Review Highlights
Guests rate Coastal Springs Float Lodge very highly. Nearly all of the reviews are 5 out of 5 stars, and many come from repeat visitors. Some have returned for years, and one reviewer says they have been coming since 2000. Reviewers often describe the lodge as small and family-run, with the owners (Cam and, in earlier reviews, Steve) closely involved in guiding and hosting. Many say they felt like friends or family rather than clients. Several first-timers also said they were well looked after.
The most common praise is for the guides, whom reviewers call knowledgeable and hardworking. Guests say they go out of their way to find fish. Reviewers report catches of chinook, coho, and pink salmon, plus ling cod and halibut, and some mention catching fish every day. The food is the other consistent highlight. Reviewers call the meals fresh, varied, and made from scratch, and mention crab, shrimp, and salmon. Several name the chefs. Guests also like the remote setting and the wildlife, including whales, dolphins, eagles, sea lions, and bears. The trip includes a float plane flight from Vancouver. The fishing waters are relatively sheltered, which helps anglers without strong sea legs. Group sizes are small. Lodging is rustic, clean, and comfortable. Guests say not to expect TVs or internet.
Recurring concerns are few. A couple of reviewers note that the rooms are basic. Most have twin beds and sinks, bathrooms are shared, and the walls are thin, so one reviewer suggests earplugs. A single 2017 review said fishing results were poor for the cost, and that a halibut fishery and smoked salmon the guests had been told to expect did not materialize. The owner attributed this to erratic fishing and a poor halibut season. This suggests that catches can vary with conditions. One guest also had weather disrupt a return trip, though the owner arranged alternate transport. The lodge suits anglers who want salmon and bottom fishing in a small, personal, rustic setting. It works for groups of friends, families, couples, and first-time fly-in guests. It is a poor fit for anyone wanting resort-style amenities.
Read all 25 reviews
Robert E
Jul 21, 2024
TripAdvisor
Wonderful unique lodge with excellent fishing
Great lodge, staff, food and location. Plenty of fishing opportunities every day. Caught lots of salmon and a variety of other fish. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a remote beautiful area with great fishing and easy access via an included float plane trip from Vancouver.
This lodge
Aaron J
Aug 21, 2019
TripAdvisor
Excellent experience, do not miss out!
A trip to coastal springs float lodge is an experience that can only be described as a mandatory experience in order to live a fulfilled life. Beautiful picturesque views, guides that make you feel less like a client and more like an old friend, great food, and I haven't even mentioned the the incredible fishing experience! If you haven't been to coastal springs, I have no idea what you're waiting for. If you have been, you're probably already planning your next trip.
This lodge
Mark P
Jul 9, 2013
TripAdvisor
Personal Touch-Great time.
Steve and the staff did an excellent job during our 3 day stay at the lodge. We caught plenty of salmon and bottom fish during our time at the lodge. The guides worked hard to make sure we caught lots of fish. I have fished numerous lodges around the coast and the personal touch from Steve is wonderful. It is nice to know the owner/operator really cares about your experience and really works hard to make your stay enjoyable. Steve is also one solid fisherman with over 30 years experience. The relatively sheltered location for fishing is also great for those who do not have strong sea legs. Come prepared to fish hard, eat well and laugh with friends.
This lodge
Darcy2013
Jul 9, 2013
TripAdvisor
Rustic Knight inlet fishing lodge
Just back from visiting this family run fishing lodge.The owner Steve pays attention to every detail including guiding.Upon arrival via a float plane from Vancouver we were greeted buy all the staff and a freshly made crab lunch on the dock.All the guides are fabulous and work very hard at finding the fish.If you are looking for a rustic small fishing lodge experience ,good food in a great fishing area I would recommend checking them out.I'll be going back. Room tip: The rooms are basically all the same. They have 3 double twin rooms, one queen room and one single twin room all with sinks. The rooms all share two bathrooms.
This lodge
Barbara Fangman
Outfitter
Scenery was spectacular! Facilities were clean and well kept up. Guides were awesome. They knew where to find fish and knew how to catch them. The weather was varied, but the gear kept us protected. Food was delicious. We had a wonderful experience and would highly recommend!
This lodge
Chelsey Tyshynski
Outfitter
Hands down the BEST experience I've ever had. There are few times in my life I have come to the end of a holiday, taken a deep breath and felt totally refreshed…mind, body and soul! The fishing is fantastic. We have been BLESSED with some amazing catches, the guides are second to none and they work above and beyond to get you that Tyee, and the food…stellar! A once in a lifetime trip has turned into going on 6 years coming back as a family! Thanks Cam & Crew, see you on the dock this summer…and next….and next….
This lodge
I've been up to Coastal Springs now 10 or 11 times, and every trip has been great! These pics are from my last trip in August, 2023. I take a group up about every other year, and everybody always wants to go back. The staff are expert fishermen, and just plain awesome people! The food and accommodations are superb in every way, and the fishing is the best! On this last trip, one of our guys who has never been to Coastal Springs before had previously done a few Alaska fishing trips, and he said this was the best fishing experience he has ever had and is asking when we're going back.
This lodge
My first real fishing adventure, and it was awesome. Cam and his team took great care of us…..fishing was fantastic, food was delicious, guides (Ed, Bruce and Roy) were all amazing, and the location was spectacular and teeming with nature. Thanks again for a wonderful experience!
This lodge
Everyday was made special not because of the fishing necessarily, but because of the incredibly kind, generous and knowledgeable guides & lodge staff. The fishing was undoubtedly fantastic as expected, but the human connection made possible only by the intimate size of the lodge, made my trip especially remarkable. Combine all this with comfortable accommodations, homey communal meals, and an exceptionally beautiful remote location, and you get the best fishing experience I've ever had. I cannot recommend Coastal Springs Fishing Lodge enough.
This lodge
Our stay at the fishing and floating lodge was truly remarkable. The natural surroundings were nothing short of picturesque, and we were fortunate to have clear nights that provided us with an unparalleled stargazing experience. The fishing experience at Coastal Springs was simply breathtaking. It surpassed all our expectations. The guides, with their profound expertise and unwavering commitment, went above and beyond to ensure that each fishing outing was a success. The culinary voyage at the lodge was equally exceptional. After a full day of salmon fishing, observing bald eagles, and watching whales on the water, there was nothing more satisfying than indulging in the exquisite meals expertly crafted by the talented staff. The culinary offerings consistently exceeded our expectations We look forward to our next visit. Thank you Cam and team!
This lodge
Amazing!
Never having been to British Columbia, I feel in love with the trip just on the float plane ride into the lodge. It's absolutely gorgeous! Between the views, lodging, food, fishing, and friendly fun staff, we had an amazing trip and can't wait to go back. Even got to see a wolf! Truly one of the best vacations we've ever taken. (Stay: August 2013)
This lodge
Good trip, good people
Just got back from salmon fishing with Coastal Springs Lodge. Had a great trip, Steve and his crew are professional, knowledgable, and just a lot of fun! Food was outstanding and we even had great after dinner entertainment from Steve, Cam and Ed (owner and guides) all great guitar players and singers. Caught some pretty nice salmon and some bottom fish. saw whales, dolfins, sea loins, bear and even a sea otter that is quite rare in the area. Hope to go back again for more!! (Stay: August 2013)
This lodge
First Class Experience
Steve and the entire crew were outstanding. Three members of our party were first timers and I cannot thank them enough for the fun that we had while on the property and out in the boats fishing. Everyone did an excellent job and the fishing experience was first class. It was nice for the first timers to enjoy the experience fishing in calm and protected waters. Everyone was great, the fishing experience was wonderful and the food was great. I cannot wait to return and enjoy my next trip to Coastal Springs float Lodge. The evenings spent on the deck enjoying the sunsets and wildlife were the icing on the cake. (Stay: August 2013; review posted Jan 2014)
This lodge
You Wont be able to Get Enough of This Place!!
Myself, my friends, and family have been to coastal Springs Lodge multiple times! The experience is top notch! Excellent fishing, knowledgeable,lodge staff and guides! We cant wait to go back this year!!! (Stay: August 2013; review posted Jan 2014)
This lodge
Great Trip with Great Company
I had an amazing time here. 4 days just flew by! I was lucky enough to experience this with 5 other friends/acquaintances. 3 of us were rookies and 3 frequent visitors. Us newbies weren't quite sure what to expect. Well...... the crew at Coastal Springs just took great care of us. They were professional, knowledgable and just fun to be around. Chef Wendy just blew our socks off every night with here delicious meals and the guides all had their personal touches and personalities that made our experience just that much more fun. This experience will certainly live with me forever and I hope to be returning. (Stay: August 2014)
This lodge
Great trip-Great people
I've been to the lodge three times with last being in July of this year. This year I took my wife and she had a great time too. Steve keeps the group size small so each guest gets a full experience. Steve and his crew go out of there way to make it a great experience for all. If you like fishing, seeing beautiful country and getting away from email for a while this is the place for you. We caught our limit in multiple species(king, Coho, pink, Ling cod) and even spent an afternoon ling cod jigging which was truly enjoyable. I cant wait to go back! Thanks Steve for a great summer vacation (Stay: July 2014; review posted Sep 2014)
This lodge
Been going for the last 35+ years, sometimes multiple times a year
The best trip every year, Steve and his guides go the extra mile to make all the guests feel like family and the fishing is spectacular, not to mention the wildlife views. Food is the best we have ever had on any fishing trip bar none, all made fresh and from scratch (Stay: July 2014; review posted Mar 2015)
This lodge
Have been fishing at Coastal Springs for years
I have been to the Lodge numerous years with friends, all previous players. Time whizzes past and I can't wait to get back every time I come home. We are already booked for August 2016. Coming from the UK makes the trip quite expensive but the Lodge part of the holiday is well priced and the owner and guides are all great fun and the food is excellent. Its a great part of the world. Wendy the Chef can make a feast out of nothing, or so it seems, hope she is there this year. The fishing is always great and if there is a slow part the wildlife, whales, eagles etc keep the interest flowing. Ed, one of the guides is exceptionally knowledgeable. Even had a bald eagle take a fish and all the gear one year. I did play it for a few seconds at about 40ft in the air, but no contest. Little events like that make the holiday very memorable. Roll on August. (Stay: August 2015; review posted Dec 2015)
This lodge
15 visits so far and already booked for 2017
The title says it all .. I've been coming to the float lodge both at Rainbow Falls and at Craycroft since 2000 - its almost become a religious pilgramage. You & upto 7 other anglers, in the peace & tranquility of one of the most picturesque loacations in the world. Did i say "peace & tranquility" ? wait until you hook into a 25lb salmon that goes screaming off in the opposite direction and all hell breaks loose !! (I'm still waiting for one of those 30lb Tyee's !!). if you like wildlife, who can complain at a pod of Orca cruising majestically around & under your boat or a 30-40 ton Humpback breaching less than 100 yards from you... As for the lodge - cosy and comfy.. the food is great (my waistline is testament to that). the guides are great fun and know their stuff. they always go the extra mile (literally) to get you hooking a fish (and sometimes a sea lion will play with your fish too) .. its all part of the experience !! one of the guests is 90 and keeps coming back - so you are never too old... Give it a try, you will not be disappointed !! (Stay: August 2016; review posted Feb 2017)
This lodge
Good but not great
Everyone went home with fish after 3 nights and 4 days of fishing. Two in our party of three did a heck of fishing and not much catching. A whole lot of money for disappointing results. One of us had two very productive outings out of the six sessions, which allowed us a nice take home of salmon. We were told halibit would be a fishery we could explore but absolutely not even a bite to be had. We were also told there would be smoked salmon for us to take home and not one ounce ended up in our boxes. Accommodations were rustic with only single beds, which were a bit short for our 6ft bodies and perhaps used too many seasons. I am a bit vexed by what should be expected out of a floating lodge in remote BC, but for the money I expected better. Will I go back? The answer is unfortunately no. It was not the experience we hoped for relative to the whole lot of money spent to be there. (Stay: August 2017; review posted Aug 2017. Owner Cam R responded Sep 29, 2017, apologizing and citing erratic fishing and a poor halibut season. TripAdvisor shows a 4-bubble overall rating, though the text reads mixed to negative.)
This lodge
Trip of a life
I have had the pleasure of visiting this lodge twice. I do not know how you would find a better place to spend a few days with your loved ones. Steve and Cam treat you like they have known you for years. The guides work their butts off trying to get you big fish, food is fantastic. Assured you will see whale, dolphins, salmon. If I could afford it I would visit this lodge yearly. Great place, great people, great food. Thank you Steve and Cam for the memories. Kirt, Debbie (Stay: July 2017; review posted Mar 2018)
This lodge
?? Chasing Kings, and eating like them too! ??
This first timer had a blast fishing, exploring local beaches, and coming back to the lodge for some of the best meals I have ever had. Thank you Cam, Steve, and Paul for sharing your knowledge about Knight Inlet's fisheries, local wildlife, and culture. I really appreciate your efforts to meet all your guests individual needs. We look forward to visiting again in the near future! (Stay: July 2018; review posted Jul 2018)
This lodge
Canadian Paradise
I had a blast during my 4 night, 5 day trip. I returned home with 4 King Salmon and one coho. The guides are knowledgeable about topics ranging from ecotourism to local politics. The food - delicious. Tip: The majority of rooms contain two twin beds and private sink. The walls are thin so if a neighbor snores you should come with earplugs. (Stay: July 2018; review posted Aug 2018)
This lodge
Fish On, Coastal Springs Float lodge is the way to go !!!
I just completed a 5 day/4 night fishing trip with Coastal Springs Float Lodge and I have to say it was an outstanding and incredible experience. The professionalism of all the Guides and the staff were top notch bar none. The meals that Don created were amazing. Devon helps maintain the lodge, makes it ready for the next group of folks coming in etc, and he does a fine job at it all. I caught fish every day all day only because of the knowledge and skills that were provided from my guides Glen, Ed, Bruce and yes even Cam the owner of Coastal Springs he gets down there and fishes right with ya. These guys get up at 4 am and do not stop working till after 9 pm to get the boats and fishing equipment ready, maintain the facilities, plan the next days outing etc. The whole team works hard and works together to provide their fishing clients the very best fishing experience possible. If you want flat screen TV's and internet then you better book with one of those corporate style fishing lodges but if you want the very best that Canada has to offer in terms of very fine people and some very fine fishing then book you next fishing adventure with Coastal Springs, you wont regret it. (Stay: August 2019)
This lodge
Amazing fishing and wildlife experience
We spent 4 days fishing at this lodge. The guides were fantastic, Bruce and Eddie, helped us bring back chinook, coho and pink salmon as well as ling cod and halibut. Food was also top notch, great variety including crab and shrimp and ofcourse, chinook salmon. Cam acted quickly to ensure we would get back to Vancouver with our frozen fish even if it meant taking a boat ride, car ride to Campbell River and a Float plane back to Vancouver when the weather became a bit crazy. Hope to see you again next year with more friends. (Stay: July 2026; review posted Jul 2026)
This lodge
Boats included
