Sonora Resort
A British Columbia island lodge reached only by air or water, open in the salmon season.
Sonora Resort stands on Sonora Island in the Discovery Islands of British Columbia, between Vancouver Island and the mainland, reached only by helicopter, floatplane or boat — there is no road. This register places it in the Extended Index because the island is not the resort's alone: Sonora carries other properties and residents, and the lodge holds one part of it.
Around seventy-one rooms, suites and villas make up the property, a Relais & Châteaux member, operating seasonally from spring to autumn. The proposition is Pacific Northwest wilderness at a comfortable standard: salmon fishing in Bute Inlet, grizzly viewing in the Orford River valley, whales in the passages and a spa to return to.
Grizzlies and salmon in the same week. The Orford valley bear viewing and the Campbell River salmon runs are both reachable from the dock, which few lodges can offer.
Seasonal, not year-round. The property closes for the winter, which is normal for the coast and unusual in this register.
Who it is not for
Sonora is wrong for travellers wanting warm water and a beach — this is cold Pacific inlet country. It is wrong for guests visiting outside the season, when the lodge is closed. And it is wrong for anyone expecting the island to itself. And it is wrong for guests who want a spa culture over a fishing and wildlife programme. Those wanting cold-water exclusivity should look at Picnic Island or The Arctic Hideaway.
Sources
- sonoraresort.com — around seventy-one rooms, suites and villas, Sonora Island, Relais & Châteaux, seasonal
- Room count, season dates and island occupancy unverified. Confirm before publication.
Booking
Private Island Resorts arranges each stay on request, quoting the rates available for the island and dates. No benefit should be assumed unless it is confirmed in writing for the individual reservation.
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