There is no denying that our home country, Canada is filled with rugged beauty worth exploring.
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The province of British Columbia is no stranger to magazine covers and postcards. From snowy mountain peaks to rocky ocean coastlines, BC boasts natural beauty like no other. To experience it for yourself, check out these 11 best luxury resorts in British Columbia that are guaranteed to impress.
Tigh-Na-Mara Spa & Resort
Location: Parksville, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Tigh-Na-Mara (Gaelic for “Resort by the Sea”) is a spectacular eco-resort found on the East Coast of Vancouver Island in Parksville. This 22-acre woodland property is about 30 minutes north of Nanaimo, surrounded by giant Douglas fir, cedar, and arbutus trees.
Tigh-Na-Mara has 192 handcrafted log guest rooms, a grotto spa with an “endless tapas” bar, and two award-winning dining rooms. Within a short drive of the resort, you have the choice of hiking through old-growth forests, admiring waterfalls, or relaxing by the sea.
And what better way to end a day spent outdoors than with a visit to the spa! Tigh-Na-Mara’s Grotto Spa has been voted the best in Canada and offers a menu of services for decadent relaxation. Top it off with a soak in the grotto’s mineral pool before indulging in bottomless tapas plates at the on-site restaurant.
Guest rooms have private balconies with luxe bedding and a cozy gas fireplace. And if you opt for an oceanview room, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Sunshine Coast and Georgia Strait. It’s no wonder the Tigh-Na-Mara is consistently one of the top resorts on Vancouver Island!
What’s more, the resort is committed to green stewardship and has received 4 keys in the Green Key Eco-Rating Program. They only use natural, locally-made products in the spa and as many fresh, local ingredients as possible on their menus. They strive to reduce waste while limiting water consumption and opting for high-efficiency amenities.
Harrison Hot Springs Resort
Location: Harrison, British Columbia
Located less than 90 minutes east of Vancouver, BC, the charming resort town of Harrison Lake is a great spot to enjoy a variety of water sports, hike the winding trails, or try your hand at salmon fishing. The pristine area is dotted with mountains and best enjoyed with a stay at Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa.
The resort boasts mountain and lakeside rooms and cottages for family holidays or romantic retreats. But what really draws travellers here are the spa-like amenities. Even better than a heated outdoor saltwater pool, the resort has natural hot spring-fed mineral pools. There are two indoor pools and three outdoor pools (one is adults only) scattered around the property.
Each pool is kept at a different temperature to optimize the water’s healing properties. Thanks to the natural heat, the winter months are the perfect time for a soak. Take in mountain views while enjoying the steam.
Harrison Resort has four restaurants ranging from a laid-back café to a fine dining restaurant. Grab a breakfast sandwich to go at Miss Margaret’s Cafe or settle in for live music over dinner at the Copper Room. And if the weather’s nice, a table at Islands Bar is the perfect place to watch the sunset over Harrison Lake. All in all, Harrison Resort is a fabulous resort any time of year and is suitable for the whole family.
Sooke Harbour House
Location: Sooke, British Columbia
An hour southwest of Victoria, BC, Sooke Harbour House is one of Canada’s best luxury lodges. Sooke Harbour House (SHH) has earned a Green Tourism GOLD Award for its sustainable practices and promotion of eco-tourism.
The property offers 28 wonderfully unique rooms boasting stunning views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and Washington’s Olympic Mountains. Plus, the original art, antiques, and handcrafted furniture is a delight, giving each room its own charm.
Most rooms come with jetted soaker tubs or hot tubs, as well as wood-burning fireplaces and luxurious beds and linens. You can also book a relaxing massage, facial, or pedicure in the comfort of your own room.
The award-winning dining room at SHH serves seasonal and organic foods sourced from local farms, vineyards, fishers, and artisans. You’ll find cheeses, breads, and wines paired with wild game and seafood on the daily changing menu. One of the most enticing things about SHH is its 3-acre rare herb and edible blossom garden. The scent of the lavender in June is heavenly!
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
Location: Yoho National Park, British Columbia
Coastal resorts in British Columbia are undeniably spectacular, but the Rocky Mountains aren’t too shabby either! The UNESCO World Heritage Yoho National Park is located an 8-hour drive from Vancouver or a 2-hour trek from Calgary, Alberta. It’s a rugged wilderness area with towering rock formations and majestic waterfalls that really lives up to its name. Yoho is a Cree expression meaning “awe and wonder.”
Cathedral Mountain Lodge is the perfect sanctuary to enjoy the area on a tranquil, romantic getaway. Visit nearby Emerald Lake to see its sparkling turquoise waters and take a dip or paddle around with boat rentals.
Don’t look for TVs or phones in your heritage log cabin – there are none. Everything about this eco-lodge is conducive to exploring the wonderful surroundings. The resort is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint through water conservation, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.
The on-site Riverside Dining Room features fresh, local ingredients with panoramic views and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. Daily free breakfast and afternoon tea and cookies are included in the price of your stay. And for a small extra fee, request a packed lunch for your hike or a s’more kit to enjoy by the outdoor fire pit. Graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows – yum!
Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
Location: Bella Coola, BC
For a luxury weekend getaway in Northern BC, you must check out the first-class accommodations offered at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge. Take the inside passage ferry up to Bella Coola or book your 70-minute flight from Vancouver.
Tweedsmuir Park Lodge boasts 10 timber-framed chalets with stunning views of the Coast Mountains. The dining room features a delectable menu of West Coast-inspired international cuisine. This responsible lodge is located on the outskirts of the Great Bear Rainforest with tons of outdoor adventures at its doorstep.
In the winter, Tweedsmuir Park Lodge acts as a base for incredible heli-skiing in the region. In the summer, guests can enjoy fishing, bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, and scenic river drifts. The Lodge also offers a First Nations Valley Tour through the giant cedar forests to view petroglyph stone carvings and learn ancient history from a local Nuxalk guide.
From August to October, the lodge offers an all-inclusive Grizzly Bear Safari package with incredible opportunities to see grizzly bears in their natural habitat. We were lucky enough to spot a few right outside of our chalet!
Tweedsmuir is a true luxury wilderness experience and is easily one of the nicest resorts in British Columbia.
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Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Location: Tofino, British Columbia
Perched on the rugged shores of western Vancouver Island, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is off-grid luxury at its finest. The remote property sits on the banks of its namesake, Clayoquot Sound, where wildlife roams and conifer trees stand tall. Even getting to the resort is an adventure—with no roads, the only option is for guests to arrive by boat or floatplane from Tofino.
The Clayoquot Wilderness Resort offers a stay in one of their 25 canvas tents. These luxurious tents are impeccably designed with local artwork and cozy, modern interiors. Guests have access to 600 acres of pristine nature reserve with options for fishing, paddling, skiing, and endless outdoor adventures.
After exploring your surroundings, you can unwind with a waterfront massage at the on-site spa. Or, indulge in top-tier local dining prepared with premium sustainable, locally grown and foraged ingredients.
Being in such a beautiful remote area, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort recognizes the importance of land stewardship. By eliminating single-use plastics, growing sustainable produce, and educating guests on conservation, they proudly wear the title of an eco-lodge. It’s one of the most unique and extraordinary resorts in British Columbia.
Sonora Resort
Location: Sonora Island, British Columbia
When it comes to a wilderness resort, a remote island escape is as good as it gets! Sonora Resort is a remote retreat on the coast of Sonora Island. Much like Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Sonora Resort is only accessible by air or water. Take a 75-minute water taxi from Campbell River or enjoy a scenic 1-hour plane ride from Vancouver.
The property is surrounded by unspoiled wilderness and abundant wildlife. You can wake up to the sounds of orcas splashing in the water and eagles flying overhead. The island is also frequented by whales, sea lions, black bears, grizzly bears, bald eagles, seals, dolphins, and porpoises.
The 12 rooms at the Sonora Resort are cozy and elegant, offering ocean views and large plush beds. Larger suites and private villas are also available for groups or those seeking a longer getaway. Other amenities include a heated outdoor pool, rooftop hot tub, tennis court, movie theatre, sauna, fitness center, and 9-hole putting green. In short, you’ll never be bored while staying at Sonora Resort!
In addition to off-site activities like swimming in mountain pools and mountain biking, there is an on-site spa for total relaxation. Meals are served at the Tyee Dining Room. The menu is rich in local, sustainable cuisine that’s expertly prepared by world-class chefs. Sonora Resort is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the land around it through a resort-wide green approach. From responsible water consumption to conscientious construction and environmental education, sustainability is a cornerstone of the business. Though the rates are pricey, they are all-inclusive fares that include meals, beverages, and access to all the wonderful amenities.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort
Location: Whistler, British Columbia
If you’ve ever been to Whistler-Blackcomb Mountain, chances are you’ve seen the magical spires of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. It’s a large, luxurious hotel that mimics the looks of a castle in a storybook that’s particularly enchanting in the snow. It’s without a doubt one of the best resorts in British Columbia—and probably all of Canada.
The property boasts over 500 guest rooms with incredible alpine views and luxe decor. Choose from standard rooms, one and two-bedroom suites, or splash out on exclusive rooms with fireplaces and soaker tubs. And if you’re craving a bit of a staycation, they have a “residents of British Columbia” offer to save 10%!
The Fairmont Chateau is located a short stroll from Whistler Village home to loads of shopping, dining, and of course, skiing. If you’re not looking to hit the slopes, ride the Whistler gondola for 360° views of the area or just stay at the hotel and enjoy the amenities! Guests have access to an indoor and outdoor hot tub, fitness center, spa, and an 18-hole golf course.
For dinner, the Fairmont Chateau offers some of the best on-site dining in the area. There are four restaurants including an après ski lounge, cozy chalet, and AAA/CAA Four Diamond-rated restaurant, The Grill Room.
Fairmont Chateau’s eco-initiatives span from the restaurants and across the resort. They have a bee apiary and herb garden on-site, offer low waste toiletries and bat houses on the golf course. Plus, the golf course is enrolled with Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuaries to minimize its environmental impact and promote conservation.
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Brentwood Bay Resort
Location: Brentwood Bay, British Columbia
Located only half an hour from downtown Victoria, Brentwood Bay Resort is a stunning and sleek oasis. It’s a little different from the other wilderness-focused resorts on this list, but still packs a punch with an on-site marina and full-service spa.
The luxurious window-lined building has 36 suites and villas that cater to tranquillity and relaxation. Rooms have ocean views with private balconies overlooking Brentwood Bay and the Saanich Inlet. You’ll have close access to the lush grounds of Butchart Gardens and be steps away from the waterfront.
If you want to hit the water, visit the marina to rent a kayak or SUP to explore the local marine life. There are lots of activities to choose from and there’s always something going on at the resort. And if you’re looking to relax, look no further than the on-site spa. There’s an outdoor heated pool (that serves drinks!) and hot tub, massages, facials, and extensive body treatments.
Live music is on the menu every weekend at The Pub or the on-site restaurant, The Arbutus Room. Here, seasonal ingredients steal the show and are served alongside local wines and crafted cocktails. Brentwood Bay Resort is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city!
Long Beach Lodge Resort
Location: Tofino, British Columbia
Long Beach Lodge Resort is located right on the coast just outside of Tofino on Vancouver Island. The resort offers breathtaking views of Cox Bay. Its magnificent location is nothing short of wild, with all the comforts of home you could desire. The property is located in between the bustling town of Tofino and the incredible nature of Pacific Rim National Park.
Thanks to its beachfront location, Long Beach Lodge is the perfect place to take up surfing. Surf lessons and rentals are offered for all experience levels with a hot tub and sauna ready for après-surf. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails and great opportunities for wildlife viewing on your own or on a guided tour.
The resort has 41 rooms and 20 rainforest cottages that are perfect for families and groups. You can spend an evening by the crackling fire in the Great Room or have a pint over a game of pool at The Surf Club. The Great Room also offers a delicious West Coast dining experience with ocean views.
Like the other best resorts in British Columbia, Long Beach Lodge puts an emphasis on sustainability. Water conservation, electric vehicles, LED lighting, and the elimination of single-use plastics are all impactful initiatives. Canvas bags are provided in every room to encourage guests to participate in beach clean-ups to preserve Tofino’s natural beauty.
Four Seasons Resort
Location: Whistler, British Columbia
Surrounded by snowy peaks and rugged valleys, the Four Seasons Resort is Whistler’s most intimate retreat. The luxurious hotel is located just 2 hours away from Vancouver International Airport and has mountain views from every angle. The property is ideal for those looking to hit the slopes with a short 8-minute walk to the ski lifts.
Rooms at the Four Seasons Resort are modern and stylish with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony. The hotel features a fine dining restaurant and a casual tavern that’s stocked with craft beers and cocktails. Sidecut Steakhouse serves up a sophisticated meal that’s sure to be memorable.
When you’re done on the slopes, you can relax at the spa or enjoy the eucalyptus steam room and outdoor swimming pool. Or, choose from three golf courses to spend the afternoon in one of the most amazing settings around.
Whistler’s Four Seasons is the picture of luxury. It’s certainly one of the best resorts in British Columbia and has lots to offer for year-round enjoyment.
Which one of these luxury resorts in British Columbia would you want to visit? Let us know in the comments below!
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