Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge Canada
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Bedwell River Valley, Alberni-Clayoquot, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
https://clayoquotwildernesslodge.com/
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Baillie Lodges
Date of Creation
2000
Hotel General Manager
Sarah Cruse
Development Strategy
Environmental and ecological sustainability
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
History & Story
Founder Richard Genovese dreamed of a place where guests could unwind, reconnect with loved ones and immerse themselves in the wild. His vision was realised when he bought land at Clayoquot Sound and the 600-acre resort opened in 2000 as Canada’s premiere eco-safari lodge. In 2017, Richard tragically died following a battle with cancer. KSL Capital Partners purchased the property in 2019, with a view to upholding Richard’s vision and protecting the ecosystem in which the lodge is set. Australia-based Baillie Lodges took the reins at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge in time for the 2021 season, working with its partners KSL Capital.
In an ode to Clayoquot Sound’s bygone era as a goldmining settlement, prospector-style tents are furnished with contemporary interiors to complement locally made textiles and artworks from First Nations artisans to provide an opulent retreat. Baillie Lodges signature clean lines, generous appointments, pared back, refined luxury and end-of-the-bed views evoke a personal connection with the Vancouver Island landscape.
Date Renewal
Baillie Lodges has delivered a three-year plan to align Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge with its luxury lodges around the world, commencing with refurbishment of its 25 luxury tents to lead with a more contemporary vibe in 2021. A second took place following the 2022 season, and include a makeover for The Cookhouse and guest facilities.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
Environmental commitment is best expressed by interaction with local natural and cultural surroundings. A dynamic environmental management plan featuring cutting edge and continually evolving technologies steers lodge operations and ultimately enhances each guest’s experience.
Location
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is named for Clayoquot Sound, a vast, 62-mile (100km) wide inlet of the Pacific Ocean on which it is located. The sound is made up of a series of remote inlets, private bays and small islands surrounded by pristine, old-growth conifer forest. An ancient landscape carved by the ocean, the west coast of Vancouver Island is richly biodiverse. Untouched by time, the coastal ecosystem has evolved freely and now plays host to thousands of species of flora and fauna. Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is set at the doorstep of this precious wilderness, and is rewarded with direct and exclusive access to one of nature’s great amphitheatres.
Key sites/activities in the area
• Wild Side West Coast Safari Experience
• Hiking, Trail Running and Mountain Biking
• Horseback Riding
• Ocean and Alpine Lake Fishing
• Heli-Adventures
• Archery, Disc Golf
• Kayaking, Canoeing, Stand Up Paddle Boardingcanyoning
• Yoga & Meditation
• Wildlife Viewing
• Rock Climbing & Rappelling
• Canyoning
Fun Facts
The resort sits in the heart of the protected Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, designated as such in 2000 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The reserve is home to some of the last remaining ancient temperate rainforests in the world.
The Ivanhoe Glass Lounge Bar is named for and inspired by the lodge’s much-loved landing craft boat tugboat, the SS Ivanhoe, in service from 1907 until 2013.
Children’s Corner
The lodge welcomes children 6 years and above.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Twenty-five luxuriously appointed white canvas tents in the style of turn-of-the-century prospectors, line the banks of the magnificent Clayoquot Sound and are dotted among the region’s pristine old growth temperate rainforest. A Baillie Lodges-led reimagining of the tents’ interiors brings a fresh new contemporary look to the accommodations with signature clean lines, generous appointments and pared back, refined luxury. End-of-the-bed views and specially commissioned furnishings from local designers evoke a personal connection with the Vancouver Island landscape.
Rainforest Deluxe Tent (4)
Rainforest Deluxe tents are enveloped in the cool reserves of old and new growth forest and feature generous king beds dressed in fine cloth linens and a signature Baillie Lodges Bemboka blanket plus double convertible sofa bed. A separate private bathroom is located just steps outside the tent and includes a shower and luxurious heated floors. Each tent features desk space, a cast iron heated stove, and opens to a verandah with traditional Adirondack chairs made for relaxing with a book and drinking in the view.
Waterfront Deluxe Tent (1)
Clayoquot’s Waterfront Deluxe tent line the banks of the sound and offer sweeping views of the ocean and Bedwell River. The tents welcome in the rising sun each morning and feature private decks. The Waterfront Deluxe tents include a luxurious king bed that can be split into two king single beds and a double sofa bed. Flexible bedding options make this a popular choice for the in-laws or as a children’s tent on family holiday stays. A private bathroom, located separately just steps outside the tent features a shower and luxurious heated floors
Rainforest Ensuite Tent (3)
Rainforest Ensuite tents are set amongst Clayoquot’s magnificent temperate rainforest and feature a luxurious king bed with fine linens and signature Baillie Lodges Bemboka blanket. A desk and wardrobe adjoin a convertible double sofa bed. The tent’s ensuite bathroom features heated floors, double sinks and a private outdoor cedar shower with views up into the lush green rainforest canopy. Each tent features desk space, a cast iron heated stove and bespoke local design pieces. An outdoor verandah overlooks the rainforest with Clayoquot Sound beyond.
Waterfront Ensuite Tent (16)
Waterfront Ensuite tents are located on both sides of the Bedwell Bridge and line the banks of Clayoquot Sound offering direct views to the water and its boisterous wildlife. These tents either face the rising sun or are situated on the secluded side of the Bedwell River, alongside the rainforest. These tents promise generous king bed comfort with fine linens and the signature Bemboka blanket plus a double sofa bed and an outdoor deck with traditional Adirondack seating. An in-tent ensuite bathroom features heated floors, double vanity and a private outdoor cedar-clad shower. Each tent features desk space, a cast iron heated stove and comfortable, contemporary furnishings.
Hillside Family Tent (1)
The generously spacious Hillside Family Tent is made up of two adjoining tents and is set high on the hillside among the lush old and new growth rainforest with views of Clayoquot Sound. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom Hillside Family Tent is ideal for families or friends travelling together. The master bedroom features a king bed and lounge area with double sofa bed while the second bedroom offers two twin beds (converting to king bed as required) and a double sofa bed. Adjoining each bedroom is an ensuite bathroom with heated floors, double vanity and private outdoor cedar-clad shower, while a deep bathtub is ideal for a post-hike soak. Outside, a private outdoor deck is perfect for relaxing among the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
Number of rooms, (keys) in all: 25
Restaurants & Bars
The Cookhouse
Located on the foreshore of Clayoquot Sound and welcoming magnificent views of its vast oceanic wilderness, The Cookhouse is the hub of dining, drinking and lounging. The main restaurant features an open kitchen promising entertaining coal-face style theatre and a dailychanging menu of locally sourced sustainable produce. Generous lounging flows to the decks outside, a perfect spot to relax and drink in the views. In the evenings a fire draws in guests for s’mores and shared stories. Adjacent canvas tents welcome special occasion or private dining, live music events and a friendly game of billiards.
Ivanhoe Lounge
Named for Clayoquot’s vintage 110-foot landing craft boat , the SS Ivanhoe, the Ivanhoe rests at the very edge of the estuary where the Bedwell River spills into the Pacific Ocean. Located adjacent to the restaurant, The Ivanhoe is a dedicated bar and lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass welcoming in views of the sound with one of the world’s most diverse natural environments sees bears, eagles, blue herons, otters, and seals go about their business on the foreshore. Inside, guests lounge with handcrafted cocktails in generous leather armchairs and on swarthy lounges warmed by a cast iron stove. Canapés and bar snacks menu complements premium wines, craft beers, and small-batch spirits.
What’s included:
• All gourmet meals including snacks.
• A selection of wine, beer and spirits.
Wellness
The Healing Grounds Spa is a serene sanctuary perched on the water’s edge where the rainforest meets the rhythmic currents of the river and ocean. Rejuvenating treatments feature marine botanicals, glacial clay sea salts, and pure forest essences hand harvested in British Columbia. A wood-fired sauna provides restorative warmth, while the deep hot tubs are the perfect post-adventure tonic with spectacular views by day and starlit views to the heavens by night.
Healing Grounds Spa with a full complement treatment menu
• State-of-the-art fitness studio/gym
• Cedar saunas and hot tubs
• Indoor and outdoor yoga spaces
Corporate & Celebration Events
Clayoquot’s 25 guest tents can accommodate private groups of up to 70 people (50 at two [one couple] per tent; up to 70 with children sharing) for weddings, corporate/incentive retreats, and multi-generational events.
Extra Notable Features
• Mountain bikes and e-bikes are available for guest use
• A range of heli-experiences are available at an additional cost
Hotel and restaurant Awards
- World Travel Awards – Canada’s Leading Wilderness Resort 2016
- World Travel Awards – Canada’s Leading Wilderness Resort 2015
Number of employees
100