By Michelle Hopkins, Travel Writer
Travel can be a great way to refresh and rejuvenate mind and body, yet on a recent visit to Homfray Lodge located in Desolation Sound, in British Columbia, I discovered a kind of magic about a resort which is truly isolated.
Accessible only by float plane or boat, this all-inclusive lodge allows you to immerse yourself with nature by relaxing on the expansive dock, kayaking on the calm water, enjoying the views from your private chalets, or joining an eco boat tour.
I felt my stress melt away the moment I boarded the refurbished fishing vessel that transported me from Lund on a two- and half-hour journey through the waters of Desolation Sound. Complete with bar, galley and open and enclosed decks, the journey aboard this small ship was scenic and unforgettable in its own right. However, once you’ve arrived at the Lodge, it’s time to take in all that makes this remote resort so special.
Immerse yourself in a private sanctuary away from life’s stresses
At the edge of the Great Bear Rainforest, along Homfray Channel, this far-flung wilderness lodge begged me to decompress. It’s hard to describe the sense of escape I felt when I reached my private ocean view chalet.
The mood throughout our three-day stay was set on the first evening. Besides our group of four, there were a few couples from the United States and one from B.C. After a gourmet dinner in the timber framed lodge dining room, showcasing locally sourced, deliciously fresh cuisine, two guests decided to jump into the waters … for an after dinner dip as the sun set. Their laughter and joy set the tone for more laughs to be had.
Each day begins with morning yoga and leads to afternoons lounging on the floating dock. Take a leisurely kayak paddle, a short hike, or head out on a four-hour Pacific Coastal Cruises & Tours eco-tour, the company which also owns and manages the Resort. The choice is yours on how you want to spend your time unwinding.
Homfray Lodge offers guests front row seats to enjoy sightings of dolphins, orcas and humpbacks whales and bears. From the massive dock, resting in an over-sized Adirondack I spotted playful seals, sea lions, eagles, and a variety of sea birds. And it gets better as although the lodge has WIFI, the serenity of the area seems to entice you to unplug all together.
Three days went by quickly as all too soon it was time to board the ship heading back home, where admittedly it took some time to rejoin my daily work routine and recover from the undiluted joy of a holiday like this. Relaxed and completely recharged, I really felt physically and spiritually better.
Learn more at Pacific Coastal Cruises & Tours.