Canada

The Great Bear Rainforest’s Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort

Article & Photography by Johanna Read, TravelEater.net

The Great Bear Rainforest has been in the news lately, and for good reason.

This pristine area on the coast of British Columbia is beautiful. In February 2016, the BC Government announced that 85% of the old-growth forest would be protected from logging, and later provided a $1-million trust. During his September 2016 visit, Prince William endorsed it into the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, further ensuring this remote area’s future.

The Great Bear Rainforest’s protections and remoteness mean you need to plan before you can visit. The 32,000 km² (12,000 sq mi) temperate rainforest is one of the largest in the world and most of the tree-covered area is inaccessible by road.

The rustically luxurious Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort flies guests into the Rainforest so that they can explore the area and learn why it is so unique.

Most guests arrive by floatplane from Port Hardy, at the northern tip of Vancouver Island (a one hour flight from Vancouver). Helicopter transfers are possible too.

Arriving at the dock, Nimmo’s resident dogs will certainly come out to greet you, as will some of the resort’s hospitable staff. You’re immediately escorted to your room — either an intertidal chalet with views of the bay or a streamside cabin where you’ll fall asleep to the sound of Nimmo’s waterfall. Each has two-bedrooms and is well stocked with luxuries and comforts.

As the evening approaches, sip a cocktail around the firepit on the floating dock and check out the blackboard for tonight’s menu. You’ll find crab, scallops and spot prawns caught nearby, as well as meats and produce from around British Columbia. Everything will be perfectly delicious. You might eat outside in the setting sun or inside in the floating restaurant. Evenings are spent stargazing from the dock, soaking in the hot tubs next to the waterfall, or perhaps playing billiards. The quiet will ensure a peaceful sleep.

Next day you can start with a yoga class before enjoying an incredible breakfast. Then on to your day’s activities!

Will you look for whales in the waters of the Broughton archipelago? Take a helicopter to a fishing stream or atop a glacier? Try stand-up paddle boarding? Go freediving and spearfishing? Hike through the rainforest? Kayak along the shore looking for bears? Or perhaps just enjoy a massage followed by a nap?

Regardless of which you choose, you’ll never forget your stay at Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort in the Great Bear Rainforest.

Johanna Read
Freelance writer / photographer specializing in travel, food and responsible tourism, TravelEater.net, TravelEater@gmail.com