Find your family’s true wilderness vibe at Clayoquot Sound on Vancouver Island

Ready for some real escapism this summer? Celeste Moure took her family to Clayoquot Wilderness Resort on Vancouver Island and here’s why you should take yours.

Clayoquot Sound is a stunning area of offshore islands on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It has thousands of miles of valleys, forests, rivers, lakes, and beaches, with alpine and fern landscapes. To enjoy this British Columbia beauty, you can stay at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, which is in this delicate reserve, right where the Bedwell River meets a long fjord. There is a lot of adventure here—from hiking and horseback riding to surfing and bear-watching.

In 2000 Clayoquot Sound was designated a UNESCO protected Biosphere Reserve in recognition of its diverse ecosystems which range from old growth forest and coastal rainforest to sea shores. from temperate coastal rainforest and old growth conifer forest to oceans and rocky coastal shores.

When is the best time for Clayoquot Sound?

Late summer is our pick for this adventure. August and early September are the best times to see black bears, many of which visit a Clayoquot resort hayfield to snack on tender shoots and on nearby spawning salmon.

Clayoquot Wilderness Reserve, Vancouver Island

Where to find your true wilderness vibe

Under the rain forest trees and next to the Bedwell River is Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, set right in the heart of the reserve. located at the very centre of the reserve.

The resort includes everything and features well-appointed luxury white canvas tents for a truly elevated glamping experience. Set on wooden platforms above the ground and linked by cedar paths, each tent has plush king size beds, a sitting area, wood stoves with remote control, and large ensuite bathrooms, with heated floors and outdoor showers.

As its name suggests, The Hillside Family is great for families. The accommodations comprises two adjoining tents set up high on a hill surrounded by the mysterious beauty of both old and new growth rainforest. Then as an extra treat, you wake every morning to inspiring views of Clayoquot Sound, quite possibly the best start to any day.

Meals at the resort, such as the prosciutto-wrapped halibut fillet with spinach and endive salad, are served in separate tents under heirloom oil lamps and candlelight.

Paddleboarding, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, Vancouver Island

What to do with your days in Clayoquot Sound

Guests can do as little or as much as they want, and guides are happy to escort on foot, bike, horse, kayak, canoe, or boat at a moment’s notice. When not paddling to hidden coves, hiking with a First Nations guide, or watching black bears feast on berries, guests unwind at the spa’s wood-fired sauna or with a glass of wine on the deck.

See our other recommended family hotels in Clayoquot Sound

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