8 of the best eco-lodges in British Columbia
Being green has never been so comfortable! Lose yourself in ancient wilderness and feel the relief of digital detox in one of British Columbia's eco-lodges and stylish resorts that are fully committed to conserving energy, the environment, and the cultural heritage of the land.
Ocean House at Peel Inlet
Ocean House at Stads K'uns GawGa, is a fly-in eco-retreat anchored off the unprotected and naturally spectacular coast of Haida Gwaii in Stads K'uns GawGa, British Columbia, with a staunch 'leave no footprint' philosophy. Enjoy a scenic float plane ride to ancient village sites, connect with the Haida people and witness in-residence First Nations artists as they go about their craft. Take a guided private trek through emerald forests and discover the heart and soul of the Haida People through storytelling.
Wya Point Resort, Vancouver Island
On Vancouver Island's rugged west coast, Wya Point Resort's eco-yurts take conservation to the next level. Built for up to five people, these circular tents on the shores of the Pacific are owned and operated by the Ucluelet First Nation. With panoramic ocean views and old growth forest just metres away, eco-tourism doesn't get more 'back to nature' than this.
Must do: Wya Point's First Nations-led surf lessons offer historical insight into the traditional Yu-klew-ith-aht landscape.
Cabana Desolation Eco Resort
This is glamping at its best. On a quiet, uninhabited island in the heart of Desolation Sound off British Columbia's Sunshine Coast, Cabana Desolation Eco Resort is surrounded by warm ocean teeming with marine life and imposing Coast mountains. This off-grid resort uses the latest in conservation techniques to preserve the unspoiled beauty of Kinghorn Island, including environmentally sensitive systems for water, renewable energy, solar powered lighting, sustainably harvested and recycled building materials, and locally grown and harvested foods.
Sentry Lodge
Seeking the ultimate winter wonderland eco-adventure? We've got you covered. North-west of the quintessential ski town of Golden within the Selkirk Mountains, Sentry Lodge is an idyllic and sustainable backcountry alpine retreat. We're talking snow-drenched forests outside, crackling fireplaces inside, an irresistible sauna, and a kitchen fit for a master chef - all driven by a renewable micro hydro-power system that generates electricity throughout the lodge.
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
As far as eco-safaris go, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is a fantasy come to life. Picture luxury white canvas tents perched on the edge of glorious forest wilderness in the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve. Working closely with the Ahousaht First Nation, Clayoquot offers guests sustainable access to the Reserve with guided excursions. Think whale and bear watching, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, yoga, and heli-adventures. Sustainability comes first at Clayoquot, with a mandate to rehabilitate some of the damage done by logging, mining, and commercial fishing that began in the late 1800s. Want to lend a hand? The Clayoquot Coastal Ambassador Program encourages guests to help with wildlife rehabilitation, removing rubbish from the islands to promote nesting and breeding for the local wildlife.
Adventure Domes
The cosy, curved interior spaces in the Domes offer captivating eco-living in British Columbia's Kootenay Rockies region. Each dome features recycled off-cuts from building lumber, recycling bins, and a compost system. Relax on your own private patio set amongst landscaped gardens with sweeping views of the Selkirk and Valhalla mountains. Take a bike ride into the nearby town of New Denver and cruise around glittering Slocan Lake, kayak the rocky shoreline, or head into the mountains for rock-climbing or wilderness hiking.
Nipika Mountain Resort
Head off grid to the relaxing log cabins at Nipika Mountain Resort deep in the Canadian Rockies. Experience raw wilderness immersion in a way that is truly non-consumptive. Nipika uses the sun and surrounding forest as a source of power, with electricity generated through renewable solar energy and heating provided by salvaged dead wood burnt through a central boiler. When it comes to sustainability, Nipika walks the talk, offering activities and adventures that leave zero footprint - and there's no danger of running out of things to do. Surrounded by a magnificent network of trails along the Kootenay and Cross River valleys, with mind-blowing mountain, river and forest views, you'll be kept busy in all seasons with hiking, mountain biking, and trail running in summer, as well as cross country skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing in winter.
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