Saltair Station House
A landmark. A retreat. A story.
An iconic station house on Vancouver Island, thoughtfully reimagined as an intimate place to stay, gather, eat and experience the coast.
The Station
Where history feels at home.
Saltair Station House is more than a place to sleep. It is a carefully preserved piece of Vancouver Island history, brought back to life as a warm and character-filled destination for travellers seeking something personal.
Set along the Oceanside Route between Ladysmith and Chemainus, the property brings together original architecture, thoughtful interiors, garden spaces and an on-site bakery and bistro.
Every room has been designed to feel collected rather than decorated — combining the character of the original building with comfortable modern amenities.
Approximately 15 minutes from Nanaimo Airport (YCD).
A life in hospitality
Creating places people remember.
Proprietor Gail Irwin brings more than three decades of hospitality experience to Saltair Station House.
Her journey began in Canmore in 1997 with Creek House — a welcoming sanctuary that became a favourite among international film icons and travellers from around the world. The property earned a 5-Star Canada Select rating and established Gail's reputation for creating stays that feel both highly considered and genuinely warm.
She later transformed a local tenement house into Paintbox Lodge, developing a boutique inn known for its distinctive character, thoughtful design and consistent hospitality. The adjacent social dining destination, created within the original home, became a regional gathering place.
That same instinct for place-making continues at Saltair Station. Working with Dean, Gail helped shape the property's design, hospitality experience and connection to Vancouver Island.
The architecture
A history of creating places people remember.
Saltair Station retains the soul of its original footprint while making room for the comforts of a modern stay.
Original beams, timber details and artisan craftsmanship have been carefully preserved rather than hidden. These details give each accommodation its own sense of history and place.
Gail's design influence also extends across Vancouver Island. Together with Dean, she was given carte blanche to envision and execute The Sawmill in Chemainus — from the conceptual theme and structural design through to the menu and interior curation.
“The character of the building is not something to disguise. It is the heart of the experience.”
Stay at the Station
Three private ways to experience the Station.
From an intimate one-bedroom sanctuary to a spacious two-bedroom apartment and a secluded garden retreat, each stay has been created around comfort, character and privacy.
01 · Club Car
One Bedroom
An intimate sanctuary within the Station.
A charming, private and self-contained apartment featuring the Forest Room, a plush Queen bed, premium linens, a full kitchen and an artisan dining area.
Outside, an exclusive patio planted with native ferns and grasses creates a private setting for morning coffee, sunset drinks or a quiet evening beneath the mood lighting.
French doors provide private keypad access, while a vintage steamer trunk stocked with warming blankets adds a thoughtful touch for cooler Island evenings.
Perfect for romantic getaways, solo travellers and professionals looking for a private home base on Vancouver Island.
02 · Club Car
Two Bedroom
Space, character and West Coast comfort.
A spacious 850-square-foot apartment within the iconic Saltair Station footprint, with separate Forest and Ocean bedrooms, each featuring a plush Queen bed and premium linens.
The open-concept living area combines bespoke furnishings, West Coast décor and a hand-made Spalted maple high-top dining table. The chef's kitchen is fully equipped for relaxed meals at home.
Original Pacific Northwest character remains throughout, from first-growth Douglas Fir window sills and artisan post-and-beams to repurposed vintage details such as the Ocean Room's “Swim Grid” luggage rack and coffee bar.
Ground-level entry, no stairs, self-check-in and designated parking for two vehicles directly at the door.
03 · Garden Retreat
A Garden Retreat
A secluded retreat created for two.
A boutique gem tucked within the iconic Saltair Station property, the Garden Suite is a self-contained retreat for two with its own kitchenette, sitting room, full bathroom and private entrance.
Its signature feature is the exclusive “Potting Shed” patio, overlooking the garden and designed for slow mornings, alfresco meals and moonlit evenings.
Inside, the original 5'8" character beam adds a tangible connection to the building's history, while a fireplace and dining bar make the suite especially inviting after a day exploring the coast.
A private garden path leads to the suite, while guests can also enjoy convenient access to Owl's Nest Bakery & Bistro through the garden gate.
Owl's Nest Bakery & Bistro
Just beyond the garden, Owl's Nest Bakery & Bistro brings another layer to the Saltair Station experience.
Known for its famous Eggs Benedict, legendary artisan scones, specialty coffees and relaxed all-day breakfast, it is a natural gathering place for guests and locals alike.
Licensed decks overlook the garden and fountain, offering Island wines and craft beers alongside freshly baked goods and a menu designed for lingering.
on Wednesdays )
Garden Suite guests have convenient garden-gate access to the bistro, including a shortcut through the Secret Garden.
The details
The little things make the stay.
Every stay at Saltair Station is designed around comfort, independence and the feeling of having a place of your own.
Private & Personal
Self-contained accommodations, private entrances and thoughtful spaces allow guests to settle in at their own pace.
Island Hospitality
Gail brings more than 30 years of hospitality experience and local knowledge, available when needed while always respecting your privacy.
Close to the Coast
Positioned along the Oceanside Route between Ladysmith and Chemainus, Saltair Station makes an ideal base for exploring Vancouver Island.
Saltair Station House
Come for the coast. Stay for the story.
Discover an iconic Island property, thoughtfully restored spaces, garden mornings and the warm hospitality of Saltair Station.
Explore Your Stay