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  4. Port Alberni

Portal Retreat

Hosted by Andrew · Port Alberni, British Columbia
3 guests max · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
98%
·
57 reviews
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Staff verified
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Andrew is a Star Host
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Romantic
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.
The "Portal Retreat" is here: Unplug, relax, and unwind! Bonus: A 3-minute walk to the lake! Come and explore the glamping " Portal" style. We offer a unique experience just steps away from beautiful Sproat Lake. This is a retreat-type space and is specifically set up to help you get away from your busy life. There are books, games, hummingbirds, deer, and all that nature has to offer including the Lake, a stone's throw away for a quick dip to rejuvenate the mind and body. The Portal is 18 feet long and 8 feet wide and is your very own private space. Featuring a beautiful deck for relaxation, reading, star gazing, yoga, or alfresco dining, with the interior offering a queen bed, sofa small table and two chairs. Oh so cozy and romantic. There is a fancy outhouse that flushes water and is equipped with a sink. This space is best suited for a single, a couple, and possibly a fur baby and/or little one. We are located on a quiet residential street 20 minutes from Port Alberni and en route to Tofino or Ucluelet. We have walking and mountain biking trails minutes from the house. If you are bringing a fur baby, please let us know. It must be on a leash at all times. Please bring your fur baby's favourite blanket or bed to sleep on. We kindly ask that you keep your fur baby off the furniture and bed, and that you please not leave your pet unattended. The Portal has internet and spotty cell service. There is an outlet for charging, etc. Parking is on-site. Local food options include the "The Fish & Duck Pub" which is just a short walk away. Call Doordash to deliver a meal from one of our local restaurants, such as Sproat Lake Landing, or bring a picnic to enjoy. Canoe $40.00 per day $200 deposit. Please bring your own PFD and any personal protective gear you may require. Subject to availability, Ice can be supplied and is $5/bag We supply plates, cutlery, etc. please bring your own pots pans. We understand that life happens, but please try to arrive no later than 8:30 p.m. for check-in or you can self check in.The "Portal Retreat" is here: Unplug, relax, and unwind at Sproat Lake! Yes, we do take bookings all year round and provide the pod heating - perfect for the winter months. A 3 minute walk to Sproat Lake! Come and explore the glamping " Portal" style. We offer a unique experience just steps away from beautiful Sproat Lake. This is a serene and retreat-type space and is specifically set up to help you get away from your busy life. There are books, games, hummingbirds, deer, and all that nature has to offer including the Lake, a stone's throw away, for a quick dip to rejuvenate the mind and body. The Portal is 18 feet long and 8 feet wide and is your very own private space. Featuring a beautiful deck for relaxation, reading, star gazing, yoga, or alfresco dining, with the interior offering a queen bed, sofa, and artisanal water. There is a fancy new outhouse that flushes water and is equipped with a sink. This space is best suited for a single, a couple, and possibly a fur baby and/or little one. We are located on a quiet residential street 20 minutes from Port Alberni and en route to Tofino or Ucluelet. We have walking and mountain biking trails minutes from the house. The Portal has very limited internet and spotty phone service. There is an outlet for charging. Private parking is on-site. Please bring your cooking stove, pots, pans, and cooking utensils. We have crockery, cutlery, and glassware. Outside food options include the "The Fish Duck Pub" which is just a short walk away. Call Doordash to deliver a meal from one of our local restaurants or bring a picnic to enjoy. If you are bringing a fur baby, please let us know. It must be on a leash at all times. Please bring your fur baby's favorite blanket or bed to sleep on. We can also provide a comfy hound bed in the room at your request. We kindly ask that you keep your fur baby off the furniture and bed. Additional Extra: Canoe $40.00 per day ($200 deposit) Please bring your own PFD, helmet, and any personal protective gear you may require You will have to sign a waiver and leave the above deposit for the equipment. BYO: Cooking stove, pots, pans, cooking stove, and cooking utensils and cooler. We have plates and cutlery. We love, love, love dogs. However, we kindly ask that they not be left unattended at any time. Please note, there is a 100% blanket no fire policy for any purpose at any time on our property until further notice. Propane fire rings and cooking stoves only. See you on arrival.
What to expect
Cabin
You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.
3 guests max
Toilet available
Portable toilet
Pets allowed
On leash
No campfires
Potable water available
Hose, bottled water or jugs
Bins available
Recycling bin, trash bin
Wifi available
No showers
Bathe in lake
Cooking equipment absent
If you need a cooking stove we can provide it, along with cutlery and crockery. All you need to do is provide the white gas.
Picnic table absent
Laundry absent
Hot Tub absent
No playground
The playground is the lake and local trails.

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Early or late check-in may be available
Check out: Before 12:00 PM
On arrival: Meet with Host
Cancellation policy: Strict
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 12 months out
Park at listing
No wheelchair access
Max 2 vehicles
2WD accessible
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

Lodging

1 site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

Portal Retreat

98%
(65)
Cabin · Sleeps 3 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
The "Portal Retreat" is here: Unplug, relax, and unwind at Sproat Lake! Yes, we do take bookings all year round and provide the pod heating - perfect for the winter months. A 3 minute walk to Sproat Lake! Come and explore the glamping " Portal" style. We offer a unique experience just steps away from beautiful Sproat Lake. This is a serene and retreat-type space and is specifically set up to help you get away from your busy life. There are books, games, hummingbirds, deer, and all that nature has to offer including the Lake, a stone's throw away, for a quick dip to rejuvenate the mind and body. The Portal is 18 feet long and 8 feet wide and is your very own private space. Featuring a beautiful deck for relaxation, reading, star gazing, yoga, or alfresco dining, with the interior offering a queen bed, sofa, and artisanal water. There is a fancy new outhouse that flushes water and is equipped with a sink. This space is best suited for a single, a couple, and possibly a fur baby and/or little one. We are located on a quiet residential street 20 minutes from Port Alberni and en route to Tofino or Ucluelet. We have walking and mountain biking trails minutes from the house. The Portal has very limited internet and spotty phone service. There is an outlet for charging. Private parking is on-site. Please bring your cooking stove, pots, pans, and cooking utensils. We have crockery, cutlery, and glassware. Outside food options include the "The Fish Duck Pub" which is just a short walk away. Call Doordash to deliver a meal from one of our local restaurants or bring a picnic to enjoy. If you are bringing a fur baby, please let us know. It must be on a leash at all times. Please bring your fur baby's favorite blanket or bed to sleep on. We can also provide a comfy hound bed in the room at your request. We kindly ask that you keep your fur baby off the furniture and bed. Additional Extra: Canoe $40.00 per day ($200 deposit) Please bring your own PFD, helmet, and any personal protective gear you may require You will have to sign a waiver and leave the above deposit for the equipment. BYO: Cooking stove, pots, pans, cooking stove, and cooking utensils and cooler. We have plates and cutlery. We love, love, love dogs. However, we kindly ask that they not be left unattended at any time. Please note, there is a 100% blanket no fire policy for any purpose at any time on our property until further notice. Propane fire rings and cooking stoves only. See you on arrival.
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No showers
No picnic table

Reviews

98% Recommend65 ratings · 57 reviews
Recommends
· July 2026
A exceptional retreat.
With pets ·
Portal Retreat
This was exactly what we wanted and more! Andrew was a lovely host with an exceptional space. The deck was dreamy to read in and being inside looking out with all the windows was mesmerizing. Then walking to the lake was an absolute treat! We also had our two pups.
M
Mariah O.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2026
Portal Retreat
I loved my stay at the portal! So close to the lake, perfect for a morning swim - close to town to get groceries/food, on a very quiet road (probably one of the best sleeps I’ve had in a long time). Host was kind and helpful! Would recommend for a couple or a solitary stay (would be a great place to use as a writing retreat, I will have to book again!)
M
Maddi T.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2026
Greatest Summer getaway ever!!!!
Portal Retreat
We absolutely loved the cabin we stayed at. I would definitely recommend this place for a summer getaway. Andrew and his partner were amazing and so welcoming and make sure we had everything we needed for our stay. The lake was like a 3 minute walk down and had incredible views plus was amazing to swim in. Would definitely come back here again thank you so much Andrew 😄
K
Kyran G.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2026
Portal Retreat
The portal was a great place to rest and recharge, you can stare into the greenery for hours on end.
Avatar
Noemi Izabella F.
3 reviews
Recommends
· June 2026
Portal Retreat
We absolutely loved this quiet, cosy, beautiful spot amongst the trees. We had a lovely canoe in the morning on the still water, which is a very short walk. Would absolutely recommend!
M
Maya H.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2026
Portal Retreat
We loved the coziness! The soft lights outside at night were so cute. Just a short walk away from Sproat Lake - if you have the chance, take a dip! Would love to come back.
C
Colleen B.
2 months on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· May 2026
Relaxing get away
With pets ·
Portal Retreat
The cabin was cozy and conveniently located near the lake. The area was also quiet and private, which made our stay even more relaxing. We had a great time during our visit. Andrew was very kind and even allowed us to check in early, which we really appreciated.
K
Kristine G.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2026
With pets ·
Portal Retreat
The cabin was very private, and the host was nice
J
Jessika C.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2025
With pets ·
Portal Retreat
This is a great little spot to stow away in near the lakes!
A
Adam V.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
With pets ·
Portal Retreat
We had a very cosy stay at the Portal retreat with our pooch. It was pretty rainy but that made the stay even more cosy. The bed was really comfortable , and it’s such a close walk to Sproat lake. We enjoyed swimming and paddling , very peaceful. We hope to be back again soon :)
Avatar
Orla M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Portal Retreat
Beautiful location just steps from park/beach for sunset watching. Wooded surroundings. Everything you need for a short stay.
H
Heather S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Portal Retreat
I loved glamping at the Portal retreat. It was an easy drive to Tofino for a day trip and the lake provided a relaxing alternative to the beach. It was a lovely little cabin and a highlight of my trip!
S
Samantha K.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Portal Retreat
Andrew was a great host. We had such a good stay, the property was 2 minute walk from sproat lake. Overall an amazing experience, will be back again:)
A
Abhishek A.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Portal Retreat
Had a lovely little getaway at the Portal Retreat. Close to town, beautiful view of nature from inside and outside the cabin and minutes from one of the nicest lakes I’ve swam in. Excellent hosts as well. Would definitely stay again.
Avatar
Alysha W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Portal Retreat
We loved this little glamping cabin as the launching point for our Vancouver island adventure! The lake is spectacular for swimming and just relaxing, and not busy at all even on a holiday weekend. Andrew was so helpful, accommodating, and provided everything we could need!
H
Hill B.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
With pets ·
Portal Retreat
We had such an amazing time at The Portal Retreat! The place was super clean and cozy and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Andrew was also such a pleasure to chat with and was extremely hospitable, always making sure we had everything that we needed! The place truly feels like you are in the middle of the forest and being 3 minutes away from a (not busy) lake was such a delight! It is still close enough to town though (around a 10 minute drive) so it was easy to pop out and grab anything we may have forgotten! For those that are scared about not having service - my partner and I are on Rogers and Fido and we had full service the entire time
T
Tina W.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
A perfect little escape
Portal Retreat
This was my very first Hip Camp experience and it did not disappoint. Andrew’s little rustic glass hideaway in the trees was just as cozy as the pics in the listing. Andrew and his partner were super friendly and had so much great advice for a first time solo traveller to the island. The beautiful lake and public dock across the street felt like a hidden gem as I had it all to myself. It was the clearest & cleanest water I’ve ever swam in. I honestly wish I had another night to relax here and will definitely be back if I’m in the area again.
Avatar
Melissa D.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Nice experience
Portal Retreat
Andrew and Dianne have been great host. It has been a pleasure to stay in their land.
F
Fra F.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Seacan in the Forest
With pets ·
Portal Retreat
This was a cool place to stay while we visited family in Port Alberni. Only 15 minutes from town. Great to have our dog with us too. The wifi needs improvement but this didn’t take away from the floor to ceiling windows that gave us a front row seat of the beautiful green rainforest, so quiet.
K
Katherine K.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Nature at your doorstep
Portal Retreat
Very peaceful environment and thoughtful space for a relaxing time. The nearby lake and nature at your doorstep allowed a very enjoyable stay.
K
Kevin P.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2025
Beautiful but not sure worth the $$
Portal Retreat
We really enjoyed our stay, it was much needed respite but it's really very basic, felt like a lot of money to drink from a hose, use a pretty gross portaloo and have non existent security. Hosts were however lovely and helped out quickly when we had some minor issues.
R
Rebecca S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Portal Retreat
Andrew welcomed us as soon as we arrived, and my wife and I enjoyed a beautiful night at The Portal. The view from the back deck is truly wonderful, such a peaceful place to stare at the forest. The canoe is definitely worth it. The lake is not far, and Andrew and his wife even kindly helped us tie it to a wagon to help get it down to the lake but it's only a 5 minute walk. Andrew was quick to notify us on the way to be aware of a large forest fire developing, and was very responsive for anything we needed. This was one of my wife's favorite places to stay on our honeymoon, and we only wished we could have stayed longer.
J
Jared W.
4 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Portal Retreat
Loved our stay!! Super cozy, the lake is a 5 min walk tops and was so beautiful and warm. Convenient location for going to tofino and back. Cant wait to return :)
T
Tiffany C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
Portal Retreat
I had a lovely stay Portal Retreat. It is a lovely cabin that looks out to nature and only steps away from the beautiful lake. It was so quiet and the cabin was equipped with all that was needed for my stay. The hosts were also incredible with clear communication and even providing recommendations on sites to see during my stay. Thank you both :)
S
Shannon H.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
Nature Retreat
Portal Retreat
Our stay at this charming mini cabin turned into a memorable trip! Being surrounded by stunning views of trees and the chirping of the birds chirping, it felt like we were in our own little nature retreat. The canoe ride is a must! Paddling on the lake and watching the sunset was magical. My only gripes were spotty network and the porta potty. If you’re looking for a peaceful and scenic getaway, we highly recommend it!
V
Varshini P.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2025
Peaceful, comfortable, and serene
Portal Retreat
Andrew’s cabin was comfortable, well appointed, and serene. It was perfectly located a short walk away from the serene lake. Andrew went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable and I’d highly recommend his cabin for future stays.
E
Eli R.
13 reviews
Recommends
· December 2024
Cozy cabin
Portal Retreat
Cozy place and the host, Andrew, was really nice. Would recommend and stay again. Great location near the water.
R
Rose Q.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
Portal Retreat
My stay at The Portal Retreat was absolutely wonderful! This cozy glamping hideaway was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The queen bed was incredibly comfortable—I had the best night’s sleep and didn’t want to leave its cozy embrace. The private deck was perfect for unwinding, whether I was stargazing or simply soaking in the peaceful, natural surroundings. It’s an ideal retreat for anyone looking to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature in a truly beautiful setting!
K
Kylah C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· September 2024
Cabin in the garden
Portal Retreat
A Nice cabin with a good bed and a large couch. Large windows to the garden. And a great wooden terras. It takes a 5 min walk to the lake. No fridge or cooking possibility. Bring a power bank and a data plan, if you need your smartphone 😁. The canoe is stable on the lake 👌
Avatar
Stijn P.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Peaceful Getaway
Portal Retreat
We had a fantastic stay at Andrew's place! The room was incredibly clean and cozy, and waking up to the sight of trees was truly magical. Falling asleep to the soothing sound of owls made our night even more special. The location is unbeatable! The house is right across from a community park, and within a 2-minute walk, you're at the beach. We had a great time kayaking on the calm, warm waters of Sproat Lake, with a beautiful long sandy beach just a 10-minute paddle away. The beach is also easily accessible by car. The outdoor toilet was clean and functional, which we appreciated. Overall, we absolutely loved our stay!
B
Beste B.
2 reviews

Location

Port Alberni, Alberni Clayoquot, British Columbia, CanadaTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Andrew P.

Joined in July 2023
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within an hour

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