Lily Pond Approved

A luxury wilderness retreat set in the heart of Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest, on the Pacific Ocean, guests will experience ultimate seclusion and reconnection at Nimmo Bay. Away from the hustle and bustle of human civilization, nature thrives, and guests will have the opportunity to encounter humpback and orca whales, bear cubs, and other untouched wildlife.

**The Rooms**

Guests have a choice between a cabin facing the ocean or a cabin alongside a natural stream and waterfall. All cabins have two bedrooms, one bathroom, a lounge area and housekeeping service. With only 9 cabins, set far from any cities or towns, guests will experience uninterrupted relaxation incomparable to regular life.

**The Food**

The dining experience is unrivaled. With the Great Bear Rainforest being one of the largest intact temperate rainforests in the world, Nimmo Bay places a large emphasis on sustainable living – and as a result, food is often sourced and foraged from right around the property. For guests looking to get involved, there is the opportunity to free dive for your dinner, which will then be prepared over an open fire under the starry sky. Wild vegetation, spot prawns, fresh halibut, uni and dungeness crab are some of the staples when they are in season. But don’t assume this means unextraordinary meals, because the expert chefs create culinary masterpieces from these ultra-fresh ingredients. Ingredients not sourced from the wild (like pasture-raised meats and some produce) is sourced from sustainable farms in the nearby Vancouver Island. There is always an opportunity to scale back or up with your involvement in meal prep depending on your level of interest.

**The Activities**

Discover nature via boat, kayak, paddleboard, helicopter, or foot. Join an expert guide in a bear viewing opportunity tailored to your desires (think land or boat) while keeping the safety of both guests and animals at the forefront – you’ll also learn more about their ecology. Waterway adventures, like paddleboarding, also provide the opportunity to encounter animals and learn more about ecology. For more far-flung adventures, helicopter tours can be organized. Therapeutic and relaxation wellness opportunities are equally as incredible, for those looking for some TLC.

Getting Here

Getting to this off-the-grid escape requires some well worth it planning. Inaccessible by road, guests two options are by air or sea - all adding to the sense of adventure that this remote destination creates. Set arrival and departure times are in the late afternoon and early evening only. Private charter floatplanes from Vancouver, Seattle, Victoria and Tofino are non-stop routes. However, the most common route is a 50-minute flight from Vancouver International Airport to Port Hardy, and then a 20-minute floatplane flight from Port Hardy to Nimmo Bay. The special Helicopter Adventure Package (which includes a private helicopter booked for everyday of your trip) will include a transfer from Port Hardy via helicopter instead.

When to Visit

Nimmo Bay is open for a six-month span from May to November. Depending on what you are hoping to get out of your adventure different times are better than others. For grizzly bear spotting, September to October is your best bet (black bears typically roam all season long). Whale watching season begins around July 1 and continues into the fall, while sea lions stick around all season. Resort activities are available throughout the whole season, but for specific viewing desires we will take into account seasonal fluctuations to find the best time for you. Stay lengths include 3, 4, and 7 nights, with arrivals and departures on Mondays and Thursdays only.

Since you’ll likely be transferring through Vancouver on both sides of your trip, why not add on a couple of days there for exploring Canadian city life too? Vancouver is Canada’s most ethnically diverse and most dense city, and despite being a city many of its most beloved attractions are also outdoor activities. Gastown is a cute downtown area that boasts cocktail lounges and chic boutiques. The Chinese gardens in Chinatown are also a must-see in Vancouver.