Many of us spent the pandemic wishing for travel and new adventures while we were forced to stay home. CAA Saskatchewan travel consultant Melinda Snodgrass was among those dreamers, and she had her sights set on the Sunshine Coast in B.C. During her search for the perfect getaway, she discovered the Klahoose Wilderness Resort. What followed was an experience beyond her wildest dreams!
Klahoose Wilderness Resort promises an “Indigenous cultural experience on the lands of the toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose) People” in the heart of Desolation Sound. The promise of an enriching cultural journey combined with the serenity of a week unplugged in nature drew Melinda in. After years of admiring the resort on social media, coming around the corner of the inlet to see the lodge in person for the first time was a surreal experience that left Melinda speechless.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a team who put you at ease from the moment you step off the boat. They share a traditional welcome ceremony that involves drumming and singing—you can enjoy a sneak peek of this on their website! Then guests can settle into a cozy home away from home in either a lodge room or a cabin, all offering breathtaking views of the water and rainforest surrounding the resort. The staff provides safety talks about the wildlife and the activities available, and then the adventure truly begins!
A five-hour boat tour of the Toba Inlet provides the possibility of many wildlife sightings, including grizzly bears, whales, and dolphins. There is free time available for things like kayaking, paddle boarding, relaxing in the wood fire cedar sauna, or simply resting in the natural beauty of this space! Melinda was looking forward to the chance to put her creativity to work during craft time, but she was also pleasantly surprised by one experience that wasn’t on the itinerary. The guests were voluntarily taken by boat to partake in a spirit bath in the tranquil ocean water, a deeply moving experience. Additionally, guests could join a smudging ceremony on their final night. Melinda describes all these cultural experiences as "special in the way that you felt welcome, seen, and part of something larger than yourself."
Throughout her visit, Melinda was impressed by the relaxed and welcoming demeanor of the staff. She particularly appreciated Stanley, the Klahoose Cultural Interpreter, whose passion for his culture shone through as he shared knowledge about the Klahoose First Nation. The resort's mission to spread awareness about the Klahoose culture resonated with Melinda, who was excited to share her newfound knowledge with others.
When asked what this experience meant to her, Melinda said the feeling of being surrounded by true peace was so appreciated. She said, “Being in nature, the beauty of the surroundings, the serenity allows a person to reconnect with themselves and to share it with such lovely people made it extremely special.” She was so happy to find that this incredible experience was right here in Canada, not too far from home. Her hope now is to help others learn about the resort so that they can feel the unique peace that Klahoose Wilderness Resort provides to every guest who arrives on their shore.
Is a trip to Klahoose Wilderness Resort on your bucket list? Reach out to Melinda Snodgrass on her agent website or at Melinda.Snodgrass@caask.ca—she is excited to share this adventure with you! Unplug, find peace, and be amazed by a trip to this true Canadian gem.