As B.C. moves toward loosening restrictions for Phase 3, perhaps as soon as this week, the possibility of renewed regional travel slides closer into reach. Which is welcome news to those of us who are more than ready for a change of scenery, albeit a safe and responsible one.
If, like me, you’ve been longing for a deep breath of fresh air and a chance to unclench from months of COVID anxiety, these getaways could be just the ticket. I pored through my predecessors’ past adventures in our archives to find beautiful escapes we can all enjoy right here in British Columbia’s vast backyard.
Travellers are encouraged to check destination websites for up-to-date information prior to booking, and to be considerate when visiting remote communities, particularly Indigenous ones.
Wildpod Tofino
Photo by Jordan Dyck.
These waterfront geodesic domes offer luxury glamping with stunning views, as they jut out into the Pacific Ocean.
Free Spirit Spheres
Photo by Elaine Rystead.
Treehouse spheres bob among the branches in this truly unique getaway on Vancouver Island, only 45 minutes from the Nanaimo ferry.
The Wickaninnish Inn
Photo by Marcus Paladino/Courtesy of The Wickaninnish Inn.
Perched between the sea and land and surrounded by ancient rainforest, the grand Wickaninnish Inn (or the Wick, as it’s lovingly called) is truly in a class of its own on the breathtaking west coast of Vancouver Island, near Tofino.
Scandinave Spa Whistler
Photo by Chad Chomlack/Courtesy of Scandinave Spa.
Deep, restorative breaths surrounded by nature at this silent spa in Whistler may be just what we all need.
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
Photo by Joshua McVeity.
Though the luxury cabins set amid the soaring peaks of Cathedral Mountain are closed for the 2020 season due to COVID, their sister lodge at stunning Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park is set to resume day visits on July 1.
Bodega Cove, Galiano Island
Photo by Brian Van Wyk.
These 1969 Pan-Abode cabins by the water at Bodega Cove have been lovingly restored with a modern, luxurious twist. The charming result, my colleagues report, is a getaway rustic enough for nature-lovers, yet contemporary enough for urban folk.
Bodega Ridge, Galiano Island
Photo by Jarusha Brown/courtesy of Bodega Ridge.
And just up the road from Bodega Cove sits its sister property, the elegant Bodega Ridge resort.
Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa
Courtesy of Bear Mountain Resort.
If relaxing with a round of golf is more your speed, the golf greens and tennis courts at Bear Mountain Resort are now open outside of Victoria, and the newly renovated resort awaits you.
Sunwolf
Courtesy of Sunwolf.
At the convergence of the Cheekye and Cheakamus rivers, the tranquil sound of rushing water is always within earshot at this off-the-beaten-path set of 12 bucolic cabins in Squamish.
Check out more destinations in British Columbia.
