A Vancouver Island resort was the only hotel in Canada to be listed among a list of the best in the world.
The Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge landed itself among some of North America’s most prestigious places to stay according to Condé Nast Traveller’s Gold List for 2023.
Clayoquot Sound is the name of the inlet just northeast of Tofino that the resort lies and it offers its guests a taste of tranquility in the stillness of Vancouver Island’s pristine wilderness.
It is accessible only by boat, helicopter or seaplane and is nestled in the island’s signature brand of old-growth rainforest.
Despite its remoteness, nobody is forced to be “roughing it” at this wilderness lodge.
The canvas tents that guests stay in may pay homage to prospector tents of the region’s past, but the Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge embodies luxury from every angle.
That being said, the ethos of the resort is based in Indigenous teachings.
Guests are encouraged to do a “digital detox” and get in touch with nature while staying at the Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge. They achieve this by learning from practices of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation peoples.
The Nuu-chah-nulth Nation have a mutual understanding of conservation with the owners and desire to celebrate, protect and educate guests about the region’s natural and cultural heritage they’ve been stewards to for over 2,000 years.
Australia hoteliers James and Hayley Baillie, proprietors of Baillie Lodges, put $1.6 million into a glow-up for the luxury resort which have landed it on the prestigious list among some of the most beautiful and opulent places to stay in the world.
The Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge has a one-of-a-kind spa and a restaurant run by life partners Olivia Bolano and Mark Ota who cut their culinary teeth in some of Toronto’s best restaurants.
The resort offers several day-activities like kayaking in glacial waters, fly-fishing, canyoning, horseback riding, archery and heli-adventures.
The Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge was the only Canadian place to stay that made Condé Nast’s Gold List for 2023 and was among only 10 other destinations.
The resort currently doesn’t have any openings until mid-May and prices range from $2,900 to $5,800 per night for two adults.
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