Canada may be known for its stretches of untamed wilderness where people are few and far between, but that’s not to say these remote reaches are completely without those little touches of luxury. In fact, The Great White North is home to a number of incredible wilderness lodges that rival their staggering locations in beauty. Drawing inspiration from their immaculate settings, here are four of Canada’s most luxurious wilderness lodges.
Resort Style Luxury: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Fairmont is known for all things extravagant and the Jasper Park Lodge is no exception. Surrounded by rugged beauty of the Jasper National Park, this 5-star stay is everything you would imagine a lodge to be.
Outside, river stone walls and cut log facades demonstrate log cabin-chic on a major scale, while the interiors focus on comfort and glamour with just a touch of nature, with ample glass to showcase the incredible mountain and pine forest views. There are 446 guest rooms, including signature cabins, providing all the comforts of home in the heart of the wilderness.
Perhaps one of the most alluring aspects of this hotel, though, is the location itself. The spoils of this incredible national park are quite literally at your doorstep. Year round fun and excitement is assured with the likes of the Columbia Icefields, Mount Edith Cavell and Whistler's mountain open through every season. World-class skiing takes up the winter months, while hiking, golfing and animal watching are perfect daytime activities through the spring and summer.
Wilderness Retreat Luxury: Seal River Lodge
Sometimes luxury isn't about the accommodation but rather the unique experiences that come with your stay. Seal River Lodge is a perfect example of this.
The lodge offers all the comforts of home in the remotest reaches of Canada, but it's less about 600-thread count sheets and more about nature. This happens to be one of the only lodges in the world where you can view migrating polar bears in their natural habitat. It doesn't matter if you're hiking the surrounding area or you're relaxing within the lounge, you will be able to observe these powerful creatures. Close encounters of the wild kind don't stop there. Guided tours of Hudson Bay are also available to get up close and personal with playful beluga whales whether you're swimming or kayaking with these gentle mammals.
When you're not spotting bears and belugas, Seal River Lodge offers a plush spot to kick back in authentic wilderness lodge style. The rooms are spacious with wide picture windows offering ground-level animal viewing opportunities. Guests are also treated to gourmet cuisine in the onsite dining room.
Eco Friendly Luxury: Sonora Resort
Dedicated to preserving the pristine location it sits among, the Sonora Resort is billed as 'uncompromising eco-adventure travel'. From relaxing weekend's away from the hustle and bustle of life, to romantic getaways amidst the rugged beauty of the British Columbia landscape, Sonora is at your beck and call. Take your pick between rooms, suites or private themed villas, each offering the comfort and style of a 5-star resort with uninterrupted views of some of Mother Nature's most impressive landscapes.
For those that simply want to relax, the outdoor heated pool, roof top hot tubs, mineral pools and nine-hole putting green offer plenty of opportunity. Though, it's well worth peeling yourself away from the luxuries within to explore the bounty of nature at your doorstep. Take a guided fishing tour in search of the mighty Chinook; spot bears as they trundle through their natural habitat; hike or bike the many mountain trails for rewarding views over the jagged mountain peaks or go for a cooling swim in Florence Lake.
At the end of the day, enjoy the gourmet spoils of executive Chef Terry Pichor or swirl and sip a fine drop from the onsite wine cellar as you gaze out at the sun setting over the mountain ridges.
Absolute Seclusion Luxury: Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort
Taking seclusion to a whole other level, Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort is 'exclusive wilderness retreat' defined. Only reachable by seaplane or helicopter, this string of nine luxurious cabins perched on the fringe of the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia allows guests to immerse themselves in this outstandingly beautiful location.
Tap into your inner adventurer as you paddleboard up close to seal colonies or embark on a heli-fly fishing experience. Scenic flights, wildlife tours, kayaking journeys, hiking treks ... your days can be filled with exploration of all types as you spot soaring bald eagles, majestic Orca whales, curious grizzly bears and more. Even better, all inclusive packages allow you to book your holiday and take advantage of these premium tours as well as the lodge facilities and luxurious accommodation.
Speaking of accommodation, enjoy the privacy of your own cabin. Choose between an Intertidal Cabin or a Streamside Cabin. The former stands over the water's edge allowing you to experiencing the rise and fall of the tidal waters, while the latter is all about the soothing sounds of the babbling creek and cascading waterfall nearby. Regardless of which you choose, each comes complete with two bedrooms, comfortable living area, a bathroom and all the creature comforts you could possibly need while secluded in the wild surrounds of British Columbia.
