With Covid-19 cases still increasing in the United States, and strict quarantine requirements for international travel, it looks like we’ll be exploring close to home for the next few months. Luckily for us, our backyard is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with accommodation options to suit every taste. So, it shouldn’t be hard to find a beautiful location on the water for your next holiday. But where to start? Since we plan a variety of local tours each year, we have some experience in that department. Over the years our tour groups have visited a wide range of hotels and resorts and we have many favourites that we book again and again. We make our selections based on a few factors, including location, accommodations, amenities, service, and value.
If you’re looking for a relaxing waterfront getaway close to home, here are just a few of the waterfront properties in BC and Alberta that we return to year after year:
Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge, Quadra Island
About the property: Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge is a secluded oceanfront resort located on the historic village site of the We Wai Kai Nation on picturesque Quadra Island. Long before European explorers made their way to the Pacific Northwest, Cape Mudge was called Tsa-Kwa-Luten, which means “gathering place” in the Kwak’wala language. Today it is a modern, full-service beach-front lodge that features west coast wood construction and a main foyer and lounge area that echoes the design of a traditional ‘Big House’.
Why we love it: Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge offers an authentic Pacific Coast indigenous resort experience, with architecture, art, and cultural experiences based on traditional values. It also sits in a stunning location with the opportunity to enjoy numerous outdoor activities from beach-combing to sea kayaking.
If you’d like to experience this unique property, you’re in luck! Both of our Thanksgiving tours will visit Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge this year:
Thanksgiving on the Island from BC Interior and Lower Mainland
Thanksgiving at Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge from Vancouver Island
Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino
About the property: Sitting on a rocky point between the towering rain forest and the wild waves, the Wickaninnish Inn offers unparalleled access to the true nature of Vancouver Island’s west coast. The guest rooms and suites encapsulate rustic elegance on nature’s edge.
Why we love it: If there is a more beautiful coastline in BC than Tofino, we haven’t found it yet! Every room at this luxurious resort boasts ocean or beach views, making it the perfect place to take in the dramatic weather and waves.
Are you dreaming of watching the waves and walking on the beach? Then join us on one of our Storm Watching at the Wickaninnish Inn tours this November:
Storm Watching at the Wickaninnish Inn from BC Interior and Lower Mainland
Storm Watching at the Wickaninnish Inn #2 from BC Interior
The Wickaninnish Inn at Long Beach from Vancouver Island
Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa, Courtenay/Comox
About the property: Nestled in a coastal forest on the eastern shore of Vancouver Island, the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa offers breathtaking ocean and mountain views. Pamper yourself in the luxury Pacific Mist Spa, sign up for a yoga class, take a stroll, or just enjoy the view.
Why we love it: Located right on the water, the resort boasts fantastic views and the property is beautifully landscaped. Truly unique to the Kingfisher, the award-winning Pacific Mist Hydropath is a spa experience like no other where you follow an underground sandstone cave featuring natural seaside elements as it winds through eight unique hydrotherapy experiences.
If you’re looking for a chance to relax and rejuvenate at this resort, join us on our Thanksgiving at Tsa-Kwa-Luten tour where we’ll spend a night at Kingfisher with time to visit the spa:
Thanksgiving at Tsa-Kwa-Luten from Vancouver Island
Granville Island Hotel, Vancouver
About the property: Located on Vancouver’s famous Granville Island this boutique hotel is situated on the banks of False Creek overlooking the waterfront and beautiful downtown Vancouver. Its unique location offers an island experience in the middle of the city, with easy access to everything the city has to offer.
Why we love it: The Hotel’s unique location allows you to explore charming Granville Island and easily travel by foot, vehicle, or harbour ferry to downtown Vancouver. The staff are also exceptionally welcoming and helpful. We think the Granville Island Hotel is one of the best kept secrets in Vancouver, and we’re not alone as it was awarded a 2020 TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award.
Are you looking for a festive holiday tour? Look no further than our Christmas in Vancouver tour where we stay 5 nights at the Granville Island Hotel. Granville Island comes alive with holiday cheer during this time making it the perfect place to celebrate.
Christmas in Vancouver from BC Interior
Beach Club Resort, Parksville
About the property: Find your place on the beach in one of The Beach Club Resort’s well-appointed rooms and experience island living at its finest! The Beach Club Resort features a seaside pool, spa, and a restaurant with a beachfront patio on the Parksville Beach Boardwalk.
Why we love it: Guests of The Beach Club Resort enjoy the closest access to Parksville Beach of any resort or hotel in the area – it’s just steps from your guest room! At low tide, the beach stretches out for over a kilometer to reveal flat sand, tide pools, and the warmest ocean swimming in Canada.
If you love a long walk on the beach, join us on our Thanksgiving on the Island tour, where we stay one night at the Beach Club Resort:
Thanksgiving on the Island from BC Interior
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper
About the property: A village of heritage log cabins connected by picturesque paths, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers the perfect getaway in Jasper National Park. Enjoy homelike comforts and amenities, surrounded by incredible views of majestic mountains and the emerald green Lac Beauvert. Sitting on over 700 acres the Lodge offers year-round enjoyment of the surrounding nature and wildlife.
Why we love it: The Lodge offers historic charm without sacrificing high quality service. It is an excellent base for exploring Jasper National Park, but you probably won’t have to go far to see some of the local wildlife.
If experiencing the fall colours in the beautiful Rocky Mountains is on your bucket list, join us on our Jasper Park Lodge tour this October:
Jasper Park Lodge from BC Interior, Vancouver Island, and Lower Mainland
