British Columbia’s Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge Reopens Next Week In Lavish, Updated Form

Anyone who has been to one of the Baillie Lodges in Australia will recognize the company’s style right away: intimate lodges with sophisticated but not fussy design, elevated culinary programs and spectacular natural settings ranging from the backdrop of the massive red sandstone monolith Uluru at Longitude 131 to the wildlife and open ocean surrounding Kangaroo Island’s Southern Ocean Lodge. (Due to be rebuilt after being destroyed in the devastating fires in Australia last year.) It seems a natural fit then that James and Haley Baillie have taken over Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, a 25 tent luxe glamping complex in a remote wilderness stretch off the west coast of Vancouver Island. The first stage of their transformation opens June 17^th just as plans for Canada’s phased border reopening to vaccinated Americans begin to take shape.

Guests arrive by seaplane, the lodge’s 12 seater vessel the Norwester for the 35 minute trip from Tofino or, with prior private arrangement, by helicopter. Guests who have made this trip before will immediately notice some changes: the interiors of the tents are now lighter with new king beds, expanded lounging areas and furnishings in contemporary lines accented by pieces created by local craftsmen. The second stage of renovation will take place after the 2022 season and include a refurbishment/redesign of the public areas The Cookhouse Restaurant, bar and Healing Grounds Spa which features a varied menu of facial and body services, fitness classes and energy healing.

Surrounding this work in progress, the striking views, however, remain the same: straight on views of the crystal clear UNESCO designated Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve and the conifer forest wilderness around it. The extensive lodge activities have always been designed to take advantage of this pristine setting’s 600 acres but are also being expanded; signature experiences are also now being included as part of a stay bringing the lodge in line with the other all-inclusive Baillie properties. Among those signatures: riding one of the lodge’s 30 horses; guided hiking in the rainforest with a picnic lunch packed for longer hikes; a half day wildlife spotting adventure on the Sound to see bears, whales, porpoises, seals and sea lions or the more intensive full day “Walk the Wild Side” which follows the path of the Wild Side First Nations Interpretative Trail for closer encounters with that wildlife; rock climbing and kayaking or paddle boarding from the top of Bedwell Sound to a waterfall channel. All dining, a premium selection of wines, spirits and beers and one 60 minute massage per day are also included.

Other experiences are possible for an extra charge. Prime among them are bespoke helicopter experiences using the resort’s resident Bell Jet Ranger to find even more remote spots for hiking, swimming, picnicking, fly fishing or high altitude cocktail hour: a 15 minute scenic flight each way to the top of Ursus Mountain accompanied by cocktails and canapes.

Back at the lodge, new Executive Chef Asher Blackford, who formerly led Southern Ocean Lodge’s award winning restaurant, is fusing his elevated skills with the exceptional ingredients sourced sustainably from Vancouver Island or elsewhere in British Columbia. Influences range from the province’s multicultural community and the culinary scene of the Pacific Northwest with daily changing menus that feature seafood such as octopus, scallops and prawns caught nearby with lunch choices ranging from ceviche to a classic organic beef burger. Breakfast and lunch can be as light or extensive as guests want to fit around daily activities. And Blackford is determined to give all meals a definite sense of place, as befits the Baillies’ intention for the lodge overall.