Western Canada remains today an enchanting territory for all wilderness lovers. People come here to walk unobtrusively in the footsteps of the indigenous peoples, cowboys, and oil explorers. You can still observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat, and you can walk for hours or days along maintained trails within primeval forests or along the Pacific coast. You’ll discover magnificent landscapes by helicopter, kayak and bicycle, all while having the immutable feeling of being very small within this grandiose natural setting...
This route was created by Charles McDiarmid, Owner of the Wickaninnish Inn
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Hotel and restaurant in the mountains. Nestled in the Bow River Valley, with the spectacular Canadian Rockies as a backdrop, the Post Hotel offers one of the most picturesque locations imaginable: the heart of Banff National Park, Canada’s first.This is a protected region, designated as a World Heritage Site – unspoiled natural beauty, pristine wilderness and a safe haven for the bountiful wildlife. Imagine skiing or hiking in this breathtaking landscape. Just two hours west of Calgary International airport and you are there: spacious suites, crackling fireplaces, Temple Mountain spa, award winning fresh market cuisine and one of Canada’s largest wine cellars, with over 25,000 bottles and more than 2,200 labels.
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This is perhaps the best – and quickest – way to observe black and grizzly bears. A 14-minute gondola ride lets you discover these animals in their natural habitat. At the summit, at 2088 m, the view of the lake and surrounding mountains is breathtaking. On the mountain there is an interpretive center,...
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A hike to Two Tea house
The climb immerses you in nature, and the views are breathtaking. A true delight, and the final reward is a cup of tea served in a pretty wooden house. This building can be reached only on foot, horseback, or by helicopter. With each sip, you will feel privileged indeed.
Bears and a gondola ride
This is perhaps the best – and quickest – way to observe black and grizzly bears. A 14-minute gondola ride lets you discover these animals in their natural habitat. At the summit, at 2088 m, the view of the lake and surrounding mountains is breathtaking. On the mountain there is an interpretive center,...
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A hike to Two Tea house
The climb immerses you in nature, and the views are breathtaking. A true delight, and the final reward is a cup of tea served in a pretty wooden house. This building can be reached only on foot, horseback, or by helicopter. With each sip, you will feel privileged indeed.
Sonora Island -
British Columbia,Canada
69 rooms - 2 villas
This property is annually closed. Reopening on 4/30/25
Hotel and restaurant in the woods. Nestled in a Pacific Archipelago, Sonora Resort offers a rare alchemy of virgin wilderness and opulent comfort. Accessible only by sea or air, this is the stage for a breathtaking natural spectacle: eagles perched on towering trees, whales and sea lions surfing the currents… Spend adventurous days fishing, hiking, and observing grizzly bears in their natural habitat. For quieter moments immerse yourself in soothing mineral pools. Here, every room commands a stunning view of snow-capped peaks that seem to plunge into the emerald sea. Fresh local ingredients are prepared by accomplished chefs, paired with world class wines and served before an ocean vista.
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Take a trip up the Phillips River in search of cutthroat trout, charr and migratory salmon. The hotel will lend you all the equipment necessary for the region’s beloved pastime, and you will be accompanied by a fly-fishing expert. With a bit of luck, here on the territory of the Kwaiakah First Nation,...
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Helicopter to Sonora
London Air Flight AW139 reaches Sonora in barely 50 minutes. From the Esso Avitat Terminal in Richmond, this is above all a unique voyage along superb fjords and craggy coastlines. On the right you can see the landscape of British Columbia and, on the left, Vancouver Island. You fly over mountains and...
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Kayaking in the fjords
Gliding down British Columbia’s fjords in a sea kayak, to the sound of paddles, is one of the most beautiful ways to commune with nature. Accompanied by a guide, you might spot kingfishers, bald eagles, sea lions or killer whales along the way.
Fly-fishing
Take a trip up the Phillips River in search of cutthroat trout, charr and migratory salmon. The hotel will lend you all the equipment necessary for the region’s beloved pastime, and you will be accompanied by a fly-fishing expert. With a bit of luck, here on the territory of the Kwaiakah First Nation,...
Read Moreless
Helicopter to Sonora
London Air Flight AW139 reaches Sonora in barely 50 minutes. From the Esso Avitat Terminal in Richmond, this is above all a unique voyage along superb fjords and craggy coastlines. On the right you can see the landscape of British Columbia and, on the left, Vancouver Island. You fly over mountains and...
Salt Spring Island -
British Columbia,Canada
17 rooms - 1 villa
This property is open.
Hotel and restaurant in a park. On picturesque Salt Spring Island, Hastings House Country House Hotel is a charming oceanfront resort with 18 well-appointed guest suites and rooms nestled amidst abundant flower gardens and grounds. A magnificent Sussex-style manor house and seaside terrace are at the heart of the property and provide a convivial spot for dinner and cocktails. Manor Dining offers award-winning gourmet cuisine highlighting fresh produce from the estate’s gardens. Hastings House is an ideal spot for exploring the natural beauty and unique ecology of the Gulf Islands. Salt Spring itself is a hotspot for artists, artisans, and locavores, and is home to three vineyards.
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Between April and October, this famous market attracts all of the island’s locavores and art lovers. It’s a very funky, colorful spot! Small-scale producers, artists, artisans, bakers and cheese-makers gather on Saturdays amidst gales of laughter. The only rule is that vendors must “make, bake or grow”...
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The vineyards of Salt Spring Island
Several vineyards have become known far beyond the island’s borders, featuring on the wine lists of the country’s greatest restaurants. Gary Oaks Winery has won many awards for its excellent Pinot Gris while, a few kilometers away, Salt Spring Vineyards produces a superb organic blackberry "port". Continue...
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Art in Salt Spring
Salt Spring is a destination of choice for art lovers. A native of the island, Robert Bateman became famous for his abstract depictions of nature, before becoming a realist painter. He was very inspired by the Group of Seven, one of the country’s most important artist collectives. Some of their works...
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Salt Spring Market
Between April and October, this famous market attracts all of the island’s locavores and art lovers. It’s a very funky, colorful spot! Small-scale producers, artists, artisans, bakers and cheese-makers gather on Saturdays amidst gales of laughter. The only rule is that vendors must “make, bake or grow”...
Read Moreless
The vineyards of Salt Spring Island
Several vineyards have become known far beyond the island’s borders, featuring on the wine lists of the country’s greatest restaurants. Gary Oaks Winery has won many awards for its excellent Pinot Gris while, a few kilometers away, Salt Spring Vineyards produces a superb organic blackberry "port". Continue...
Hotel and restaurant in town. Located on fashionable Robson Square, the Wedgewood is a superb address displaying distinct European elegance, right in the heart of the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. The guest rooms and suites provide every modern comfort, alongside antiques and original artworks, while the restaurant, dedicated to Bacchus, serves inventive, epicurean cuisine. The lounge is the epitome of understated luxury, featuring stylish furniture, rich fabrics, old-fashioned fireplaces and Venetian light fixtures personally selected by the owner. Every member of the staff, from the team at the inviting wellness center to the chef in the restaurant, strives to attain one goal: perfection.
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Discover the prestigious Museum of Anthropology (MOA)
Maintained by the University of British Columbia, the splendid Museum of Anthropology (MOA) stands out first and foremost for its beautiful modern architecture composed of concrete and glass. The building houses one of the most important collections of Native American art in the world. Among the objects...
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Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver
Situated opposite False Creek Bay, this covered market attracts a large section of Vancouver’s inhabitants on weekends. The maple syrup, cold cuts, cheeses and fish all come from the area around the city. Taste the delicious Sockeye salmon – my son works in the market as a fishmonger. And, after you’ve...
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Biking along the seawall, Vancouver
The pathway along the seawall is great for fans of running, cycling and rollerblading. Along the way, stop at the aquarium and, perhaps, at the pretty Teahouse in Stanley Park. If he has the time, ask Wedgewood’s Maître de Maison, to accompany you on this superb two-wheel ride.
Discover the prestigious Museum of Anthropology (MOA)
Maintained by the University of British Columbia, the splendid Museum of Anthropology (MOA) stands out first and foremost for its beautiful modern architecture composed of concrete and glass. The building houses one of the most important collections of Native American art in the world. Among the objects...
Read Moreless
Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver
Situated opposite False Creek Bay, this covered market attracts a large section of Vancouver’s inhabitants on weekends. The maple syrup, cold cuts, cheeses and fish all come from the area around the city. Taste the delicious Sockeye salmon – my son works in the market as a fishmonger. And, after you’ve...
Hotel and restaurant on the seafront. The Wickaninnish Inn stands on an outcrop between the Pacific Ocean, Chesterman Beach and a forest of giant evergreens. Artists, including renowned wood carver Henry Nolla, designed elements of its two buildings with the aim of blending art, nature and culture. You can even meet local artists at the onsite carving shed. Each room has a fireplace and picture window offering views of the coastline. Set off on a day of sea kayaking, or to see whales, sea lions or bears around Clayoquot Sound. Relax with a soothing spa treatment after your day's adventures. From November to March, you can admire mighty Pacific storms, watching from the comfort of your guest room as waves come crashing ashore.
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Created in 1997, the beautiful Botanical Gardens of Tofino extend over 12 acres. In the early morning, when mist covers the site, it's not uncommon to see bald eagles perched among the treetops. On the ground, astonishing sculptures by local artists have been placed in the middle of the groves. In...
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Tofino, the surfing capital of Canada
On weekends, it’s not uncommon to come across surfers and fishermen in deep discussion along the docks and piers of Tofino. Wave and wilderness enthusiasts from Vancouver and beyond come to brave the cold waters of the North Pacific. Since 2006, Rip Curl has been holding an international competition...
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A visit to the Clayoquot Biosphere Reserve
Designated by UNESCO in 2000, Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve lies at the heart of one of the world’s most impressive temperate rainforests. Being so inaccessible to mankind, his evil intent has been kept at bay. This explains why so many ecosystems are found here, including: forests, lakes, rivers,...
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Discovering bears
Mike White is a local legend who has trekked through every corner of the region. With his restored wooden boat, “The Browning Passage”, he will take you to watch bears hunting for crab along the beaches. A true immersion in the wilderness, during which you might also come across some wolves foraging...
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Floatplane to Hot Springs Cove
Take a morning flight at the break of dawn to reach Hot Springs Cove, inside Maquinna Marine Provincial Park. Thanks to the quick flight, you can enjoy this heavenly site, isolated and quiet, before the tourists arrive by boat. The return trip is by sea where, between the coves of Clayoquot Sound, you...
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Walk on the Big Tree Trail, Meares Island
Accessible only by boat (or kayak), the extremely wild Meares Island is known for its Big Tree Trail, which takes you on a walk through the island’s beautiful primeval forest along a plank and log boardwalk designed by local artist Adrian Dorst. Some of the tallest trees in British Columbia can be found...
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Discover the Wild Pacific Trail (Ucluelet)
Close to the small town of Ucluelet, the Wild Pacific Trail winds its way along shores swept by both the wind and the waves. Moving away from the lighthouse, the trail winds over impressively steep cliffs before traversing a beautiful rainforest. It's a great opportunity to observe seabirds and enjoy...
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The Botanical Gardens, sculptures in nature
Created in 1997, the beautiful Botanical Gardens of Tofino extend over 12 acres. In the early morning, when mist covers the site, it's not uncommon to see bald eagles perched among the treetops. On the ground, astonishing sculptures by local artists have been placed in the middle of the groves. In...
Read Moreless
Tofino, the surfing capital of Canada
On weekends, it’s not uncommon to come across surfers and fishermen in deep discussion along the docks and piers of Tofino. Wave and wilderness enthusiasts from Vancouver and beyond come to brave the cold waters of the North Pacific. Since 2006, Rip Curl has been holding an international competition...
**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
Reservation Service
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges. Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call
Western Canada, escape and adventure in the wilderness
This route was created by Charles McDiarmid, Owner of the Wickaninnish Inn
In his home town of Tofino, Charles McDiarmid built one of the most beautiful hotels on the Pacific coast. A fan of hiking and surfing, he is intimately acquainted with western Canada, from the Rockies to Vancouver Island. It was in 1955 that my father, a brilliant doctor, moved to Tofino. At that time there was no road here. Fifteen years later, he was one of the figures who would help to establish the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. "I spent the first thirteen years of my life in Tofino as a sort of Tom Sawyer. I even had my own boat! Later I went to study at Cornell University. Working with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts for 13 years provided the opportunity to travel, work and develop my skills as a hotelier in Calgary, Washington DC, Dallas, Newport Beach, and Seattle. I slowly made my way back to this land that I love to open a hotel with my family, a lifelong dream."
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