Knight Inlet Lodge BC
 

We are considering staying a few nights at Knight Inlet Lodge, Vancouver Island. Has anyone stayed there and how many nights would be best - we are two adults and two teenage boys. We would be grateful for any opinions or information. <BR>We will also have about four nights to spend elsewhere on Vancouver Island - any tips for best places to stay. We enjoy spectacular scenery and walking, no fishing though. <BR>Thank you.

What time of year? <BR>It's getting a little chilly now(!) <BR>I haven't stayed at that particular lodge but do know the area,it's gorgeous. <BR>If you're not fishing there's not a Heckuva lot else to do there,no roads as such,little or no hiking as you know it,just 'bushwacking' as it's called here. <BR>Are you comfortable/proficient at piloting a small boat? <BR>Unless you have guide you'll be on your own and getting out of the boat even for a short time,say at the mouth of a creek can mean a visit with local bears-do you like bears? <BR>You say "elsewhere on VI" while it's easiest to reach KI from the Island it is located on the Mainland. <BR>There's so much to see/do on VI. <BR>These sites are copied from an earlier post by the venerable 'Mr. Bilinski' <BR>www.vancouverislandabound.com-all kinds of travel info. <BR>www.tourismvictoria.com-self explanatory. <BR>www.marinelinktours.com-something different worth considering. <BR>www.surfingvancouverisland.com-again all kinds of info a well-done site. <BR>www.stubbs-island.com-one of the oldest best-run Whale Watching companies on the Island <BR>www.tofino-bc.com-where most people end up ressies a MUST!! <BR>www.sookeharbourhouse.com-fine dining exceptional B&B.

Hi Gerda, I stayed at Knight Inlet for three nights almost exactly a year ago, and it was an amazing experience. The bear watching was incredible, as was the trip out to Johnstone Strait for whale watching (we saw about 30 orcas), and a morning spent kayaking and counting the white heads of about 70 bald eagles in the trees. I would definitely go for as many nights as you can afford (recognizing that it's an expensive place). Three felt about right, although I would have loved to have more time there. When I was there, the people who just stayed for one night seemed very disappointed (just not enough time). The only thing I would be cautious about in your case is whether your boys have the patience to basically sit or stand still for 2-3 hours at a time for the bear watching. Since it's a floating lodge, there's nowhere to run around or go for a long walk, so if they are very active kids who need to let off steam, a shorter stay would probably be best. <BR> <BR>As for another location on Vancouver Island, my hands-down favorite is Tofino on the far west coast. If you do a search on Tofino and/or Vancouver Island, you should find lots of posts on the topic of where to go on the island. <BR> <BR>Strathcona Park Lodge, east of Campbell River, is another place you might consider (possibly in lieu of Knight Inlet, if your boys need more physical activity or if it's too expensive). It's a simple place, but in a stunning location and they have a great array of outdoor programs for families. <BR> <BR> <BR>

<BR>Dear All, <BR>I should have said - we're planning to visit Vancouver Island next July - sorry! <BR>Gerda

Thank you both for lots of wonderful information. <BR>I have just received the rates from Knight Inlet Lodge for next July (low season). Although I knew it would be expensive, I don't think I can justify paying $2155 CDN per 24 hours for the four of us. This is for a 3 night trip (first night is at Campbell River & two nights at Knight Inlet). <BR>I am sure that it would be a wonderful experience and very luxurious, but we stayed at a very luxurious small private game park in South Africa last year for about $500 CDN per night for the four of us. It was an unforgettable experience. <BR>Anyway, we shall follow up all leads and find other unforgettable experiences on Victoria Island - at a slightly cheaper price. When we win the lottery we'll spend a week at high season at Knight Inlet Lodge! <BR>Gerda

Yes, it is pricey (and it sounds like rates have gone up even from last year). You're paying more for the experience than for anything else--it's definitely NOT luxurious (the rooms are comfortable but fairly simple). I think the reason it costs so much is that they have a short season, everything has to be flown in, there's a high guide to guest ratio, etc. I think if you compare it to similar places in Alaska, it's pretty comparable. <BR> <BR>But in any event, there are some wonderful places on Vancouver Island that don't cost an arm and a leg. I already mentioned Strathcona; if you decide to go to Tofino, I really like the cabins at the Middle Beach Lodge for families. They are very nice, but not outrageously priced. Another possibility out there is the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. While it is quite expensive, it's not as pricey as Knight Inlet, and it offers a neat experience. Or do an overnight kayaking trip with Tofino Sea Kayaking out to Vargas Island and stay at the simple inn out there. You might also look into excursions and wilderness lodges in the Barclay Sound/Bamfield area. I haven't been yet, but have been hearing some good things about some of the places there.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort's URL is <BR>http://www.wildretreat.com/. <BR>Again a Floating Lodge and having been to many floaters over the years (I'm an avid Sportfishermen)I have to say they're not for everyone,water-loving types only,or the seriously inactive(!) <BR>Do investigate the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail,said to be good hiking(walking) but no ressies neceassary as per the West Coat Trail.