One of Relais & Chateaux’s newest members, Sonora Resort, is an absolute jewel amid the wild beauty and pristine waters of Canada’s West Coast. You’ll enjoy this British Columbia hotel if you’re looking for a great hotel for fishing or spa hotel.

Sonora Resort, on Canada’s west coast is located in one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places on earth: Desolation Sound. An area of wild and enchanting natural beauty, it is surrounded by rugged mountains, pristine waters, thriving wildlife and precious old-growth forest. Best known as a fishing lodge — and perfect for a great fishing vacation in Canada’s wilderness — the resort has recently been expanded to include amenities and services designed to complement the fishers, and offer alternatives for those guests not entirely thrilled to spend eight hours every day on the water.

We arrived in a Seair Cessna Caravan from Vancouver. The 50-minute flight North afforded us spectacular West Coast views as we flew up the Sound, over Stuart Island and the Arran Rapids.

General Manager Sean Ross and his entourage of staff were there to greet us and, after a quick briefing that included issuance of fishing licenses for everyone, Sean took us on a tour of the resort.

Sonora Resort’s buildings are strategically placed like pods around the property to take full advantage of the most breathtaking views. Each of the three guestroom buildings comes with its own common area that includes a fireplace, flat screen TV, exterior deck, and a refrigerator filled with complimentary beverages and snacks.

In the Arbutus Lodge, our room (51) was immaculate with hard wood flooring and a stone fireplace; the bathrooms have heated floors, large double sinks, slate showers with rainfall showerhead and a soaker tub, all complimented with Aveda spa products.
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Kiwi Collection CEO Erik Haugen offers journey suggestions to travellers based upon his own personal experiences travelling around the globe.

Canada’s British Columbia is one of my favourite places to travel during the autumn season, as the golden coast of Canada still has plenty of warm days and beautiful sunsets, and as the leaves begin to change colours, the landscape provides some beautiful vistas.

Although you can tackle British Columbia at a quicker pace, I find that a 14 night journey gives one enough time to see the glorious sights, taking in some of Canada’s finest destinations.

Arrival sometime in the last week in September / first week in October

Stay 2 nights at Wedgewood Hotel in Vancouver (This property is newly christened as a Relais & Chateaux property and is charming and intimate)

The City of Vancouver, (host city of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games) is a vibrant city full of life and sight-seeing opportunities, and is home to some fabulous world-class restaurants. Although not the capital of the province, Vancouver is the heart of the west coast of Canada, the third largest city in the country. While in Vancouver, you may be tempted to check out: Stanley Park, Granville Island, Chinatown, Gastown, or shopping on Robson Street, among others.

Transfer to Little Beaver Creek Ranch in Quilchena between Kamloops and Kelowna

Stay 2 Nights in Little Beaver Creek Ranch

Enjoy the horse riding and the great food. This area of British Columbia is referred to as ”Cattle Country” and is a quiet location nestled in the Nicola Valley, half way between the Pacific Coast and the Rocky Mountains.

Transfer to Okanagan valley (British Columbia’s Wine Country)

Stay 2 nights at the Burrowing Owl (experience some wine tasting and relaxation)

Oliver, British Columbia is known officially as the “Wine capital of Canada”, and is a great region to taste some of the region’s finest libations.

Return to the coast and transfer to Whistler

Stay 2 Nights at the Four Seasons Whistler

Explore British Columbia’s Outdoor adventure area. Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the site of the 2010 Olympic Alipne Ski and Sliding events provide a plethora of activity options to pursue — not only during the winter season.

Transfer to Tofino (likely via seaplane from Vancouver) on Vancouver Island

Stay 2 nights at the Wickaninnish Inn

Experience their Aveda Spa and The Pointe Restaurant. A dining experience can also be arranged in Tofino. For the adventure seekers, Tofino (and nearby Ucluelet) provide an opportunity for year-round surfing — arguably the best waves in the country — be sure to pack your wet suit as the waters around this area are on the chilly side, to say the least.

Transfer to Victoria (car or seaplane)

Stay 1 Night at Laurel Pointe Inn, Victoria

Victoria is a beautiful spot for whale watching, birding or other eco-friendly activities.

Transfer to Sooke (Near Victoria)

Stay 2 nights at the Sooke Harbour House (Relaxation)

Transfer back to Vancouver

Stay 1 night at the Loden Hotel (A KOR Hotel Group property recently opened)

Depart For Home