An Insider’s Look: British Columbia

Itinerary: 4 Days, 3 Nights

A scenic 45-minute floatplane ride away from urban Vancouver, the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort makes its extraordinary home on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. From the air you will catch a glimpse of the gorgeous Gulf Islands, pass over spectacular mountain ranges and see the beauty of the open Pacific as your seaplane lands in the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve. Here you will relax in luxury for the next four days, surrounded by lush rainforest, ocean and mountains. Upon arrival at the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, an all-inclusive tented luxury resort, visitors are treated to a bespoke itinerary curated by the dedicated staff. Every detail is taken care of in true Relais & Châteaux style and guests have only one responsibility: relax and enjoy luxury gone wild.

5-STAR LUXURY, UNPLUGGED

Great white canvas tents billow gracefully in the soft breeze of the British Columbian wilderness, each artfully secluded by the surrounding natural environment. From king-sized Ensuite tents to queen-sized deluxe tents, accommodations at the lodge don’t skimp on luxury. Interior furnishings are all turn-of-the-century and cast-iron woodstoves create a cozy atmosphere that’s hard to leave. There is even running water and flush toilets! Evenings bring even more ambiance as vintage oil lamps and candles set in sparking antique silver and crystal are lit. Private outdoor decks offer breathtaking views.

ACTIVITIES

Getting out to enjoy the wilderness is the main attraction here. Staff will organize a personalized itinerary — ride along the river trail on horseback, kayak in the ocean, visit 1,000-year-old cedars or just walk through the ancient rainforest. A highlight is the full-day Wild Side First Nations Interpretive Trail adventure: head out on Zodiac across the Sound to see black bears flipping rocks for tasty crab, watch blue herons and bald eagles searching for seafood, visit the ancestral village of Ahousahton Flores Island and follow the spectacular Wild Side Trail to unspoiled beaches.

LOCAL CUISINE

With produce almost entirely sourced from Vancouver Island, the food at the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is nothing short of magic. Start the morning with coffee or tea delivered quietly to your luxe tent by a staff member on a bicycle. Then move onto the dining tent where breakfast favorites include eggs benny with Dungeness crab salad, sea asparagus, and seaweed hollandaise. Lunch and dinner are equally as indulgent, with fresh-caught seafood playing a starring role. On your final night at the lodge, the resort chefs will prepare an unforgettable six-course tasting menu paired with British Columbia wines. You will be returned to Vancouver by floatplane or you can continue your exploration of Vancouver Island by air or land.

– The Tully Team