5 Wilderness Resorts Near Vancouver

If peace and quiet is music to your ears, you’ll love the undisturbed wilderness just a short while away from Vancouver. Think dense forests, jutting seaside cliffs and tree-covered peaks, all with free-roaming wildlife and indigenous plants and flowers. And, the best part is, you don’t need to sleep on the ground or pitch a tent to enjoy this breathtaking scenery — just stay at one of these luxurious wilderness resorts, many of which can be reached only by boat or airplane.

Sonora Resort

Perched on the edge of Discovery Passage, Sonora Resort is a secluded destination with luxurious accommodations and an impressive selection of outdoor activities and leisure sports. Get there by water taxi, float plane or helicopter and enjoy the natural beauty of this remote region. Guests can get outdoors to take part in fly-fishing, kayaking, hiking, tennis, golf, swimming or wildlife watching — or if they would rather stay indoors, they can relax in the Island Currents spa and indulge in gourmet cuisine by Chef Terry Pichor. Rooms have upscale amenities such as goose down duvets, gas fireplaces, ocean views and contemporary furniture, but for a truly exclusive experience, book the Eagle Rock accommodations: a private four-room lodge that comes with its own chef, kitchen and office.

Nimmo Bay Resort

Mountain adventures are just a helicopter ride away, especially when you’re headed to Nimmo Bay Resort. This isolated hideaway offers a full menu of adventures, including bear watching, paddle boarding, snorkeling, wake boarding, rock climbing and more.

If you’re looking to reel in some big fish, make sure to take along your fishing gear and book a heli-fishing excursion. A tour guide will take you to pristine streams and rugged terrain via helicopter, allowing you to reel in Pacific salmon and trout that no one else can access. In addition to standard resort amenities, Nimmo Bay Resort also features rugged luxuries like an outdoor hot rain shower, a floating fire deck, cedar hot tubs, a waterfall plunge pool and adventure gear and apparel.

Pitt River Lodge

Fishermen know that British Columbia is rife with great fishing spots, but for the ultimate getaway, book a package at Pitt River Lodge. Accessible only by air or boat, this exclusive lodge offers a number of guided and unguided fishing expeditions, and their all-inclusive packages include round-trip transportation, lodging, meals, gear and tackle, a professional fishing guide and everything else you could need for a seamless fishing trip. Bring your family, friends or corporate clients to this unique, rustic lodge and get ready for that next big catch.

REO Rafting Resort

Get ready for an action-packed ride down the rapids at REO Rafting Resort, a 25-acre retreat located just a few hours from Vancouver. Part camping trip, part resort, REO offers camping areas and cabin tents, with the addition of comfort amenities like flush toilets and hot showers. Based on your skill level, you can customize your own adventure, whether you want a short day trip or a multi-day journey. Choose from rafting trips along five rivers, which includes an easy river float down the Fraser River and a rip-roaring ride down the narrow Nahatlatch Canyon.

Not in the mood to get wet? Don’t worry; there are plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy, including rock climbing, volleyball, hiking and archery. After a long day of being active, let your body recover with a soak in the hot tub or a soothing massage at the spa.

Nahatlach river from Mathieu Riva on Vimeo.

Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre

This environmentally conscious lodge resembles a community more than it does a hotel. Located on the shores of Upper Campbell Lake on Vancouver Island, this mountainous refuge consists of a number of cottages and buildings spread throughout the 160-acre property.

“Living on the edge” is something that Strathcona Park Lodge encourages (in fact, it’s part of their philosophy, to be “open to new experiences, new ideas and people’s differences”), and there are plenty of activities and lessons available to fulfill this mantra. Sign up for a daily adventure like zip lining, kayaking or tree climbing, or go on your own self-guided expedition at the nearby Strathcona Provincial Park. Afterward, get to know some other people at the resort while dining family style at the Whale Room. Couples looking for a more romantic dining experience can opt for the intimate setting at Myna’s café. Under Executive Chef Jessie P. Dufour’s direction, both on-site restaurants emphasize fresh, seasonal dishes and locally sourced ingredients.

 

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