Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre
Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre
41040 Gold River Highway, Campbell River, British Columbia V9W 5C5 Canada
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About
#2 of 5 lodges in Campbell River
Location
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Nestled on the shores of Upper Campbell Lake, our off-grid wilderness retreat and multi-sport haven boast 160-acres of secluded waterfront, hiking trails and activity-based infrastructure. Our eclectic accommodation, stunning location and expertise in outdoor education keeps people coming back year after year — and they bring their friends. Located just outside of Strathcona Provincial Park, we often act as a base camp and resource for adventurers exploring further afield. Our backyard is full of possibilities, whether it’s a day trip or multi-day expedition you’re looking for – from hiking to mountaineering, paddling rivers, lakes or ocean, forest bathing to waterfall viewing. Talk to us about guided adventures and developing your outdoor skills with our talented instructors.
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Property amenities
Internet
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Non-smoking hotel
Self-serve laundry
Private beach
Fireplace
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
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HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Lake View
Family
Location
41040 Gold River Highway, Campbell River, British Columbia V9W 5C5 Canada
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Detailed Reviews
This lodge is in a beautiful location and the staff are helpful with providing access to water sports equipment and guidance on hikes. However, I have to say that upon arrival, we notified the front office about a terrible urine odour in our room, but it had dissipated when the manager came to check. That evening the odour got worse and there were many animals in the roof. When I reported the issue the next day I was told the problem was bats, but there was no offer made to move our room to make our stay more comfortable or bearable. We slept two nights paying $350/night to ingest the smell of bat urine and it was horrible. We all felt sick from it the whole drive home. For the price we paid for a room, it felt rather dissatisfying to not have received more support dealing with this issue when it was first presented, and when it was subsequently brought up again. My suggestion: if you book here make sure you aren’t put in room 70 the loft room.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The setting is gorgeous and the rooms were very comfortable with beautiful views of the lake. The buffet style meal was very expensive ($40) for what we were offered. On the night that we ate there, only tomato sauce and mussels were on offer. One person in our party was allergic to mussels and only had a very bland tomato sauce to choose from. The pasta was mushy and overcooked. Of the 2 desserts that were offered, one was so dry that no one in our party of 4 ate it and the other pastry dessert was undercooked and inedible. Very disappointing meal!
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Take your own food and don’t eat at the restaurant.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The local is beautiful, and lots of hiking near by. Alas, the hotel is old and shows its age. Probably ok for the many teenagers that roamed the property, and to be fair that is their market focus. But despite lacking some desired features they did have an electric car level 2 charger, so A+ for that. But for the price charged, we might expect more despite the oft repeated “we are in the wilderness”. The rooms are sparse and not even a bathroom glass was included for morning routine or just a drink of the very cold local water. Also shows it’s age. Probably bought in the late 50’S when it opened. Wifi, (wilderness and satellite connection). Meant that available only near lobby. No AC so lucky we missed the 30 degrees weather from previous week.
No flexibility even though we had booked a boat cruise and hotel as part of a “package”. They are aware, and we advised them that boat might be late. But they would do nothing to help a large group staying three days to allow them a late supper on first night. So we were forced to find meals in Gold River and then drive quickly to make it in time for their 9 PM front desk closing for the night.
Food was mostly slops of eggs and piles of fruit for breakfast - not a piece of meat in sight. So protein fuel for hikes was lacking. Similar situation for supper. Lots of pasta and vegetables and seafood pasta had more closed clams than open. Finding a shrimp was near impossible.
So I would recommend staying in Campbell River and driving 30 km to the hikes.
No flexibility even though we had booked a boat cruise and hotel as part of a “package”. They are aware, and we advised them that boat might be late. But they would do nothing to help a large group staying three days to allow them a late supper on first night. So we were forced to find meals in Gold River and then drive quickly to make it in time for their 9 PM front desk closing for the night.
Food was mostly slops of eggs and piles of fruit for breakfast - not a piece of meat in sight. So protein fuel for hikes was lacking. Similar situation for supper. Lots of pasta and vegetables and seafood pasta had more closed clams than open. Finding a shrimp was near impossible.
So I would recommend staying in Campbell River and driving 30 km to the hikes.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Go higher up or cabins to get view of lake.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Strathcona Park Lodge is a very REMOTE lodge within Strathcona Provincial Park in BC. There are no other businesses for 40km in any direction, meaning that you'd be driving over 80km round trip to eat off property. There is one restaurant on property, which serves buffet-style food at very narrow (90 minute window) hours for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Unfortunately, the buffet simply isn't good. It is very sparse, with about 5 choices, mostly vegetarian. Even worse, the food is terrible. Rather than serving basic food which everyone can enjoy, they attempt to get fancy with their sauces and preparation, and the result tastes like someone with no culinary talent attempting to cook a gourmet meal. In short, it's terrible and borderline inedible.
Don't get me wrong. I wasn't expecting the best meal of the trip at Strathcona's buffet, but this was really bad. I expected basic but decent food, but this was neither.
The other big problem with the property is the WiFi situation. They have a router which reaches most of the property, but it is for staff only! Instead, you are stuck going to the "public area" to access WiFi, and since it's satellite, it's also quite slow. There is no excuse for not opening up the WiFi to everyone, since they clearly have the equipment to reach most rooms. Buy extra satellite subscriptions if necessary! You guys are making bank over there in the summer!
The rooms are extremely basic and cabin-like, but I expected that. Those essentially met my expectations. Very old and no-frills for what you pay, but I understand I'm paying for the location and not for a wonderful room.
There is NO air conditioning. Avoid the property during heat waves. They told me they don't have enough fans for each room, which is odd. Don't those cost like $20 each? Weird thing to cheap out on. Make sure to ask for one early!
Employees are young Europeans, mostly Brits. They are friendly until there's an issue, then they get snippy with you. Canadian manager was very nice, though.
This place isn't terrible, and the lake view from the property is very beautiful, but the food situation was SO disappointing, so I'll never be back.
If you do go, drive to the south end of the lake for Lower Myra Falls, as you'll really enjoy it.
Unfortunately, the buffet simply isn't good. It is very sparse, with about 5 choices, mostly vegetarian. Even worse, the food is terrible. Rather than serving basic food which everyone can enjoy, they attempt to get fancy with their sauces and preparation, and the result tastes like someone with no culinary talent attempting to cook a gourmet meal. In short, it's terrible and borderline inedible.
Don't get me wrong. I wasn't expecting the best meal of the trip at Strathcona's buffet, but this was really bad. I expected basic but decent food, but this was neither.
The other big problem with the property is the WiFi situation. They have a router which reaches most of the property, but it is for staff only! Instead, you are stuck going to the "public area" to access WiFi, and since it's satellite, it's also quite slow. There is no excuse for not opening up the WiFi to everyone, since they clearly have the equipment to reach most rooms. Buy extra satellite subscriptions if necessary! You guys are making bank over there in the summer!
The rooms are extremely basic and cabin-like, but I expected that. Those essentially met my expectations. Very old and no-frills for what you pay, but I understand I'm paying for the location and not for a wonderful room.
There is NO air conditioning. Avoid the property during heat waves. They told me they don't have enough fans for each room, which is odd. Don't those cost like $20 each? Weird thing to cheap out on. Make sure to ask for one early!
Employees are young Europeans, mostly Brits. They are friendly until there's an issue, then they get snippy with you. Canadian manager was very nice, though.
This place isn't terrible, and the lake view from the property is very beautiful, but the food situation was SO disappointing, so I'll never be back.
If you do go, drive to the south end of the lake for Lower Myra Falls, as you'll really enjoy it.
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Date of stay: July 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed in cottage #2. It was perfect for two people. It was clean and comfortable. The kitchen area is small, but well equipped with pots, pans and dishes. It was fine for simple meals. Make note that the fridge is not full size and there is no microwave. The shower is small, but adequate and there was plenty of hot water. The view of the lake is pretty and the options for seating are indoors on the leather couch, the chairs on the deck or the chairs by the personal fire pit. We did not need to use the wood stove, but plenty of wood was provided. The front desk staff were pleasant from the time of booking through checkout. There is no wifi in the cottage, but we were able to sit on the deck outside the reception area and get a fair signal. Not ideal, but adequate for checking email. We did not take part in the nightly offerings, but they sounded interesting. We felt that all safe protocols were in place and adhered to. Research your trails ahead of time as the info centre in the park was only open on weekends. Just a suggestion, it would be nice if the website provided more information as to what was furnished in unit: type of coffee maker, etc. More photos of the units might be helpful for some. We found the unit to be tastefully decorated and bright.
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Date of stay: July 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was our second time. We stayed in a room for six persons which worked well for our family. Bedding and linen provided and is high quality. The Lodge offers meals you can sign up for (breakfast, lunch or dinner) with local produce and vegan/vegetarian/gluten free options. The staff is friendly and helpful. Trails and activities are wonderful. Just make sure you sign up for the Lodge organised activities well in advance. This year we were unable to take advantage of the youth activities (rope climbing, tree climbing, zipllining et cetera).
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Date of stay: August 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â The cheaper rooms have less view. There are also cabins but they go by the week and they book up...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I travel for work in remote areas on the Island and needed a good rest while working. Not only did they give me an early check in to a cottage on the lake,it was incredibly peaceful being off grid , but coupled with luxury cottage items, beautiful cosy bedding and stocked kitchen utensils. I appreciate the cottage was immaculate and I was over the moon to see perfectly seasoned cast iron. My kinda spot!! Hopefully I will be lucky enough to return again this season. Many thanks for a peaceful stay.
Garden Gal, Jen Hetrick
Garden Gal, Jen Hetrick
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We needed a break from the Covid stuff, as all our trips have been cancelled. We decided to book into Strathcona Park Lodge, on recommendation of an in-law. They have had to close the hotel part, but the cabins are all open.
We swam in the lake in October [ a first for me] , we kayaked, and we hiked and walked. Kelly at the front desk told us about the Three in Three challenge. If you do three of their challenges in three consecutive days, you get a T-shirt. We thought what the heck, and went for it. When we had done them we went to get our T-shirts, and were told we also get 10% off our bill.
There is lots to do on their property as well as in the park. They are hurting with the pandemic, but are doing their best. You do not get your room made up, but they go out of their way to help in any way possible.
If you want a very relaxing break go up and stay. The cabins have every thing you need except your food and drinks.
We swam in the lake in October [ a first for me] , we kayaked, and we hiked and walked. Kelly at the front desk told us about the Three in Three challenge. If you do three of their challenges in three consecutive days, you get a T-shirt. We thought what the heck, and went for it. When we had done them we went to get our T-shirts, and were told we also get 10% off our bill.
There is lots to do on their property as well as in the park. They are hurting with the pandemic, but are doing their best. You do not get your room made up, but they go out of their way to help in any way possible.
If you want a very relaxing break go up and stay. The cabins have every thing you need except your food and drinks.
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Date of stay: October 2020
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â They have cabins for different size groups. All have wood stoves. enjoy
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
spent 3 nights in room 72. Most pleasant with exquisite view of lake and forests.
Very clean room and comfortable beds.
Service excellent.
Staff friendly and informative.
Dusty log beam above beds and dusty heater in bathroom.
Recommend hotel install EV charging station.
Internet only available in lounge and rather poor.
Buffet style meals nutritious but over priced.
Speeding traffic related to nearby mine - noisy and made one feel unsafe walking along hotel grounds bordering highway, and also as a motorist exploring the magnificence of Strathcona Provincial Park.
Very clean room and comfortable beds.
Service excellent.
Staff friendly and informative.
Dusty log beam above beds and dusty heater in bathroom.
Recommend hotel install EV charging station.
Internet only available in lounge and rather poor.
Buffet style meals nutritious but over priced.
Speeding traffic related to nearby mine - noisy and made one feel unsafe walking along hotel grounds bordering highway, and also as a motorist exploring the magnificence of Strathcona Provincial Park.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Christine Clarke, General Manager at Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre
Responded Sep 23, 2021
Dear Marek - Thank you for your feedback. I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay. Isn't the view magnificent?! While we're off the grid we do have an EV charging station that is solar powered. Next time please check with the office and we can get you hooked up. There is a 60 km zone for about a kilometre for the road next to our hotel and have hiking trails on our 160 acre property, some that parallel the highway. There isn't much of a shoulder so it's good to take the trails instead of the road when going for a walk. Unfortunately the mine (45 km south of us) does generate some traffic. All the best, Christine
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My daughter (8) & I had the most amazing stay and fun exploring the beautiful park. Our little room in the rafters was comfy & cozy. The highway was a bit noisy & glad I brought a portable fan (powered by USB power bank) as it was very warm. Great beds & bedding. The staff were very friendly:)
The only downside for us was the food. Local should still taste good! It wasn’t very kid friendly & was also expensive. I’m glad I came prepared for breakfast & lunch.
We can’t wait to return….& will hope for better food next time or bring our own.
The only downside for us was the food. Local should still taste good! It wasn’t very kid friendly & was also expensive. I’m glad I came prepared for breakfast & lunch.
We can’t wait to return….& will hope for better food next time or bring our own.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Christine Clarke, General Manager at Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre
Responded Aug 2, 2022
We're glad you had an amazing and fun stay with us. How thoughtful that you brought your own usb power bank fan for our off the grid locale. The Forest View rooms do have occasional noise from the highway. The Lakeview Rooms and Cabins are quieter. Thank you for your feedback on our meals as well. Our chefs completely agree that taste and quality are both important. I hope you chatted with our servers about your preferences. When you visit next please let us know how we can accommodate you. At $20 for breakfast and lunch and $35 for dinner, half price for kids 6-12 and free under 6 we feel our meals are well priced. Bringing a cooler is a good back-up for people who prefer to have their own snacks on hand. See you soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
You could probably get a commuter bus to Campbell River, but I am not sure about getting from there to Strathcona. You could research if there is a bus from Campbell River to Gold River. It would go right past the Lodge. Another option is to contact the Lodge.
Larry
We don not outfit rooms with hair driers but you can borrow them free of charge at the front desk!
no, but we do have a large clean freshwater lake to swim in.
well, it would take you several weeks at least. It is over 6400 km away.
"The cheaper rooms have less view. There are also cabins but they go by the week and they book up fast."Read full review
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ALSO KNOWN AS
strathcona park lodge & outdoor education centre hotel campbell river, strathcona park lodge and outdoor education centre
LOCATION
CanadaBritish ColumbiaVancouver IslandCampbell River
NUMBER OF ROOMS
40
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Frequently Asked Questions about Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre
What are some of the property amenities at Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, free parking, and breakfast buffet.
What food & drink options are available at Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre?
Yes, guests have access to a sauna during their stay.
Are pets allowed at Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the lake view available here.