VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Spring 2013 – The Lodge at Gold River is a remote luxury lodge, located on the banks of northern Vancouver Island’s Gold River, just minutes’ from Strathcona Provincial Park. Access is by plane to Campbell River Airport, or a scenic ferry and car journey from Vancouver. Fly fisherman Roderick Haig-Brown made the Gold River famous for salmon and steelhead fishing in BC.

The Lodge accommodates 18 guests under its handsome spruce and pine construction. Each room has its own fireplace, seating area and outdoor patio with direct access to the river. The great room in the Lodge is the central gathering place for guests, with its grand fireplace, library, bar, sitting room and dining room, all graced by an international collection of sculptures, carvings and native west coast masks. The property boasts 1,200 ft of riverfront, a large casting pond, a massage tent, and landscaped gardens planted with native shrubs.

Operating year round, The Lodge at Gold River specializes in heli-fly fishing, river and lake fishing, as well as saltwater fishing for avid anglers as well as beginners. Heli-fly fishing excursions to remote inlets on the West Coast attract hardy fishermen looking for a spring cutthroat trout fishery, while the Gold River teems with steelhead in early spring. In summer saltwater fishing beckons when feisty Chinook salmon challenge guests to an exciting day on the ocean, and late fall has its own appeal as Coho and Chinook reach fresh water and demand more experienced casting.

Those who are new to fly-fishing can cast from the launch boat on scenic Muchalat Lake, interspersed with swimming and a leisurely picnic; or perfect their skills on the casting pond, then stroll down to the Gold River to hook some trout. Need to give your casting arm a rest? Outdoor guides lead guests on hiking trips into Strathcona Provincial Park, and on wildlife watching excursions by boat or into the backcountry. A day trip to Friendly Cove, the ancestral home of the Mowachat/Muchalat people, provides a journey into First Nation and European history, while a trip by boat or helicopter to Hot Springs Cove is popular for a soothing soak in the natural springs.

After a day on the water, guests return to the grand lodge for cocktails on the riverside patio or in the art-filled great room, as they swap tales of fish caught and released; others may opt for an in-room massage to round off their day. The lodge specializes in West Coast cuisine, with Vancouver Island venison, fresh seafood or Metchosin lamb starring on the menu.

The Lodge at Gold River is open year round, with a range of fishing packages starting at $2,065 CAD for a three-night trip. The West Coast Summer Adventure costs $2,965 CAD per person including one day of salmon fishing, one day of heli fishing and one day of local fishing. For more information or to reserve a fly fishing trip call (250) 283-2900 or visit www.thelodgeatgoldriver.ca