Canada: West End luxury

Not only can you find luxury properties in Canada’s main cities but even in some of its wildest parts; on the coast and in the mountains, you can enjoy the wilderness without any sacrifice in comfort. Whatever your preference – whether it be a remote ranch or a luxury tented resort – here is a selection of six of the ‘best in the west’. Sonora Resort A wonderful retreat at the northern end of Desolation Sound, best reached by helicopter or speedboat from across the water on Vancouver Island (there’s no road to Sonora). Aside from wallowing in Relais & Chateaux luxury, you can enjoy guided trips by boat to see bears, orcas and bald eagles, go salmon fishing, enjoy the spa – even play tennis on the indoor court. Siwash Lake Ranch A luxury dude ranch which presides over 80,000 acres of wilderness, a remarkable contrast to the high standards of comfort and the excellent food. This working ranch offers free horse riding, trout fishing, mountain biking and canoeing on Siwash Lake. Nimmo Bay Resort A remote resort located at the foot of Mount Stevens in the coastal rainforests near Port Hardy on Vancouver Island. As well as helicopter adventures and fishing, guests can enjoy whale watching in the peaceful waters of Johnstone Strait and ocean kayaking on the sheltered fjords of the Inside Passage. Wickaninnish Inn Facing the Pacific Ocean on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the 5 star ‘Wick’ is a Relais & Chateaux property. It overlooks Chesterman Beach which is adorned with bleached driftwood and even enormous tree trunks, a testimony the power of winter Pacific storms. Each of the 76 guest rooms has a fireplace and a balcony with sea views. Clayquot Wilderness Resort Close to Wickaninnish at Tofino on Vancouver Island, Clayquot eco lodge and spa is a luxury tented resort set in temperate rainforest. There’s fishing, boating, hikes to natural springs and all meals are organic. Moraine Lake Lodge Hidden in a spectacular valley in Alberta, on the shores of Moraine Lake, a neighbour of the better known Lake Louise, the log-built lodge has breath taking views. Guests can take canoes for a paddle, join in daily guided hikes and enjoy presentation by naturalists every evening. Many of the 33 rooms have wood burning fireplaces. No children under 8. David Wickers is Director of Bridge & Wickers. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.