When Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds decided to tie the knot they wanted a venue that was unique and private. The Hollywood stars bypassed Caribbean islands, California resorts and one of Oprah's backyards, bee lining for a British Columbia wilderness lodge on Vancouver Island, instead. They were married last summer at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort near Tofino in a private ceremony. It was the perfect location for the couple; the paparazzi didn't get a single shot.
Wild is obviously “in” for weddings, but wilderness hotels and lodges are also great places to host all kinds of gatherings, from family reunions to small conferences. The intimate setting provides countless opportunities to bond. Locations vary from five star resorts to basic backcountry lodges, surf side to mountaintop, lux to affordable. Here's a run down of some of the unique wilderness locations in B.C. that host unforgettable events in spectacular settings.
Strathcona Park Lodge, Vancouver Island.
The whole family can feel like a camper at this resort and outdoor recreation centre that turns 50 in 2009.
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Vancouver Island.
Luxury on the edge of the Pacific.
West Coast Expeditions, Vancouver Island.
A wilderness base camp on a remote Pacific coast island.
Occasions to Remember, various locations.
Wilderness tourism event planner.
Various boats and coastal locations. Charter a classic tall masted schooner or small cruise ship for the day or longer of ocean cruising:
Bluewater Adventures
Maple Leaf Adventures
Mothership Adventures
Pacific yellowfin Charters
Siwash Lake Ranch, interior of B.C.
A boutique luxury dude ranch that's family friendly.
BC Guest Ranchers' Association, various interior locations.
From ranch and spa to cattle drive, this association represents a variety of dude ranches and most host private events.
Echo Valley Ranch and Spa, interior of B.C.
Thai spa, luxury accommodation, horses and mountain views.
Tyax Resort, coastal mountains.
Comfortable lakeside accomodation in the Coast Mountains.
Ecotours-BC, interior mountains.
Bear viewing and wildlife safri adventure lodge.
Coast Mountain Expeditions, Vancouver Island.
Rent a private island or a lodge in the Discovery Islands near Campbell River
Nechako Lodge, interior lakes.
A rustic lodge on the edge of epic lake fishing.
Babine Norlakes, northern BC.
Remote, world class fishing lodge and outpost cabins.
Spatsizi Wilderness Vacations, northern B.C.
A fly-fishing and adventure lodge and cabins in one of B.C.'s wildest parks.
Backcountry Lodges of B.C., various mountain locations.
Room with a view takes on a whole new meaning at these 28 mountainside lodges.
BC River Outfitters Association, various riverside locations.
Rafting and nice riverside resorts offer a great adventure and destination.
