Getting to Nimmo Bay Resort is part of the fun of this fairy-tale place. No roads lead to the resort, which is only accessible by air or water. It can be as easy as taking a private plane directly into Port Hardy followed by a 20-minute floatplane or helicopter ride directly to the resort.
The moment you arrive at the resort, you realize this is not your typical weekend away. A floating house, set in a serene cove tucked just below snow-topped Mount Stephens, serves as the lobby of this intimate nine-cabin getaway. It is where you will enjoy decadent meals and wood-burning fires every evening, al fresco. Upon arrival, you’re whisked away to your cabin, passing a stunning waterfall and outdoor Jacuzzis, just a few of the amenities Nimmo Bay offers. Gorgeous, solid-wood cabins are cozy yet modern, with soaking tubs, Restoration Hardware bedding, organic local soaps, a well-stocked mini bar, and the most incredible homemade cookies.
Unforgettable days begin with a gourmet breakfast and a customized itinerary with the resort’s guest experience managers. Feel like seeking out black bears or whale watching? Taking a helicopter to some of the breathtaking surrounding areas or paddle boarding next to glaciers? Fishing from local waters for dinner that night? Your day can be as adventure packed or as relaxed as you like. But one thing is for certain; the staff at the resort will have a few surprises in store for you.
On our second day, while on a wildlife adventure, we pulled into a white beach just in time for lunch. We relaxed on the shore while our guides set up an exquisite picnic lunch, complete with a wood-burning fire, and handcrafted cocktails at a bar created just for us. After lunch, we kayaked into a spectacular cove and watched a pair of bald eagles dance on the skyline.
Time at Nimmo Bay is precious. It gives you the rare opportunity to disconnect from the chaos of your normal life and engage with nature and your travel companions in the raw beauty this gorgeous hideaway has in abundance. The hardest part will be leaving.
An exterior view from inside one of Nimmo Bay’s cabins
Vancouver is a great layover on your way to Nimmo Bay. Home to the 2010 Winter Olympics, the city is a hub for startups, as well as film, trade, and natural resources. Make Shangri-La your home, as it is perfectly located in the heart of the city amidst luxury retailers, just a few blocks from famed Stanley Park. The guest rooms are among the largest in Canada, offering floor-to-ceiling windows with ample natural light. If you only have time for one dinner in Vancouver, dine at Bao Bei, where modern Chinese is served family-style with creative cocktails in a trendy atmosphere. Try the flavorful sticky rice cake with stir-fried pork, wood ear mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. On your way back to Shangri-La, stop at Bella Gelateria for a scoop of internationally acclaimed, handcrafted artisan gelato.
