Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge: A Luxury Summer Camp for Grown-Ups

by Marika Flat on October 8, 2025 in Travels,
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“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit,” says Sarah Cruse, General Manager and self-proclaimed “Camp Mom” of Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge. 

Spend just a few hours at this remote Vancouver Island escape, and you’ll understand exactly what she means and why you need to head north to experience this special spot.

Landing with style in the seaplane. Video Marika Flatt.

Guests arrive by seaplane, soaring over mountains before swooping down to land on the water. That dramatic entrance sets the stage. From there, you’re greeted at the dock, hop into a horse and buggy carriage, and make your way to the bar (which has an epic rooftop deck); it truly feels like stepping into a movie.

“Local” Tofino beer from the bar. Photo Marika Flatt.

At the bar, you’ll be greeted by your own personal staff member, who will supply your favorite beverage and deliver your personalized itinerary (which you’re welcome to change as needed). Sit back with that local Tofino craft beer and get ready to be spoiled!

The safari tent on The Bedwell. Photo Marika Flatt.

The lodge features just 25 luxury white canvas safari tents, each with a king-size bed, sofa sleeper, spa-like bathroom (yes, even an outdoor shower!), and luxury peppermint bath products.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Like summer camp, days are split into morning and afternoon activities. Guests can pick their pace–anything from kayaking, hiking, or horseback riding to more adrenaline-packed excursions.

Canyoning is an absolute must do, taking guests out of their comfort zones. Photo Jeremy Koreski.

Canyoning is my clear favorite: e-biking forest trails, stand-up paddleboarding the Bedwell River, scrambling over boulders, swimming under waterfalls, and plunging into icy pools to watch salmon swim. It’s exhilarating, unforgettable, and not for the faint of heart.

See incredible wildlife, including a brown bear. Photo Marika Flatt.

Other options include a Sites of the Sound boat cruise, where, if you’re lucky like we were, you’ll spot whales, sea otters, harbor seals, and even black bears along Vancouver Island’s shorelines. 

The helicopter for Heli Hiking. Photo Marika Flatt.

Or take a heli-hike, complete with glacier views and a plunge into a pristine alpine lake.

The River Trail, which starts from the safari tent boardwalk and meanders along The Bedwell River. Photo Marika Flatt.

Hiking is another must in this gloriously remote land. There are various trails to hike around the property, either with a guide or on your own. The River Trail is one that you can do either way. We were able to enjoy a guided hike where we were able to notice particular trees, get stories from the history of the area, and our guide even picked up a snake and a banana slug!

Elevated Culinary

The customer service, from staff all over the world, is top-notch. Photo Marika Flatt.

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is all-inclusive (gourmet dining, the best drinks, and activities). Meals at Clayoquot are more than dining, they’re celebrations. In the Cookhouse, guests enjoy multi-course dinners crafted with island-foraged ingredients like spruce tips, berries, and herbs.

Great meals at The Cookhouse. Video Marika Flatt.

At dinner, which follows canapés available at the bar, they serve incredible meals (such as blackberries marinated in Merlot or burrata with compressed grapes and housemade sourdough focaccia). Every meal feels like a special occasion, paired with fine wines and friendly service that makes you feel right at home. Note: All servers go out of their way to ask your names and, later, call you by name, which feels really special. 

​​The Details That Make It Special

Don’t forget to ask for a blanket while enjoying the fire. Photo Marika Flatt.

The little touches at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge shine, such as:

  • Evening fire pits complete with cozy blankets offered by servers
  • Complimentary laundry service so you can pack light
  • Turndown service that transforms your tent into a nighttime sanctuary
  • Two outdoor hot tubs on the spa deck overlooking the Sound (along with a cold plunge)

    The hot tubs that overlook the Sound. Photo Marika Flatt.

Disconnecting is part of the experience; cell service is limited to your tent, making it easy to truly unwind. And with 96 staff for just 50 guests, the personalized service makes you feel cared for at every turn.

Incredible views from the bar. Photo Marika Flatt.

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge isn’t just a lodge; it’s a place to reconnect with your inner camper, or as Sarah Cruse puts it, to rediscover your “wildhood.” Whether you’re 6 or 60, you’ll find yourself unplugging, playing, and remembering what it feels like to simply be in nature.

The boardwalk to the tents gives a feeling of peace in the forest. Photo Marika Flatt.

With three-, four-, and seven-night packages, families (kids 6+ are welcome) and couples alike can find the perfect escape. For Texans craving a different kind of getaway, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is the summer camp you didn’t know you needed.

The rooftop bar is the perfect place to relax with canapes before dinner. Photo Marika Flatt.

Watch more about Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on our recent Daytime and Studio 512 segments, including our most recent segment!

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Travel Writer Marika & (husband) Doug Flatt enjoyed their treasured time on the Bedwell River.

Cover Photo Marika Flatt.

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News (airs statewide), Dallas’ Good Morning Texas, Daytime (airs statewide), and Studio 512!  Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.