Kelowna 
Wilderness Resort on British Columbia’s West Coast is a Gateway to the World of Sea Wolves, Humpback Whales
If you’re looking for a getaway that will take you to another world, Malei Island Resort might be the perfect spot. Tucked away behind Nigei Island, this unique 45-acre gem is waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
Credit: Malei Island Resort
Located just north of Vancouver Island’s Port Hardy, Malei Island Resort offers a host of activities that will allow you to experience the best of marine wildlife, serene beaches, and picturesque trails.
The adventure starts with an hour’s sea-taxi ride across the Pacific Ocean from Port Hardy and docking in Malei Island’s peaceful harbour. From the landing dock and stretching from one end of the island to the other is a rustic, beautifully crafted 2800 ft boardwalk. It meanders through the centre of the island’s rainforest connecting the harbour to the fully functional off-grid lodge overlooking the ocean.
Malei Island Resort
Along the boardwalk’s 15-minute walk or 5-minute golf-cart ride, ancient cedars tower hundreds of feet above and dense forest foliage carpets the ground below.
Malei’s off-grid lodge is not your normal little one-room cabin. It comfortably sleeps up to 11 people, boasts a well-appointed kitchen and has a roomy living area with floor to ceiling windows looking out at the Pacific.
Malei Island Resort
The large, ocean-facing wrap-around deck is great for entertaining or just enjoying meals outside while being a spectator to the abundant wildlife in the area. During the summer months, humpbacks make a daily appearance, sometimes so close you can hear them surfacing from the deck. Orcas as well make the occasional appearance feeding in the kelp beds along the shoreline. Eagles swoop down, catching dinner in their talons, and furry sea otters laze in the kelp beds, eating, sleeping, and caring for their young.
Sunsets set the sky ablaze with shots of orange, yellow and red and then settle into hues of blues and purples as the sky deepens to night. Once the sun goes down, whether you are relaxing in the lodge’s hot tub by the ocean’s edge or warming up beside the bonfire on Malei’s Rock Beach, guests have a ringside seat to the night sky’s starry display in all its beauty.
Malei Island Resort
Things to Do at Malei Island
Malei Island Resort
One of the highlights of Malei Island Resort is the marine wildlife boat tour that comes with your vacation package. Using an exclusive multi-use marine craft, you’ll be guided by knowledgeable staff to see whales feeding near Malei Island during the summer months. You might even be lucky enough to see porpoises racing alongside the boat, diving and jumping almost within arm’s reach.
If you prefer a slower pace, you can explore the island’s beaches during the Beach Tour, complete with a gourmet packed lunch. Bask in the sun while soaking up the stillness around you and the sound of waves gently lapping the sandy shore. There are plenty of unique beaches to explore, including Pebble Beach, Rock Beach, Log Beach, and Shell Beach.
Malei Island Resort offers short, guided fishing tours. Certain times of the year, BC’s West Coast is brimming with a variety of salmon, and you can experience some of the best Coho fishing in the world just a two-hour trip north of Malei Island. Remember to purchase your BC Salmon fishing license prior to your arrival and print it at home or have the lodge’s host print it out for you. Cleaning and packaging of the fish is done at the lodge.
You can also discover Malei Island’s beauty while hiking along its trails. There are trails that lead you to the island’s Ancient Cedar trees, an abandoned Sea Wolf den, Pebble Beach, Otter Point, and Log Beach. You can explore the trails and unique beaches at your leisure.
Did you know that Malei Island Resort is located in the same area where Netflix’s “Island of the Sea Wolves” was filmed? Sea wolves have been observed from the lodge’s kitchen window and an abandoned sea wolf den was discovered on the island.
If you love photography, there are many opportunities to capture stunning images at Malei Island. Take a photo of a sea otter, waves crashing on the rugged west coast, starfish in tide pools, or spectacular ocean sunsets. And if you’re looking to just relax and unwind, there are plenty of ways to do so, including soaking in the 10-seater, solar-assisted hot tub or sitting around the smokeless bonfire at the new Fire Pit area.
Trip Planning — Malei Island Resort
Malei Island Resort
During the day, enjoy Malei’s wildlife/whale-watching boat tour or explore the harbour in one of the island’s dinghies or kayaks. Hug an ancient cedar, hunt for buried treasure, visit an abandoned sea wolf cave or investigate the island with our nature guide; there is so much beauty on this little island. Or… get away from it all, grab a book and relax on the bench by the dock and take in the gentle sounds of the harbour.
Whether you’re strolling the unique beaches, hiking the trails, or revisiting childhood on the handmade swing, you’ll be able to let your everyday concerns fade into the background. So if you’re looking for a unique getaway that will take you to another world, Malei Island Resort might be just what you need.
When: Year Round
Where: From Port Hardy, BC — Water Taxi to Malei Island
How much: 3-nights: $1,950 up per person
Children aged 2 and under FREE
Children aged 2-12 receive a 50% discount (if staying in parents room)
Included: Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours
Water Taxi to Private Island
All Meals & Snacks
Guided Fishing (available)
Seaside Hot Tub
Seaside Bonfire
Kayaks & Water Activities
Gear Provided, Jackets, Fishing Gear, Hiking Boots & Storm Suits
