A dream takes shape
As we sketched out plans for our wilderness lodge, we quickly realized that our napkin wasn’t big enough. What started as a small idea soon became the adventure of a lifetime.
Fishing runs deep in my blood. My father was a guide, and despite swearing through high school that I’d never follow in his footsteps—I figured once I started fishing for a living I would never stop—I gave in and started guiding in 2004. Twenty-one years later, I can confidently say I was correct. Since 2006, I’ve contracted for lodges around Sonora and Stuart Island, always dreaming of opening a lodge myself.
The beginnings of Breakwater Lodge
That dream began to come true when my wife, Steph, and I acquired a property on Sonora Island in 2020. The land had been in the family since the early 2000s; sadly, a family friend who was partner on the land, too, had passed away. We secured the other half and decided to make the most of this incredible place. Initially, we planned to renovate the existing house, but it was beyond repair. One night, Steph and I sat down to brainstorm, and soon we were sketching plans for a lodge—on a napkin. We had no idea what we were getting into, but the vision was clear.
Construction began in December 2021. Building on a remote island has its challenges—there’s no calling a local concrete company or hardware store for a quick delivery. Instead, we barged in tons and tons of materials. We mixed concrete by hand and hauled it in buckets across the site. Every step required meticulous planning weeks in advance.
Thankfully, a good friend, Jake Moors of Jake’s Northwest Contracting, joined us as our general contractor. I spent my days operating an excavator or milling wood to cut costs. By spring 2022, we had a building to lock up. Walls, doors, windows, roof, plumbing, and electrical were completed, though the time-consuming work of finishing was yet to come. Material prices had skyrocketed, so our sawmill proved invaluable.
Family life during construction
As the lodge began to take shape, life continued. Our guiding season started in May 2022 and Steph moved to the island with our three daughters—Isla, Perri, and Sage. The summer flew by with abundant fish, soaring eagles, and foggy mornings. Sea lions feasted on salmon just off our beach and whirlpools swirled past the rocky shores. I couldn’t wait to share this experience with guests.
By fall 2022, construction had stretched our budget, so we made the tough decision to pause so we could save up for the next phase. Steph and I worked through the winter, knowing the finish line was still ahead. Work resumed in fall 2023. Insulation, drywall, wood ceilings, hand-milled trim, baseboards, vanities, and bartops came together, piece by piece. Jake had moved on to another project, so I finished the build with a few friends. In addition to construction, we installed new docks, landscaped, and upgraded utilities.
Opening our doors
In June 2024, we opened our doors, operating as a vacation rental with guided services. Our team included Steph and me; our guides, Dawson Jordan and Eric Saunders; and Kailey Garret, who managed our website, social media, and more. Our daughters enthusiastically joined in, though since they were four, four, and seven at the time, we kept them in “management” roles and off the tools!
Our lodge was designed to bring people together to share stories, laughter, and the thrill of fishing adventures. Large windows frame breathtaking views of the passage and mountains, creating a space that reflects our passion for hospitality and nature. Every room has an ocean view from the bed.
The guest experience
The summer of 2024 brought a mix of excitement and nerves. Would guests appreciate what we had built? The answer was a resounding yes. Guests were captivated by the lodge’s charm, the stunning surroundings, and the personal touches we poured into every detail.
Wildlife and natural wonders
One of the lodge’s greatest joys is its seamless connection to nature. As the tide floods, sea lions dart through the waters chasing salmon, their playful barks echoing against the rocky shores. Eagles circle above, scanning for their next meal, while whirlpools churn dramatically, showcasing the ocean’s untamed power. Occasionally, a rogue salmon leaps ashore.
Throughout the seasons, transient orcas traverse the passage, preying on seals, sea lions, and porpoises. Some humpback whales are year-round residents, while others return in greater numbers each April, drawn by the abundance of food in these waters. Pacific white-sided dolphins and Dall’s porpoises linger during summer, taking advantage of the rich feeding grounds. On particularly active spring days, the whirlpools drive small fish, called hake, to the surface, triggering a spectacular feeding frenzy among hundreds of eagles—a sight that never fails to awe. Our dynamic wilderness is also home to bears, who feed along the Homathco, Southgate, and Orford Rivers, which teem with life as they spill into Bute Inlet’s turquoise glacier-fed waters.
Looking to the future
This year and beyond, our vision is to offer an all-inclusive experience: guided fishing, wildlife tours, and gourmet meals featuring fresh, local ingredients—even your catch of the day.
Reflecting on our journey, from sketching plans on a napkin to welcoming our first guests, we’re filled with gratitude. For us, this lodge is more than a dream realized—it’s a testament to resilience, teamwork, and a love for sharing the natural beauty of Sonora Island. Our story is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see what lies ahead.
