your itinerary customised to ensure the very best experience of both lodge and island.

    Day 1 Welcome

    Day 1 Welcome

    Arrive at Clayoquot in a horse-drawn wagon. Let the incredible location and beautiful landscape inspire your first impression of your new home in the wild, followed by a glass of Champagne and a tour of the facilities.

    Day 1 Evening

    Day 1 Night

    Dine tonight in The Cookhouse, styled as a gold rush era general store and drink in mesmerising views of Clayoquot Sound through floor to ceiling glass windows as our kitchen brigade prepares the evening’s delicious menu.

    Day 2 Morning

    Day 2 Morning

    This morning take a leisurely cruise around Clayoquot Sound in a fishing boat, exploring hidden bays and encountering marine wildlife along the way. Try your hand at trawling for prawns and jigging for Rock Cod.

    Day 2 Afternoon

    Day 2 Afternoon

    After lunch, treat your party to a heli-adventure, choosing from the many special interest offers. Perhaps a Sip to Sky, with a Champagne toast to incredible days spent together at Clayoquot on high.

    Day 2 Night

    Day 2 Night

    After a dinner of premium local produce, venture outdoors to enjoy fine company and s’mores around the fire, reflecting on the day under a glittering canopy of stars in the inky night sky.

    Day 3 Morning

    Day 3 Morning

    Early risers can opt for a gentle stretch session while those seeking a adrenalin-fix can race against the guides on a trail run, or take a mountain bike for a guided forest ride.

    Day 3 Afternoon

    Day 3 Afternoon

    After a day of adventures in the wilderness, unwind with a treatment at the Healing Grounds Spa. Take time out in the sauna or red cedar hot tubs on the over-water deck.

    Day 3 Night

    Day 3 Evening

    This evening enjoy twilight on the water from the comfort of the Ivanhoe lounge. Pick your poison in post-dinner, and let our bartenders shake or stir up a tipple as you reminisce on the day’s adventures.

    Day 4 Morning

    Day 4 Morning

    After breakfast, hop in a Zodiac and embark on the Sights of the Sound marine adventure for unforgettable whale and bear watching. Catch a glimpse of orcas, otters and seals along the way.

    Day 4 Afternoon

    Day 4 Afternoon

    Take in the beauty of the natural surroundings as you enjoy a serene and picturesque late afternoon paddle up the estuary in a kayak or canoe, and witness the stunning spectacle of the sun setting on the horizon.

    Day 4 Night

    Day 4 Night

    Pull up a stool at the bar and peruse the menu of premium wines, local beers and small-batch spirits crafted into cocktails. Enjoy dinner at the coalface with all the theatre of an open kitchen as the team prepare the evening’s menu.

    Day 3 Afternoon

    Day 5 Morning

    After a delicious lunch in The Cookhouse, grab a hat and a pack and take to the popular Penny Falls hiking trail. The Penny Falls hike showcases waterfalls, rivers and is highlighted by a swim in the cool crystal clear pools if you dare.

    Day 5 Farewell

    Day 5 Farewell

    Savour a farewell lunch as you drink in the panoramic views. The horse drawn carriage awaits for transport to the dock and bid you farewell, until next time.

     

  • Seven Night Clayoquot Classic

    This sample itinerary represents an indicative experience over seven nights. Many factors influence the activities experience, including length of stay, pre-booked activities and weather conditions. Any special arrangements made in advance, or once at the lodge, will be choreographed by our team and your itinerary customised to ensure the very best experience of both lodge and island.

    Day 1 Welcome

    Day 1 Welcome

    Arrive at Clayoquot in a horse-drawn wagon. Let the incredible location and beautiful landscape inspire your first impression of your new home in the wild, followed by a glass of Champagne and a tour of the facilities.

    Day 1 Afternoon

    Day 1 Night

    Dine tonight in The Cookhouse, styled as a gold rush era general store and drink in mesmerising views of Clayoquot Sound through floor to ceiling glass windows as our team of chefs dish up contemporary coastal cuisine.

    Day 2 Morning

    Day 2 Morning

    After breakfast, hop in a Zodiac and embark on the Sights of the Sound marine adventure for unforgettable whale and bear watching. Catch a glimpse of orcas, otters and seals along the way.

    Day 2 Afternoon

    Day 2 Afternoon

    After a day of adventures in the wilderness, unwind with a treatment at the Healing Grounds Spa. Take time out in the sauna or red cedar hot tubs on the over-water deck.

    Day 2 Evening

    Day 2 Evening

    This evening enjoy twilight on the water from the comfort of the Ivanhoe lounge. Pick your poison post-dinner, and let our bartenders shake or stir up a tipple or two as you reminisce on the day’s adventures.

    Day 3 Morning

    Day 3 Morning

    Guided rock climbing is offered for all ages and stages on a dedicated climbing wall with a view of Bedwell Sound. Involving problem solving and a test of fitness, rock-climbing is an ode a favourite Canadian past-time.

    Day 3 Afternoon

    Day 3 Afternoon

    After lunch, get fitted out and match with a horse from the stables. Set out on one of the many horseback riding trails for an unforgettable experience of Clayoquot Sound in the spirit in which it was intended.

    Day 3 Evening

    Day 3 Night

    After a dinner of premium local produce, venture outdoors to enjoy fine company and s’mores around the fire, reflecting on the day under a glittering canopy of stars in the inky night sky.

    Day 4 Morning

    Day 4 Morning

    Embark on a canyoning journey. A short e-bike ride followed by a paddle, guests can reach a glacier-fed waterfall channel that leads to enchanting hidden waterholes. Enjoy swimming, floating, and exploring the clear waters while keep an eye for salmon swimming beneath the surface.

    Day 4 Afternoon

    Day 4 Afternoon

    Test your skills or have some fun with your loved ones at our archery facility, using traditional recurve bows for a challenging and rewarding experience.

    Seven Night Evening

    Day 4 Evening

    Enjoy a sunset drink with a view and a quiet reflection on the day before dining on a decadent menu of local produce, from just-caught seafood to free range chicken, duck and beef. Save room for dessert!

    Day 5 Morning

    Day 5 Morning

    Following early morning yoga or a trail run, try your skill at fly-fishing Clayoquot’s lakes. This meditative practice embraces the still spirit of the sound.

    S2S-Seven Night

    Day 5 Afternoon

    The Sip to Sky heli tour is an indulgent way to celebrate a once in a lifetime holiday, showcasing taking in the natural wonders of Clayoquot Sound while savoring signature drinks and canapes at an altitude set to the scene of breathtaking views.

    Day 5 Night

    Day 5 Night

    Choose a private dining tent for this evening’s dinner, welcoming in the sounds of the night-time ocean and valley – with its resident wildlife. After dinner, try a dip in a hot tub, with a glittering tapestry of stars above.

    Day 6 Morning

    Day 6 Morning

    Early risers can opt for a sunrise yoga, while those seeking a adrenalin-fix can race against the guides on a trail run. Be sure to save some energy for a guided ocean kayak, canoe, or paddle board before lunch.

    Day 6 Afternoon

    Day 6 Afternoon

    Grab your e-bike, helmet, and be sure to take your sense of adventure while you explore the bike trails for a thrilling two-wheel experience through the refreshing green forest.

    Day 6 Evening

    Day 6 Evening

    Tonight, opt for the decadent degustation dinner, a celebration of the fresh, sustainable produce of Clayoquot brought to the plate by the deft hands and imagination of the kitchen team. Enjoy matched wines from Canada and overseas.

    Day 7 Morning

    Day 7 Morning

    This morning take a leisurely cruise around Clayoquot Sounds inlet and out onto the deep blue, exploring hidden bays and encountering marine wildlife along the way. Try your hand at fishing if you’re feeling lucky!

    Day 7 Afternoon

    Day 7 Afternoon

    After a day of adventures in the wilderness, unwind with a treatment at the Healing Grounds Spa. Take time out in the sauna or red cedar hot tubs on the over-water deck.

    Day 7 Night

    Day 7 Night

    Pull up a stool at the bar where everyone knows your name and explore a menu of premium wines, local beers and small-batch spirits crafted into cocktails. Enjoy dinner at the coalface with all the theatre of an open kitchen at the team create the evening’s delicious menu.

    Day 8 Morning

    Day 8 Morning

    For your last morning at Clayoquot, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and drink in views of the sound. It’s a morning best relaxing and soaking in the beautiful surroundings, enjoying a coffee on the Ivanhoe rooftop, and reminiscing on memories made.

    Day 8 Farewell

    Day 8 Farewell

    Savour a farewell lunch as you drink in the panoramic views. The horse drawn carriage awaits for transport to the dock and bid you farewell, until next time.

     

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Destination

Vancouver Island Seasons

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.

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Lodge

Our commitment to the environment

A dynamic environmental management plan featuring cutting edge technologies steers lodge operations and ultimately enhances each guest's experience.

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Destination

How do I get there?

The easiest and quickest way to travel to the lodge is to fly to Vancouver, British Columbia followed by a scenic 45-minute seaplane flight directly to the lodge dock.

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