If you are looking for a cozy retreat with a view, there are numerous places across B.C. to choose from.
But not all ocean or lakeside lodges are created equal. In fact, our beautiful backyard has a handful of award-winning accommodations located in achingly beautiful places that truly raise the bar on cozy getaways.
Whether you're looking for an adventure in the wilderness, an ultra-luxurious spa, or a spot located close to world-class surfing, these lodges offer some of the best stays that aren't too far from Metro Vancouver. Keep in mind, however, that some of them involve a ferry to Vancouver Island or a multi-hour drive, so budget your time accordingly.
Great Bear Lodge
Located in Port Hardy on Vancouver Island, The Great Bear Lodge provides the ideal home base for getting up close and personal with one of Canada's mightiest apex predators: the grizzly bear.
National Geographic named Great Bear Tours one of the best adventure travel companies on Earth, offering guests the chance to journey into the awe-inspiring Great Bear Rainforest and view the massive bears. Viewing opportunities are available from May through October but there may be times when it is easier to see the bears. Note: If you are planning on staying here, it is good to book the accommodation in advance. These trips tend to be considered "bucket list" adventures and get booked up quickly (only 16 guests can stay at one time).
If you want to plan for fall 2024, you can book without worry (mostly), since there is a full refund, less $100, per person if you cancel 121 days or more before the trip.
During the late summer and fall, there is a higher concentration of bears at the lodge because they are drawn to the many salmon spawning streams feeding into the coastal inlets.
Nita Lake Lodge
Condé Nast Traveler named it the top lodge in Canada and it isn't hard to see why. The stunning accommodation sits alongside the pristine waters of Nita Lake in Whistler, offering spellbinding views for its guests.
As the only lakeside lodge in Whistler, this serene spot is the ideal accommodation to book if a waterfront view is a requirement for your alpine escape. Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort is also located close to the accommodation, and there is a network of hiking, snowshoeing, and biking trails located right outside your doorstep. Depending on the season, guests can also enjoy water sports on the lake or take a ride down the longest zipline in Canada.
Whistler Village has a charming village with ample eateries, places to shop, decadent spas, and spots to enjoy a fun night out.
When you want to wind down, Nita's award-winning spa offers several luxurious treatments to help you unwind and refresh, including massages, scrubs, and body treatments. There are even some rooftop hot tubs that would offer panoramic views of the mountains and lake.
Emerald Lake Lodge
Nestled in the awe-inspiring Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in British Columbia. Completely surrounded by a lush forest and soaring mountain ranges, its striking emerald green colour shimmers in the sunlight.
The Emerald Lake Lodge is located on the side of this breathtaking body of water, providing the ideal vantage point to soak in the surrounding scenery. What's more, it offers a range of amenities and exceptional service that make your stay in the Rockies extremely comfortable.
The lodge accommodates up to 200 guests and is laid out across the property's 13-acre peninsula. There are 24 cabin-style buildings, and rooms feature private baths, balconies, and wood-burning fieldstone fireplaces. In addition, they offer a state-of-the-art steel outdoor hot tub, which has a stunning mountain view and is the perfect place to unwind.
Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa
Offering sweeping views of the Monashee Mountain ranges and Lake Okanagan, the Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa welcomes thousands of guests annually. Considered the largest luxury spa in Canada, it offers a gourmet experience in Vernon.
Praised for its extensive spa offerings, guests can try a variety of different wellness treatments in the 40,000 square-foot Kurspa, which features seven themed steams and saunas. They can also enjoy the stunning alpine vistas from the heated outdoor infinity pool or admire the sparkling, crystal architecture throughout the unique accommodation.
Since the spa services are the main draw to the lakeside lodge, there is an extensive number of options for guests. For example, massages range from a gentle massage that transitions to a "medium pressure," to a sports massage designed for athletes who need to prepare their bodies for peak exertion. The Crystal Cranium is said to "melt stress away" through the face, neck, and scalp, while the Honey Detox clarifies the skin and rolls out muscle tension.
Guests should book treatments at least six to eight weeks in advance of their stay to ensure they get the ones they want, according to Sparkling Hill.
Wickaninnish Inn
The Wickaninnish Inn is one of Tofino's most popular oceanside retreats, offering jaw-dropping views of the stormy Pacific Coast. While the destination is beautiful in the summer months, guests visit the area all year round, with many of them choosing the fall or spring months as ideal times to catch one of the season's stormy displays.
Described as "Rustic Elegance on Nature's Edge," the accommodation is an ideal vantage point for observing an electrifying thunderstorm, or simply a place to watch the waves crash on the rugged coastline. Of course, surfers will enjoy the proximity to several surfing beaches, including the one it is located on, Chesterman Beach.
Aside from the natural beauty of the area, the Wickaninnish serves up Pacific Northwest dishes and après-beach cocktails or hot cocoa by the fire. Seafood lovers will find no shortage of fresh daily catches, including a bevy of oysters to slurp with wine pairings.
