• River Tents, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Vancouver Island

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

Experience luxury gone wild

Situated on the west coast of Vancouver Island in the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, this unique and remote resort is truly a one-of-a-kind escape from reality.

Accessed by boat from nearby Tofino or by seaplane from Vancouver, this turn-of-the-century-inspired outpost is all about authentic luxury, bespoke adventure and restorative escape. Stay in luxury white canvas safari tents with styled antique interiors for a genuine ‘glamping’ experience amongst the lush rainforests and crystal clear waters.

Spend your days being spoiled, with locally grown and sourced, seasonal gourmet cuisine and speciality award-winning wines to the decadent natural spa before exploring the surrounding wilderness and with incredible experiences from river and ocean kayaking, to once-in-a-lifetime bear & whale watching and heli-excursions - all included in your stay, so you can either sit back and relax or explore the glorious wild.

Hayes & Jarvis Rating
Information about hotel ratings
Average: 5 (1 vote)
Hotel Category
Luxury
Location Type
Away from it all
Recommended For
Family Friendly
TripAdvisor Review
Tripadvisor rating 155 Reviews
Vancouver Island

Hotel highlights

  • Located in the breath taking Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve
  • Experience authentic 'glamping' in luxurious white canvas tents
  • Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences from bear and whale watching to hiking and paddle boarding
  • Indulge in gourmet cuisine, locally produced wines and a decadent spa
  • Optional excursions such as heli-fly fishing using the resort's on-site helicopter

Hotel Gallery

Hotel Features

General Information

  • Check-in Time:
    16:00
  • Check-out Time:
    16:00
  • 25 rooms
  • 45-minute floatplane from Vancouver
  • 30-minute boat ride from Tofino

Main Facilities

  • Spa facilities
  • Watersports
  • Wifi

Accommodation Type

  • Authentic
  • Boutique
  • Eco-friendly
  • Glamping
  • H&J Recommended
  • Hidden gem
  • Lodge
  • Luxury Collection
  • Off the beaten track
  • Tented camp

Board Basis Options

  • All Inclusive

For Families

  • Family Rooms

Hotel Location

Location Highlights

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

  • Away from it all
  • Exclusive remote wilderness resort in Vancouver Island
  • Luxurious safari tent suites
  • All-inclusive meals, drinks and activities
  • Incredible adventure and breath taking wildlife
155 Reviews 98% of travellers recommended this hotel

Traveller ratings

  • Excellent 141
  • Very Good 7
  • Average 3
  • Poor 2
  • Terrible 2

What to Expect

  • Location
  • Sleep Quality
  • Rooms
  • Service
  • Value
  • Cleanliness

Reviews

Oct 03, 2019

The Best Service In The Most Beautiful Setting

We recently stayed at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort and had an amazing vacation. We can’t say enough about the staff and Management of this resort. From the enthusiastic guides, to the excellent restaurant staff, housekeeping (yes they do your laundry daily), organizational staff and management, they exemplify 5 star service. While other high end hotels boast great service, this property’s employees are genuine and accommodating beyond expectations. The location is beautiful and serene. One can really check out of reality and decompress (no tv, newspapers, keys, money needed). Wifi is available in your tent which is handy but don’t use it if you really want to disconnect. There are so many activities and ways to relax you could easily stay a week without getting bored. Bradley was a wonderful host and the dogs on property enhanced the home-like feel. We highly recommend this property and look forward to returning!
Sep 05, 2019

Wow

London, United Kingdom

What a fantastic place this is. Its a perfect cocktail of one part picturesque campsite one part a luxury resort and one part family home. It starts with a magical seaplane ride which leads to a homely reception. Overall the service is top but standout accolades must go to the passionate, knowledgeable and friendly guides: Dan in particular was awesome. The friendly barman was also great. We did some amazing things: walking among 1,000 year trees, whale watching, paddle boarding, mountain biking, horse riding, fly fishing - we did it all. So many wonderful adventures to be had but for my 8 year old daughter the highlight was the opportunity to play with all the staff’s dogs who roam free adding to that family vibe. The breakfast was world class. Our only minor criticism was the lunch and dinner menus were somewhat limited and repetitive. Quality was excellent though.
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Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

Facilities

Whether you’re looking to relax and unplug or head out and explore the surrounding biosphere – Clayoquot has no shortage of experiences for every traveller to enjoy – from solo adventurers, romantic couples and intrepid families.

Unwind in the resort’s many ‘gathering spaces’ meeting fellow guests, escape and rejuvenate in the natural and decadent spa, soak up the adventure in the surrounding wilderness or view the incredible resident wildlife – the choice is yours.

a living room filled with furniture and a large window

Ivanhoe Lounge

This adult-oriented space rests at the very edge of the Bedwell River estuary and features eleven foot high, floor to ceiling windows on two sides, looking out over the bio-diverse environment. Lounge by the gas fireplace as you view black bear, eagle, blue herons, otter, seals and other wildlife, play snooker on a beautifully restored 1908 table, or take a turn on the vintage upright grand piano. Upstairs, a rooftop lounge provides stunning views of the emerald green Bedwell River and out across the towering forested sides of the 11-kilometre-long fjord. Best enjoyed in the evenings when the gas firepit is lit and you can relax in cedar deck chairs as you watch the sunset.

a person sitting on a chair

Healing Grounds Spa

The resort’s spa is a secluded compound of treatment rooms, waterfront massage tents, wet-dry saunas and tranquil outdoor lounge space – all promoting healing and wellness initiatives. There is also a large waterfront deck, and three round cedar hot tubs, filled to the brim with steamy pure spring water. They are the best seats in the house, by day, for bird and foreshore wildlife watching and by night, for looking up through the layers of millions of stars in the inky Clayoquot sky. All resort packages include a 60-minute full-body relaxation massage, but there is a generous menu of massages and treatments, including Thai, shiatsu and hot stone massage as well as toning facial and body treatments.

a living room filled with furniture and vase of flowers on a table

Activities Tent

Fashioned after the golden age of adventure travel and exploration – these large canvas tents feature comfortable overstuffed sofas and chairs and antique furniture and books - inviting lounging, reading, relaxing and respite from every day. There is also a nearby games and billiards tent - by day they host children and families playing vintage and contemporary low-tech games, and by night welcomes couples for ultra-romantic candle-lit private dining, or après dinner sherry and barrel-aged cocktails.

a small boat in a body of water

Outdoor Activities

Located at the very centre of the UNESCO biosphere, Clayoquot is a 600-acre adventure playground, just begging to be explored. With six categories of adventure – equestrian, marine-based, land-based, heli-ventures, restorative and fishing, all delivered by qualified wilderness guides, using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure extraordinary and authentic adventure. All packages include dozens of activities for guests of all ages and experience levels and are all resort owned and operated, so you are able to go wherever you want, whenever you want – weather permitting. Chose from horseback riding, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, helicopter tours and many more.

a large black bear standing on top of a rock

Wildlife Viewing

No visit to this amazing resort would be complete without taking advantage of its unique location and experiencing its breath taking wildlife. Virtually every whale watching expedition aboard the resort’s hard-bottomed Zodiacs produces sightings of gray, humpback or killer (orca) whales. The boat excursions take in Cow Bay, the summer feeding ground of resident grey whales and a trip to seal rock to view hundreds of stellar seals (and a neighbouring colony of vocal sea lions). Bear and whale watching often go hand in hand, during low-tide, black bear can almost always be seen flipping rocks along remote foreshore, in search of tasty crab and other crustaceans. The resort mandates a strict hands-off approach to wildlife viewing – maintaining a non-threatening distance, but allowing guests to get an once-in-a-lifetime view of these incredible creatures.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

Room Types

Leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and enjoy true adventure with an authentic camping experience like no other.

The resort’s 25 luxurious, private white canvas tents are a truly spectacular way to reconnect with nature – while still enjoying deluxe amenities and comfortable furnishings. 

All guest tents provide luxurious white linens, fluffy white towels, plush robes, slippers, spa slippers, hair dryer, all-natural cosmetics (including all-natural sunscreen, insect repellent lotion and spray) and laundry service.  AC plugs for charging phones and laptops are located throughout the living area. Should you still wish to connect to the outside world, complimentary wireless is available in all guest tents.

Choose between the below options, with incredible views from the private decks whether you stay along the water’s edge, on the hillside overlooking the estuary or among the lush rainforest.

a tent in a forest More images

Hillside Classic Tents

Hillside Classic tents are set slightly into the forested hillside, overlooking the estuary and are perfect for privacy and immersion. Each tent has a lovely private deck with an adjoining private outbuilding with toilet – they each offer a queen bed, plus a queen sofa bed with down duvets and pillows. All are furnished with ‘quintessential outpost’ furnishings and accessories with the exception of electrified vintage lighting and remote-controlled, propane-fuelled cast iron woodstoves

All four Hillside Classic tents share a charming amenity building with assigned showers and sinks – as well as a mini spa compound with a woodstove-fuelled wet/dry sauna overlooking the estuary, and a private round cedar hot tub overlooking the estuary below.

Show room facilities
  • Balcony or Terrace
  • Hairdryer
  • In Room WiFi
  • Internet
  • Tea & Coffee Facilities
  • Towels included
a living room filled with furniture and vase of flowers on a table More images

Ensuite Tents

With 18 gorgeous Ensuite tents to choose from, 12 along the river channel, four along the open estuary and two under canopy of the rainforest, all slightly different in style, but each with private decks furnished with Muskoka-style chairs and offering magnificent views of the busy river estuary and the lush rainforest.

Ensuite tents feature a king bed plus a queen sofa bed with down duvets and pillows and an en suite bathroom with heated floor, toilet, double sinks and private outdoor covered shower. Along with the ‘quintessential outpost’ furnishings and accessories, there is also a remote-controlled cast iron woodstove and vintage oil lamps to provide authentic period lighting and ambiance.

Show room facilities
  • Balcony or Terrace
  • Hairdryer
  • In Room WiFi
  • Internet
  • Separate Shower
  • Tea & Coffee Facilities
  • Towels included
a house surrounded by water More images

Rainforest Deluxe

Rainforest Deluxe are a new hybrid of the Ensuite and Classic tents, only two of this exclusive type are available, each with a private deck enveloped by the verdant rainforest and furnished with Muskoka-style chairs offering sanctuary and magnificent quiet.

Ensuite tents feature a king bed with down duvets and pillows plus a queen sofa bed and an en suite bathroom with heated floor, toilet, double sinks and private outdoor covered shower. Along with the authentically westcoast Canadian style furnishings and accessories, there is also an antique writing desk, a remote-controlled cast iron ‘woodstove’ and vintage oil lamps and candles set in sparkling antique silver to provide authentic period lighting and ambiance.

Show room facilities
  • Balcony or Terrace
  • Hairdryer
  • In Room WiFi
  • Internet
  • Separate Shower
  • Tea & Coffee Facilities
  • Towels included
a man flying through the air on a snow covered mountain

Cloud Camp

If the main resort isn't remote enough, you even have the option of taking the resort's helicopter up to Urus Mountain and spending a night under the stars at Clayoquot's spectacular Cloud Camp. 

An adventure in itself, you'll fly up to 4,500ft above sea level and will have time to explore the stunning lake and surrounding area. The views are simply breath taking and a private chef will be on hand to whip up an intimate gourmet meal, served alongside matching wines. Your tent has all the comforts you'd expect from this resort, and the setting is simply unforgettable.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

Food & Drink

Just because you’re out in the forested wilderness, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be able to enjoy the finer things in life.

With an extraordinary team of Relais & Chateaux class artisan chefs, Clayoquot passionately creates an incredible ‘Contemporary Coastal’ menu – using local, sustainable, seasonal, clean and beautiful ingredients along with some of British Columbia’s most extraordinary and award-winning red, white and desert wines.

Guests are encouraged to experience all of the below dining venues, and spend at least one meal at the kitchen bar, in animated conversation with Chefs.

There is no in-tent food-service, as bears and other wildlife would enjoy that all too much, but a morning coffee and tea service is offered daily – and delivered on bicycle straight to your door.

a plate of food on a table

Cookhouse Kitchen

With floor to ceiling windows and a wraparound deck overlooking the stunning estuary - the vast log Cookhouse Kitchen is the hub of the resort, with people coming and going all day to sample the constant steam of culinary creations or just to simply take in the magnificent views. At breakfast, choose from a continental buffet to a la carte favourites such as Flores Frittata or Westcoast Benny with Clayoquot salmon with fresh-squeezed juices and even a made-to-order smoothie bar. Lunch is as glamorous or rustic as you please, from elegant Clayoquot Cobb Salad to Chef’s famous steak and frites. Dinner is an event at the Outpost with seating’s beginning at 6pm, you’ll have your pick of the extraordinary a la carte menu from pea crusted Peace River lamb rack to fresh-caught Dungeness crab.

Exterior Dining Tent

Dining Tents

These charming dining tents are what first put this resort on the map and the original ‘Bistro Dining Tent’, as it has now come to be known, still remains a favourite place to dine during guests stays. Now accompanied by a second, larger dining tent, a family dining tent and a special occasion private dining space for group dinners – all flanked by the outdoor lounge that surrounds a spectacular double-sided fireplace that warms the Cookhouse Kitchen. From a slow-roasted pulled pork sandwich with housemade BBQ sauce or one of the daily special pizzas, made in-house and finished in the wood-burning pizza oven – dining in these fantastic tents is an absolute must during your stay.

Cookie bar at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

Open-Kitchen Bar

Situated in the outdoor lounge, this is a casual space allowing people to come and go as they please throughout the day to see what delights the chefs have been setting out. Housemade daily breads, scones, muffins; authentic old-fashioned licorice, saltwater taffy, a vintage self-serve cheese-box and a special Cake of the Day - as well as an impressive assortment of gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free items all just a few examples of what you might find as you pass by. Every afternoon at 4pm, Chefs will set-out an impressive buffet of small plates, paired wines, barrel-aged cocktails, hot beverages and non-alcoholic refreshments – perfect after a day of activity.

a chair sitting in front of a mountain

Picnics & Backpack Lunches

Imagine sitting beside a private lake 4500-feet above sea level at the resort’s Cloud Camp - feasting on Clayoquot Sound seafood chowder, Salt Spring Island stew or skillet-frying your own trout or salmon in sweet butter and lemon. At Clayoquot, nothing is too much trouble. If you are heading out for a day exploring the wilderness, the Chef’s hearty backpack lunches including daily soups, gourmet sandwiches, charcuterie, local cheeses and so much more are perfect for indulging on the go.

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