David Murray

Dave Murray learned Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge from the inside out. He first arrived in a maintenance role, gaining a behind-the-scenes understanding of what it takes to keep a remote wilderness property running before moving into guest-facing leadership. Over the past 18 months, he has worked seasonally across the lodge and now oversees Guest Services, Lodge Attendants, and Experiences as Assistant General Manager. It’s a path that has given him a rare perspective on nearly every part of the operation, something that suits a natural problem-solver who thrives on bringing moving pieces together. With guest adventures, transfers, changing conditions, and the logistics of an off-grid property all in play, no two days unfold quite the same way. “Clayoquot is a one-stop shop for someone like me who loves bringing all the moving pieces together,” he says.

What keeps Dave equally engaged is how much there is still to learn. He draws inspiration from the people who come together here, the surrounding environment, and the challenges and unexpected moments that come with life in the wilderness. For guests, he believes the most important experience isn’t necessarily a particular excursion. It’s giving themselves permission to disconnect. “The world, and its people, are busy, sometimes too busy for each other,” he says. At Clayoquot, he encourages guests to turn everything else off, have fun, listen, learn, and see what happens when the usual distractions fall away. In a place where extraordinary adventures may fill the itinerary, Dave knows that sometimes the most meaningful part of a stay is simply finding your way back to the people and world around you.