While Canada’s western provinces of British Columbia and Alberta may be the hot-spots for the cold winter seasons, mostly thanks to the Canadian Rockies, which provide some of the world’s most sought-after ski resorts and real-life snow globe views, it, however, would be an oversight to miss out on the beauty of BC’s summers.
Home to just about a dozen landscapes, British Columbia’s vast landmass includes rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, forests, lakes, mountains, inland deserts and grassy plains. Visitors with a love for nature are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to the great outdoors, and Canadian hospitality is no joke either, as the nation has been regarded as one of the world’s friendliest countries. And so, for those who are perhaps a bit too accustomed to Hong Kong’s humid weather and are too scared to brave the West Coast’s cold, summer is the perfect time to pack your bags and finally see what British Columbia has to offer in its warmer months as temperatures rise to 20- to 30-degree Celsius.
However, to truly enjoy all that the province has to offer, it’s best to pay a visit to a place just as beautiful as the nature surrounding it. Below are our top picks of British Columbia’s luxury hotels.
Wickaninnish Inn
Tofino, Vancouver Island
Known for its prime location to watch storms on the water, the relaxed town of Tofino is situated to the south-west of Vancouver Island. Home to no more than 1,900 residents, this small town – tucked away from the bustling city of Vancouver – is a favourite to those looking for cool summers. Combining the island’s heritage with the elegant nature of the isle, Wickaninnish Inn invites guests to get away from it all in its 75 deluxe guest room and suites. The inn has been operating for over sixty years now, and is lauded for its ecofriendly and green operations. It is, indeed, the perfect place for those looking to connect with nature via yoga classes and viewing the crashing waves.
The Four Seasons
Whistler
Just some 125kms north of Vancouver, Whistler is known for its alpine skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and mountain biking in the summer. A true family getaway, the glaciated town boasts a population of just barely 11,000, but hosts a staggering 3 million tourists each year. Found in the very heart of North America’s largest ski resort is The Four Seasons Whistler, an intimate hotel and lodge, dedicated to ensuring that guests experience the most from the nature, not just in winter, but also in the shorter summer months. So guests are spoilt for choice in terms of activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, horseback riding and zip trekking. Meanwhile, within its lush premises, sophisticated wooden rooms, complete with gas fireplaces and separate sitting areas beckon guests into the lap of luxury.
Hume Hotel & Spa
Nelson
Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains, some 663kms north of Vancouver, Nelson is popularly known as “The Queen City”, and a long-preferred destination within the province due to its impressive collection of restored heritage buildings from the glory days of the region’s silver rush. Now known for its hippiesque culture and an organic and natural lifestyle, Nelson is a particular kind of paradise for anyone looking to escape the office grind and get enter the gateway to back-country. Promising visitors a home away from home is the now 121 year-old Hume Hotel and Spa, a hotel harbouring a rich history with live-music venues, cosy dining settings and, of course, Canadian charm.
Text: Bailey Atkinson