Fresh on the heels of being chosen as ‘BC’s Indigenous Operator or Experience for 2023,’ a resort in one of the most remote corners of qathet District was picked as one of the world’s best new hotels. Every year, AFAR publishes a list of the world’s top 15 new hotels. The editors and contributors research hundreds of properties around the globe for months before making a decision. They personally stay at each hotel as part of the vetting process. There are two Canadian hotels in the list for 2023, and one of them is the Klahoose Wilderness Resort. 

“To be recognized as one of the 15 hotels worldwide for new product is certainly a big deal to us, and even more so with the fact that we really only had one year of full operation. Employees this past year did an amazing job and we’re blessed to have some pretty incredible surroundings at the resort, but this really was recognition that puts us square on the map,” said Jason Johnson, General Manager of QXMC, the Klahoose First Nations Economic Development Corporation. 

The Muir Hotel, in the centre of the downtown Halifax waterfront district, is AFAR’s other Canadian pick. 

“I think Canadian product is certainly getting put on that map as well,” added Johnson.

According to the description on AFAR: “One luxury of this wilderness retreat owned by the Klahoose First Nation is its location. Accessed via a 60-minute seaplane ride from Vancouver or 45-minute boat transfer from Lund, BC, the resort is surrounded by more than 2,500 acres of Klahoose territory that the community has protected for centuries. Here, glacial waterfalls plummet down snowcapped mountains and evergreens border the Homfray Channel. The four lodge rooms and three cedar cabins all face the sea, where guests might glimpse humpbacks blowing at sunrise. Activities include Indigenous-led grizzly bear tours, wood-carving lessons from Klahoose interpreter Klemkwateki Randy Louie, and—perhaps the most meaningful experience—a participatory smudging and brushing ceremony around a fire.”

This is not the only award the resort has received recently.

At their annual conference in Prince George last month, the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) and the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) chose the Klahoose Wilderness Resort as this year’s ‘Indigenous Operator or Experience.’

The other finalists were Nemiah Valley Lodge, in the Chilcotin, and Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours, in Campbell River.

On the BC Tourism and Hospitality website it states, “This award recognizes Indigenous tourism businesses that demonstrate authenticity, cultivate a greater understanding of Indigenous culture, history and traditions, and contribute to the resilience of the local Indigenous community.”

Johnson explained, “We received that at the conference.  I was taking aback  and certainly didn’t have anything prepared. To be recognized in that way after just the one year of full operations  … amazing.”  

“The team is certainly excited about the recognition and very, very determined to have an amazing year ahead.”  

“I’m pleased to report that we’ve got a 90% return rate for employees this year that we had for 2022.” 

“So some of the same faces, and a couple of new ones.” 

“Our new resort manager Elise has a lot of experience in the area not only with resort management, but also with off grid living. In fact, she lives off grid. She also has a depth of experience as it relates to putting outdoor programming together.” 

“Lyndsie Simmons and Dawn Perrott are joining us this year. They’re the dynamic couple.  Lindsay is our Chef this coming year, very accomplished. More recently she was the Chef with Nootka Marina Ventures,  Newton Cove, and so that was another floating resort. Dawn is our front of house manager. She has also worked in hospitality for a lot of different years.  We’re excited to bring all that expertise under the roof, with some pretty dynamic offerings for food and beverages here.”

“We have a Sous-chef that we hope will do wonders this year, and is lined up to be our Chef for next year.” 

“Charissa Hunt joined us again as housekeeping manager, and is already looking forward to getting up to the resort to start being involved with some of the renovations taking place.”

“We recognize that a decision to reinvest  in new furniture, new flooring, a sauna, a dock, as well as many other upgrades, including the commercial kitchen, is absolutely the thing to do this year.”

“We are putting together a new program. We’re partnered with some amazing companies like Townsite Brewing, in Powell River, and Wayward Distillery in the Comox Valley.” 

“I’m proud of this team and I’m really excited on what’s ahead. There’s a lot of eyes on the resort now. Look forward to welcoming new friends this year that may have heard about us through AFAR.”

Top image credit: A basket weaving class at the Klahoose Wilderness Resort – Photo Courtesy QXMC

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