i dont know why some people say that this place sucked. it rocked! the food was great, the cabins were good, overall everything rocked!

I just got back from SPL and was dissappointed. I heard good things from people who went years ago. The food was terrible and the room service was non-existent.

For $21, you get a buffet dinner. The word "BUFFET" has a different meaning here. They limit you on certain items. The pita NAZI would only let you take one. They consider a pile of lettuce "salad" and they confuse mutten for lamb. It is the worst food I have had since my travelles in 3rd world countries (but they cost $2). They also expect you to clean off your plate, put away your dishes and then tip! BRING YOUR OWN FOOD IF YOU MUST GO!!!!!!!

The cabin cost $169/night and was a dump. There was rat poison out and also a trap set. The place had not been renovated in the last 25 years. We stayed for 3 days and the room service never showed up! The garbage became smelly, sheets and towels were never changed. THe mattress was absolute junk. If I am paying $80/night I expect very little. AT $169 it is a rip off.

We thought maybe we were just having bad luck at SPL, but we met people who were also from Vancouver Island. They were just as upset with the food and lodging. The only thing I will give credit to is the very nice staff (They seem to agree with our issues but keep it quiet).

Their advertising is slick and very professional but don't be fooled. They will take your money and provide very little in return.

Vancouver Island is a beautiful place to go. Don't waste your experience at SPL. Go to Tofino or Victoria.

With a 5 day program, 3 activities a day, and a marvelous instructor,
we picked a winner when we booked this grandparent-grandchild vacation through elderhostel intergenerational programs. Our two grandsons, age 11, and 12, rappelled, high roped, zip lined, kayaked, canoed, and learned wilderness skills at this lodge.
Our instructor encouraged us to do many of the things which the children did, so we took part in activities which we have never done before. The food was delicious, healthy, and well prepared. The positive attitude of the staff was helpful. The owner, who originally started these educational programs, and built the lodge on beautiful Upper Campbell lake on Vancouver Island was present and oversees the lodge, so there is a definite pride of ownership. There are many programs to choose from, including camping and marine programs off site. I would highly recommend active families, or like us, active grandparents, to check into this resort. What a treat it was to bond on a one to one basis with our grandchildren.
The apartments and rooms are rustic, clean and very varied in their space. We had a 3 bedroom apartment.
Have to add that even without kids, this is a peaceful resort on 160 acres of wooded land.

Multiple reviews from people with different tastes and interests, left me with more reservations than questions answered, before going to the lodge for their "Family Adventure Week" in July 2006. Happily, our experience was outstanding, and we were pleasantly suprised on many accounts.

Facilities: Simple but very comfortable, and they meet all basic needs (ample hot water, good beds, clean). Think of a well-equipped summer cabin you might have stayed at as a kid. Note that there are several complexes that have multiple rooms in them (oriented towards groups). These tend to be somewhat noisier (as expected), but since there are no TVs, and most people are exhausted by sundown, sleeping was easy. There is the option of large, individual cabins close to the water that looked spectacular from the outside. If I were to go again, I would definitely pay more for one of these individual units, which came in multiple configurations. They are also quieter (more removed from the main road which has light traffic, but big logging-mining trucks).

Food: We were very happy, after reading accounts from "meat & potato" types who missed their regular diet. Don't, however, expect hamburgers and fries! The buffet plan was simply outstanding. There were different selections every day, being constantly replenished by the kitchen. All options were exquisitely prepared with the touch of an expert chef. Normally, there was a meat or chicken option, apart from great vegetarian choices, if you are so inclined (I am more of a meat eater). Very wholesome and we tried lots of new things you normally don't encounter. The a-la-carte dining room was first class. We had several entrees one evening that were of the highest order. The quality, innovation and presentation of the plates was that of a 4 or 5 star restaurant, in a rustic setting!

Instruction/Facilities: Great zip lines, tree climbing, high ropes, and the rock climbing on a real cliff was spectacular. The instructors were young, energetic and well-prepared. In our "Family Adventure Week" there was the perfect mix of gentle pushing and guidance; our young kids came away much more confident in themselves, after pushing their own limits.