Guest Blogger-Cathie Inman-Clayquot Wilderness Resort

Jan Hammond (Travel Consultant) & I recently had the opportunity to travel to Vancouver and Clayquot Wilderness Resort. The first night, we stayed at The Shangri-La Hotel and dined at Jean-George’s “Market” at the hotel. After spending a wonderful day in Vancouver, we traveled by train from downtown to the airport (thanks to the 2010 Winter Olympics). What an EASY way to get around Vancouver….AND CHEAP! We hopped on a 9-seater Cessna seaplane to Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. It was one of the most exciting and beautiful flights I have ever experienced. We flew over the Vancouver waterway and over the vast wilderness and little towns that makes up Vancouver Island. A great opportunity for a photographer to go wild taking pictures…and I did!We approached the waterway in the Sound where our seaplane touched down into the entrance of Clayoquot, where the staff and owners (and dogs!) were there to greet us at our “new home” for the next few days. We were whisked up to the lodge by horse drawn carriage and welcomed with a glass of champagne with fresh berries. After an amazing meal, we were taken by one of the staff members of to one of 20 guest tents throughout the rainforest, boardwalk and lake. Lavishly appointed by antiques-bed, tables, lamps, propane wood stove, fresh wild flowers picked daily on every table, oil lamps and candles illuminating the white canvas tent with tapestry carpets on the wooden floor. I felt transported into the “late 1800’s” with all the 21st Century amenities…especially ELECTRICITY! Waking up early to the sounds of birds and dogs barking in the distance, we headed up to the lodge for breakfast. After another unforgettable Five-Star food event consisting of smoked salmon benedict and other coastal specialties, we were fitted with our” state of the art” gear for our first adventure activity-harbor seals, black bears and whale watching-guaranteed to see all 3…and we did…lots of them! After a late lunch (can’t miss a meal!), the afternoon was spent getting a massage (included in your package), hitting the sauna and hot tubs at the Spa.Then hors d’oeuveres and cocktails in the beautiful outside living room with a fireplace, where you’ll find a few of the 13+ dogs hanging out on the property,looking for a little attention or to come along on one of the 100’s of activities like horseback riding, hiking up the waterfalls, mountain biking, skeet shooting, archery, kayaking, deep sea fishing, repelling, picnicking, or fly fishing. You can even swim with the salmon!! Clayquot is committed to conserving, respecting and bettering the environment that UNESCO has designated it as a Biosphere Reserve. An amazing and unforgettable adventure of a lifetime that will remain in my “Top Five” favorite travel experiences for a long, long time!