Clayoquot Wilderness Resort & Spa
Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve
As the disconnect between our daily lives and the natural world rapidly expands, wilderness resorts offer an increasingly rare commodity:
communion with nature. In an effort to give travelers hands-on experiences with the wild, several resorts are refining the concept of ecotourism. More than vacations spent in exotic locales, sustainable travel means active contribution to the preservation of the environment. At the forefront of this movement is the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort & Spa on the western coast of Vancouver Island,
Inhabiting the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve — the world’s largest remaining example of a temperate rainforest — this exclusive vacation destination combines environmental consciousness with luxury accommodations and amenities.
A standout feature of Clayoquot is its pioneering Environmental Legacy Program. Through stewardships created with the help of renowned scientists, guests have hands-on opportunities to help sustain the fragile biosphere. Projects are as diverse as the terrain and its inhabitants: bear habitat-mapping (to maintain the black bear population), raptor rehabilitation and release (to assist endangered owls, eagles, hawks and falcons), tree planting and whale tracking (to assess the impact of commercial and leisure marine traffic on the whale population). Stewardships also allow other businesses to sponsor both short-term projects that can be undertaken on-site during corporate retreats, and more comprehensive, longterm programs. The Environmental Legacy Program is funded solely through resort revenues, proving that even pure indulgence can be a socially responsible endeavor.
This is not to say that Clayoquot is all work and no play. The resort has created several new packages that provide an irresistible blend of luxury and adventure. On the five-day Gourmet Getaway, foodies embark upon Chef Timothy May’s epicurean odyssey through the rainforest in search of local delicacies. Visits to a floating herb and vegetable garden, local oyster and scallop beds, and choice crabbing spots teach May’s curious pupils the ins and outs of coastal cuisine, while cooking classes in the resort’s new gourmet kitchen show them how to turn vegetation such as sea asparagus and fir buds into culinary triumphs.
The Equestrian Adventure is designed for fledgling riders and seasoned horsemen alike. Learn basics like proper grooming and caretaking, riding and handling, or jaunt through low-lying river-valley estuaries and ascend high mountains via abandoned logging roads.
For the traveler who wants the best of both worlds, the Trail Blazers package offers a self-directed menu of outdoor activities as well as a selection of ultra-luxe spa treatments. From hikes in glacial ice caves to lazy soaks in steamy cedar hot tubs, there is something for every taste and temperament.