Fine Dining On Site
The heart of the Outpost in the new ranch-style cookhouse, with its towering double-sided fieldstone fireplace, outdoor lounge, showpiece open-kitchen, and wrap-around viewing decks. Flanking the outdoor lounge are the resorts' trademark 'bistro' and 'family' dining tents, whose individual charms have inspired many memorable occasions- several remarkably romantic betrothels and milestone celebrations among them. Tables, set for two to twelve, groan under the weight of heirloom oil lamps, sparkling silver and the requisite dozens of candles. Chef May presides over the 40' long open-kitchen bar, serving up an ever-changing menu of his critically-acclaimed modern natural cuisine. Choose a seat at the bar for a casual (no less fabulous) evening, or a view table when a floor-to-ceiling window on the wild is on the menu. The Chef insists on supporting the local economy by buying fresh- letting the very nature of the region inspire exploration of a more natural method of preparation. Regional growers and producers supply small-batch cheeses, giant oysters and scallops, free-range hens, wild salmon and halibut, just-picked berries and wild herbs and mushrooms unique to the rainforest.
High Speed Internet
Belying its presentation as an overstuffed country house reading room, the library lounge is in fact an ultra-modern satellite-internet cafe. A loaded PC stands ready to connect guests to the outside world, and a router permits complimentary wireless internet access via portable computer from anywhere within 100' range.
Child Programs
Children aged 6 and over are welcome at the resort.
Spa Facility
By day, the Outpost spa compound's secluded wrap-around sundecks and private lounge areas offer peace and quiet sanctuary in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful natural settings in the world. By night, oil lamps and torches gently light up the foreshore, inviting couples to return for a moonlight walk to the
wood-fired sauna or secluded hot tubs. Three spa treatment tents and surrounding massage platforms cantilever out over ever-changing scenes of the Bedwell River estuary, and its intertidal play of migratory birds, black bear, spawning salmon, and otters at play. Guests move lazily from amenity to amenity, or while away an entire afternoon dozing in a chaise or hammock. Resort staff check-in regularly to stock ultra-soft towels, stoke fires, top-off herbal iced tea, or pour another glass of something more adventurous.
Boating
The Bedwell River estuary is a marine playground for beginner and expert kayakers. Intertidal play makes for ever-changing landscapes and prolific wildlife viewing. Moreover, canoeing around Clayoquot Sound is a time-honored tradition introduced by the Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nation. Explore miles of coastline, replete with marine life like seals, otters, marten, bear, eagles and puffins. Often, whales can be seen feeding in nearby shallow bays. The resort also offers
whale-watching expeditions. Virtually every whale watching expedition produces sightings of grey, humpback or killer (orca) whales. And always, guests return grinning from ear-to-ear from the sheer joy of riding aboard the resorts' dual Merc-powered pontoon boat. The combination whale and bear watch includes a visit to Cow Bay, a summer feeding ground of so-called resident grey whales, a trip to
'seal rock' to view hundreds of stellar seals and a neighbouring colony of majestic, and very vocal sea lions.
Ecological Tourism
The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere is the best and largest example of a temperate rainforest left on the planet. Its stewardship is an immense
responsibility and an even greater privilege. The natural environment is what attracted resort owners to the area in 1997, and what inspired the creation of an Environmental Legacy Program. The $3 million, five-year program is funded solely by resort revenues, and identifies five key areas of research, conservation and rehabilitation. Guest participation in each of the five stewardships- salmon habitat restoration, bear mapping, whale feeding and migration study, marine habitat inventory, and raptor rehab and release- is growing alongside the resort's understanding of the nature of things.
Fishing Fly
Clayoquot Sound is home to the largest wild steelhead population in the world, and resort guides know all the hot spots. Fly fish for spring steelhead, fall salmon or cutthroat trout throughout the sound's extensive river system. The Cypre, Megin and Tranquil rivers are the stuff of legend. Access drop-off
points by boat, then walk or drive in.
Fishing - Ocean
Deep sea fishing excursions are most promising from May through August and average six hours of fishing per day (we call it a half-day). Guests depart at 7 a.m. and return in time for a late lunch, or lay-about until the 1 p.m. launch and fish in the afternoon, returning in time for dinner at about 7 p.m.
Hiking
Hikers of all ages and inclinations find paradise in the miles of trails surrounding the Outpost. Paths of cedar boardwalk, trails through ancient forest cathedrals and lush fern gardens, and abandoned roads deep in the rainforest, showcase old-growth, new growth, and re-forested landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Horseback Riding
The Outpost's stable of 20 endurance horses and double teams of draft horses promise unbridled fun and adventure. Ride through the many stunning trails in and around the Outpost, through old-growth forest, across streams and rivers, to the edge of Strathcona Provincial Park, watching for bear along the way. Guests frequently sight bears, deer, eagles, seals, sea lions and whales.
Recommended Rooms
Across a timber bridge but within dinnerbell range of the cookhouse, five suite tents sit perched on a hillside overlooking the Bedwell estuary. Suite tents offer the same queen bed comfort as the deluxe guest tents, but are furnished with a convertible chesterfield (with premium queen mattress), and a larger lounge area with a small games table. Like the deluxe guest tents, suite tents tender Adirondack-style beds dressed with luxurious down duvets. Remote-controlled propane
wood-stoves, antique dressers, opulent area rugs, pressed-glass oil lamps, heirloom accessories. Candles galore promise romance and suite dreams.