Must-visit BC resorts for a greener getaway
9/26/2022The leaves may be turning red but fall in BC is a great time for a green getaway, and there are many gorgeous and sustainable resorts throughout the province that offer an eco-holiday you can feel good about.
Better yet, enter our BCAA Bucket List Adventure contest and you can win $10,000 for a BC Bucket List Adventure! It’s free and easy to enter, just sign up for free Insurance Renewal alerts.
Here’s a list of BC destinations to add to the bucket list to unwind in eco-friendlier environments this fall:
On the coast
Tofino
Where: Wildpod Luxury Waterfront Glamping
What: A luxury glamping experience for adult couples featuring six geodesic domes sitting on the edge of Tofino's downtown core. Situated on the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and surrounded by the breathtaking expanse of the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region, which is 349,947 hectares.
To do: Stargazing, biking and hiking, but truly anything that Tofino has to offer is right at your dome’s doorstep, including walking Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park or whale watching.
Facebook: @wildpodtofino
Instagram: @wildpodtofino
Where: Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
What: Accessed via seaplane only, this is a luxury lodge on Vancouver Island. Situated among conifer forests, the lodge offers access to 600 acres of wild nature reserve. It sits within the UNESCO protected Biosphere Reserve (mentioned above) – at the northeast end of a 11km deep water fjord at Bedwell Sound.
To do: There are endless opportunities here: From bespoke helicopter experiences to horseback riding in an old-growth forest. There’s archery, rock climbing or biking the Bedwell. Or simply partake in the secluded spa, The Healing Grounds Spa, which promises guests a physical and spiritual sanctuary.
Facebook: @clayoquotwildernesslodge
Instagram: @clayoquotwildernesslodge
Sunshine Coast
Where: Cabana Desolation Eco-Resort
What: All-inclusive eco-resort located on an uninhabited island in the heart of Desolation Sound, which sits at the northern end of the Salish Sea. Cabana Desolation is proudly off-grid and surrounded by warm Pacific water (the area is famous for warm ocean water), Coast Mountains and lively marine life. Their eco-lodgings are handcrafted from locally milled Western redcedar and Douglas fir.
To do: The Chill & Immerse package is a choose your own adventure – relax, hike, view wildlife – it’s up to you. Their other main package, The Guided Sea Kayak, is led by seasoned veterans and promises an immersive experience on the water. Typically, the best time to kayak is May to September, so the Chill & Immerse package is likely the best bet in fall. Either way enjoy the food composed of fresh, local ingredients and enjoyed in harmony at the Cabana Café.
Facebook: @powellriverseakayak
Instagram: @powellriverseakayak
In the mountains
Whistler
Where: Nita Lake Lodge
What: A boutique lodge in the mountains of Whistler (located in the village of Creekside) that sits on the shore of a glacier-fed lake. Featuring over-sized rooms and superb hospitality. Dog-friendly and only 500 metres from the base of Whistler Mountain and the Creekside gondola. Free shuttle available to Whistler Village.
To do: The award-winning spa, plunge pool and hot tub. This time of year is perfect for walking around the lodge’s nearby lake, or hiking and biking in Whistler.
Facebook: @NitaLakeLodge
Instagram: @NitaLakeLodge
In the interior
Osoyoos
Where: Spirit Ridge
What: Located within Canada’s only desert with brilliant views of Osoyoos Lake. This lake resort is sparkling in the autumn with many of the province’s finest wineries close by, which line the famous Golden Mile Bench region to the north.
To do: Golf, outdoor pools, wine tasting or hike the nearby Chopaka Lookout Trail for unparalleled desert views. In town, visit the Okanagan Art Gallery to see the creations of local artists. This resort has something for everybody.
Facebook: @SpiritRidge
Instagram: @SpiritRidgeBC
Kelowna
Where: Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Guest Houses
What: If you’ve ever dreamed of staying at a winery – this may be the one. The 140-acre vineyard features an 11-room guest house, wine shop and a fine dining restaurant. This Oliver, BC estate is located at the south end of the Okanagan Valley and offers dazzling views of its surrounding area.
To do: Swim in the outdoor pool or relax in the all-season hot tub. Cozy up in The Fireside Lounge with a good book or glass of wine. Pop into town and visit the Oliver Museum or Oliver Theatre.
Facebook: @burrowingowlwinery
Instagram: @burrowingowlwinery
Naramata
Where: Chute Lake Lodge
What: This lodge is snuggled into the mountains above Naramata Bench and Okanagan Provincial Park with beautiful views of fall foliage. It sits on Chute Lake, a small lake on the east side of Okanagan Mountain. There are a variety of accommodations from yurts to glam tents to lodge rooms to cabins.
To do: This a choose your own adventure type of lodge. You can bike, participate in yoga or view wildlife – this resort proudly offers most outdoor BC fall activities. On the flipside, you can simply relax and enjoy the sauna.
Facebook: @chutelakelodge
Instagram: @chutelakelodge
In the Kootenays
Where: Radius Resort, Radium Hot Springs
What: A mountain side resort tucked into a forest. Over 1,000 acres of explorable wilderness. Gorgeous scenery, and close to Kootenay National Park, Mt. Assiniboine and Mt. King George. Stay in a yurt, absorb the scenery.
To do: There are 12kms of marked trails to explore around the resort. There’s also Forest Therapy and wildlife photography opportunities. Plus, it’s only a three-minute drive from Radium Hot Springs.
Facebook: @radiusretreat
Instagram: @radiusretreat
Wouldn’t it be amazing to start checking these off? That could be a reality with our BCAA Bucket List Adventure contest.
One lucky winner will be awarded $10,000 to explore BC. No purchase necessary, simply enter by signing up for free BCAA Insurance Renewal Alerts. Enter today to start your #BCBucketListAdventure.
Wherever you roam, make sure you take BCAA with you. Download the BCAA Mobile App for faster access to Roadside Assistance and to discover Reward Partners on your travels. You can also get the latest road trip information, including driving conditions and ferry wait times to keep your Bucket List Adventure right on track.