My daughter treated me to a visit to Homfray Lodge because of my ongoing interest in bears. We arrived by float plane on Monday afternoon. We had intended to come from Lund by boat but air travel problems in the US on Sunday caused us to change. The lodge was beautiful and comfortable, the staff competent and friendly. The location is spectacular with the forested ridge behind the lodge rising to over 4000 feet above sea level. We stayed in Unit 1 which was very comfortable and the closest to the lodge which was a great convenience to me as my mobility is somewhat limited. Later I found the bed rather too soft for my taste. Dinner was excellent (as were all the meals). The evening briefing, in preparation for Tuesday's bear viewing excursion, was informative, instructive and appropriately cautionary. We were reminded that the animals were both unpredictable in their appearance and potentially dangerous in their behavior. The boat ride Tuesday morning was scenic and enjoyable. We did not see any Orcas or dolphins during the trip but the many waterfalls that cascade down the ridges were spectacular. The presentation by the Klahoose first nation guide was interesting and informative. We then boarded a bus for transport to the river viewing area. We were reminded about precautionary behaviors. The Klahoose have constructed 5 or 6 viewing platforms overlooking different sections of the rivers where bears come to feed on salmon. If there was no activity at one stand they would transport us to a different stand. We were guided from the bus to a stand from which we could view the activity. We were able to see the fish swimming in the water and watch the bears catching fish. Typically when a bear caught a salmon it would carry it into the woods to eat it. I believe i saw 5 different bears on Tuesday. Bus to Klahoose center - boat back to the Lodge. Much to my surprise my daughter then went swimming - I thought the water would be too cold, but I was wrong. Wednesday we spent at the lodge. I watched people fish from the doc - my daughter used one of their paddle boards to explore the shoreline near the lodge. Thursday was our second day of bear watching. There were rain showers during the night Wednesday. The waterfalls which were spectacular on Tuesday were absolutely awesome on Thursday. I observed six different bears feeding during the Thursday bear excursion. Homfray Lodge was a great experience for us.

The organisation of this 2 day trip was extremely good with the attention to detail, communication and care by the staff. The setting Is beautiful and the lodges very comfortable with excellent, food catering to all needs. The only disappointment was the time watching the bears on the second day which consisted of a long trip to the inlet and then only a coupe of hours actually watching. Considering the time taken to get to the lodge on the first day and back on the final day, plus return travel to the bear inlet, I felt that we were in transit much of the trip. The scenery was beautiful, but instead of spending time back at the lodge on the second day after bear watching I would have like to stay longer trying to see more bears. We were lucky that we saw one bear three times and I understand sometimes there are none This is an expensive trip with the sole intention of seeing bears so more time should be allocated to this part

What a fun and educational trip into Desolation Sound and surrounds. I'd wanted to tour this area for years, since I don't have my own yacht to do it on my own. I was 100% impressed by everyone involved with Pacific Coastal Cruises. They share their love for the area and understand hospitality at it's best.

The tour starts from Lund with a relaxing boat cruise through Desolation Sound enjoying spectacular scenery. Normand, our guide, was very knowledgeable about the wildlife and nature and was always ready with drinks, snacks and humour. Homfray Lodge is in a beautiful remote location overlooking the ocean and mountains. The lodge is very cozy and welcoming with a log fire, local art and décor and an amazing team lead by Molly taking care of everything. The food is creative, healthy, local and beautifully presented - the chef comes out to talk about what she's made for dinner each evening. Sitting on the deck watching the sunset with appetisers and wine will be a lasting memory! Meals are served family style at one large table in the lodge so you quickly get to know the other guests. After only 3 days they felt like friends we'd known for years. The rooms are really comfortable, lovely hot showers. A couple more pillows for the bed would be an extra nice touch. We stayed in a 2-bedroom loft chalet with 4 beds which was really spacious with a deck looking over the ocean. A perfect balance of comfort amid wild nature. There are some short but adventurous hiking trails around the lodge through the forest. The waters are really calm so we kayaked along the coast past cascading waterfalls and pictographs, saw lots of seals. We had 2 days of bear viewing at Toba Inlet which was awe inspiring. We were lucky enough to see 11 bears over the 2 days in different areas of the river, some fairly close to the viewing stands. The covered stands are great to protect you (and your camera) from any rain but still provide very open viewing and good light. With 6 viewing stands they were always able to find bears. There was a variety of bear activity - swimming, fishing, eating and sleeping. Lots of bird life - bald eagles, turkey vultures.The guides were very knowledgeable about the bears as well as the whole environment. Overall an amazing weekend and a really impressive team that took care of us all so well and made it all happen from start to finish.

The all-inclusive Homfray Lodge is nestled in a gorgeous landscape in Desolation Sound surrounded by millions of trees and a calm beautiful ocean. The food prepared each day was absolutely scrumptious and the wine and beer delicious. The service we received by the staff was top notch, every little detail was covered. The highlight of our trip was viewing the grizzly bears in their own habitat. We hope to return next summer!

Don’t dream about it - do it! Homfray Lodge is a Secluded, ,oceanside lodge with amazing views of paradise.From the time we were picked up in Lund for the boat ride to the Lodge we became relaxed The group of people who work thier are dedicated to their jobs and the lifestyle they can enjoy there. Nothing was overlooked.~Another part of the amazing group of people who work there is the creative chef. Our meals never disaapointed us We chose a cabin overlooking the water, I had forgotten what quiet was like until I slept there. Large cabin, wonderful cozy bed. We went on tours with a very knowelable naturalist, swam, (the water is so warm) used the paddleboards, took lots of photos. Thank You to the staff and owner of Homfray Lodge , you have outdone yourselves and all my expectations. We will be back

Homfray Lodge is such an amazing spot nestled in the vast waters of Desolation Sound. As a rustic lodge the experience is authentic and down to earth but feels luxurious with very comfortable accommodation and delicious food throughout the stay. Whether you want to relax for the duration of your stay or mix it up with some activity there is something for everyone. We made the most of the facilities onsite and enjoyed paddle board, kayaking and swimming. Over the weekend we witnessed hundreds of dolphins, seals, humpback whales as well as grizzly bears. What is not to like about this place!!!

This trip worked well in every respect. Right from our first enquiry we had plenty of information and advice and were kept informed right up to our departure by the team at Pacific. Getting to Homfrey Lodge is no mean feat but the arrangements worked flawlessly. The lodge itself is set in beautiful surroundings, is comfortable and serves wonderful food. Our fellow guests were a friendly group of different nationalities and ages. The staff became more like family friends as each day passed. Despite its isolation, the days spent there are full of interest with so much to see and if the weather is kind as it was for us, the included boat trips and water sports available make for a very enjoyable, interesting and healthy holiday. We swam, kayaked and paddle boarded most days. The memories of our close up encounters with whales, dolphins, seals and Orcas will remain for a long time. Unfortunately the bears had mostly gone up the local rivers to catch the salmon run at the time of our trip but one did visit the lodge shortly after our departure. We hope to be able to make another visit to see them as soon as we can.

The offer arrived from travelzoo.com in late June, promoting discounted grizzly-bear tours at Homfray Lodge. One of the pleasures of signing up for the trip is dealing with Sabrina Ouellette in the Pacific Coastal Cruises and Tours Vancouver office, who cheerfully answers even dumb questions. The boat journey from Lund reaches the lodge by 4:30 on day one. The location is idyllic, the water tranquil, the ambiance serene and the silence complete. The rooms and cabins are large and comfortable, the staff engaging and enthusiastic. ‘Tour Director’ Normand is a gifted raconteur. And the food? Superb: Chef Julie has a delightful creative touch. Beer, wine and soft drinks are included in the package price. Next morning, we boarded a water taxi at eight a.m. for the 90-minute run to the head of Toba Inlet. We detoured en route for pictographs and petroglyphs, humpbacks and dolphins. The Klahoose First Nation runs the bear-watching operation, using 10-20 passenger buses and six observation towers along the Klite River. The rules were made clear by our excellent guides Aleata and Leon: no talking, no perfume, no food, no noises. And no toilet facilities for the three hours. There were 10 of us in all; we noted resident eagles perched high up, perfectly still, and a turkey vulture, awaiting whatever parts of whatever fish a bear left behind. And then, at our third tower, a brown shape appeared upstream, then a second. Grizzlies! Neither one could catch a fish so, after we’d all taken our fill of stills and videos, the two took their leave, to be replaced by a third coming upstream, this one no more adept a fisherman than the first two. When our viewing period ended at 12:30, we went back to the boat and had a snack lunch and soft drinks en route to the lodge. Kayaks, paddleboards and local hikes were available; I laid down my head for a well-earned nap. Next morning, after a rain-filled night and the water-taxi trip, off we went again, this time merged with 10 day-trippers who arrived from Campbell River for bear-watching. Our fellow tourists were a chatty bunch, noisy enough to deter any self-respecting grizzly. Our bears from day one would have to suffice, though we did see eagles again, fresh elk tracks by the river and two curious deer by the roadside. On the way back, we stopped to see several waterfalls engorged by the rain. After breakfast on day four we said our farewells to lodge manager Mollie and her crew, then boarded the boat for the trip back to Lund, ever vigilant for wildlife. Home-to-home, the trip cost about what you’d pay for the same period of time in a deluxe hotel with gourmet meals. Worth it? Absolutely. Bucket-list stuff that met or exceeded our expectations, and, as others have said, highly recommended.

The setting, the people, the accommodation, the wildlife, the food...everything was amazing. Wouldn’t have changed a thing.

Spent an amazing weekend at Homfray Lodge where the service was fun, friendly and relaxed. Food was amazing and lodging was just the right balance of rustic with comfort. Highlight of the weekend was kayaking with 100+ dolphins, successfully spotting grizzlies, paddle-boarding on the ultra calm water and swimming in 20+ degree waters. A wonderful west coast Canadian experience. Would highly recommend to anyone of any age with an interest in blissful solitude and the outdoors :)

From the moment we arrived in Lund to meet the Captain & Crew to sail to Homfray Lodge Resort - we were feeling relaxed. Usually the "Lil Bear" vessel would be operating but today it was the Catamaran. We sailed through Deslolaton Sound on the bow of the Catamaran taking in all the nature and outdoors for approx. a 3.5hrs until we arrived to Homfray Lodge. This lodge is located only by boat or you could fly in by float plane. The staff (all 5) were there to greet us. The group size is max 16ppl staying at one time. We arrived just in time for dinner - where Chef Julia took everyone's allergies and preferences into consideration and made us the most exquisite meals - Salmon Pesto and fingerling potatoes/Halibut & wild rice/enchiladas, delicious spinach/kale salads with candied pecans and apple/charcuterie platters/delicious desserts - carrot cake/crème brule/silk pie. Everyday there's appetizers served 1 hr before dinner with an abundance of flowing wine (Gehringer Brothers - Oliver BC Wines) and local beers (all day if you want). The crew unloads your luggage to your individual cabins that can sleep at least 8 ppl (ours was 2 bedrooms and a loft with 2 double beds) on the water with mountain views - all accommodation has a mtn/ocean view. The Lodge itself is beautiful and you can tell a lot of personal love went into the décor. The mornings start at 7:45am (outdoor yoga) for those that are up bright and early or you can meet for breakfast at 8:30am. Day 2 we took the Catamaran to Toba Falls, it was approx. a 4 hr trip, back just in time for lunch. Julia prepared a Greek Feast!! Breakfast and lunches are self serve, dinners are family style/plated. We then had the afternoon to explore/hike/fish/paddle board/kayak/swim/relax - most importantly BE OUTDOORS, this is what we came for nature and R&R. Here you're pampered!! George the owner/Captain made sure that you don't need to ask for anything - you think it and it's done for you already! The staff is so attentive and kind and sincere. My husband and I travel all over the world and when we returned home, instead of buying me flowers, he bought me a card that said "Thank you" for booking us a life changing experience. We all have busy demanding lives/jobs and this 3 night get a way is all you need. We made new friends from afar that we'll definitely keep in touch with. We are BC locals from Vancouver and vowed that we'll be going back! There's too much to tell, go see for yourself!

The view from the water back across to the Resort is only the beginning because the view from your room-whether in the main lodge or in a cozy, comfortable cabin as we were - is utterly spectacular! The staff are genuine in spirit with polished delivery of services. In other words? Outstanding hospitality! Food? Fresh, and delish...activiities? How does this sound? Daily morning yoga outdoors on the dock, followed by boating excursions to waterfalls draping to the ocean, and coves used by Indigenous Peoples as celebratory grounds, all in hopes of catching sight of a bear or a whale? Fabulous, right...except this trip found us delighted only by sweet seals, a neighbouring heron and only glorious sunshine, new friends and a truly blissful, relaxing getaway. We returned to the workday madness refreshed yet ready for more!

An exceptional stay starting with a scenic cruise to our destination We were welcomed both onboard and at the dock by the staff who attended to all our needs The lodge accommodation was spacious and comfortable with a beautiful view The meals were excellent and the tours were spectacular With enough time for us to chill on the dock or paddle We will need to revisit this oasis from the modern world

We had a lovely long weekend at the lodge. The staff were very welcoming and professional. There were many activities for all levels of fitness and knowledgeable instruction when requested. The meals were very good and any diet restrictions very carefully followed. Highly recommend the Homfrey Lodge.