Echo Bay Lodge
Echo Bay Lodge offers guests the privacy and feel of seclusion and solitude but with the convenience of being close to the amenities and services of Daajing Giids. Relax in one of Echo Bay Lodge’s two spacious guest rooms with private ensuite, or in the newest addition – The Living Edge Suite which boasts a full kitchen and private entrance. The guest rooms have shared fully-equipped kitchen facilities which allow guests the option to prepare their own meals on site, or bring your catch of the day out back and cook it on the lodge’s gas barbecue or fire pit while enjoying the meticulously-groomed, landscaped yard and flowering gardens. You can even help yourself to fresh garden herbs when in season, like garlic, parsley, sage, tarragon, chives, fennel, sorrel, dill, mint and more, grown right on the property. Guests can eat their meals on one of the lodge’s outdoor picnic tables or the indoor shared dining/living room. Host and long-time Daajing Giids resident Terry Tollestrup is full of insider information and tips on what to see and do in the area and where to find the best fishing around the island. Fishing charters are available from several nearby outfitters and guides. Echo Bay Lodge also has a selection of bicycles for guests to explore the area at a leisurely pace.
Meet Terry Tollestrup
Meet Terry Tollestrup
Terry Tollestrup first came to Haida Gwaii from Alberta as a young adult for what was supposed to be a vacation and a visit with relatives. His "vacation" never ended, and he has called Haida Gwaii home for four decades since. "Haida Gwaii is one of the best places on earth," Terry says, "and it is home to some great people."
Terry worked for others for his first few years on Haida Gwaii, but eventually the entrepreneurial bug got a hold on him and he struck out on his own. He has owned a number of local businesses over the years and currently owns multiple small businesses on Haida Gwaii, including Echo Bay Tool Rentals. "You have to be diversified to get by here," he says. "I have lots of irons in the fire!" And that includes single-handedly landscaping and gardening the immaculate, multi-tiered yard and property surrounding Echo Bay Lodge, which bursts with brightly-coloured blooms every spring and summer. Terry points out that many business operators on Haida Gwaii operate multiple businesses or hold full or part-time jobs in addition to owning their businesses, and it is this work ethic that will push Haida Gwaii forward into a bright future. "Everyone builds their own niche here," says Terry, "and they work hard at what they do."
With so much on his plate, Terry doesn't often have time for himself. But once in awhile, particularly in the winter time when business is a little slower, Terry tries to get outdoors and go kayaking or camping. He also likes to kick back and relax with friends whenever he can.
