Finding travel that’s both authentic and luxurious is rare, but Canada manages to combine the two in the best possible way. Our corner of North America has an array of options that can be meticulously crafted into a dream itinerary. Read on to discover some of the best luxury travel ideas and experiences across Canada.
CMH Cariboos
If you’re looking to experience the wilderness of the Rockies at its most raw, heli-hiking at CMH Cariboos is the way to go. Journeys here begin with a scenic tour from Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper to the Cariboo helipad in Valemont. After a short and spectacular helicopter flight, you’ll arrive at the lodge. Located high up in the Columbia Mountain Range, this retreat makes for the perfect base to explore from. Facilities include a hot tub, a climbing room, a sauna, massage therapy, a music room, and an outdoor swimming pond. Not only that, but the views from the lodge are unforgettable, particularly when you’re sat around the fire at dusk!
The swimming hole at CMH Cariboo! Credit: CMH Cariboo & Jesse Tamayo.
On a heli-hiking vacation here, you’ll be well looked after. Hiking groups are organized by ability, so whether you’re as nimble as a mountain goat or you’re just looking for some relaxed access to the mountains, the experienced guides will ensure that everyone is kept happy. Because access is granted via helicopter each day, there’s no shortage of terrain! One of the most unforgettable ascents in the area is the Zilmer Canyon via Ferrata. This route navigates skyward alongside a spectacular waterfall. You’ll be attached to the rockface via a harness, and if you can climb a ladder, you can attempt the challenge. Experiences like these are safe yet undeniably wild! Alternatively, for those looking to amble in nature, light walks that have lunch stops in alpine meadows looking up at ancient glaciers are aplenty. When you’re journeying to CMH Cariboo, everything on offer is magnificent and breathtaking. Drop us an email to find out more about the way to explore the wilderness of the Rockies, or for more luxury travel ideas like this.
The way to explore the Canadian Rockies! Credit: CMH Cariboo & Jesse Tamayo.
Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge
In our opinion, a visit to the Canadian Arctic should be on everyone’s bucket list. This terrain is one of planet earth’s last untouched natural refuges, and experiences here are truly extraordinary. 800kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge is one of the most remote luxury travel ideas in the world. The lodge is run by the Weber family, an intrepid group of northern trailblazers with arctic blood running through their veins. With their expert guidance, you’ll explore the Arctic in the most authentic and unintrusive manner possible. You can expect a whole range of modes of transport at a comfortable speed for everyone in the group.
Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge Is Beyond Remote
There are many mind-blowing activities on offer. We regularly hear from our guests that paddleboarding with beluga whales is the most memorable. Arctic Watch is nestled just one kilometer from Cunningham Inlet, one of the largest beluga whale nurseries in the world. Here, hundreds of mothers come to raise their calves in the sheltered waters each season. Beluga whales are a curious bunch, and you’ll more than likely be able to get right up close to the frolicking mammals. Listen out for their distinctive and playful communicative clicks! Other activities on offer include; fat-biking the frozen Northwest Passage, wildlife watching, waterfall hiking, and more! Have a look at our Arctic Vacations blog for further northern inspiration!
Viewing cute beluga whales in the bay is an Arctic highlight!
Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb is North America’s largest ski resort, and it’s arguably the best as well! Located just a two-hour drive north of internationally accessible Vancouver, visits to this winter wonderland are effortless. Whistler’s village is a vibrant town that’s outfitted with everything a world-class ski resort needs, and then some. There’s a high street full of boutique shops, award-winning fine dining options, delightful après bars, and legendary nightlife. In terms of accommodation, there are some luxury travel ideas that will surpass all expectations. Whistler is also home to some of the most opulent vacation rentals in the world, check out our Winter A-List for a full spread of dazzling options.
Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America. Credit: Destination BC/Randy Lincks
There’s a mountain (well, two actually!) of terrain on offer that will suit both first-time and full-time skiers alike. Whistler’s ski school is one of the best in the world, there are over 1000 instructors, all fully qualified and ready to cater to the needs of all members of your group. If you’re fresh to the sport we highly recommend taking lessons to make the most of the mountains, from the nursery slopes and beyond. For the skiing aficionados, one of our most-loved luxury travel ideas is heli-skiing! Powder moments of your wildest dreams are never far away, so get to the chopper and prepare for an epic day that you’ll never forget! Our journeys are tailored to your needs, but check out our Ski Whistler itinerary for a taster of what you could expect.
Whistler takes fine dining to new heights. Credit: Destination BC/Rick Collins
The Fogo Island Inn
Known to regularly accommodate for Hollywood A-listers, the Fogo Island Inn is a hotel with some seriously star-quality. Truly unique, the inn stands poignantly on stilts overlooking the harsh Newfoundland landscape and the Atlantic Ocean. The inn has been meticulously built and every feature is deliberate. Much of the furniture in the rooms was hand-built locally, from the wall art right up to the bed frames. You get the sense that the team really cares, they define hospitality as “the love of a stranger”, and it shows. Facilities at the inn include a rooftop hot tub and sauna, an art gallery, a cinema, a library, and more. The dining room looks out to the ocean through expansive windows, and the food is as divine as the view.
The spectacular Fogo Island Inn.
The inn claims that it is “more than a place, it’s a social purpose”, and you won’t hear us disagreeing. When the fishing trade of Fogo began to dwindle, it was clear that the island needed some help. The inn was built to increase the island’s tourism and to employ its residents. All profits are reinvested in the local community, so you can rest assured that your stay is going to have a positive impact. Although it’s tempting to never leave the inn during your stay, we recommend exploring the rest of the island. Expect pristine beaches, quaint fishing towns, and a peaceful experience unlike any other. Brimstone Head Trail, also known as one of the four corners of the world to the Flat Earth Society, is one of many great hikes on the island, and it’s well worth a visit. We can organize a range of other activities that you may enjoy, such as an introduction to boat building, whale watching, rowing, and more. To find out more about the social purpose of the inn, have a read of our blog on how the inn feeds the island.
Fogo Island is full of rustic treasures.
More luxury travel ideas & experiences
These journeys are simply a glimpse of what is possible, Canada is home to authentic travel that pampers, excites and delights. When you travel our corner of North America, bespoke & unforgettable journeys are never far away. Would you like to hear more? Fill out our quick Plan Your Trip Form, or call us toll-free on 1-888-999-6556
Watching bears catch salmon is another luxury travel highlight. Credit: Destination BC/Henrik Nilsson
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