Gowlland Harbour Resort

We loved the sauna on the lodge's main deck, and Lynette and Frank were such good hosts, making sure we had everything we needed. At the Harbour Hideaway, we had an especially peaceful stay. It's up on a rocky outcropping with beautiful views of the water and surrounding nature, chances to spot sea life, and, on a clear day, a magnificent view of Strathcona Park. The Hideaway is self-contained and has everything needed for a comfortable stay, including an epic soaker tub. Its holiday decorations were lovely, festive without being over the top. We'll definitely come back.

The lodge felt open and bright, with cheerful staff and wide harbour views. The lobby is cavernous, while my room was small and utilitarian, with no wifi, so be ready to use your data. This is a hiker's lodge, not a relais chateau. The peaceful wilderness setting of Quadra Island and Gowlland Harbour resort is beautiful, and the long entrance drive makes a strong impression. But the small mobile home or RV on the way to the lodge, along with the jumble of outbuildings, didn't fit the way the resort had marketed itself. I drove up to the double doors to check in, but after overnight snow, checking out was harder because of the lobby access and my car not being suited to ice. I ended up hand-trucking all my bags up to the car park through heavy snow, another reminder of the old advice to travel light. The dining room and decks, with their sea views, were welcome places to rest in peace and quiet.

Our guests kept telling us how tasty the food was, and we thought the venue was gorgeous too. We had our wedding at Gowlland Harbour Resort this summer, and the staff and setting were spectacular. Everyone there was wonderful and worked hard to make the day perfect and smooth. Communication was quick, and Lynette was always ready to answer our questions while we planned. We can't thank Gowlland enough for all the hard work and care they put into making our wedding feel magical.

The prime rib was the best restaurant dinner I've ever had, and the stuffed butternut squash was delicious too. The cauliflower bites tasted good, but there were too many sauce and flavor options, and the dipping sauces didn't really go together. With the chef's talent, those bites belong on a pub menu rather than a fine dining one. The waitstaff were friendly and professional, and the food was presented in a distinctive way. This is a restaurant review, not a review of the resort. Solid five stars, and I can't wait to try the duck.