Resort History
The Story of Klahoose Wilderness Resort
The Story of Klahoose Wilderness Resort
Klahoose Wilderness Resort is located within the traditional territory of the Æ›oÊ”os qayÉ›mÉ©xÊ· Klahoose People, on the remote shores of Thee chum mi yich, also known as Homfray Channel. The Ayajuthem name Thee chum mi yich means “further back inside,” reflecting the resort’s secluded setting deep within the coastal mountains and waterways of Klahoose Territory.
Surrounded by temperate rainforest, mountains and ocean, the property has evolved from a remote wilderness lodge into an award winning Indigenous owned destination rooted in culture, stewardship and connection to place.
From Homfray Lodge to Klahoose Wilderness Resort
The lodge was originally built in 2008 and opened as Homfray Lodge. Constructed from massive cedar timbers, its central Great Room was designed as a welcoming gathering place overlooking the waters and mountains of Thee chum mi yich.
​
Between 2011 and 2012, significant environmental improvements were completed, including a water filtration system, an environmentally responsible septic system and a micro hydroelectric system powered by the river flowing through the property. These systems allowed the remote lodge to operate primarily on renewable energy.
​
In 2013, a custom fir floor was added to the main lodge. The wood was sustainably sourced, milled on Vancouver Island and installed by hand.
A New Experience
In 2017, under the direction of Tourism Manager Chris Tait, Homfray Lodge began transitioning from a traditional wilderness lodge focused primarily on boaters and fishing into an all inclusive eco adventure retreat.
​
The new experience brought together chef prepared dining, wilderness cruises, marine wildlife viewing, kayaking, wellness retreats and grizzly bear viewing in Yekwamen, also known as Toba Inlet, in partnership with the Klahoose First Nation.
​
This transformation established many of the foundations for Klahoose Wilderness Resort today, combining all inclusive hospitality, guided exploration and a deeper connection to the surrounding territory.
A New Chapter Under Klahoose Ownership
In 2020, during an extraordinarily challenging period for tourism, Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation, the economic development corporation of the Klahoose First Nation, acquired Homfray Lodge and renamed it Klahoose Wilderness Resort.
​
The acquisition was led by QXMC, with the support of its Board of Directors and then Klahoose Chief Kevin Peacey. Together, they saw an opportunity to strengthen the Nation’s position in hospitality and establish a foundation for a broader Indigenous tourism offering.
​
For the Klahoose First Nation, the acquisition represented more than purchasing a resort. It was an investment in economic independence, employment, environmental stewardship and a greater role in the management of Klahoose Territory.
​
As Chief Peacey shared when the acquisition was announced, welcoming visitors into Klahoose Territory would create opportunities while supporting the Nation’s community vision for the future.
​
Chris Tait remained with the property through the transition, providing continuity from Homfray Lodge and working alongside Klahoose leadership, cultural interpreters and the wider resort team to help shape the guest experience and bring the new vision to life.
Together, they developed an all inclusive experience centred on Klahoose culture, Indigenous led wildlife viewing, environmental stewardship and meaningful connections to the lands and waters of Klahoose Territory.
​
Klahoose and other Indigenous cultural interpreters played a central role in developing the resort’s cultural program. Drawing upon their knowledge, language, stories, songs and relationships with the territory, they created meaningful experiences that could be shared respectfully with guests.
​
The cultural interpreters helped create an experience in which culture is not simply a scheduled activity, but is woven throughout each stay. From the welcome guests receive upon arrival to stories shared around the fire and moments of reflection on the land and water, their contributions have become central to the identity of Klahoose Wilderness Resort.
​
Klahoose Wilderness Resort welcomed its first guests under Klahoose ownership in 2021. Visitors were invited not only to explore the surrounding wilderness, but also to learn directly from Indigenous cultural interpreters, guides and knowledge keepers.
Continuing to Grow
In 2021, the resort welcomed GOAT 1, a custom built 32 foot catamaran designed for comfortable and stable marine touring. Its covered cabin and walkaround deck allow guests to experience the waterways and wildlife of Klahoose Territory in a variety of conditions.
​
In 2022, a new floating dock was added for marine activities, water sports, boat transfers and seaplane arrivals. The resort’s micro hydroelectric system was also significantly upgraded, increasing renewable energy generation and improving its ability to store energy during periods of lower demand.
​
In 2023, a wood fired floating cedar sauna was added to the dock. Built using local Klahoose cedar, the sauna offers views across the ocean, rainforest and surrounding mountains.
Recognition
In 2024, Klahoose Wilderness Resort was named Canada’s Leading Wilderness Resort by the World Travel Awards. That same year, it was named Canada’s Indigenous Tourism Business of the Year at the Canadian Tourism Awards.
​
The resort has since received international recognition from leading travel publications and organizations, including National Geographic, AFAR, Condé Nast Traveler, Wanderlust and Outside.
​
These honours reflect the collective work of the Klahoose First Nation, cultural interpreters, guides and resort team members who have helped shape the experience since it opened.
​
Since 2022, Klahoose Wilderness Resort has maintained Authentic Indigenous designation through Indigenous Tourism BC and The Original Original accreditation through the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada..
Experience Klahoose Territory
Today, Klahoose Wilderness Resort invites guests to experience Indigenous culture, wildlife and wilderness within the traditional territory of the Klahoose People.
Whether watching grizzly bears in Yekwamen, exploring the waters of Thee chum mi yich, sharing stories beside the fire or simply experiencing the stillness of this remote place, every stay offers an opportunity to form a deeper connection with the land, the water and the people who have cared for this territory since time immemorial.
​
qÊ·aga hošt
Come on, let’s go.
