Discovering the Wild Beauty of Sonora Resort

Vancouver rests a pristine wilderness in British Columbia. The region’s aptly named Discovery Islands are the gateway to an area of primeval rainforest within the Pacific Northwest. Along the Inside Passage, between Campbell River, north-central Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia these islands, as sparsely populated as they are, hum with a distinct energy against a backdrop of towering spruces and waters that take on every known shade of blue and teem with Chinook salmon and orcas.

In the midst of this setting, discerning travelers will find the 64 km² Sonora Island and its eponymous resort. A destination unto itself, Sonora Resort provides the ultimate in relaxation and adventure, a distinctive place to disconnect from the grid and indulge in a well-deserved escape from the ordinary. Accessible from Vancouver only by sea or air direct to the resort’s landing pad or water taxi from Campbell River, Sonora Resort is where you discover authentic natural experiences combined with epic adventure, enjoying remote solitude amid world class service, dining, and comfort.

Authentic Experiences in Nature

The waters surrounding Sonora are filled with diverse marine life, including seals, sea lions, humpbacks, orcas and so much more. The tides here can vary by up to 4-and-a-half meters, creating some of the world’s most impressive rapids, capable of reaching speeds of up to 15 knots. On the resort’s popular Eco Adventure Tour, the tide will churn fish to the water’s surface and bring bald eagles diving for their catch, just one species of a spectacular parade of wildlife here, depending on the season.

Guests can embark on excursions led by knowledgeable local guides to explore ancient rainforests, marine-rich fjords, and secluded beaches, some of which hold deep connections to First Nations heritage—part of Sonora’s ongoing collaboration with its neighboring communities.

As part of this partnership, members of the Homalco First Nation exclusively guide the Grizzly Bear Tour at the Orford River, offering visitors an in-depth understanding of the region’s land, wildlife, and cultural significance. From whale watching excursions to helicopter adventures over glacier-capped mountains, Sonora tailors every wildlife experience to showcase the region’s splendor while respecting its delicate ecosystem.

Marine adventures include guided wildlife tours like kayaking amidst orca whales, grizzly viewing along inlet shores during salmon spawning season. Fishing expeditions include premier salmon fishing or take a helicopter to reach inaccessible waters for more prime fly-fishing locations. Exploring the most remote and stunning landscapes of British Columbia is easier by helicopter, offering opportunities for heli-hiking, -skiing, and glacier tours. Those guests seeking stillness rather than adrenalin surges will appreciate hiking trails, archery, and a bevy of enriching experiences on property or nearby at Florence Lake.

Unparalleled Hospitality and Amenities

But Sonora Resort is by no means a rustic summer camp or angler’s lodge. The Resort is a member of the esteemed Relais & Chateaux, a worldwide collection of renowned retreats, both intimate hotels and grand estates, along with dining establishments all priding themselves on the Five C’s, namely Charm, Courtesy, Character, Cuisine, and Calm.

Sonora Resort’s 88 spacious rooms, suites, and villas feature panoramic views from floor-to-ceiling picture windows and all the modern comforts and amenities one would expect. Bespoke furnishings and cedar and stone craftsmanship invite the outside in, including suites and villas with post-and-beam or vaulted ceilings and balconies overlooking the sea lions playing in the kelp beds below.

Serene Spa Retreat

After a day of exploration, guests can retreat to the Island Currents Spa, where treatments are all tailored to enhance relaxation and restore balance. Drawing their inspiration from Indigenous healing traditions as well as cutting-edge wellness techniques, they include hydrotherapy circuits, personalized wellness consultations, and bespoke spa rituals incorporating local botanical extracts, seaweed wraps and healing minerals to provide rejuvenation. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase breathtaking wilderness views, transforming each treatment into a multi-sensory experience.