Deep within the heart of the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ haḥuułi, situated in beautiful Quait Bay is the Tofino Wilderness Resort, a stunning 126 acre property that includes a 16 room floating-lodge, a world-class spa, trails, lakes, staff accommodation and a breathtaking cedar longhouse, wherein curtains can be hung, songs and dances performed, and salmon prepared traditionally around the fire pit. Formerly owned by settlers on land appropriated by the government, the resort and land were purchased back by the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ Haw’ił through the Maaqtusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society in 2022 as part of their vision for the economic development and self-determination of the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ Nation. Within the broader context of Ahousaht’s land-use vision, the purchase of the resort marks a pivotal moment in striving towards the goals of land- reclamation, re-occupation, and economic burgeoning, paving the path forward for positive change.

The new creative direction is such that the primary emphasis and focus of the experience is firmly rooted in the cultural practices and traditional knowledge of the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ people. “That’s a huge part of tourism that is not being done to this date,” notes Ḿukʷina. “People coming to Tofino are asking, ‘where can I see Nuu-Chah-Nulth culture?’ Well, now we can provide that opportunity and we’re going to make it happen.”

Historically speaking, Quait Bay is a significant place, and was part of the traditional homelands of Ahous people. Furthermore, it is adjacent to the traditional village site of Waʔuus (Cypre River), which had been there since time immemorial and would have once housed hundreds of families. Both Quait Bay and Waʔuus are situated in close proximity to the culturally decisive Chiitape (Catface Mountain), where Hyupinulth – an ancestor of Tyee Haw’ił Ḿukʷina – climbed with a number of warriors to perform a chant. This event marked the beginning of a thirteen-year war that would determine the future survival and flourishing of the Ahousaht people.

Located centrally within the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ haḥuułii, and surrounded by culturally, historically and ecologically important places, the Tofino Wilderness Resort invites visitors to experience the lands and waters of Clayoquot Sound in a way hitherto unprecedented. In the words of the Resort CEO, “The experience here is Ahousaht authentic – the way you are welcomed, the way you leave transformed. You just need to come here, sit with the land, and it will tell you what to do – it will provide anyone with the opportunity to transform. The goal of the Tofino Wilderness Resort is to allow guests to not only visit, but to leave different, with a strong sense of place and that they have experienced something very special. Here is a chance to instill a sense of place they’ll remember for a very long time, if not the rest of their life.”

The Tofino Wilderness Resort is presently welcoming bookings from corporate groups through 2023, and will be open to all guests beginning in 2024.