A Resilient Resort in B.C.’s Fraser Valley Reopens Its Doors

One environmental disaster is challenging enough. But in B.C.’s Fraser Valley, three disasters in three years was disheartening. One business hit especially hard was the Reo Rafting, Glamping and Yoga Resort in Boston Bar, which reopened for its 42nd season last month after eight gruelling months of rebuilding. While there is understandably a long way yet to go, guests worldwide have already eagerly flocked to enjoy the resort’s signature experiences.

Reo’s capacity may be smaller for the time being, but this multigenerational, family-run, all-inclusive oasis has enticed international visitors since the early 1980s. Back then, Bryan Fogelman was a young, pioneering, travelling rafter who navigated many of B.C.’s wild and unpredictable rivers. Enamoured with the Nahatlatch River, he bought a private section of the canyon and started construction of this now-storied riverfront resort two and a half hours from Vancouver. In 1993, Karen Pennell visited as a guest and, two years later, married Fogelman on the river’s edge. The couple have three kids, including Bryden, who is now a rafting guide.

In July of last year, the Kookipi Creek wildfire decimated the uninsured resort, and to make matters worse, the B.C. government did not provide disaster relief assistance, meaning the desperate Fogelmans faced a $450,000 rebuild on their own. Help came courtesy of the Guardians, trained First Nations members and stewards of their territories who are often first to respond to emergencies in more remote regions. Soon after, hundreds of former guests from around the world happily sent donations to help support the rebuilding process, undoubtedly moving, inspiring, and encouraging the Fogelmans.

The devil is in the details, and Fogelman family have done an exceptional job focusing on the finer things that make experiences there memorable and appreciated. Reo Resort harnesses the sun-drenched, pristine wilderness that surrounds it and features rustic wooden structures, solar power, and fresh water from a natural spring flowing through the property. Guests have a front-row-centre seat to B.C.’s jaw-dropping backdrops, complete with miles of lush, evergreen mountain views and crisp jade-green waters. There are 17 beautifully decorated glamping-style tents, all located steps from the river, that come with private, riverside decks constructed from hand-peeled logs. Two yoga decks have also been built, catering to all skills and styles, not to mention a calming relaxation zone, equipped with hammock gardens and pergolas with forest and river views. In addition to nature walks, guests can enjoy the serenity of a steamy hot tub, go cliff jumping, and gear up with the family for the 24 adrenaline-pumping rapids along the Nahatlatch River, which has more continuous whitewater than any other river in Canada. All rafting day trips include experienced guides and kayakers, an industry-leading safety record spanning four decades, and lunch, of course.

Open through September 21, Reo Rafting Resort is ideal for couples and families looking for a quick, two-day family vacation, jam-packed four-day getaway, or ultimate six-day escape. While staff accommodate all dietary needs and provide three catered meals daily using fresh and locally sourced ingredients, making s’mores at the campfire under a clear, Milky Way sky always caps a memorable experience.

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