Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve on Vancouver Island is one of the planet’s last remaining tracts of temperate rainforest, home to black bears, wolves, cougars, bald eagles, seals, orcas and huge pods of grey whales. Treading lightly upon this fragile environment is one of Canada’s finest off-grid retreats, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, accessible only via seaplane from Vancouver or by boat from Tofino.
Twenty-five spacious canvas tents look out across the water of Clayoquot Sound or sit snug among the valley’s towering forests. And while the word ‘tent’ doesn’t immediately imply luxury, these are more akin to the grand campaign tents of the old explorers of Africa, complete with underfloor heating, wood-burning stoves, specially commissioned furnishings from local designers, outdoor verandas decked with Adirondack chairs, and unparalleled end-of-the-bed views.
The ranch-style log cookhouse serves a daily-changing menu of locally sourced sustainable produce, and the Healing Grounds Spa features indoor treatment rooms, a waterfront massage tent, a wood-fired sauna and a series of hot tubs looking out to the sound. But the main attraction is of course the outdoors, with activities ranging from horse riding, kayaking, fishing and hiking to archery, rock climbing, canyoning and mountain biking.
