Gatherings

Family reunions, weddings, sports teams, community groups and company retreats, Strathcona Park Lodge hosts them all and more.

To find out more about organizing your Strathcona Park Lodge event read through our gatherings area, and then please give us a call us at 250-286-3122.

With more than 50 years of experience working with groups of two to 200 people, we feel confident saying, we know what we’re doing.

We provide: onsite catering, organized activities, outside and inside venues, accommodation, and an incredible atmosphere with helpful and caring staff and much more. Everything can be customized to your group’s needs.

Six reasons to pick Strathcona for your event:

1. Location: Talk about unique. Where else can you look across a lake at snowcapped mountains, rock climb, zip through the trees and eat a First Nation style salmon BBQ, all without getting in a car?

2. Off the grid: No one will be distracted by text messages or TV. Strathcona is off the grid in every way. Translation: your group will be excited, engaged and focused on the reason for the gathering.

3. Venues: There are three main gathering places at Strathcona: a casual lakeside BBQ area; the beach, a flat area with lake and mountain views; and The Barn, a large, rustic building that knows how to party, for indoor dinners and events. Our kitchen staff can cater at all three venues.

4. Accommodation: Ranging from romantic lakeside cottages to hotel-style rooms in our cedar-wood chalets, there are enough beds at Strathcona to accommodate 150 guests. We have cottages perfect for extended families or teams and others that can accommodate dozens of people under the same roof.

5. Activities: Strathcona is all about active vacations. On site are rock climbing bluffs, high ropes courses, tree climbing, all kinds of boats and hiking trails. The lake is perfect for swimming during the summer. And our team of instructors/guides are enthusiastic to introduce all these activities to our guests.

6. Sustainable: The Strathcona Circle, the Lodge’s 50 year old guiding philosophy, focuses on sustainability in everything we do. We produce our own power, filter our own drinking water, buy local food as much as possible, continually work to reduce waste and pollution and work to protect and preserve wild spaces like Strathcona Provincial Park.

To find out more about organizing your Strathcona Park Lodge event read through our gatherings area, and then please give us a call, 250-286-3122, or contact us.

Spread through the forest and along the shore of Upper Campbell Lake the accommodation options at Strathcona Park Lodge are eclectic, varied and comfortable.

The interior of Cabin 15 at Strathcona Park Lodge. Perfect for a family or a romantic get a-way.

We also have a chalet at Mount Washington Alpine Resort that sleeps up to 24 people in two units.

Couples, individuals and families of all sizes will find what they need at Strathcona Park Lodge. There are hotel-style rooms and fully contained cottages. Some chalets are best for large groups. Other cottages and cottages are ideal for families. Secluded smaller cottages are perfect for a romantic weekend. Most rooms have a lake view and several cottages are waterfront. Almost ever room has a deck, a perfect spot to watch the sun set across Upper Campbell Lake and behind snowcapped peaks.

Because of our unique construction history we have a wide range of rooms to accommodate a variety of budgets and needs. All rooms are inviting and comfortable. There are no TVs, telephones or internet within the rooms. Refer to our Amenities page to find out more.

Cabins and cottages are available year round. Hotel-style accommodation in our chalets is available from March until November, when our dining room is open.

Rates (per night):
Chalet Rooms
Private rooms in one of our larger buildings, similar to a standard hotel room. Prices are per person.

Lake view that sleeps 3 to 4 – $160
Lake view that sleeps 2 – $139

Lakefront Cottages

Varying in style, layout and size these cottages and cottages are self contained with a deck, bath, living room, kitchen and electric and wood heat.

Studio $175
One bedroom $205
Two Bedroom $280
Three Bedroom $360
Three Bedroom plus loft $440

Preece Cottage $495
Our newest and largest cottage, ideal for family celebrations or groups of friends. Sleeps 12. Four bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, kitchen, living room, electric and wood heat.

Seale House $700
A large chalet perfect for celebrations and large families. The view from the sunny decks is one of the best on property. Sleeps 20. Eight bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, kitchen and 3 decks.

College $1050 for the whole building, $122 – $165 per room
The best deal on the property, the rustic apartment style accommodations sit just uphill from the swimming bay. An excellent choice for large groups and individuals. The 15 rooms share a communal kitchen and lounge. Sleeps 42. 15 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms.

Cabin names
Every cottage, cottage, chalet and building at Strathcona was built onsite, using wood from the property. Each building has a story, each cottage a personality. Clickhere to find out more about the different buildings onsite.

If you wish to cook your own meals, please mention it when making a reservation. The College Building, Seale House and many of the smaller cottages have self-contained cooking facilities, but it’s a good idea to check in advance to ensure we can meet your needs. Otherwise, we hope you will join us for our hearty meals in the Whale Room.

THINGS TO KNOW!

The prices listed on this page are the summer rates which run from June 24th to September 5th. Please call us to find out about our seasonal discounts. Minimum stay applies to Cottages or Full Building rentals:
3 nights – June 26 – Sept. 6 and Christmas Holidays
2 nights – Sept. 7 – June 25
The seventh consecutive night is free on all accommodation, year round. Accommodation is subject to applicable taxes. A 25% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.
NO SMOKING

Arrivals and Departures
Check in time for accommodation is after 4:00 p.m.
Check out time is prior to 11:00 a.m.

Reservations and Cancellations
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required on all accommodation and packages to confirm space, with the balance due upon arrival. In the event of a cancellation, or if a client arrives late or leaves early for any reason there will be NO refund. All payments may be made in cash or MASTERCARD or VISA, or, if time permits, by cheque or money order. All rates are subject to applicable taxes. All prices shown are in Canadian funds.

Medical
Please check your medical coverage before arrival to make sure it is up to date and adequate. Participants in outdoor activities will be required to complete a medical form and sign a liability waiver.

Activities: One of the most compelling reasons to bring a gathering or group to Strathcona Park Lodge are the activities. There’s so much to try and do here. This is truly an active vacation destination.

Kayaking is one of many adventures you can take while at Strathcona Park Lodge.

Many activities are self guided – canoeing on the lake, hiking in the hills, swimming, but for many of the more exciting activities such as rock climbing, high ropes and zip lining, a guide is required for safety purposes. Guides can also add insight, instruction and interest to the free activities.

With help from the Lodge staff groups can create customized programs where activities are included. This could include boat rentals, guided hikes, and guided activities like zip line, high ropes and rock climbing. Ask us about it when booking your gathering.

For more on the activities available at the Lodge visit our Daily activities page.

Facilities and Venues

From a lakeside ceremony to a casual barbecue, intimate family dinner to a rocking party, Strathcona Park Lodge has a unique venue and facility for every gathering. All are accessible by car and wheelchair. Food service, prepared by our kitchen staff, can be delivered to any of the venues on site.

Wedding on the beach

The Beach
The most popular place for hosting wedding ceremonies and other formal events. Ideal for all sizes of groups, the large flat area juts into Upper Campbell Lake with amazing mountain views. The site can be configured in a variety of ways with flowers and seats and has hosted groups ranging from intimate to 200-plus.
Wired for power.

BBQ area
Sitting between the Swimming Bay and the Beach in a grove of fir trees, the BBQ area makes an ideal gathering area or a casual spot for a summer meal. Benches and tables focus on a large fire pit where we often slow-cook salmon in the First Nation style or groups roast marshmallows into the night.

Salmon BBQ, the traditional way.

Modern propane barbecues are also available.

The area easily accommodates 100 people for meals and more than 200 for drinks and appetizers. Mature trees provide shade. There’s a large log table for serving meals and drinks from. Wedding parties often use this area as an after ceremony reception.

The Barn
This beautiful timberframe building is rustic and charming. It’s played host to hundreds of fun parties and events over the years. Folk festivals, talent contests, dances, weddings, family reunions conferences, courses and concerts have all taken place here.

The Barn seats up to 150 for dinner. There is an optional bar area, a large west facin

Musicians playing in the barn.

g deck with excellent sunsets, two toilets and the room is wired for sound with a built-in mixing board.

The Whale Room
Private seatings at our main restaurant are available by special request. The large and spacious one room facility seats 100 people inside and on the covered deck. Big windows make the room bright and airy. Meals are served buffet style and are packed with produce sourced from nearby farms.

Myrna’s
Reserve our table service restaurant for smaller groups and more intimate gatherings, like family get togethers or rehearsal dinners. Up to 30 people can comfortably eat in this private room with amazing views across Upper Campbell Lake.

Myrna's set up for a special occasion.

Food

Strathcona Park Lodge is experienced at serving food to large groups. We can bring appetizers or full meals to anywhere on property or gatherings can enjoy our two restaurants.

No celebration or gathering is complete without excellent food. Strathcona Park Lodge’s kitchen is also a full service catering service for events and large gatherings at the Lodge. They bring the same focus on fresh, nutritious and delicious that they serve at every meal at the Lodge’s two restaurants to anywhere on site.

The kitchen staff is experienced with producing high quality food for large groups. Executive Chef Jessie P. Dufour and his staff work closely with large groups to develop menu packages and meals that satisfy their needs.

His signature celebration style dinner is a unique and spectator friendly combination of locally raised bison and First Nation style BBQ salmon. The salmon, in particular, is fun to watch as it is rotated over an alder smoke fire for a couple hours to slow cooked perfection.

Allergies and dietary needs

With a fine dining and school programs background Chef Jessie is attune to specific diets and allergies. There are always options for glueten-free, vegan, dairy-free and vegetarian. The kitchen is peanut free. If you have any dietary concerns please let us know.

Other dining options

In addition to custom catering there are two restaurants at the Lodge:

Whale Room, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner

Chef Jessie’s French Canadian roots are his inspiration for Whale Room meals. “I make family style meals and serve them in a way that allows everyone to take what they want and try something new,” he says. Served at a buffet table, there is always a couple salads, fresh and cooked vegetables, a main course and sides. Plus, a delicious desert after dinner. Wine, beer and juice is available. Meals change nightly and sometimes even during the meal.

The Whale Room is large and spacious with an awesome deck looking out over Upper Campbell Lake. It’s named for the bleached grey whale bones hanging on the wall.

Tea and coffee are available all day long and are complementary for our guests staying onsite.

Myrna’s, serving lunch and dinner

Myrna Boulding’s interest in food, health and nutrition dates back to her days as a teacher in Campbell River. As the lodge founder she brought her passion to the menu of the Whale Room and to her namesake, Myrna’s, an à la carte, menu service restaurant. Everything on this seasonal menu is healthy, nutritious and sourced locally as much as possible.

Myrna’s is quieter and a more intimate restaurant than the Whale Room with an equally excellent table side view. The menu service is inspired by ingredients that can be found locally.

Weddings at Strathcona Park Lodge

Strathcona Park Lodge is an ideal wilderness wedding location. For couples looking for a destination wedding where guests can be active and engaged there is no better destination, on the edge of a lake, amid Vancouver Island’s highest mountains.

Thank you for considering Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre (SPL) for such a momentous and joyful occasion. With its breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains, our unique setting and friendly staff, we at SPL feel that there is no better destination for a wilderness wedding.

Outside the hi-tech world, Strathcona is off the grid with no televisions or telephones to disturb the natural vibe. If your family and friends enjoy the outdoors in every weather, and can embrace a few days where most of the electricity is generated between you, the happy couple, this is the right location for you!

WEDDING AND RECEPTION

The most important part of your experience at Strathcona Park Lodge is your wedding, and we at the Lodge are here for you. Our Events Manager will assist in coordinating your special day to achieve the perfect atmosphere. Imagine a magical canoe ride for the bride and bridesmaids in our Northern Dancer canoe to the shores of the wedding ceremony, a spectacular mountain setting, or going to nearby Strathcona Provincial Park for a setting by a water fall. Complete your special ceremony with champagne and appetizers while taking in the fresh mountain air; we strive to make this the perfect day.

Once the wedding ceremony has concluded, a fully catered spectacle is arranged in The Barn. Your reception includes a detailed menu established ahead of time with our Head Chef, selecting your drinks for the tables as well as for the full service bar. The Barn is a great venue for dancing! Enjoy live entertainment, bring in your favourite DJ, or plug your friend?s iPod into our sound system. With your choice of music you will have all your friends and family dance the night away.

Facilities

The Lodge provides a unique wilderness location surrounded by the beauty of nature where guests can truly relax, enjoy each others company and celebrate your very special occasion with you. We offer a variety of accommodation from beach front timber framed cottages, to private chalet rooms, to budget accommodation. Something for everyone!

Two dining options, the Whale Room and Myrna’s (named in honour of our founder and food guru) offer sumptuous meals for your guests to enjoy. Both facilities are fully licensed.

We pride ourselves in being able to offer a beautiful setting and exceptional service, doing so in an environmentally responsible manner. The Lodge was founded on the principle of stewardship and the appreciation of the natural world; we aim to provide all of our guests with a memorable and environmentally responsible experience. Running our own small hydro project, offering locally grown food prepared on site and using eco-friendly products are some of the ways we try to do ?more with less? and minimize our environmental footprint.

GUIDED ACTIVITIES

We cater to all types of guests from the relaxed traveler to the adventure enthusiast. Your wedding package includes two of our qualified guides who are available during the wedding weekend: choose from paddling the bridal party in the Northern Dancer canoe to the ceremony site, organizing a group activity before the ceremony for all of your guests young and old, or providing a special and fun outdoor activity just for your wedding party. Activities range from the more adventurous zip line and high ropes course to group games, nature walks and kayak tours. You can be assured that if your guests want to experience the outdoors, Strathcona Park Lodge can produce. Our instructors are highly trained, enthusiastic and have an abundance of field experience. We also have canoe, kayak, and motorboat rentals available at our Waterfront Centre. Hiking trails are available on our 160 acre property from your door as well as just down the road in the Park.

WEDDING PACKAGE PRICE

While it’s unusual to offer one all inclusive price, we believe we offer a unique and custom celebration with no hidden fees. Our venue works particularly well for intimate gatherings of groups less than 30 and larger groups of 75 to 125 people. For gatherings of less than 30 please talk to us directly about pricing your event.

Price subject to HST at 12 percent and Gratuity at 10 percent. Alcohol not included. All food and beverages offered MUST be provided by Strathcona Park Lodge as per BC Liquor and Food Establishment Licensing. The only exception is a wedding cake. We require a $2000 non refundable deposit to confirm your wedding date.

We have assisted with many joyful events since 1959. Let us help you! Contact our Wedding Coordinator today at 250-286-3122.

Wedding Photo Gallery

You can find more photos and what a past couple thought of their wedding experience at Strathcona Park Lodge by going over to “La Belle Bride”

Wedding Photographers

Click the links below to find out about the photographers that shoot photos at Strathcona Park Lodge.

Erin Wallis

Tracie Howe

Marnie Recker

Amanda O’Brennan

Karen McKinnon