Clayoquot Wilderness Resort - Bedwell River

Hotel description

Please note: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort - Bedwell River is open May 14th through September 30th. The resort only takes arrivals on Thursdays and Sundays and has a 3 night minimum stay policy.

The two best words to describe the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort? “Rustic” and “luxurious.” Although they may sound contradictory, there’s no better way to describe this secluded outpost set deep in the wilderness of British Columbia, reachable only by boat or seaplane.

Although tents don’t immediately imply luxury, the spacious canvas tents of Clayoquot are a throwback to centuries past. Think Victorian summer vacations or British explorers in Africa. The 20 guest and family tents—furnished with handcrafted and vintage antique furniture—sit on wood platforms connected by a series of cedar plank walkways. All that’s missing is a steam trunk, a pith helment, and a map with a brass telescope.

When the dinner bell rings, a gourmet meal awaits at the ranch-style log cookhouse, where seasonal foods are prepared over an open fire. Clayoquot’s chefs feature coastal delights such as smoked salmon and, whenever possible, buy all ingredients from local merchants. For atmosphere, guests have a variety of options to choose from, including an intimate bistro, the cookhouse dining room, the family dining tents, or the kitchen bar.

The canvas community of Clayoquot doesn’t end with accommodations and dining tents. After dinner, the sporting gentleman can adjourn to the gaming tent where a vintage snooker table awaits. Those looking for a digestif can retire to the library tent for a cordial and some light reading. And what would a luxury resort be without a spa? Here four spa tents offer guests hot stone massages, facials, straight-razor shaves for the men, wood-fired saunas, and secluded hot tubs.

The main attraction, of course, is the outdoors. Activities available to guests include riding, kayaking, hiking, fishing, archery, and even cooking classes. Clayoquot takes sustainability seriously with a comprehensive recycling program, composting toilets, organic gardens, and gravity-fed turbine generators — and the Environmental Legacy Program, a $3 million, five-year commitment to environmental research and conservation, is partially funded by lodge revenues.