Embracing the natural and the supernatural spirits of the land and its People Desolation Sound - British Columbia - Canada Klahoose Wilderness Resort is British Columbia's premier Indigenous cultural experience on the lands of the toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose) People. Recognized as “Authentic Indigenous”, Klahoose Wilderness Resort is an award winning, sustainable off-grid eco-resort in Desolation Sound, British Columbia, Canada. Your Intimate Eco-Adventure in British Columbia. Nestled in the pristine wilderness of Desolation Sound, Klahoose Wilderness Resort offers an unparalleled escape into nature and culture. With accommodations for just 12 to 22 guests across four cozy Lodge Rooms and three spacious Cedar Oceanfront Cabins, our sustainable eco-resort provides an intimate and highly personalized experience.
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An Authentic Connection to Klahoose Culture: A Transformative Stay at Klahoose Wilderness Resort
Photo: BlueTreePhotography
When you step off the boat at Klahoose Wilderness Resort, nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s remote Desolation Sound, you don’t just arrive at a luxurious wilderness escape you step into a living story, one rooted in the traditions, voices, and spirit of the Klahoose First Nation. This is more than a destination. It is a homecoming to culture, community, and the land itself.
As a guest, I had the privilege of experiencing something deeper than just a getaway. From the very first welcome by local Klahoose staff to the beat of the traditional welcome song, I felt embraced not only by the people but by the land. We entered the main entrance where each staff introduced themselves, their role at the resort and how they would be taking care of our collective and OH BOY did they deliver on taking care of the guests.
Photos: Nycky-Jay, BlueTreePhotography
Each day at Klahoose Wilderness Resort I woke up and spent time drinking my coffee on the patio listening to the birds, feeling the wind on my face and journaling in a quiet space. I could choose to join or take time for myself. One of the most meaningful moments was carving a cedar paddle, which I later gifted to a family member as a wedding present infused with intention and tradition. This place is more than a resort, it's a living cultural experience hosted by the Klahoose First Nation, and that presence is felt in every detail. The people, the land, the traditions they all hold a kind of wisdom that gently invites you in, never forcing, only offering an invitation to participate.
Whether you’re here for cultural learning, wildlife encounters, or quiet personal retreat, Klahoose Wilderness Resort is an ideal space for yoga, meditation, and healing practices. Practicing breathwork on the deck or meditating by the ocean, with the sounds of nature and the wisdom of the land holding you, is something I’ll never forget.
This is what true “land back” healing looks like in practice Indigenous people leading in their own spaces, sharing on their own terms, and creating room for others to heal in the process. It’s not just a return to land but rather it’s a return to spirit, community, and purpose. One of the highlights of my stay was the grizzly bear viewing tour, where we respectfully observed a mother and a cub. We spent our lunch gathered on the boat, sitting in the sun and witnessing the bears nap in peace. It was one of those pinch me moments. Witnessing others read, beading and others listening to the stories of the cultural leader in residence (he had many many stories and learned he's at more careers than someone can imagine!).
And let’s not forget the food. The meals at Klahoose Wilderness Resort celebrate the abundance of the Pacific Northwest, combining traditional Indigenous ingredients with modern culinary techniques. Fresh seafood from the nearby waters, seasonal greens, and traditional ingredients prepared with soul, you could really feel it in the taste of the food. From wild salmon to clams, scallops, hearty soup dishes, and seaweed-infused creations, the culinary experience at Klahoose honors both tradition and sustainability. It’s not just food it’s a connection to place and the ecosystems that nourish us. While I was not in my home territories, the meals reminded me of home and my grandmothers cooking.
Finally, As the owner of RavenSong Soap & Candle, it’s incredibly meaningful to witness our bars of soap being used in authentic Indigenous spaces like Klahoose Wilderness Resort, where cultural integrity and storytelling are at the heart of the guest experience. Seeing our Potlatch White Raven soap included in such a globally recognized, award-winning eco-tourism destination is a powerful affirmation of the work we do. At Klahoose, the soap isn’t just an amenity, it’s a form of gifting, deeply rooted in our traditions of feasting, potlatching, and inviting others to witness. It carries our stories and values in a tangible way, offering guests a small but meaningful piece of Indigenous culture to take with them a gesture that beautifully aligns with the spirit of sharing and reciprocity that defines our communities.
The memories I made at Klahoose are ones I’ll carry for a lifetime. But more than memories, I left with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper connection to Indigenous cultural resurgence, and a reminder of what happens when land, people, and tradition come together in harmony.
If you’re seeking a place to retreat, reconnect, and truly feel, I can’t recommend Klahoose Wilderness Resort enough. It’s more than a visit—it’s a return to something essential. A way forward rooted in respect, healing, and cultural truth.
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About Klahoose: Occupying traditional territories that span from Cortes Island to Toba Inlet, the Klahoose Nation has existed since time before memory. Our primary village site, Squirrel Cove, is home to approximately seventy-five full-time residents who live and work on Cortes Island and in the surrounding areas. The remaining three hundred and nine members reside in off reserve coastal communities in the lower mainland, and Washington State.
Our territories are rich in resources, both on land and in the waters that surround us. This abundance helped sustain our ancestors who carefully managed fish and wildlife to ensure future generations have access to these vital resources.
In the 1800's, Indian Agents and government surveyors allocated our peoples to ten reserves, limiting our ability to survive and prosper as our communities had done since time immemorial. As Canada opened its doors to early settlers and explores, First peoples across the country, including those at Klahoose, were marginalized. Restrictive legislation prohibiting cultural ceremonies like the Potlatch, coupled with mandatory attendance at Residential Schools, alienated generations from one another. The echo of this devastating period in our shared history continues to linger.
Today, Klahoose is rediscovering the beauty of the traditions which have historically defined our peoples. Ancient protocols are being practiced and the Klahoose people are once again thriving.