I have been fishing the West coast of British Columbia for many years and have been fortunate to stay at top floating lodges in the Queen Charlotte Islands (Langara Island), Milbank Sound, Campbell River Etc. I choose my lodges based on referral and price for the most part is not a significant factor. I look for the best experience available. Tyee Lodge was referred to my by a close friend who has fished likely every high end lodge in mid to northern BC. I was taking my family (wife, boys 6 & 9) on their first ocean fishing trip and wanted it to be everything they would hope it to be. We couldn’t have been happier.
We arrived by freighter from Port Alberni (http://www.ladyrosemarine.com/). This 4 hour trip was a great start to our vacation. The freighter accommodates approx 30 passengers and stops at ocean access communities dropping off propane, groceries, beer etc. In fact, most of the goods available in Bamfield arrive this way. Upon arrival at the Government dock, Jeff (co-owner and guide) met us at the docks and collected our baggage. We opted to walk the 300m to the lodge. We appreciated the simplicity of the grounds and were pleased to see the simple yet thoughtfully constructed lodge.
Tyee Lodge is located on the outer edge of the Bamfield inlet. Its size is very similar to the floating lodges found in the Queen Charlotte Islands. However, the detailed finishing was much higher. Given it is land based, there are large grassy areas with horse shoes, seating and plenty of decks. Everything was very well maintained and there was lots of room and privacy. The large deck has very comfortable padded lounge chairs, ample seating. My wife and kids used the hot tub each evening. The views are simply post card perfect. We lucked out with hot weather and therefore had dinner outside on the deck. We stayed in a room with 4 single beds and it was much larger than I had expected. It was simple, but very clean. We appreciated the welcome give left on each of our pillows upon arrival.
The boats at Tyee are simply the best I have ever fished off of at a fishing lodge. These 24 aluminum work horses are about as seaworthy as you can find. They have 3 boats which have twin 90 or 115 or a single 250. They get you where you want to go…and fast. We fished the flats 22 miles off shore and it took less than 1 1/2hrs to get there. However there is lots of fishing within 15 minutes of the dock. We ventured out because of a huge Chinook run. We caught 11 salmon, 2 halibut in less and 2 hours. My fiends boat caught over 100 fish and maxed their halibut in 7 hours. They stopped counting at 28 double headers. The fishing in Bamfield rivals any place in BC.
Overall, this lodge is different than the fly and heli in lodges in the North but for all the right reasons. It is laid back, so if your looking to have your behind kissed all day then this isn’t for you. The staff is very nice and want you to have a great time. You can see it in their eyes. The food is very good and approachable. Baby back ribs, souvlaki, roast, salmon, halibut. Great home cooking but upscale. There is an honor bar available which is well stocked. And most importantly, the other guests are there for a good time and to meet good people.
I debated whether I should post such a good review as the old rule of fishing is “Don’t tell anyone your favorite location”. However, they work incredibly hard to make their guests happy and for that they deserve success.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC