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Luxury in the wilderness: Canada’s best lodges

Canada is a country that evokes a sense of untouched landscapes and pristine wilderness teeming with wildlife, where pure mountain air blows across crystal clear glacial lakes. There is no better way to experience this tranquillity than with a stay in a luxury lodge, and Canada has some indulgent options for those looking to do exactly this. Here is my top 5 luxury lodges in Canada. Clayoquot Wildnerness Lodge It’s a 55 minute sea plan across the Strathcona Provinicial Park to reach the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, and this property well and truly lives up to its name. 23 luxurious, safari style tents make up the accommodation, each lavishly decorated with antique furniture and boasting some impressive touches such as down duvets and cotton bathrobes. For those wanting to take advantage of their remote surroundings, activities include clay pigeon shooting, kayaking, mountain biking and horse riding, while those simply wanting to relax will welcome a visit to the property’s spa, where guests can take in their remarkable surroundings from the comfort of an outdoor hot tub. Clayoquot Wildnerness Lodge Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort Ever heard of British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest? If so you’ll know it’s is one of the largest tracts of unspoiled temperate rainforest left in the world, and one of my favourite places to stay in this area is Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort. This property is a family-owned resort offering an intimate experience in a fantastic location. Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort You will stay in one of just nine luxury cabins at Nimmo Bay, feast on fresh coastal cuisine and take part in some of the many activities on offer. Bear viewing is a given here, but don’t miss out on the opportunity to heli-hike, fish, go beachcombing or on a glacier tour. The Wickaninnish The Wickaninnish is a Relais and Chateaux property, a name synonymous with luxury. “Rustic elegance on Canada’s west coast” is how the hotel is described and rightly so; it sits on the shoreline looking out across the Pacific ocean. This is a great hotel for those who care about travelling responsibly as it has attained Five Green Keys (out of a possible five) in the Green Key certification scheme which awards accommodation facilities for exemplary environmental stewardship. Only 50 hotels in the world have achieved this so it is a great reflection of the hotel’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. The Wickaninnish All of the rooms at ‘The Wick’ have waterfront views and the Pointe restaurant is the only 4 Diamond restaurant north of Victoria – make sure you book well in advance if you want to dine here! Arctic Watch The Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge itself is not the most luxurious of properties, but there is no denying the location certainly is. Located 500 miles north of the Arctic circle, Arctic Watch is the most northerly and remote lodge in the world, presenting a unique opportunity to explore the magical Arctic environment in relative comfort. The lodge claims to serve the best food in Nunavut and I think it’s got a strong case! Sample musk ox tenderloin or fish caught fresh that day as you catch a waft of freshly baked bread from the property’s kitchen. Arctic Watch Wildlife thrives on Somerset Island and is one of the best places for beluga whale sightings. You can also expect to see musk oxen, caribou, arctic foxes and even polar bears. Fogo Island Inn A contemporary hotel off the northern coast of Newfoundland, Fogo Island Inn is a fantastic place in which to unwind and enjoy your isolation. There are 29 suites at the property as well as a library, art gallery, lounge, cinema, gym and hot tubs, not to mention an enticing restaurant serving tasty local dishes, all created by a renowned local chef. Fogo Island Inn Take in your wild surroundings through the floor to ceiling windows in your room, where the sea views seemingly go on forever. Wireless internet is available for those who don’t want to feel completely cut off from the outside world. Craig Burkinshaw is a Founder Director of Audley Travel. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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3 Comments

  1. Although these places all look amazing, I think Nimmo Bay would have to be first on my (fantasy) to visit list. Sounds like perfection!

  2. Hi Amy, it’s a fantastic place. The perfect place to unplug and relax. I’d definitely recommend getting out on the water though – kayaking is a great way to explore the surrounding area.

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