TOUR THE LODGE

For many years, the forest companies and the first settlers owned most of Gabriola Island. In the early 1950s, the original hotel, now Dragon’s Lodge, was built on a rocky bluff above Peterson Bay … on an island with no electricity … and on about 100 acres of heavily treed land.

When you look at the exterior of the building, it has been constructed with vertically placed logs – a rarely found method of log-building construction – usually logs are placed horizontally.

The lodge has gone through several incarnations, and you may hear islanders speak of the Grande Hotel – to be pronounced Grandee – as insisted by an early owner to give it a continental flavour. Along with the Lodge’s name changes, the original acres of land were subdivided on a number of occasions until Dragon’s Lodge now sits snugly at the end of Dragon’s Lane, its own access road, surrounded by 5 acres of forest. The present name, Dragon’s Lodge, probably refers to the rock formation along the bluff.

You might also hear a number of historical tales that have endured through the years. These include stories the hotel was used as: one of the first local drinking hangouts, a hide out for a couple of fleeing bank robbers, more than one different movie set, and even a possible nudist camp, … there are probably more if you listen in to the coffee shop conversations of the old timers.

Today, although you still see the original vertical logs outside, you will find a fully renovated and modern interior, which offers elegant and spacious rooms for all your special event requirements. Whether you are planning a wedding, a family reunion or holiday, a corporate event or retreat, or any kind of group event or gathering, Dragon’s Lodge is your best choice.