Searching for a memorable last-minute BC getaway? Well, start by booking a room that you’ll never forget. Yurt or houseboat? Cabana or cannery? In BC, you can discover a variety of one-of-a-kind accommodations. Here are 10 overnight options that are anything but ordinary.
WYA NOT?
North of Ucluelet on Vancouver Island's west coast, Wya Point Resort uses eco-yurts to take seaside camping to the next level. Full of modern conveniences, these circular tents, owned and operated by the Ucluelet First Nation, boast pretty views of the Pacific, mere steps from the resort's private beaches. Don't miss: First Nations-led surf lessons that promise historical insight into the traditional Yu-klew-ith-aht landscape. wyapoint.com
BEAM ME UP
Spherical sleeping quarters high in the forest make for satisfying slumber north of Nanaimo. Up amid Vancouver Island's spruce, cedar and fir, Free Spirit Spheres offers three functional works of art, complete with snug dining and sleeping areas. Don't miss: a serene view of the landscape below, courtesy of spiral staircases and elevated walkways and platforms. freespiritspheres.com
SUITE STORIES
At Vancouver's Skwachàys Lodge, every room tells a story, thanks to six Vancouver interior designers and six Aboriginal artists who created livable works of art. Original carvings, blankets and paintings bedeck this modern boutique hotel, with all profits funnelled back to the local Aboriginal community. Don't miss: the hotel's rooftop sweat lodge, artists' workshop, smudge room and guest lounge. skwachays.com
COASTAL CABANA
Warm Pacific waters, abundant marine life and cool cabanas set the scene on Kinghorn Island, off the northern tip of BC's Sunshine Coast. Here, Cabana Desolation Eco Resort lodgings embrace the rainforest elements, via screens and breezy curtains, wrap-around decks and open dining quarters. Don't miss: a serene guided paddle through Desolation Sound. cabanadesolation.com
GOLDEN AGE
There's more than gold panning in Barkerville, an authentic 1860s Gold Rush town in the province's Cariboo region. The King House and The Kelly House are history-rich bed and breakfasts, while the St. George Hotel, a restored Main Street hotel and saloon, offers seven rooms and a hearty breakfast. Don't miss: period costume-clad town namesake "Billy Barker" recounting tales from BC's Gold Rush. barkerville.ca
ROOM TO ROAM
ROAM's safari-style tents along the Chilko River provide a temporary lodging for wildlife enthusiasts in BC's Chilcotin. Perched high above the rushing water, raised platform accommodation offers a bird's-eye view of the bears as they feed along the river's edge. Don't miss: photo-friendly kayak and drift-boat excursions that bring the resident wildlife into sharper focus. iroamtheworld.com
PLENTY OF FISH
Salmon rules at BC's Cassiar Cannery, on the Skeena River, south of Prince Rupert. One of the longest continuously operated salmon canneries on Canada's west coast, Cassiar spotlights its historic past with overnights in refurbished residences, set on pilings above the tide. Don't miss: a visit to neighbouring North Pacific Cannery Museum for a tour of an intact cannery town. cassiarcannery.com
SHUSWAP SOJOURN
A plunge into the warm waters of Shuswap Lake is just one of many houseboat perks in southcentral BC. Aboard Twin Anchors, would-be sailors can set off on boats suited for six or opt for vessels outfitted for up to 24, all equipped with full kitchens and comfy sleeping quarters. Don't miss: swim, golf or bike, all from your temporary on-the-lake address. twinanchors.com
CLOSER TO GOD
Enjoy heavenly views at God's Mountain, south of Penticton, where an open-air, roofless room tempts with a private tub and four-poster bed. The Mediterranean-style villa delivers on ambience thanks to its vineyard-and-Skaha-Lake setting. Don't miss: the estate's Alfresco Dinner Experience, where seasonal Okanagan bounty and local wine are complemented by an Instagram-ready longtable view. godsmountain.com
CURVE APPEAL
Sleek domed structures define the Villa Dome Quixote landscape in BC's Kootenay Rockies. These eco-friendly structures feel other-worldly, bolstered by skylights, hardwood floors and views of the Selkirk and Valhalla mountains. Don't miss: a stroll through the nearby village of New Denver, home to a convivial summer garlic festival. domequixote.com
For more info, visit explorebc.ca.
