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The heart of the Rockies
In the American northern hemisphere, there is a place that is home to only 4.8 million people, half of whom live in a single city. Between the icy polar ice caps, a gigantic and majestic mountain range, and the Pacific Ocean with its warm water currents, this place contains one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world.
This remote location, isolated from all civilization, was first explored by Spaniards in the 16th century, having even established colonies on the island of Quadra and the fort of Nutca. Over the centuries, it has now become part of Canada. Without a doubt, it's worth discovering this destination's lush nature without having to sacrifice comfort or charm.
This geography and temperature blend has created an almost unique ecosystem in the world where one of the largest reserves of coniferous trees on the planet coexist, along with rivers that are filled with salmon and various types of bears that feast on them. On its coasts, whales and pods of orcas make up only a small percentage of the plethora of wildlife that exists.
Vancouver Island is home to one of the oldest coniferous forests in the world.
Let's talk green
Originally, trappers spent part of the year living in dense forests of the area, hunting for precious animal skins, to then be able to sell them to the sophisticated European market. While hunting, they would almost always set up camps near a river where they would spend the entire season. Today, one can recall the experience of living in the middle of the forest in a very special way.
Located on the island of Vancouver, the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve is home to one of the oldest virgin forests in the world, containing trees that germinated before the arrival of the first Spaniards. It is home to the indigenous community of the Nuu-chah-nulth, as well as black bears, cougars, American mink, and gray wolves, among more than 300 species of vertebrates in the area. On its shores, gray whales, killer whales, dolphins, and sea lions, among others, can be found.
The Clayoquot Sound reserve is home to a forest of more than 300 coexisting species of vertebrates, where you can visit trees up to 1,400 years in age.
Imagine a camp built in an entirely ecologically way, with zero impact on the environment, that evokes the era of the trappers, but with the level of comfort, charm, and cuisine of an authentic luxury hotel today. In addition, the local indigenous community participates in the management of the project.
Containing only 25 tents, this camp, under the prestigious brand of luxury hotels Relais & Chateaux, creates an ideal setting to enjoy a few days of adventure and activity, like few others.
You will only be able to arrive on a seaplane, before spending a few days out seeing bears in the wild, sailing in zodiacs in search of whales and dolphins, horseback riding through remote landscapes, trying your hand at salmon fishing, perhaps simply hugging a 1,400-year-old tree, or even learning to fly a drone to take incredible photographs from the air. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort was designed to bring the wilderness experience to you in a completely remote and luxurious way.
A sunset from the top of the Rocky Mountains is an unforgettable sight that can only be accessed by helicopter.
The helicopter allows us to reach almost any remote spot in the Rockies.
With a similar concept, Nimmo Bay has wooden cabins with several rooms designed to feel the nature among family. Its fully equipped cabins allow you to enjoy the experience of living in the middle of the forest, accompanied by an impeccable level of service.
It belongs to the unique lodges selected by National Geographic (National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World) as a distinctive sign of identity, reflecting its spirit of exploration
It is located in the Great Bear Reserve, making it an ideal place to see bears up close. To get an idea, a few meters from the lodge, there is a waterfall over 150 meters high, or you can enjoy a delicious picnic at the foot of a glacier, or even simply paddle board among the lakes surrounded by endless virgin coniferous forests.
Tents surrounded by dense forest, ideal to go out in search of bears, whales or dolphins.
Five different species of salmon up British Columbia's rivers.
A tent set up for dinner at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort.
The riverside trails are ideal for horseback riding.
Let's talk white
The polar bear is in extreme danger of extinction, mainly due to habitat loss due to climate change. There are 19 populations of this magnificent animal spread over 4 areas of sea ice in the Arctic. To give you an idea, 60% of all polar bears in the world live in Canada.
Between June and November, further northeast in Hudson Bay, we can set foot in polar territory and visit the summer home of polar bears. An area open to a lucky few, where the money generated by careful and sustainable tourism is reinvested in the study and protection of polar bears.
There are three lodges operated by Churchill Wild specializing in walking and close encounters with these magnificent animals in their natural environment. Accessible only by a small plane that flies only a couple of days a week to the area, the most remote sections of the Canadian Arctic are where polar bears live in their most natural environment.
- The word "arctic" derives from bear in Greek and Antarctic refers to the absence of bears —
- The arctic fox can withstand extreme temperature differences thanks to its compact fur —
- Churchill Wild specializes in close encounters with polar bears in complete safety —
- Northern lights are visible between November and March
Once at the lodge, through a briefing session, the local team will review all the rules and operations to ensure everyone's safety. Following the expert indications, we'll be able to enjoy an experience that will forever remain in our memory.
The hikes are always guided by specialized expert guides under entirely safe conditions. However, for those who prefer, there is always the option of going out to see these bears in specially adapted vehicles.
An encounter with these charismatic animals can change our perspective and encourage us to be more conscious about the conservation of the environment. Nature has been and always will be an environment that will not only surprise us, but will give us something we will carry with us forever, every time we visit it.
Canada is one of the few locations on the planet that allows us to feel nature not as mere spectators, but as the protagonists of our own journey.
Paddle surfing among whales in British Columbia.
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