New leadership at the Klahoose First Nation’s Economic Development Corporation, Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation (QXMC), brings vision and hope in challenging times. The recent purchase of Klahoose Wilderness Resort, formerly Homfray Lodge, strengthens business activities for the Nation and brings optimism to BC’s regional tourism sector.
QMXC’s role is to support the Klahoose Nation and engage in business ventures that encourage the Klahoose’s self-reliance and economic independence. In the last decade QXMC has invested in partnerships and resource management in hydroelectricity and forestry sectors. Since the arrival of new management 18 month ago, QXMC has established innovation and set a new economic vision with significant investment in aquaculture and eco-tourism.
One-year ago QXMC’s new manager, Bruno Pereira saw an opportunity to strengthen the Klahoose position in the hospitality sector. Despite the current impact of the pandemic on the Canadian and BC tourism industry, Pereira with the support of the Board of Directors, acquired Homfray Lodge, which the QXMC has rebranded Klahoose Wilderness Resort.
“I was deeply touched at the moment I set foot on that site and, strategically this purchase lays our foundation upon which our tourism offer will lay” Bruno Pereira says. The Resort aligns with the Klahoose Nation’s cultural and traditional values while protecting the territory and creating employment for the community. “When I shared the vision with Chief Peacey, who is also the Chairman of the Board, there was no doubt in his mind either.”
“Welcoming visitors to our territory and home brings opportunities and strengthens our Nation’s framework of modern life and aligns with our community vision for the future,” says Chief Kevin Peacey. “We invest in tourism to have a bigger role in the management of our territory and to protect the environment with our sustainable tourism practices. We care deeply and also want to contribute to the recovery of BC and the Canadian tourism economy”, added Chief Peacey.
Klahoose Wilderness Resort perches on the water’s edge of the Homfray Channel in the temperate rain forest between BC’s Coast Mountains and Desolation Sound on the Sunshine Coast. Located on Klahoose Nation traditional territory, the resort reflects the welcoming spirits and cultural traditions, as well as immersive connections with nature and wildlife.
Set to open in May 2021, Klahoose Wilderness Resort is BC’s newest Indigenous adventure travel experience. The intimate 6,100-square foot cedar timber structure can accommodate 14 to 26 guests among four spacious rooms in the main Lodge and three private one and two-bedroom cabins. Each accommodation is tastefully decorated with local Indigenous artwork from surrounding communities.
The intimate experience promises an ideal getaway for pandemic-weary travellers who long to explore new horizons in a safe, natural environment far from worries, crowds, and chaos. Klahoose Wilderness Resort is the perfect “bubble travel” gateway for small private groups and the multi-generational family travel market.
The Klahoose Willderness Resort will operate from mid-May to mid-October. Local Indigenous guides, cultural Interpreters and knowledgeable hosts will lead diverse cultural programming and wilderness experiences. These adventures range from sea kayaking and boat excursions to the Klahoose’s cultural centre on Cortes Island, to heli-sightseeing, and coveted grizzly bear viewing excursions in Toba Inlet.
Given its seclusion, Klahoose Wilderness Resort is surprisingly easy to access from Vancouver, Seattle, Vancouver Island, and beyond. Pacific Coastal Airlines offers regularly scheduled flights to Powell River. One can also travel via BC ferries as well as chartered boat, seaplane, and helicopters. The journey to Klahoose Wilderness Resort is truly spectacular.
The Klahoose Wilderness Resort’s all-inclusive package pricing is convenient for travel trade and independent travelers. The 4-day or 5-day packages are available during the operating season from May to October. The 3-night in double occupancy rate either a spacious lodge room or cozy a cabin starts at $2,395 and includes: accommodation, meals, Wi-Fi, boat transfer from Lund to the Resort, airport pick-up from Powell River Airport, activities, and grizzly bear viewing excursion in Toba Inlet. Taxes, service fee, flights, and heli-sightseeing excursions are not included in the price.