IISAAK Learning Lodge
IISAAK (ʔiisaak) is a Nuu-chah-nulth (Nuučaan̓uɫ) teaching, often translated as respect, but more fully meaning ‘to observe, appreciate, and act accordingly.’ We invite you to carry this teaching during your stay and to feel at home in this space of learning and connection.
About the Lodge
Situated within the Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Gardens (a 12-acre property of stunning coastal rainforest!), the IISAAK Learning Lodge – formerly known as the Ecolodge – is a 12-room guest house and learning space. The Lodge can comfortably host 12 guests in private rooms, or up to 25 guests when rooms are arranged for couples and shared occupancy.
It includes two suites with private washrooms, four rooms with shared “Jack and Jill” washrooms, and six rooms that use shared washroom facilities.
Guests have access to the Lodge’s large activity room (capacity 35) and dining/lounge area (capacity 30). A commercial kitchen operates within our facility, with culinary staff providing a simple and affordable meal service for those who wish to register.
Guests may also enjoy the Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens during daylight hours at no extra cost!
**The IISAAK Lodge has the feel of a higher-end hostel type of accommodation… but in paradise!**
Stay With Us at our Lodge In Tofino!
The IISAAK Lodge offers flexible accommodation options to meet a range of needs. Guests may book the entire Lodge for exclusive use, reserve multiple rooms for smaller groups, or book individual rooms for solo journeys and personal retreats. A minimum two-night stay is required for all overnight bookings.
We welcome world travellers, field schools, staff and corporate retreats, yoga retreats, family gatherings, and — most importantly — individuals and groups seeking to learn about Indigenous cultural practices connected to nature stewardship. Learn more by visiting our Bookings Page.
The Lodge is the heart of the Clayoquot Campus. Its mandate is to support and uphold Indigenous knowledge systems, worldviews, and governance through capacity building and public education.
**Our facility is operated by an educational non-profit, with all proceeds going to support nature stewardship, where Indigenous knowledge and Western science come together in service of the betterment of all.**
The Lodge is an alcohol-free facility that supports wellbeing and respectful experiences, and just steps away, our Cafe offers non-alcoholic beer and wine thoughtfully paired with the culinary creations of celebrated and award-winning Canadian chef Lisa Ahier.
Chef Lisa brings her culinary talents to our čukʷaa haʔuk Cafe, alongside diverse culinary artists from local, national, and international traditions. At the heart of the Cafe is a simple yet powerful philosophy: wholesome, natural ingredients with ancient wisdom for better living.
Guests of our Lodge may also explore and be inspired by our onsite Carving Facility & Gallery. Indigenous stewardship of lands and waters includes the continuation of ancient practices of carving and wood working, as exemplified through the legacy of the Carving On The Edge Festival who gives life to our Carving Facility.
**In 2025, a deep energy retrofit and accessibility upgrade was completed, making the Lodge a net-zero energy facility and welcoming to persons of all physical abilities.** Read more
Lodge Accomodations
The IISAAK Learning Lodge is a 12-room guest facility that comfortably accommodates up to 25 guests, depending on configuration, room sharing, and accessibility needs.
Common Areas
The common areas of the IISAAK Learning Lodge include an activity room (capacity 35) on the second floor, and an open-concept living and dining area with seating for up to 30 guests on the first floor.
Gallery
This project was funded in part by the Government of Canada.
It was completed in partnership with RJC Engineers and Farmer Construction Ltd., and with the support of NumberTen Architectural Group, AES Engineering, AME Consulting Group, and Weir Design and Engineering.