Just Back From: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

One of our staff members, Georgia, recently took a family vacation to Clayoquot Wilderness Resort on Vancouver Island off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. The upscale "glamping" retreat is located half an hour by boat or 45 minutes by private seaplane from Tofino.

Georgia and her 7-year-old daughter thoroughly enjoyed all the outdoor activities offered at Clayoquot, resulting in "one of the best vacations ever." She noted: "Make sure to request a full activities list on your first day of arrival so you can accurately plan out your excursions, and check with other guests who may have already done the activity so you know what to expect."

Favorite Moment: Flying in on the seaplane to Clayoquot was over-the-top gorgeous. Spotting an orca mother and calf and black bear with her triplet cubs were also favorites. I loved sitting by the fire at night after the spectacular dinners with a delicious glass of red chosen by the sommelier.

"The setting was truly magical. The food, service, ambiance and activities created the most memorable vacation my daughter and I have ever taken together."

You Can't Stop Thinking About: The sounds and scents of the forest and the wonderful people, both parents and their children, who became our friends.

Favorite meal or meals: Everything at Clayoquot.

Favorite restaurants, museums or sightseeing: On the way to Clayoquot we visited Vancouver and we loved Tea House in Stanley Park.

What to drink: Selected wines to accompany dinner courses at Clayoquot.

Day trip suggestion: We did the full-day "Walk on the Wild Side" excursion at Clayoquot. I would have opted for the condensed half-day had I known it was an option. I found out after the fact that they offer a half-day excursion that includes the whale and bear watching and other points of interest we had enjoyed the most without the excessive boat ride on rougher waters and the too-long hike.

Brought back/souvenir: Photos and memories to last a lifetime, and contact information for new friends we hope to see again someday.

Insider's Tip: Add a night or two at Wickaninnish Inn, post-Clayoquot. It was easy and highly recommended. Getting in some relaxing beach time was great after all the activities we had done.

Read other trip reports from our staff in our Just Back From series.