Elevating Island Hospitality at Lakedale Resort

A New Partner, a New Solution

On Washington’s San Juan Island, Lakedale Resort has long been a destination for families and couples seeking an escape into nature. In 2007, the resort took a bold step to diversify its accommodations, partnering with Rainier Outdoor to combine the nostalgia of camping with the comfort of a permanent retreat. That collaboration not only transformed Lakedale’s guest experience, but also resulted in the invention of one of Rainier’s most iconic offerings: the Canvas Cottage.

The Challenge

Lakedale wanted to offer guests more than traditional lodging or campsites. They saw the opportunity to attract adventurous travelers looking for an upscale glamping experience—one that felt authentic to the outdoors but delivered reliable comfort in the island’s unpredictable climate.

The problem was that the canvas wall tents of the past weren’t up to the task. Originally built for hunters and prospectors during the gold rush, those tents were designed to be hardy for weeks or months at a time, but were ultimately designed for portability over longevity. Lakedale needed structures sturdy enough to withstand years of rain, snow, and sun in the San Juan Islands, while still delivering the comfort and classic feel of wall tents.

The Rainier Solution: Inventing the Canvas Cottage

That challenge led to a breakthrough. Rainier Outdoor designed and launched the Canvas Cottage, a structure that delivered the look and feel of a traditional wall tent with the durability and comfort of a permanent retreat.

The cottages featured an internal Douglas Fir wood frame for stability, a platform for a solid foundation, and an integrated rain fly with a first-of-its-kind attachment directly into the tent wall. This combination provided long-term weather resistance and easy maintenance.

Lakedale ordered four Canvas Cottages in 2007, followed by nine more in 2008, along with a custom Longhouse for breakfast service. The impact was immediate and dramatic: revenue jumped over 300% year-over-year, guest activity on the property increased, and the Canvas Cottages quickly became a signature feature of the resort.

Expanding with Yurts

Ten years later, the partnership was still underway. Lakedale continued to innovate by adding Rainier yurts to its portfolio. With built-in amenities and panoramic windows, the yurts offered a new kind of guest experience, blending upscale rustic design with the immersive beauty of the San Juan Islands.

This expansion reinforced Lakedale’s brand as both approachable and elevated, giving guests fresh reasons to visit in both peak and shoulder seasons. The yurts became a standout choice for travelers who wanted more than a traditional hotel stay, and a natural evolution of the glamping experience first pioneered at the resort.

The Results

The partnership between Lakedale and Rainier has proven transformative:

• • 300% year-over-year revenue growth after the first cottages launched.

• • National media attention in outlets like Sunset Magazine and Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

• • A dramatic increase in web traffic from 4,000 to 17,000 visitors per month.

• • Exceptional guest experiences that continue to drive return visits and word-of-mouth.

For hospitality operators, the Lakedale story demonstrates the power of design innovation. By partnering with Rainier Outdoor, resorts can introduce unique accommodations that resonate with modern travelers.

The Bottom Line

From the invention of the Canvas Cottage to the addition of premium yurts, Rainier’s collaboration with Lakedale Resort shows what’s possible when a hospitality operator takes a bold step toward reimagining outdoor lodging. Together, we created an experience that blends heritage, comfort, and nature… and the results speak for themselves.

Ready to explore how Rainier can help transform your property? Start your Design-to-Build journey today.