Nimmo Bay
Sitting within 30000 square miles of pristine wilderness, glacier-capped mountains, the ocean and misty evergreens, the family owned and run Nimmo Bay Resort offers a first class wilderness adventure in British Columbia..
The Resort is so remote it is only accessible by seaplane or helicopter which departs from Port Hardy and takes you into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest.
There are just nine wood cabins at the resort, each with two bedrooms and all overlooking the crystalline lake. Choose from a Steamside Cabin and be lulled into a state of relaxation by the sound of the nearby cascading waterfall, or opt for an Intertidal Cabin which rises and falls with the tide beneath. Thoughtful touches, such as homemade cookies and truffles, as well as stainless steel Nimmo Bay water bottles for guests to take home with them, complete the experience.
Foodies will not be disappointed at Nimmo Bay Resort. Breakfast consists of freshly baked pastries, homemade Nimmo Bay granola with fresh fruit and yoghurt, as well as coffee, teas, homemade smoothies and fresh squeezed juices. Lunch is served at a different location every day; find yourself picnicking at the beach, a lake or the forest edge. Enjoy dinner in the cosy dining room or atop the floating deck outside, where a fresh coastal three course meal will be served.
There are a variety of activities to enjoy in and around the resort. At the Resort itself you can take yoga classes on the open floating dock, in the studio, on the beach or in the forest. The fitness room is great for a work out, providing weights, treadmills and stationary bikes. Relax in one of the two hot tubs next to the waterfall or enjoy a fantastic massage after an exhausting day.
Take a guided kayaking trip to explore the coastal islands or find yourself paddle boarding, observing seals, bears and eagles as you go. For the more adventurous guests there is the beautiful Big Nimmo hiking trail which runs through the forest, along the beach, passing waterfalls and rivers or hike the 5500' Mount Stevens. Furthermore you can try yourself in Rock Climbing, guided by a professional instructor or visit pristine lakes brimming with wild salmon during a heli-fishing tour.
Why We Love It
Mid July until the end of October is a great time to observe marine and coastal wildlife.
Knight Inlet Lodge
Knight Inlet lodge floats on a river in a remote area of the Pacific Northwest, just north of Campbell River. The lodge lies close to the mouth of Knight Inlet, from which it gains its name, and is nestled into Glendale Cove which is home to one of the largest concentrations of grizzly bears in British Columbia.
Floating on the longest fjord along the B.C coastline and surrounded by striking mountain peaks, Knight Inlet Lodge is a truly special place. The lodge is a one story building consisting of five cement floats, and is finished with local cedar board, inspired by the architecture of west coast British Columbia. Knight Inlet Lodge boasts two spacious decking areas, one featuring a cosy fireplace, so guests can unwind in the open air while admiring the stunning setting.
The lodge's 18 guestrooms are complete with queen size beds, ensuite bathrooms and a couple have the addition of bunk beds, making them ideal for families. All of the rustic rooms feature alder hardwood furniture and offer glorious views over the Glendale Cove or the surrounding shoreline, where bears are often spotted.
The homely dining room at Knight Inlet Lodge serves dishes inspired by both West Coast and Continental cuisine. The delicious menu often features fresh crab, salmon and prawns, harvested from the surrounding glacier fed waters of Knight Inlet.
Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty which is home to a wealth of wildlife, there are endless adventures to be had whilst staying at Knight Inlet Lodge. Enjoy Grizzly Bear Watching Tours on both land and sea, hike through the lush rainforest or go on a guided kayaking tour in the estuary. Travel around the inlet on a Marine Wildlife Tour, discovering the varied sea life of the area, such as seals, porpoises and dolphins.
From July onwards, these tours have the added attraction of possible Orca sightings and in September there is the chance to spot humpback whales as they journey from Alaska to Hawaii.
Why We Love It
Knight Inlet Lodge is known as Canada's premier grizzly bear resort with good reason - up to 50 bears have been counted roaming within 10 kilometres of the lodge at one time.
Spirit Bear Lodge
Discover the waterfront Spirit Bear Lodge, located in the small village of Klemtu and nestled within the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia. Surrounded by striking mountain ranges and coastal fjords, guests can experience a magnificent array of wildlife, learn about the native culture and join spectacular bear watching tours.
The architecture of the Spirit Bear Lodge harks back to the traditional long houses built by West Coast First Nations. Designed with comfort in mind, each bedroom is complete with a King Size bed, private bathroom and views over the lush rainforest and ocean beyond.
Guests can share stories and enjoy delicious meals in the lodge's Great Room, sitting around the cedar wood dining tables or lounging on comfy couches. The Great Room interior is adorned in local Tsimshian artworks and has 20-foot high windows, boasting magnificent views over the pristine Pacific Ocean, where orcas, white-sided dolphins and sea lions can sometimes be spotted.
Spirit Bear Lodge is all about adventures, encouraging guests to discover the cultural and natural wonders of British Columbia's wild coast. Guests have the chance to spot an abundance of wildlife such as Grizzly and Black bears, wolves, whales, and the rare Spirit Bear, renowned for its beautiful pure white fur.
Visitors can explore the natural habitat of the Spirit Bear and visit the world's only Kitasoo Spirit Bear Conservancy on Princess Royal Island, led by knowledgeable local Kitasoo guides. The guides' extensive knowledge of both the area and the behaviour of the Spirit Bears lead to regular sightings of the bears foraging for berries or feasting on salmon. Guests can also discover the fascinating history of the Kitasoo/Xai'xais people, on guided tours through their ancestral lands and ancient villages.
Why We Love It
The local guides' awareness of the bears movements mean that whether standing under the forest canopy or atop a rocky outcrop, guests have the rare chance to get close-up viewing and photographic opportunities of the bears as they forage for roots.
Sonora Resort
Sonora Resort is a luxurious and all-inclusive wilderness lodge in dense forests on the water's edge in British Columbia's Inside Passage.
Accommodation is in eleven separate elegant cedar-and-glass lodges complete with bathtubs and spectacular picturesque ocean views.
The restaurant is renowned for excellent cooking, and there is a well-stocked wine cellar, but the main event is the range of activities on offer.
These range from the sedate pleasures of the spa and tennis courts to the more adventurous such as whale or grizzly bear watching, fly-fishing, kayaking or nature treks, all in beautiful wilderness surroundings.
Why We Love It
There are spectacular 180-degree views of the Bute inlet from the dining room.