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GBP (£)

GBP (£)
US DOLLARS ($)

+44 207 384 2332 Plan Your Trip

+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip

Luxury Hotel
Canada

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Vancouver Island

HIGHLIGHTS
GALLERY
WILDLIFE
GOOD TO KNOW
ENQUIRE

Highlights

Remote seclusion – Reachable only by seaplane or boat, this Canadian lodge is set deep in Vancouver Island’s pristine temperate rainforest.
Luxury canvas tents – Spacious, beautifully appointed safari-style tents with king beds, cast-iron stoves and forest or waterfront views.
Tailored adventure – Choose from kayaking, horseback riding, hiking, paddle boarding, canyoning or heli-touring, all adapted to your pace and interests.
World-class dining – Menus celebrate coastal British Columbia, with foraged ingredients, fresh seafood and wine pairings in an atmospheric setting.
Michelin Key recognition – Clayoquot has been awarded a Michelin Key, honouring its exceptional design, experience and location.
Wellness and reconnection – Daily yoga, spa treatments and cedar hot tubs invite guests to slow down and soak up the silence.

Wildlife at Clayoquot

Black bears – Best seen from May to July, when they forage along the tidal flats at low tide. Guided boat or kayak excursions offer close yet respectful viewing.
Grey whales – Migrate past the coast from March to May, travelling from Baja to the Arctic. Private boat trips offer excellent chances to see them offshore.
Orcas and humpbacks – Peak sightings run June to September. Orcas are often seen mid-summer, while humpbacks remain through early autumn.
Bald eagles – Present year-round, but most active during the salmon runs in September and October. Watch for them soaring or perched above rivers and shorelines.
Sea lions and harbour seals – Common from April to October. Spotted lounging on rocky outcrops or swimming beside kayaks on guided outings.
Elk, wolves and cougars – Wild and elusive residents of the rainforest. Best tracking conditions occur from September to November, with guided interpretive hikes available.

Gallery

Good to know

How to get there

The journey to Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is part of the experience, combining scenic travel with complete immersion in nature.

Floatplane from Vancouver
The most direct and dramatic way to arrive is by scheduled or private floatplane from Vancouver Harbour or Vancouver International Airport (YVR South Terminal) to the lodge’s private dock on Clayoquot Sound. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes and offers incredible views over the Pacific coastline, forested inlets and the open ocean.
Flight to Tofino + boat transfer
Alternatively, take a commercial flight from Vancouver to Tofino (approx. 1 hour), followed by a 45-minute boat transfer through Clayoquot Sound to the lodge. This option is ideal for those wanting a stop in Tofino before heading to the wilderness.
Helicopter transfers
Private helicopter charters are available from Vancouver for a faster, scenic and more personalised arrival. Landing directly at the lodge is possible, weather permitting.

Are children welcome?

Yes, children are welcome at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, and the experience is particularly memorable for older children and teens who enjoy the outdoors.

The lodge welcomes guests aged six and above, and offers a variety of family-friendly wilderness adventures, from guided kayaking and horseback riding to wildlife tracking and archery. The pace is flexible and many activities can be tailored to suit different ages and confidence levels.

Families stay in spacious luxury tents with multiple bedrooms or additional bedding, ensuring both comfort and privacy. Mealtimes can be adapted for younger palates, and private guides are available for curated family itineraries that combine education, fun and freedom to explore.

While not a conventional “kids club” destination, Clayoquot works beautifully for families seeking meaningful time together in nature, with all the service and comfort of a world-class lodge.

Giving back

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge places sustainability at the heart of its operations, with a deep respect for the surrounding Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the First Nations land on which it sits.

Key elements of Clayoquot’s sustainability approach:

Off-grid operations
The lodge is entirely off the grid, powered by a hydro turbine and solar panels, with strict energy management systems in place. It also uses composting and filtration systems to minimise waste and reduce environmental impact.
Eco-sensitive design
All structures are non-permanent, designed to sit lightly on the land. Materials are locally sourced where possible, and buildings blend into the rainforest environment with minimal disruption to ecosystems.
Wildlife and habitat protection
Activities are carefully designed to minimise disturbance to wildlife. Guides are trained in low-impact practices and guest education is a key part of the experience.
Partnerships with First Nations
The lodge works closely with the Ahousaht First Nation, supporting community initiatives, hiring local staff and respecting Indigenous cultural and ecological knowledge.
Conservation initiatives
Clayoquot contributes to ongoing scientific research, marine conservation and habitat restoration projects within the biosphere.

Why we love Clayquot

Of all the places that I have visited in the world, very few compare to the experience at Clayquot. The setting, the rooms, the food are all incredible, but the wildlife and the guides knowledge of it is just astounding.