Deep in the heart of Vancouver Island’s temperate rainforest, where bald eagles soar and whales breach in the distance, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge has officially opened for its 25th season—and this year, it’s going bigger, bolder, and even more breathtaking. A quarter-century of curating unforgettable wilderness experiences is no small feat, and to celebrate, this legendary lodge has unveiled a host of new offerings that redefine luxury in the wild. From cold glacial plunges at sunrise to gourmet heli-picnics on remote alpine lakes, the 2025 season is all about reconnecting with nature in ways that feel extraordinary, yet deeply grounded.
A Place Where the Wild Still Leads
For five months of the year, Clayoquot transforms into one of Canada’s most exclusive escapes. Tucked between ancient forest and the dramatic coastline of Vancouver Island, this off-grid lodge is only accessible by seaplane, boat, or helicopter, which means every guest’s arrival already feels like an adventure.
Here, nature takes centre stage: black bears forage along the riverbank, sea otters float lazily in the Sound, and silence stretches wide across the wilderness. It’s a place where WiFi fades but connection deepens—especially to the rhythms of the land.
Wellness That Goes Beyond the Spa
This season, Clayoquot’s wellness experiences have been elevated—literally and metaphorically. Mornings begin with sunrise yoga in the Healing Grounds, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of the forest waking up. Then there’s the new take on the lodge’s cold-water mindfulness ritual: a one-hour glacial plunge in the Bedwell River, designed to ground you in the present moment and invigorate every cell in your body. This isn’t your average spa day. It’s raw, elemental, and deeply transformative.
Culinary Exploration, Rooted in Place
Returning Executive Chef Ben Godin is back in the kitchen, and if you’ve eaten here before, you know that’s cause for celebration. With a passion for foraging and a strong network of local producers, Ben’s menus are a love letter to Vancouver Island itself.
You’ll dine on dishes featuring Yarrow Meadows duck, Northern Divine white sturgeon, Nanoose Bay albacore tuna, and hand-foraged wild greens. It’s a true taste of the landscape—one that invites guests to slow down and savour the moment.
Introducing: Rare & Remarkable Heli Adventures
Now for the adrenaline: new for 2025 is a suite of next-level heli experiences, including two standout journeys that have earned the new Rare & Remarkable (R&R) title. Think private helicopters whisking you to untouched alpine lakes for a gourmet picnic and paddle. Or soaring above coastal cliffs to explore hidden sea caves carved by centuries of crashing waves. These new adventures expand the lodge’s already impressive experience menu, offering even more ways to see this pristine part of the world from above—and up close.
Highlights include:
- Lake Day (R&R): A private heli drop at a remote mountain lake for hiking, swimming, and an unforgettable picnic.
- Sea Caves (R&R): Explore dramatic rock formations and cathedral-like sea caves along the wild northern coast.
- Alpine Scenic: A 30-minute sunset flight over the glacier-carved landscapes of Strathcona Provincial Park.
- Island Picnic: A half-day escape to explore Clayoquot Sound’s rugged islets, complete with wildlife sightings and gourmet food.
Even the return leg from a remote Ursus Valley hike now has an upgrade—a 15-minute heli pickup for those wanting a scenic and seamless finish to their adventure.
What Makes Clayoquot Special
It’s not just the setting (though it’s hard to beat). It’s not even the luxury tents, gourmet food, or immersive activities. It’s the feeling—of truly being away, of stepping into a space where wildness still leads, and of being reminded what it feels like to feel.
Visit in 2025
Clayoquot is riding a wave of recognition—from Three MICHELIN Keys to awards from Oprah Daily, Fodor’s, and Modern Luxury Travel. But accolades aside, this is a season to experience the lodge at its peak. The energy is high, the offerings are exceptional, and the wilderness is calling.
