Skip to main content
Apartment

Pet-Friendly Sproat Lake Suite | Private Dock, Paddleboard/Kayaks, Firepit

Photo gallery for Pet-Friendly Sproat Lake Suite | Private Dock, Paddleboard/Kayaks, Firepit

Interior detail
Property grounds
View from property
Marina
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 383.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Pet-Friendly Sproat Lake Suite | Private Dock, Paddleboard/Kayaks, Firepit

Welcome to Barefeet Retreat - Cozy Lakefront Escape on Sproat Lake

Discover your peaceful lakeside getaway at Barefeet Retreat, a cozy, pet-friendly suite tucked along the quiet shores of beautiful Sproat Lake. Nestled between Port Alberni and the wild beauty of Tofino and Ucluelet, our authentic retreat offers the perfect launch point for lake adventures, sunset paddles, and quiet, barefoot mornings.

Here, life moves slower — and lake life feels just right.

🏡 About the Property
Bedrooms: 1 (sleeps up to 4)
Bed #2: Queen sized blowup mattress

Bathrooms: 1 full

Living Area: Open-concept living/dining space with lake views

Outdoor Space: Step-out patio with BBQ, steps to the dock

Parking: Free onsite parking available

Wake up to sparkling water views and end your days with spectacular lakeside sunsets. Barefeet Retreat is thoughtfully set up for couples, small families, small groups, and furry friends looking to unwind and reconnect.

🌊 Lakefront Features
Private Dock Access (shared only with owners)
Swim, paddle, or relax just steps from your door.

Complimentary Kayaks and Paddleboard
Explore Sproat Lake at your own pace.

Beachside Firepit (use season-dependent)
Gather for cozy evenings and stargazing by the water.

Pet-Friendly
Well-behaved pets are warmly welcomed. Your four-legged companions will love the lake life too!

🍽️ Amenities
Fully equipped kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, coffee maker, cookware)

BBQ grill on the patio

Cozy living room with 40in TV and streaming options

Fresh linens and towels provided

Free high-speed WiFi

Smart lock self check-in

Heating and fans (no air conditioning as suite is naturally cooled)

📍 Location Highlights
5 minutes to Sproat Lake Provincial Park

15 minutes to downtown Port Alberni (restaurants, breweries, shops)

90 minutes to Tofino and Ucluelet (perfect for day trips!)

Nearby hiking: Hole in the Wall, Stamp River Provincial Park

Easy access to kayaking, fishing, swimming, and paddleboarding right outside your door

Sproat Lake is known for its crystal-clear water, stunning sunsets, and relaxed island vibes — making it one of Vancouver Island’s hidden gems.


🛏️ Sleeping Arrangements
Bedroom: Queen bed
Bed #2: Queen sized air mattress

Fresh linens, cozy bedding, and lake views to start your mornings right.

🌸Book your lakeside escape today and experience the magic of Sproat Lake’s quiet season — peaceful waters, vibrant sunsets, and fresh air await.

Why Guests Love Barefeet Retreat
Authentic, cozy lakeside living

Calm, clear swimming water

Sunsets you’ll never forget

Easy access to west coast adventures

Pet-friendly for the whole family

✨ Whether you're planning a spring getaway, a family summer vacation, or a peaceful retreat with your pup, Barefeet Retreat invites you to kick back, reconnect, and live the lake life — barefoot and easy.

✅ Ready to book your unforgettable lakefront stay?
Send us a message — we can't wait to welcome you!

🐾 Pet Policy
Well-behaved pets are welcome.

Pets must be supervised and cleaned up after.

Please note the dock and lake are open spaces — use at your own discretion and follow all rules.

📋 House Rules
No smoking indoors

Quiet hours after 10 PM

Pets must be supervised

Please clean gear (kayaks, paddleboards) after use

Firepit use subject to seasonal fire regulations

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Pool
"The Guest House" on beautiful Sproat Lake!
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (31 reviews)
"The Guest House" on beautiful Sproat Lake!

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 12:00 PM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 25 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Owners have animals (cats and dog)
default

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number H434605233

About the area

Port Alberni

Located in Port Alberni, this apartment is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Chase and Warren Winery and Landmark Cinemas Port Alberni are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Raptors Centre and Alberni Valley Multiplex Ice Skating Rink. Alberni Pacific Railway and Rollin Art Centre Gallery are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hunting and mountain biking nearby.
View more Apartments in Port AlberniOpens in a new window
Map
Port Alberni, BC

What's nearby

  • Sproat Lake - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Sproat Lake Petroglyphs - 9 min drive - 8.1 km
  • Cathedral Grove - 27 min drive - 23.7 km
  • MacMillan Provincial Park - 34 min drive - 43.2 km
  • Parksville Beach - 58 min drive - 79.1 km

Getting around

  • Comox, BC (YQQ-Comox Valley) - 106 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tseshaht Market - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Riverbend General Store and Cafe - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Blake Beach - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Dellas - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪hogs gone wild - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Pet-Friendly Sproat Lake Suite | Private Dock, Paddleboard/Kayaks, Firepit pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Pet-Friendly Sproat Lake Suite | Private Dock, Paddleboard/Kayaks, Firepit?

As of 1 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Pet-Friendly Sproat Lake Suite | Private Dock, Paddleboard/Kayaks, Firepit on 18 April 2026 start from NZ$374, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Pet-Friendly Sproat Lake Suite | Private Dock, Paddleboard/Kayaks, Firepit?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Pet-Friendly Sproat Lake Suite | Private Dock, Paddleboard/Kayaks, Firepit?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Pet-Friendly Sproat Lake Suite | Private Dock, Paddleboard/Kayaks, Firepit?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Pet-Friendly Sproat Lake Suite | Private Dock, Paddleboard/Kayaks, Firepit located?

Situated on the waterfront, this apartment building is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Sproat Lake and within 12 miles (20 km) of Sproat Lake Petroglyphs and Stirling Off-leash Dog Park. Raptors Centre and Nuu-Chah-Nulth Whaling Canoe Sculpture are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 17 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

rick w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Idyllic location on the water, Pet-friendly, super nice host, relaxing back patio with water and mountain view
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lana B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing views, great comfort!

I can't imagine having a better space to regroup, rejuvenate and recreate!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debbe P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing place. Well stocked kitchen. Great deck and wonderful swimming. Kayaks and canoe to use. Chis is a great host
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julia A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heavenly place

Nice place completely supplied. Nice outdoor views of the mountains. Quiet serene. Lovely place to canoe.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Peggy F.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in

A quaint little getaway!

Great location! Beautiful view!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Liz O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A nice relaxing get away on SPROAT Lake.

Very clean, nice lake dock, kayaks available
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome place

It was a very nice place. Nice set up, very clean, beautiful views and awesome lake. The hosts were great and made us have a great experience. I highly recommend staying here!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Ian W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Location

Perfect location and access to beautiful Sprout lake with the dock, kayaks and ample relaxing and swimming areas.Accomodation is spacious and Chris is so welcoming and friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shelley S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Lakeside Retreat

Enjoyed this clean, well laid out suite with lots of amenities and everything you need to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing stay. There is a nice patio area with BBQ and outdoor dining. The dock was great with room for our boat and for swimming and relaxing. The hosts were wonderful and our dog enjoyed her stay as well.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Doug D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Last days of summer 24

So relaxing, Chris is like an old friend ... can't wait to get back there ...
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 October 2024
It was really great to see you guys. Hopefully we'll see you guys again next summer!!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing view

Everything went so smoothly. Chris and family were very welcoming. The property was spacious and very clean and well equipped. We hope to return and stay longer. Having kayaks for us to take out was a bonus.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Mike Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Sproat Lake

View from livingroom is breathtaking. Owner very thoughtful with amenities. Place is clean, nicely decorated and well stocked. Beautiful dock with sun and shade, canoe, kayak and standup paddleboard. Water is crystal clear and great for swimming. Owner Chris very personable and thoughtful - a perfect host. We really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patrick K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Lake Retreat

Sproat Lake is the perfect location just outside of Port Alberni and within driving distance of anywhere you want to visit in the area (Uclulet/Torino). Trails to explore right by Chris’ place, Sproat Lake at your doorstep and Chris has everything you need to enjoy the water! Comfy and well appointed place to stay! Thanks for everything!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Jason T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice weekend

The property was awesome. My wife and i had a great time unwinding. The kitchen and living room was comfortable and spacious. The bedroom was quiet and comfy aswell. The beat part was sirting o the dock watching the sunsets. Chris was a great host and answered all our questions.thansk again Chris.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 31 August 2024
Thank you very much for the review jason. I was just wondering if there was something amiss that would granted four instead of five stars?
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dayle R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Paradise

This venue provided me with a much needed retreat. Chris is the most accommodating host and a great person to interact with. My dog fell in love with his two pets, Yoda and Ozzy. Be prepared that there is limited cell service, but it was welcomed by me. WIFI was perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 19 September 2024
You have yourself a wonderful year and we will see you next summer. I can see sunshine and happiness in your future. Cheers Chris
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alex M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing lake and host!

Chris is such an awesome host, great communication, always out there to help and let us checked in earlier!! Thx Chris!! Having a great dock by the lake with kayaks and canoes, what else can you ask for?On top of it all is pet friendly! And with all things available for your furr.. baby (poop bags, treats, bowls, etc) with plenty of space to run around and swim (mind you there are local pets too).I guess the only downside is that the place is on a basement, so temperature difference is a thing (either hot or cold), but overall is amazing! shame we only spent a couple nights there, but for sure would come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lesley C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay here- the weather was great and the lake warm and clear for swimming. Chris and Sarah are excellent hosts, responding to our needs quickly with good communication. The suite is downstairs from their level in the house so never got too hot in the hot weather and was quiet. We had all we needed and the kayaks/canoe provided for us to use are a great addition. The views of the lake from the suite are beautiful and the huge dock available for our use as well as theirs was fabulous. It was nice to have Prime Video access on the TV as well! Good TV reception and wifi. We used the air bed also and it was comfortable. The Cameron Lake/ Wesley Ridge area fire did not affect us on our trip - no smoke at Sproat Lake while we were here. We loved this area of the lake. Just beautiful! Looking forward to our return! Thank you so much!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful lake front stay

We really enjoyed our stay here. The suite had an absolutely stunning lakefront view! The suite was clean and well-equipped. We had everything we needed. The hosts even supplied everything our dog could want, including dog bowls, dog treats, a ball and poop bags. So nice that it was so dog friendly! The hosts were friendly and accommodating and went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. We enjoyed swimming in the lake and the hosts kindly made their watersports equipment and toys available to us. Our 3-year-old had a great time! The only thing to note is that the suite is very much part of the family house. It is the downstairs suite under the main house, and the patio is right below the family's main patio. We did not mind (aside from occasionally smelling smoke from one of the visiting family members) but for those looking for privacy or to be well away from the hosts, this may not work for them.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome view in a neat and tidy and cozy suite

The hosts were lovely to deal with and quick to respond to any questions we had prior to our stay. I appreciated just how clean the suite was, and the little touches throughout, like extra toiletries in the bathroom, and dog treats and such for our girl, Emma. Our host, Chris was on site, and he was very friendly and helpful throughout our stay. We will definitely book again in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Louise A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

V S.

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 January 2026
Worst guest ever..... this person wasn't able to follow simple instructions from the point of arrival till the time she left. I had to help her every single evening and give her face to face instructions on how to plug in a portable bed and press the button to inflate it, not a big deal but kind of annoying. She ignored the details about parking when arriving and drove down a walking path with her car, damaged her vehicle as well as the corner of my house, I can't even believe she drove down this walking path. I had to drive her car back up The Path around the corner of my damaged house and back to the allocated parking area . There are many other instances during her 6 days as a guest and I would certainly not recommend her to any other hosts and would not host her personally in the future. On top of all these things that went wrong due to her inability to read simple instructions I treated her with respect and calmness and do not believe I came close to deserving a six out of 10. I put a lot of extra effort into this woman stay and this is how she responded. Do not Host this woman.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

About the host

Hosted by Chris Nicolson

Host profile image
Hi, we're Chris and Sarah — proud Vancouver Island locals with deep roots in the Alberni Valley.

Chris spent many years as a tour bus driver, sharing the beauty of the island with travelers from around the world, while Sarah is a property caretaker who understands the art of making spaces feel welcoming and cared for.

We love the simple pleasures of lakeside living — quiet mornings, long paddles, and starlit skies — and we’re thrilled to share a slice of that magic with you at Barefeet Retreat.

Why they chose this property

Barefeet Retreat is part of our family story.

The property has been lovingly passed down and shaped over the decades, evolving from a lakeside A-frame spot into the cozy getaway it is today. We've watched Sproat Lake grow into one of Vancouver Island’s hidden gems — a place where neighbors know each other, nature still leads the way, and the water is always just a few steps away.

It’s a place rooted in slow living, family traditions, and endless sunsets — and we couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

What makes this property unique

Barefeet Retreat offers the kind of authentic lakefront experience that’s getting harder to find.

Our cozy suite blends the nostalgia of summers spent barefoot with easy access to Sproat Lake’s crystal waters. Guests can swim right off the dock, paddle in the early morning calm, and watch the sunset from a private firepit. Plus, being pet-friendly means the whole family — furry members included — can enjoy the adventure.

It's not about polished luxury — it’s about real moments, real connections, and memories you’ll carry with you long after your toes leave the sand.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback