The management team behind Cougar Ridge manages several other stunning properties across Southern Utah. But while Cougar Ridge may be their most unique property in the region, they also manage another, equally interesting destination that’s more than 2,000 miles away.
Sointula Lodge is a beautiful fishing lodge located on a remote island in British Columbia. Guests come here to get back to nature, cast a line in search of salmon, or watch for unique wildlife in the water and on land.
Much like Cougar Ridge, Sointula Lodge is a family-owned property that specializes in providing an intimate experience for those looking for something beyond your typical hotel stay. Ready to see for yourself what makes this Vibrant Management property so special? Keep reading to find out.
Visiting a Picturesque British Columbia Fishing Lodge
Located on Malcolm Island, a small island off the coast of Vancouver Island, Sointula Lodge is a picturesque marine and wilderness resort. While excellent salmon fishing is what draws many visitors to The Grand Lodge, there’s more to do here than simply casting a line.
Sointula Lodge can accommodate a maximum of just 18 guests at a time, which makes for a more intimate experience than you’ll find at other fishing lodges. The 38-acre property features a main lodge that was built in the mid-1900s. Today, guests enjoy cocktail hours in the lodge and dine in the oceanfront dining room. A series of cabins provide private rooms for solo travelers, couples, and families.
Choosing Your Package
When you book a stay at Sointula Lodge, you’ll need to first choose a package. Packages are available for both 4- and 5-day trips, and for either fishing-centric or wilderness tour trips.
All packages are all-inclusive. You’ll get daily guided time on the water, all accommodation, and your meals, drinks, gear, and other activities. The only additional costs guests will have is their transportation to and from The Grand Lodge, a British Columbia fishing license, and tips for staff.
Regardless of which tour you choose, you can spend your evenings relaxing and unwinding. Enjoy 5-star coastal-inspired cuisine, alongside fine wine and cocktails. Finish your night with a dip in the hot tub or some relaxing time in a traditional Finnish sauna.
Fishing Package
On Sointula Lodge’s 4- and 5-day fishing trips, guests will enjoy full days on the water with an experienced guide. We fish just 3 to 4 anglers per boat, with private boats for 2 guests available for an additional fee.
Each time you cast a line, you could pull in one of the 5 species of Pacific Salmon that the region is known for, as well as halibut, lingcod, and more. You don’t have to be a seasoned angler; instead, Sointula’s experienced guides welcome those of all experience levels. They’ll help you learn everything you need to know about prepping your bait and casting and will be there to help you reel in your first catch. After a successful day on the water, The Grand Lodge’s staff will process and prep your fish, then place it in a freezer. On the last day of your trip, your fish is packed into wax boxes that make it easy to take it home, even if you’re traveling by airplane.
Wilderness Tours
If you aren’t interested in fishing during your time at Sointula Lodge or simply want to spend less time casting a line, you can book one of their 4- or 5-day wilderness tour packages instead. These tours are customizable, providing a private boat for each couple or small family.
On these tours, an experienced guide will take you on a stunning tour of one of the most concentrated areas of marine wilderness in the world, the Broughton Archipelago. Riding in a 27-foot boat with a heated, enclosed cabin, you might spot humpback whales, orcas, minke whales, dolphins, and sea lions in the water. In the air and on the shoreline, watch for black bears, coastal wolves, cougars, bald eagles, and more.
You can mix in some time fishing during a wilderness tour, or enjoy some of the other activities the island and surrounding wilderness has to offer. Take a hike on a remote island. Or swim beneath a stunning waterfall.
Planning a Visit to Sointula Lodge
Unlike Cougar Ridge, which is open all year long, Sointula Lodge’s location on an island in British Columbia means that it closes when cold winter weather sets in. In 2022, The Grand Lodge will be opening to guests in mid-June, with tours running through the start of September. Tours run on a set schedule, rotating between 4- and 5-day trips. With room for just 18 guests on each tour, spots fill up fast, so if you’ve chosen a date, you’ll want to book fast to guarantee your place!