Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, Vancouver Island, Canada reopens after acquisition by the Baillie family

While Australians can only admire it from afar, the doors have opened on the freshly-renovated Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Vancouver Island in Canada after it was acquired in November by James and Hayley Baillie, whose sister properties are a feature on Antipodean soil.

The opening coincides with the country's easing of interprovincial travel earlier this month, clearing the way for local guests to enjoy the $2 million makeover at the lodge in British Columbia which includes a renovation of the 25 tent interiors featuring furnishings by local designers.

Each tent, with new king beds made up with luxury linen, overlooks Clayoquot Sound and its ancient forests that can be accessed by seaplane from Vancouver or 12-seater boat from Tofino.

Designated as a UNESCO protected Biosphere Reserve in 2000, with Clayoquot at the centre, ecosystems range from temperate coastal rainforest and old growth conifer forest to oceans and rocky coastal shores.

Signature experiences at the lodge include canyoning, horseback riding and whale and bear-spotting by Zodiac.

Staff include executive chef Asher Blackford, formerly of Southern Ocean Lodge and assistant general manager Kate Hollick, formerly of Longitude 131.

A second stage of renovations slated for late next year will include a makeover of the Cookhouse Restaurant, bar and central guest area and the Healing Grounds Spa.

Alongside Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, Baillie Lodges' properties include Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, Longitude 131° at Uluru-Kata Tjuta and luxury pioneer Huka Lodge in New Zealand.