NImmo in the Luxury TraveL Community

One of the highlights of last year was attending the best, invitation-only, luxury travel shows in the world: Do Not Disturb and Pure. Both events bring the global private travel community together. It’s a time for connection where destinations dedicated to exclusive spaces converge. However, it’s not simply about the secluded nature of a property. It’s also about prioritizing sustainability and offering the highest level of personal service.

“Being invited to pure and do not disturb means a lot to Nimmo Bay. As a small family owned lodge, it can be hard to compete with some of the bigger players in our luxury niche. Attending the best, most exclusive travel industry shows in the world means that we get to connect with the people who need to know about Nimmo Bay.”

– Brianna Sloan, Marketing Manager

Media Inquiries

If you would like to feature Nimmo Bay in an upcoming article, we would love to connect. Our media kit is a great place to start!

2025 Award Nominations

It’s officially awards season for Canadian businesses! Nimmo is a finalist for three awards this year. We are incredibly proud of our team, as their talent and passion are the reason we have received these nominations.

We’re up for:

• The 2026 British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) Awards of Excellence for the care and hospitality displayed by our Guest Experience Team.
• The 2026 BC Tourism Industry Awards, Employees First. Which showcases the importance Nimmo places on wellness and prioritizing mental health.
• A 2026 finalist for the Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards.
• TZR 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards: Best Eco-Luxury Retreats

Inside Nimmo Bay’s Non-Alcoholic Menu

GroundeD

Bright, fun, and a little earthY

Grounded is a celebration of bees, beekeepers, and the forest floor’s unsung workers. The team combines non-alcoholic gin with fresh lemon juice and raw wildflower honey from Black Creek on Vancouver Island. The honey is infused with pine mushrooms, also known as matsutake. These mushrooms are often found in the Pacific Northwest and provide notes of intense maple flavour. They add an earthy depth to the drink and a little spark of woodland magic.

Wildflower

A symphony of florality, fruitiness, and balance

At its heart, Wildflower is a cold brew infusion of Westholme’s “Rest” chamomile-based tea, blended with dried Nootka Rose petals. Nootka Rose is a plant native to BC and named after Nootka Sound, a waterway on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Nootka Rose has long been used by Indigenous communities for food, medicine, and ceremonies. The petals bring an aromatic sweetness and springtime feel to the drink. We shake in a bit of cherry for a bright pop of tart fruitiness and lemon for acidity. The final touch is to top it with an herbal foam. 

RobusT

A smooth, dark sipper with the soul of the forest

To make the Robust, our team harvests cedar boughs just steps from the restaurant. They take the boughs and brew them into a house-made tea. The elixir is full of sweet notes and the essence of juniper. We layer in wild blackcurrants and Lapsang Souchong tea from Westholme, to add bold depth and a gentle smokiness. A hint of lemon and a dash of Angostura bitters rounds it out with brightness and spice.

Splendor

A celebration of the abundance of our forests and fieldS

At the heart of this mocktail is a non-alcoholic amaro syrup. Our team at Nimmo makes it from scratch. This syrup features locally foraged ingredients and Whitaker Farms dandelions. The dandelion leaves, alongside cedar, salal berries, spruce tips, rose petals, various teas, and spices combine to make our custom amaro mix. Emilia Jacklin, the Food, Beverage, & Accommodation Manager carefully crafted this recipe. It rests for eight months to allow the flavours to bloom and mellow out. To make the syrup, the amaro is heated up and sugar is added. The cooking process dealcoholizes it.

The flavour profile is complex and bitter and balanced with lavender. The glass is topped up with 33 Acres Yuzu and Orange Blossom Adaptogenic water for effervescence.

A Nimmo-Inspired Non-Alcoholic Recipe to Make at Home

WILDFLOWER – chamomile, rose, cherry, lemon

Choice Makes Disconnection Feel Empowering

It’s important to note that disconnection is a gentle invitation and never a requirement at Nimmo Bay. While we love to see guests embrace it, we’re also here to meet you where you’re at. We acknowledge that everyone has different comfort zones with being offline. Start small by choosing to go tech free during meals in the dining room or schedule phone-free wellness treatments, like an immersive forest bathing afternoon. Or jump right in by placing your phone in our designated phone locker for the whole trip. You get to decide what level feels most comfortable.

A thoughtful way to look at it, is not that you’re giving something up, but that you’re reclaiming what matters most. Reclaiming what gets your attention and holds it, reclaiming your precious time, and reclaiming connections.

The Power of A WALK

One of the most underappreciated aspects of learning and decision-making is the brain break. Dr. Sejnowski has written extensively about how downtime allows the brain to process and solidify information. The “aha moments” often happen when we stop consciously thinking.

Research from Marc Berman, PhD, environmental neuroscientist at the University of Chicago, underscores this point. He found that “people experience a whopping 20% improvement in attention and memory after taking a 50-minute walk in the park”. This measurable improvement highlights the power of integrating nature into breaks, something that Nimmo makes effortless.

Nature provides the perfect backdrop for these breaks. Instead of checking phones during a coffee break, your team might walk our forest trails, breathe in the salty ocean air on the dock, or watch the swaying cedar trees, blown by the wind. These moments of quiet and movement are scientifically proven to improve recall, sharpen decision-making, and reduce stress.

BEST PRACTICES FOR DESIGNING YOUR RETREAT

It’s important to note that a successful wilderness retreat doesn’t just mean moving your meeting outdoors. It’s about designing an experience that takes full advantage of what the natural world offers. Here are a few strategies we focus on at Nimmo:

• Balancing work with movement. Teams are encouraged to alternate short, deep-focus sessions with hikes, paddles, or boating excursions to get off-site. It’s a time to step into your body, and out of the looping brain mode.
• Incorporate time to reflect. Nimmo is the perfect place for silent wellness sessions like cold plunges, yoga, sauna breaks, or solo moments. This is the time when the brain can process and connect the dots. Bonus points for picking from our wellness menu and going for a body treatment like deep tissue massage.
• Leverage diverse learning styles. Information should be presented in multiple ways, from storytelling by the fire, displaying data against a backdrop of mountains, to hands-on problem-solving activities.
• Make space for recovery. A good night’s sleep in our cozy cabins, nourishing and delicious meals at Little River, and unplanned downtime on the dock are essential. These “in-between” moments are where many breakthroughs occur.
• Disconnect to reconnect. At Nimmo, cell service is limited. We do have WIFI onsite to facilitate work, when necessary, but overall, there are limited digital distractions. Your team will be able to keep focus on the task at hand. Leave your phones in your cabins for maximum presence.

What A Retreat at Nimmo Bay LOOKS LIKE

It’s already been a long week, and your executive team arrives at Nimmo Bay exhausted from back-to-back board meetings. On the first morning, instead of diving into presentations, they start with a guided yoga session. By the time you’re sitting down later in the day to discuss strategy, everyone is energized, connected, and more open to ideas. When the plane landed at the resort, the team was feeling too tired to even think. But being present in the rainforest has given everyone a rush of new energy.

On a different day, the team uses the floating sauna as their mid-day “brain break”. What might typically be a quick coffee run in the city turned into a shared ritual of relaxation and conversation. The chance for breakthrough ideas skyrocket in this situation and the team is ready to dive into a challenge that’s been haunting them for weeks in the office.

This is what happens when you pair the science of the brain with the magic of the wilderness.

THE TAKEAWAY

When it comes to corporate retreats, the setting matters as much as the agenda. Science shows us that novelty, movement, and recovery are critical for learning, collaboration, and big- picture thinking. The wilderness naturally provides all three.

As Dr. Daniel Amen reminds us, “Your brain is involved in everything you do.” And when your brain is rested, nourished, and inspired by nature, your team has the capacity to do its very best work.

The next time you are planning a corporate retreat, ask yourself: do you want another forgettable meeting in a beige room, or a transformative experience that will unlock new ideas, energize your team, and set your company on a bold path forward?

The wilderness at Nimmo Bay is waiting.

Forest Bathing

How can I improve my mental health through relaxation practices?

Slowing down and experiencing forest bathing in nature is one of the best ways to relax your body and mind. Forest bathing doesn’t involve activities like hiking, running, or exercising in nature, it simply involves being in nature. Forest bathing is a term that emerged in the 80’s in Japan. You enter the rainforest, and the goal is to focus in on all five of your senses. Your guide will take you through a meditation practice to help. The intention is to bridge the gap between yourself and the natural world. You can achieve this by walking, touching, standing, breathing deeply, and sitting bare foot on the mossy ground. Focusing on these sensations for even just 1-hour helps you sink into a connection with nature. You’ll feel a boost in energy and mood.

Research also states that nature’s most prominent colours, found in the oceans, rivers, forest, and ski, are the green to blue-green colour range. This is the most critical wavelength on the light spectrum, for boosting both serotonin and melatonin. It’s no wonder our mental health declines when green spaces are few and far between. while we’re surrounded by concrete and grey buildings. We’ve lost contact with essential blue-green light. But during a forest bathing experience, you’re surrounded by these colours. You can see improvement in mood, cognitive function, and sleep after spending time embracing the forest.

Restorative Spa Rituals: Massages & Facials

Why is self-care important in wellness?

Self-care practices are anything you do to keep yourself mentally, emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually well. It’s recognizing and honouring that we are not an infinite well of energy to give away 24/7. In the end, when we care for ourselves in this way, it makes us better prepared to build relationships with others. So, let’s quiet the hype on the hustle mentality a little bit and embrace setting boundaries and prioritizing ourselves.

Acts of self-care can come in many forms and shift daily. It can be as simple as lighting your favourite candle or finding a book that feeds your personal development. Sometimes it might be to indulge in a little bit of luxury and treat yourself to a day at the spa. At Nimmo, we have a robust wellness menu with bodywork and massage. However, one of our favourite offerings is the Botanical Facial. We often think of a full body massage as the ultimate form of spa relaxation, yet there is rarely a moment where your face isn’t active throughout the day. Your face has 43 muscles that are working overtime to bring your emotions and expressions to life.

While you might not be able to bring the full Nimmo Bay wellness experience home, it’s our intention to help find your anchor. This is a practice that will root you in place when you go back to the busyness of your day-to-day. When you’re with our wellness team, they’ll help you discover the tools you can employ. to stay completely present in your life.

THE LUXURY OF SLEEP

What role does sleep play in overall wellness?

At Nimmo Bay, sleep is not just a luxury—it’s a fundamental aspect of the guest experience. Science, without a doubt, supports that sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. According to Dr. Matthew Walker, a renowned sleep scientist and author of Why We Sleep, “sleep is the single most effective thing you can do to reset your brain and body for health”.

During sleep, our bodies undergo important processes such as tissue repair, hormone regulation, and memory consolidation. With limited rest, these functions can become compromised. It can lead to a variety of health issues ranging from cognitive decline to a weakened immune system. Quality is also just as important as the length of your sleep. Dr. Michael Grandner, Director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona, emphasizes, “quality sleep is characterized by uninterrupted periods of deep, restorative sleep”. It plays a pivotal role in physical renewal and mental clarity. Unfortunately, factors like noise pollution, uncomfortable bedding, and artificial light can disrupt this essential phase. Without deep sleep, you’re left feeling groggy and unrefreshed.

Nimmo’s commitment to providing the ultimate sleep experience to each guest is evident in the details of the resort. We take a holistic approach to sleep tourism. From the plush linen bedding crafted from organic materials to tranquil accommodations designed to minimize external disturbances. We invite guests to sink into sleep in the luxury of nature. Instead of noises like cars and sirens, you’re treated to the soothing sounds of cascading waterfalls and rustling leaves. They will lull you into a state of deep tranquility.

FAQ ABOUT SUStAINABILIty AT NIMMO BAY

• Do you source food locally and offer organic or plant-based options
• How do you support the local community and environment?
• What building materials or design principles were used—are they eco-friendly?
• How do you manage waste and reduce single-use plastics?

THE KEY TO MOVING FORWARD

Through careful planning, conscious decision making, and and an openness to evolution, we have achieved many of our sustainability goals. Though there’s much more to do, it’s important to celebrate the achievements we have been able to make. And as we move forward on our sustainability journey, we are excited to evaluate solar solutions. This will help us reduce our diesel usage during low-water summer months.

If you’re ready to travel sustainably, we’re ready to welcome you to Nimmo Bay.

THE FLOATING SAUNA

It’s a cool misty morning, the fog is tangling with the lush green trees before it’s burned off for the day when the sun comes out. I watch as a beautiful black boat glides up to meet me at the edge of the dock. The guide welcomes me on board for our short trip out to the floating sauna. The ride is calm and smooth, before any afternoon wind touches the glassy surface of the ocean.

It seems like we’re in the middle of nowhere, no people or other boats for miles and miles. When suddenly, we turn a corner and there’s a wooden structure, floating all by itself, tucked into a little cove. This is our final destination, one of Nimmo Bay’s floating saunas. I can see a trail of steam rising from the top of the sauna. Someone from the resort has already been there bright and early to heat up the cedar sauna ahead of my arrival.

A WELLNESS JOURNEY

Before the guides head off and leave me to this personal sanctuary, they make sure I’m settled. I’m left with a walkie-talkie, my own thoughts, and all the snacks and drinks I may need. With a call back to the lodge, it’s up to me when I choose to return to reality. I can read, I can meditate, search the horizon for wildlife, and indulge in the heat of the sauna. There’s also a booklet that helps describe how to move through their thermal spa journey. It’s not something I’d ever done before, and while it may seem intense, I felt called to give it a try. If not now, then when? This seems like the perfect setting to give it a try.

The thermal spa journey takes you through 15 minutes of heat, 30 seconds of cold, and 15 minutes of absolutely nothing. It’s a full body experience; it helps boost circulation, clears mental clutter, ultimately refreshing you from head to toe. The key here is to be mindful and remember to savour the little moments.

FEEL THE HEAT

As I mentioned before, the boat drops you off at the sauna dock. It’s set up away from everything else, secluded in your very own private inlet. As you step off the boat, there’s a cozy sofa area and the sauna has been preheated. The scent of cedar is in the air. The team disappears and you’re left to go on your own journey.

The sauna is step 1 of this thermal spa circuit.

I stepped into the thick heat of the sauna, and it instantly pulls me into its warm embrace. There’s an hourglass sitting inside and it’s set for 15 minutes, this is the challenge. I flipped it over, laid back into the cedar seat, and settled in for some relaxation. Each breath, I can feel the heat in the air fill my lungs. It feels nice at first, but as time ticks by, the heat starts to feel a little bit more suffocating. The sweat is real. But I’m trying to remember that this is the whole point.

As the heat of the sauna increases your body temperature, your blood vessels dilate. It promotes circulation, oxygenating your whole body.  Your immune system is stimulated, and your body starts to flush toxins. You can feel the tension leaving your body.

When the 15 minutes are up, the relief I feel when the ocean air greets me at the door is immediate. I take the deepest breath, savouring each sensation my body is feeling. Step 1, is done.

COLD PLUNGE

Now, for step 2 of the thermal spa circuit, you’ve got to prepare yourself for the cold plunge. The ocean is ready to welcome you.

After working up the courage, I ran off the end of the dock and jumped into it’s icy embrace. The shock is immediate. My body is telling me with all its might to get out! Seek warmth! I involuntarily gasp as I reach the surface of the water. But that fight or flight response does subside. I spent the next minute or so treading water, trying to regulate my breathing and embrace the cold.

Remember that the benefits are worth it! The cold water is an instant invigoration, releasing adrenaline into your body. It causes your pores to tighten up, locking in all the beautiful heat you just absorbed. Your blood pressure spikes, and these changes prime your body for toxin release, reducing inflammation, and prepares your muscles to relax. The mental benefits are also huge, as the happy hormones flood through your body.

FULL RELAXATION

Getting out of the water, wrapping up in the comfy robe left hanging on a hook for me was the absolute best feeling. I settled down on the couch for the last step of this thermal spa circuit: doing absolutely nothing. The rest feels good after the rollercoaster I just went through. Gazing out at the lush rainforest surrounding me, I’m trying to calm my mind and stay present in the moment. The suggestion in the thermal circuit booklet is to try a little meditation. So, I spent time focusing on my breathing, long inhale, hold, long exhale. Feeling the ocean fresh air pass through my body in a steady rhythm.

During this 15-minute repose, you’ll feel your body start to regular again and re-enter it’s natural rhythm. Your circulation and heart rate return to baseline.

AN IMPORTANT RESET

I left with a clear mind and felt truly present in the moment. We don’t often get the opportunity to shut off our minds completely. Focusing on intense heat and shocking cold really have a way of stopping all the other thoughts from infiltrating your mind. It’s a reminder to bring some of these insights home. Even just once a week, in whatever time is available, consciously pausing, resetting, and appreciating life’s simple pleasures.

1. Esquimalt Vermouth & Apéritifs

Esquimalt Vermouths have officially become a staple in the bar at our restaurant, Little River. Made by Michaela and Quinn Palmer, who are based in Nanaimo, Esquimalt creates some of the most unique and terroir driven aperitifs in British Columbia. Terroir is a French term often used in the wine world, meaning how a particular region’s climate, soils and terrain affect taste. We carry eight of their vermouths behind the bar and each holds its own special place in our menu. Vermouths are often used to add complexity to cocktails.

Esquimalt’s vermouths stand out because of their unique base. While most vermouths rely on wine, Michaela and Quinn craft theirs from mead made with blueberry-blossom honey. They source the honey from the Peace River Region of B.C. We love the honeyed backbone flavour that it brings to the spirit. Plus, they’re supporting local beekeepers. Beyond the delicious base, they build complexity by incorporating ingredients that are both local and seasonal. Esquimalt also integrates sustainability into every step of their process. Even the citrus peels come from a local juice company they partner with, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

The small team at Esquimalt are truly pushing boundaries. They were the first vermouth producers outside of Europe to receive the World Best Vermouth award. The honour went to both their Semi-sweet Rosso and Dry Vermouth!

Their ‘Cascadia’ aperitifs have especially captured our hearts and tastebuds. Michaela and Quinn collaborated with Vancouver Island foragers to create a vermouth using 100% Vancouver Island native botanicals. These apéritifs are a pure expression of the abundance of our Pacific Northwest forests. When you visit the bar at Nimmo Bay, you’ll experience the Smoked Cascadia vermouth in our signature cocktail the “Renew”. It’s a bright and woodsy sour that highlights cedar-infused gin, seasonal berries, and lemon.

2. Ampersand Distillery

Ampersand Distilling Co. Gin and Per Se Vodka are some of the bottles that we find ourselves reaching for most often. This distillery is a true family operation, run from the Schacht family’s five-acre organic farm in the Cowichan Valley. What we find so impressive is that father and son duo, Stephen and Jeremy, both trained engineers, combined their passion and knowledge to build something of their own. Literally. The two of them designed and hand built their own custom and unique pot and column stills. Now, they’ve been crafting spirits for 10 years.

Ampersand uses organic B.C-grown wheat and water from a freshwater spring discovered under their own property in their spirits. The result of innovation and the care that goes into the ingredients makes their gin and vodka so incredibly smooth and clean. The simplicity is key here. Our team loves to let them shine in a classic martini or gin and tonic. They also make the perfect base for infusing. The team gets inspired by the locally foraged botanicals and farm fresh fruits that arrive to create unique and delicious custom spirits. You’ll have the opportunity to taste cocktails infused with the essence of the Great Bear Rainforest.

3. Wayward Distillery

Found in the Comox Valley, Wayward is a small but mighty distillery. Their uniqueness comes from the fact that they were the first distillery to use 100% B.C honey as the base for all their spirits. On top of making incredibly delicious spirits, what really gets us, though, is how much they care about the bees behind it all. Wayward not only uses honey, but they also actively support pollinator health through various bee programs. They aim to help protect and restore local bee populations. We love their passion for the land, the ecosystem, and the creatures that help it all thrive.

We’re big fans of their Drunken Hive Rum. While traditional rum uses molasses from sugarcane, theirs uses molasses made from caramelized B.C honey. It’s rich, floral, and beautifully spiced. You’ll find that it ads something very special to our Awaken cocktail. This signature cocktail also features Esquimalt’s Bitter Orange Vermouth and farm fresh Okanagan stone fruit. It truly tastes like summer in a glass!

4. Shelter Point

Shelter Point Distillery is a true Vancouver Island treasure nestled on a family farm in Black Creek. The distillery is owned by Patrick Evans, a third-generation local farmer. From the beginning their goal was simple, craft whisky that truly captures the spirit of the land.

To make their signature estate whiskies, Patrick and his team grow their own barley right on the farm and use crystal-clear aquifer water drawn straight from the rock beneath their feet. The copper pot stills work their magic while the whisky ages just steps from the salty ocean air, giving each bottle a subtle hint of coastal character.

One of our favourites to sip by a warm fire is Smoke Point, a single malt whisky aged in barrels smoked with driftwood found on shores nearby. The whisky is rich and briny with the essence of salt and seaweed from the driftwood, capturing the spirit of the island. Smoke Point has that classic, slight toffee sweetness on the palette. It also has an incredibly smooth mouthfeel and a warming, earthy peatiness.

5. Arbutus Distillery

Arbutus is yet another distillery grounded in careful craft and love for wild, local ingredients. Michael Pizzitelli is the founder of Arbutus and has a background in science and biology. After studying distilling and brewing in Scotland, Michael came home to Nanaimo with a mission. He set out to build a distillery on the island that would break beyond normal conventions. They are in pursuit of creating unconventional, truly unique, flavour-forward spirits and cocktails. One of their core values is they only use 100% B.C grown fermentables (grains and fruits) in their spirits. As well, many of the botanicals they use come straight from their own gardens or local wild patches. We commend this dedication to sustainability; it gives these spirits a flavour punch that represents the coast of Vancouver Island.

We carry many of their delicious spirits and liqueurs in Little River, but we’re especially fond of the Amaro #4. They have layered the amaro with incredible ingredients from Vancouver Island, like wild bitter, gentian roots, and Oregon grape. The most prominent flavour though is a quintessential B.C berry, salal. Wild salal grows abundantly around Nimmo and we cherish it’s earthy and sweet blueberry-like taste. The Arbutus Amaro #4 is extremely smooth, citrusy, and has the perfect bittersweet balance. When you’re sitting outside on the dock, enjoying the summer sunshine, we would recommend it in a spritz. Or, once you’re fully stuffed after a world-class dinner, we’ll bring you a glass, neat, as a digestif.

More Than Spirits

From Duncan to the Black Creek, these Vancouver Island distilleries are creating more than just exceptional B.C spirits. They’re crafting a deeper connection to place, sustainability, and story. Each bottle on our bar shelf at Nimmo Bay represents the people, passion, and landscapes that shape this coast. Whether you’re sipping a cedar-infused gin cocktail after a long day of adventure or enjoying a glass of amaro under the stars, our team invites you to taste the spirit of the island with every pour.

If you’re looking for a full culinary experience, check out our Taste the Wild enhancement. The Front of House and Culinary Teams will work together to bring the flavours of the Great Bear Rainforest to life on the plate and in your glass.

Cheers to keeping it local, thoughtful, and delicious.

Weather on MAx

If you want to experience the rainforest in its truest form, October is the time to visit. The rain is pouring from the clouds, and the wind is howling through the trees and across the ocean’s surface. When you wake up in the morning and look out of your cabin windows, the mist is settling on the ground, shrouding everything it touches. It’s like a mystical and moody portrait from your favourite fiction novel, come to life.

A FALL ITINERARY

Nothing feels better during this time than embracing the urge to slow down and be cozy. Our team is up at 5:00 am lighting fires, so you can wake up to warmth and the nostalgic smell of charred wood drifting on the breeze. It’s all about bundling up, toques and wool blankets, devouring hearty and delicious soups and stews, and refreshing your energy, embracing the rhythm of the wild. Let it wash away any stuck feelings, emotions, or tensions that have built up during the business of summer.

Counter the cool weather with long sessions in the hot tubs. Your body will relax into the warmth while you face is misted with the chilled spray coming off the waterfall. If you’re feeling brave, take a chance and cold plunge into the frigid ocean waters. When you emerge, the intense heat of the sauna is ready to embrace you within its cedar walls. Make sure to pack a good book and wander until you find your favourite nook at the resort. We guarantee you’ll settle in, tuck into it and get lost for a few hours. This is also a great time to make the most of our extensive wellness offerings.

Grizzly Season

This is also the grizzly bears’ favourite time to be out and about in the forest and along the shores. They are deeply active, trying to build up the fat reserves that will sustain them through the deep freeze of winter. They’ll be feasting on the last of the salmon run, and this is your best chance at catching a glimpse of these mighty predators who rule the rainforest.

Brave the elements and take a day-trip on a Coastal Safari to search for wildlife. You’ll be perfectly comfortable in one of our custom crafted boats with heating and plush seats. We’ll make sure that your adventure in the wild fall weather is luxurious.

Rainforest in Luxury

While it may seem like an inhospitable environment, you’ll be held in luxury the whole time you’re at Nimmo Bay. If you’re curious about experiencing the purest essence of the rainforest, visiting us is how to do it in comfort. There is no compromising on amenities, even though you’re hundreds of kilometres away from any city or town.

Dine on world-class cuisine prepared by our chefs and served in our floating restaurant, where every meal is an experience. Our team is attuned to your needs, often before you even voice them. Wellness offerings invite you to unwind, and at the end of the day, you’ll return to your private cabin to sink into soft, luxurious linens, wrapped in warmth and serenity.

Port Renfrew

When people think about iconic locations on Vancouver Island, Tofino is often at the top of the list. While this world-renowned destination is surely worth it, during peak season, it can be a little overwhelming, especially on a family vacation. So instead, we’re here to pitch Port Renfrew, also known as the Tall Tree Capital of Canada. It’s situated 2 hours outside of Victoria on the southwest side of the Island.

What to Do?

You’ll be spoiled with activities to choose from in this picturesque town. The waters around Port Renfrew are a little calmer than those in Tofino. It’s tucked along the Port San Juan inlet, sheltered from some of the harsher ocean winds. The inlet is one of the richest intertidal zones on the West Coast, ripe with biodiversity. To experience the most of this, you must visit the Botanical Beach tidepools in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park! Your kids will become little explorers, and we guarantee you’ll be just as enamoured with the life you find hiding in the shallow waters. Discover marine treasures like giant green anemones, starfish, algae, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins in the tidal pools. Just remember to check the tide charts ahead of time and go at low tide.

Sombrio Beach is also a highlight that shouldn’t be missed. Go for a hike and discover the hidden waterfall tucked into a moss-covered canyon, camp on the beach for a night or two, or have a lunchtime picnic with the family. Go for a walk through the forests around the beach. You’ll even be able to see some of the old growth giants that this region is known for. If you’re looking for a lake to visit, instead of the cool ocean waters, Lizard Lake is a great family spot with a day-use area and sandy beach.

Where to Eat?

Make sure you take a break from all your fun and activities and go for a meal on the waterfront at the Renfrew Pub. If you’re looking for a much-needed caffein fix when you wake up, we recommend eating a delicious breakfast at the Coastal Kitchen Café.

Pender Island

The Salish Sea encompasses the body of water between the mainland coast of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. There is a collection of Gulf Islands that offer popular tourist spots in the Salish Sea. These islands are all about sun, slowing down, and the creative arts. Arguably, none are more popular than Salt Spring Island. However, if you’re looking for a similar adventure with a small island feel, Pender Island is the way to go. It’s a charming, cozy, natural oasis.

What to do?

One unique activity the whole family can get into is disc golf! The Golf Island Disc Park on Pender is one of the premier disc courses in North America. If you don’t own your own discs, you can pick some up nearby at Pender Island Kayak Adventures. And when it’s time for a little break from all the kids’ activities, Sea Star Vineyard is one of our top winery recommendations. There is plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy a sunny day and children are welcome to come with you. At some point during your stay, everyone will be craving a treat and hands-down the best place to go is Pender Chocolates. This chocolate shop and café hand craft to-die-for chocolates and a variety of beverages to sip alongside your sweets.

For a small hike and a great place to spend half a day, Roesland is a park located on North Pender Island. Pack up your lunch for a little picnic, or go for a playdate by the beach. You’ll even find the Pender Island Museum close by. If you’re looking to get out on the water and try your luck at spotting some marine life, you can take a boat tour. Salt Spring Adventures offers whale watching tours that pick up at the North-end of Pender Island. You and your family will spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding islands and searching for whales, while learning first-hand about local ecosystems and wildlife in the area.

Cumberland

While Squamish and Whistler might get the usual hype for the best outdoor activity locations close to Vancouver, there’s another option on the coast. We’re here to share that you will fall in love with Cumberland instead. Cumberland is a village an hours drive north of Nanaimo. It’s known for great food, arts and culture, and plenty of outdoor activities for your family vacation.

What to do?

If you’re looking for a spot where there’s something for every kid and teen, the Village Park is where to go. When your family drives up, everyone will think you’ve hit the jackpot! This public park comes outfitted with a playground, a splashpad, skatepark, dirt jumps, and so much more! If you’re looking for more adrenalin fuelled adventures, Cumberland also boasts the best mountain biking on Vancouver Island. From fast and flowy to rocky and technical, these trails have variety. With over 200 km of singletrack trails, you can spend hours in the hills just steps from downtown. When you’re looking for a shift in energy, take an educational detour and visit the Cumberland Museum. Through a variety of exhibits, you and your family will learn all about the town and its people since time immemorial.

Where to eat?

Though it’s a small village, you’ll find no shortage of incredible food in Cumberland. First off, the Cumberland Village Bakery is an institution that can’t be missed! Everyone raves about the donuts and so will you. To fuel up after your day of adventuring, check out Cooks Restaurant, for the most classic smash burgers and milkshakes. For sandwiches and bowls that satisfy cravings at breakfast or lunch, visit Laneway Coffee and Kitchen. Serving local and seasonal food, they are redefining the expectations of a small-town café.

NImmo Bay

If you’re looking to take a family vacation this summer outside even the smallest towns and villages in British Columbia, Nimmo Bay is as secluded as it gets. With no roads in or out and only 9 cabins, there are no crowds. Every amenity is available to you during your trip. Here, you can truly unplug and reconnect with what matters most, each other. Our remote location offers families a rare opportunity to explore pristine wilderness, spot wildlife from a kayak, or share stories by the fire without distraction. With tailored experiences for all ages, thoughtful service, and endless room to roam, Nimmo Bay is a peaceful, safe, and unforgettable escape from the busy pace of everyday life.