May 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Accommodation
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When we arrived at Escott Bay, I thought it would be just a fishing resort but it turned out to be an impressive cowboy experience (and fishing resort!). We not only were treated to a great view of Anahim Lake, but we were delighted when Bill, the owner, demonstrated how to pack a pack horse for an overnight trail ride and shared with us his admiration and enthusiasm for the beautiful area around Escott Bay.
May 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Accommodation
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We spent two nights at the Clearwater Lake Lodge, and I must say, it filled my expectations of a perfect, relaxing retreat! The main lodge and suites are comfortable, cozy and complete with a giant, hand built fireplace. The view from the lodge onto the lake is extraordinary and was coupled with various bird sightings throughout our stay.
The host, Gisela and Bernward, were absolutely delightful, and fed our group the most wonderful homecooked meals. Sharing their experiences in the area, they had plenty of local lore and history which added a great value to our stay. Berward was a great tour guide who led us on hikes and brought us to some of the many highlights in the area, such as Tatlayoko Lake. We had great fun learning and exploring with him! He even brought us out to see a nearby osprey nest.
Essentially, after having a great day exploring the Chilcotin, it is wonderful to come back to a place offering luxury, urban amenities with a flourish of great hospitality and company.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Accommodation
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My time spent at the Clearwater Lake Lodge was unforgettable. Bernward and Giesla, the owners and operators, are hands down the most hospitable people I have ever met. From the moment we arrived at the Lodge we were treated like royalty, but also part of the family.
This place gets even better when we walked around to the dock area behind the lodge that is 500 feet from Clearwater Lake (hence the name!) and we were confronted with a view that can only be described as breathtaking. The lake is beautiful blue crystal clear glacier water surrounded by lush forest with the majestic coastal mountain standing tall in the background, creating the perfect landscape that even the most hardcore city goers would stop and contemplated living here for. Bernward refers to the region (Clearwater Lake and the Tatlayoko Valley south of the lake) as ‘God’s Country’ and he is right, I can’t imagine a more stunning, awe-inspiring place on earth.
To top off the entire Clearwater Lake experience, I will certainly remember Giesla’s cooking the most; probably because we all left a few pounds heavier! I highly recommend leaving your diets at home because for one you will be missing out on the greatest cooking the province has to off and no one can resist her unique blend of German-western cooking, the elegant presentation and most of all her home cooked bread.
May 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Accommodation
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The Clearwater Lake Lodge is absolutely stunning the surreal location is quite like something out of a fairytale. The lodge is situated on Clearwater Lake in amongst the mountains in Kleena Kleene, BC. The Luxurious Chalet offers Fine Dining with locally grown organic products and a fully licensed restaurant “Gisela’s Kitchen”. I have stayed at quite a few Lodges and by far Gisela’s cooking surpasses them all, the meals were by far one of the best features at the lodge. The couple is quite hospitable and each room includes your own bathroom there is also the option to stay in one of two cabins and or to bring your own tent or RV. There are plenty of picnic tables for everyone, my favourite tables are situated on the dock over looking the lake. Gisela and Bernward also offer outdoor BBQ’s on the dock during the spring and summer months.
During our stay Bernward took us for a wonderful hike in the morning to see an Osprey Nest, the countryside was absolutely beautiful with a mixture of sand and trees surrounded by mountains. Gisela packed us a great picnic lunch for our afternoon tour where we went to Tatlayoko Lake known for its great windsurfing conditions. From the lake you see snow capped mountains, three mountains in particular, Mt. Waddington, Silverthorne Mountain and Monarch Mountain. We continued on our journey to the Tatlayoko Valley where Bluff Lake is located. Berward noted that the movie Seven days in Tibet starring Brad Pitt was partially filmed by Bluff Lake. Bernward showed us where Brad Pitt had climbed during the filming of the movie.
Combined with cozy accommodations, stunning views, excellent food and friendly owners this Lodge has it all. A must see for anyone traveling to the Chilcotin region. If you do not have too much time to spare the best way to get to the Lodge is by Floatplane you are able to catch the plane in Vancouver. Say Hello to Gisela and Bernward for me and enjoy your trip!