One of the first things you’ll need to do when you begin planning a visit to Sointula is to decide on where you’d like to stay. Despite the town’s small size, it offers a variety of different lodging options. Stay in a more traditional hotel, or book an Airbnb with many of the amenities of home, get back to nature with a stay in a campground, or opt for something a bit more luxurious with a fishing or wilderness package at Sointula Lodge.
This unique property combines a stunning, rustic setting with comfortable accommodations, five-star meals, and plenty of activities to choose from. If you’re looking for an incredible way to spend your time on Malcolm Island, keep reading to learn more about this special lodging option.
A History of Sointula Lodge
In 1984, Sointula Lodge, then called Sund’s Lodge, was purchased by Dave and Sally Sund. The couple had a dream of combining excellent customer service with a fishing lodge — something that doesn’t always go hand-in-hand. Dave and Sally’s son, Scott, purchased the lodge and ran it for several years before deciding that his true calling was to be a pastor. The family began the search for the right buyer for this special property. They found them in 2015.
That year, current owners, Bruce and Lisa Barlean purchased the Lodge and spent two years working with the previous owners to take over operations. Bruce already had a lifelong passion for fishing, and together with Lisa, a landscape and nature photographer, successfully took over in 2017. During that time, they brought on Vibrant Management, a hospitality management company based in Utah. In 2020, they renamed the Lodge after the nearby town of Sointula.
Despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sointula Lodge is excited to welcome back guests in the summer of 2022.
Exploring the Property
Sointula Lodge is situated on 38-acres of stunning, remote British Columbia wilderness. Located on Malcolm Island, in the small town of Sointula, it’s the ideal location for relaxing and unwinding in nature, without sacrificing some luxurious amenities.
The main lodge was built in the 1900s. Guests stay in private suites in the surrounding cabins. Just 18 guests are allowed on each trip, which ensures a private experience with excellent customer service.
In their downtime, guests can explore more of the island and this unique property. Bikes and sea kayaks are available for those looking to explore by land or sea. There’s also a hot tub and an old-fashioned Finnish sauna on the property. Cocktail hours and meals are hosted in the historic lodge, which features a dining room with stunning ocean views.
Choosing Your Package
Guests of Sointula Lodge can choose between two different types of packages, as well as between 4-day and 5-day trips.
Fishing Trip Packages
The first option is a Fishing Trip package. On these 4- or 5-day trips, guests enjoy daily, fully-guided fishing excursions in Blackfish Sound, the waters surrounding Malcolm Island. You’ll cast a line for the famous Pacific Salmon, halibut, and more. While on the water, you might also have the chance to spot orcas, dolphins, bears, and other wildlife in the water and on the shorelines.
On different afternoons of your trip, you’ll enjoy a Beach Picnic or a visit from the almost-famous Burger Boat before heading back out for more fishing. In the evenings, after a delicious five-star meal, you can spend your time visiting with the Lodge’s resident alpacas or relaxing in the hot tub or beside a campfire. Each day, the staff will prepare and pack your fresh-caught fish. When you get ready to leave, they’ll pack the filets into wax boxes that you can take with you by plane or car to your final destination.
Wilderness Tour Packages
Another option is the 4- and 5-day Wilderness Tour packages. These are designed for guests who don’t want to go fishing, or who want to mix some time spent casting a line with boat rides in search of wildlife or stunning landscapes.
These trips are customizable; guests could choose to spend the morning fishing, then head back out after lunch in the Lodge’s 27-foot enclosed, heated cabin vessel to look for whales, dolphins, and other wildlife. You can also plan to take a hike on a remote island, swim beneath a stunning waterfall, and more.
Book Your Next Trip to Sointula Today
Cold British Columbia winters make it difficult to get to Malcolm Island during much of the year. For this reason, the Lodge is only open during the warmer summer months, Sointula Lodge is open to guests from mid-June to early September each year. With room for just 18 guests on each trip, spots fill up quickly, so it’s best to book your visit as early as possible.
Ready to experience this unique Sointula lodging option for yourself? Book your 2022 fishing or wilderness tour package today!