Set in one of the most breathtaking and remote regions of Canada’s beautiful Vancouver Island, Baillie Lodges’ new-look Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is set to reopen on June 17, 2021. The Australia-based luxury lodge operator Baillie Lodges’ has completed a CAD$2million makeover on the iconic property.

Upgrades include a full renovation of the interiors for the beautiful property’s 25 luxury tents for a more contemporary look and feel, while specially commissioned furnishings and decor, some from regional First Nation artists, will create a real sense of place. Meanwhile, a refreshed itinerary of wilderness adventures will also be introduced, including a series of signature experiences to be included in the rate.

Accessible only by seaplane, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge offers a one-of-a-kind escape from the everyday. Nestled among magnificent conifer forests, the lodge is truly a bucket-list worthy destination where guests can explore British Columbia’s unparalleled landscape and wildlife. Adventure-filled days are peppered with gourmet, local produce-driven, sustainable dining, fine wines and the chance to unwind in generously appointed campaign-style guest tents.

Working closely with the team at KSL Capital Partners which has owned Clayoquot since April 2019, Baillie Lodges has embarked on a three-year strategy to elevate the guest experience and align the luxury wilderness lodge with the company’s growing portfolio of boutique lodges around the world.

The first stage in Clayoquot’s renovations has seen an interior refurbishment of its 25 luxury tents, leading with a lighter, more clean-lined vibe with luxurious linens, new king beds and generous lounging areas. The tents maintain their individual styles with views opening directly to Clayoquot Sound and the surrounding wilderness. A second stage in the renovations will take place after the 2022 season, and will include a significant refurbishment to the Cookhouse Restaurant, bar and central guest facilities, as well as a makeover for the Healing Grounds Spa.

Renowned for its range of unforgettable adventures, including horse-riding, whale and bear-spotting, canyoning and scenic helicopter flights, as well as spa treatments and daily yoga, the new-look Clayoquot features an itinerary of signature experiences to showcase the natural highlights of Vancouver Island, and align it with the all-inclusive nature of the existing Baillie Lodges properties.

Lodge General Manager Sarah Cruse has returned to lead the team at Clayoquot along with her many loyal Canadian staff members who know and love the property. Ms Cruse said the team was beyond excited to be opening the luxury camp and once again welcoming the guests that really bring it to life, following an extended hibernation in 2020 and into 2021. “We are super pumped to be showing the new-look Clayoquot to a new generation of keen travellers; it’s been quite quiet here aside from the renovation works and the good sounds of rumblings in the kitchen,” Ms Cruse said.

Some of Baillie Lodges’ key staff have also joined the Clayoquot family this year; Executive Chef Asher Blackford, formerly of sister property Southern Ocean Lodge, has taken the helm in the kitchen while Assistant General Manager Kate Hollick, formerly of Longitude 131° is already enjoying this very different wilderness setting.