Clayoquot Wilderness Resort Invites Families to Celebrate Their “Elders”

02-26-2009

 “Elder’s Stay Free” in 2009

Tofino, B.C., February 19, 2009 – While kids stay free at many vacation destinations, at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, a remote glamping or glamourous camping destination on Vancouver Island, it’s the elders who are getting the special attention.

A popular destination for multi-generational families, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is paying tribute to the oldest and wisest family members with an Elders Package that offers a free stay for up to two elders, aged 55 years or older,  travelling with families of six or more. 

The special offer is designed to encourage even more families to reconnect in the magic of the Canadian wilderness and is inspired by the First Nations culture, in which elders are revered as role models and leaders for future generations. 

The Elder Package starts June 1, 2009 when the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort opens for the 2009 season. It covers the cost of the stay for up to two elder family members, excluding the cost of the Floatplane trip  from Vancouver to the resort. Rates for other family members start at CDN$4750.00 (US $3774.00*) for a three night, four day experience in shoulder season (early June & September) and increase to  CDN$5500.00 (US$4368.00*) per person in high season ( mid-June – August). Discounted rates are also offered for children 12 years of age and under. Rates for four and seven night stays are also available. For more information people may contact the resort at 1-888-333-5405, or visit www.wildretreat.com.   ( * based on current exchange rates)

For US families, the lower Canadian dollar means a more affordable getaway and higher return on investment into family bonding and Canadian families may wish to stay closer to home to save time and money, yet indulge in a great Canadian family tradition – camping – with a few extra perks.

Famous for launching the “glamping” or glamourous camping trend,  Clayoquot Wilderness Resorts allows grandma and grandpa to relive their memories of wilderness experiences from days gone by, surrounded by family,  and be entirely pampered with outstanding locally inspired cuisine, critically acclaimed wines,  and spa services.  Accommodation is provided by tents, but these canvas safari style tents are outfitted with Adirondack style beds and beautiful linens, gas burning fireplaces, antique furniture and Persian carpets.   Elders may opt to head out whale watching with the family, head for a leisurely guided stroll through the rainforest or they can stay cozied up in the Cookhouse sipping tea and waiting for their grandchildren to return from their grand adventures.

Located  within the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is in the heart of what UNESCO calls the best example of an intact old growth temperate rainforest left in the world.   It is also an area that has been occupied by First Nations communities for over 6,000 years.

“We embrace the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations philosophies,” says managing director John Caton.  He explains that every guest who stays at the resort is exposed to the indigenous communities’ history and culture and this offer is meant to pay tribute to the rich history that surrounds the destination.

“Elders are our ties to our past and our future,” says Caton,  a grandfather himself  who operates the resort with his wife Adele and their two sons and their families. “Stays at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort are about connecting – with each other and with nature, our past and our future.”    A large open campfire was specially created for roasting marshmallows and telling family stories, private dining tents are available for family celebrations and the outdoor seating area, flanked with cosy velvet couches and framed by a large stone fireplace is where many new memories are shared.

This is a sentiment shared by others as Clayoquot Wilderness Resort has seen a steady growth in multigenerational family bookings over the past five years. With its pampering outdoor wilderness experience, the resort offers something for all generations. For the fitness-buff and thrill seeker there is hiking, horseback riding, archery, skeet shooting and rock climbing; the traditional family picnic is enjoyed along with bear watching and river or ocean kayaking; and the solitude-seeker can curl up in an overstuffed chair in front of the fireplace and fit in a massage and facial or two.

About Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

Surrounded by glacial mountains and lush rain forest, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is located in the fragile Clayoquot Sound Biosphere reserve, right at the mouth of the Bedwell River where it spills into a nine-mile-long fjord. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is an all-inclusive eco-resort open annually from May to October. The resort offers three, four and seven night packages and includes a gourmet culinary experience and spa facilities. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, ocean and fresh water fishing, whale and bear watching, a Wild Side First Nations Interpretive Trail, a natural rock climbing wall, an archery range, a ten-stand sporting clays course, kayaking, canoeing and more. 

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