Welcome to Barefeet Retreat

Bare feet. Lake days. Make yourself at home.

Welcome to your lakeside getaway on Sproat Lake, near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island.

Come for a quiet escape together, a family adventure or a few days with your favourite four-legged companion.

There’s room in the day for exploring, and plenty of reasons to stay by the lake.

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A Place Close to Our Hearts

Hi, we’re Chris and Sarah. Your hosts at Barefeet Retreat.

Barefeet Retreat is part of our family’s story, and we’re glad it can become a small part of yours.

Over the years, this property has grown from a lakeside A-frame into the home we share with guests today. This place holds years of family memories, and we love seeing guests make their own here. Even after all this time, we still pause to enjoy a sunset over the lake.

We love the everyday pleasures of being here. Tea outside before the day gets going. A swim on a warm afternoon. Dinner that stretches into an evening by the water. Those are the moments we hope you’ll have time for during your stay.

Our approach to hosting is simple. We want you to arrive to a comfortable, welcoming space and feel free to enjoy it your own way. We’ll help you get your bearings, share local ideas if you’d like them and give you room to settle into your holiday.

Whether you’re discovering Sproat Lake for the first time or returning to a place you already love, we look forward to welcoming you.

See you at the lake,
Chris & Sarah

Our Retreat

Make yourself at home beside beautiful Sproat Lake.

With a cozy suite, inviting outdoor spaces and the water close by, Barefeet Retreat is a place for slow mornings, sunny adventures and memories made together.

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The Lakeside Escape

1 bedroom

Sleeps 4

Walkout patio

Settle into our comfortable lower-level suite, complete with a kitchen, a queen bedroom and a queen-size airbed for additional guests.

Step onto the patio for morning coffee or a BBQ dinner overlooking the lake. Its partly below-ground setting keeps the suite naturally cooler, with adjustable floor fans for extra comfort.

The Dock

Swimming

Kayaks & paddleboard

Boating

Spend an afternoon beside the water, cool off with a swim or head out for a paddle.

Our dock is shared with your hosts and offers a welcoming spot to enjoy the lake and watch the evening colours settle over the mountains.

The Beach

Lakeside lounging

Paddling adventures

Fireside evenings

Wander down to the water’s edge and take in the mountain views across Sproat Lake.

Head out in a kayak, canoe or paddleboard, with our large water carpet helping you ease into and out of your paddling adventures.

Spend a quiet afternoon listening to the water lap against the shore, then gather around the propane fire table in summer or the open firepit when seasonal restrictions allow.

The Comforts of Your Stay

In-Retreat Amenities

Settle in. We’ve covered the everyday essentials.

Sleeping space for four — A queen bed and an additional queen-size inflatable airbed, with help setting it up if needed.
Bedding and towels — All sheets, blankets, pillows and bathroom towels included.
Kitchen essentials — Refrigerator, stove, microwave, coffee maker and cookware.
Patio BBQ — Enjoy cooking and dining outdoors.
Wi-Fi and entertainment — Internet access, television and streaming options.
Bathroom basics — Shower, shampoo, soap and hair dryer.
Adjustable floor fans — Extra airflow in a naturally cooler, partly below-ground suite. No air conditioning.
On-site parking — Convenient parking during your stay.
Self check-in — Smart-lock entry for your arrival.
Paddling equipment — Kayaks and a paddleboard available for guest use. Ask us about the current selection before deciding what to bring.
Pet-friendly stays — Let us know about your companion when booking.

Property Features

Your own space, with the lake close by.

A comfortable suite for up to four guests
Our one-bedroom suite has a queen bed, a bathroom, a kitchen and space to relax. A queen-size inflatable airbed is available for additional guests. All sheets, blankets and pillows are included, and we’re happy to help with setup.

Walkout access to the lake
The suite occupies the lower level of our hillside home, with direct access to the lake and outdoor space.

A naturally cooler retreat
Being partly below ground helps the suite stay naturally cooler during warm weather. Adjustable floor fans are provided for extra comfort. The suite does not have air conditioning.

Lake and mountain views
Watch the colours change across Sproat Lake, from the morning light to the last glow of sunset.

A patio for easy outdoor living
Step outside for a refreshing drink, a leisurely lunch or a romantic dinner from the BBQ.

Waterfront access and a shared dock
Enjoy the shoreline and dock during your stay. The dock is shared with your hosts.

Evenings around the firepit
Make time for a lakeside evening when seasonal conditions and fire restrictions permit.

A lived-in family property
The main house is home to pets, including a small dog and cat. Please contact us before booking if you have questions about bringing your own pet.

Local Attractions

Explore beyond the dock

There’s plenty to discover around Sproat Lake and the Alberni Valley. Plan an afternoon outing, pack for a longer adventure or see where the day takes you.

Sproat Lake Provincial Park
Enjoy a lakeside picnic, explore the short trails and visit the viewing area for the K’ak’awin petroglyphs. It’s a chance to spend more time beside the water and learn about an important cultural site.

Cathedral Grove
Walk beneath towering old-growth trees in MacMillan Provincial Park. The forest trails offer a memorable stop on a trip through the Alberni Valley.

Stamp River Provincial Park
Follow forest trails to views of the river, falls and fish ladder. Seasonal salmon runs make this a particularly fascinating place to visit in late summer and autumn.

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Make a longer outing of the forest trails, bridges and waterfall viewpoints along the Little Qualicum River.

Port Alberni
Head into town for a meal, explore local shops or visit a brewery before returning to the lake.

Tofino and Ucluelet
Set aside a full day to explore Vancouver Island’s west coast. Leave time for the drive and an unhurried return to your lakeside home base.

Make Yourself at Home

Your time at Barefeet Retreat is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

We’ll help you get your bearings with a brief overview of the property and show you where to find the kayaks and paddling equipment, then leave you to settle in and make yourself at home.

Whether your plans include exploring the Alberni Valley, surfing at Long Beach or spending a leisurely day beside the lake, we’re happy to share local recommendations when asked.

If a question comes up during your stay, you can reach us through your booking platform. Otherwise, kick off your shoes, enjoy your space and let the lake set the pace.