BC Adventure: Our Top 3 Resort Picks.
September 08 2021, Mercedes-Benz Vancouver
The wilds of the West Coast tap into our senses in so many ways, from the smell of cedar and the salty spray of the Pacific Ocean to the sound of birdsong reverberating through old-growth forests. There’s no better way to experience it all than with an immersive few days embedded deep in the forest in tranquil cabins, or oceanside in a chic resort. To celebrate the turning of the seasons, we’ve selected three ultimate getaway destinations that will satiate all your autumnal travel desires.
With 12 unique lodges filled with tasteful rooms aplenty, Sonora Resort may well have you covered for a fall getaway. The large and luxe Relais & Châteaux resort is famous for its world-class ocean salmon fishing, as well as catch-and-release fly-fishing in nearby rivers, but in the autumn months it boasts something extra wild: grizzly bear watching. For this, Sonora joins forces with the local Homalco First Nation for excursions that bring guests to the bears’ natural habitat for a safe, up-close look, so don’t forget your cameras. Sonora Resort is as remote as it gets, situated in the stunning Discovery Islands which are about an hour’s helicopter or float plane ride northwest of Vancouver.
If you’re seeking rest and relaxation at one of the most talked-about local new retreats on the West Coast, look no further than Bowen Island’s Kitoki Inn. Open since July, this intimate and easy-to-get-to spot is just a quick ferry ride away from Vancouver, and promises a quiet, zen-like escape. Rejuvenation is top of mind at Kitoki, and the spa-lovers among us will rejoice: Kitoki boasts an open-air bathhouse built in the Japanese onsen style for guests to use. If you’re able to secure a reservation in one of the cedar-clad contemporary cabins, count yourself lucky. If not, fear not–we’ve got you covered with more coveted suggestions.
If you’re up for a float plane ride in a similar direction to Sonora, but to a slightly more intimate destination, set your sights on Nimmo Bay Resort in the Great Bear Rainforest. The family-owned property welcomed its first guests in 1981, making this its 40th year in business, and you can rest assured the staff know how to treat guests like royalty - with less than a dozen guest cabins, the attention is personalized. Similar to Sonora Resort, this luxurious retreat is accessible only by land and sea, making it the ideal spot for city-dwellers to fully disconnect. Check into either a forest cabin or intertidal cabin, then tune into the pulse of nature through activities such as heli-hiking, paddleboarding, glacier trekking, and whale watching. Afterwards, tap into ultimate relaxation by soaking in a cedar hot tub at the base of a natural waterfall.
In BC, it’s not difficult to travel a short distance and be surrounded by stunning landscapes. Whether your travel wish list includes a short hop to Bowen Island or a bigger leap to the Discovery Islands or the Great Bear Rainforest, you’d be wise to tap into the autumnal rhythm of our province with an indulgent escape into the wild.
