Review: Sonora Resort, British Colombia (Canada)

Wednesday newsletters feature a hotel or flight review.

I recently enjoyed a sublime holiday in Canada and Alaska. You can read my trip reports here:

Review: British Airways A350 Business Class from London to Vancouver
Review: Luminara Superyacht by The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Review: Ultra-luxury voyage in Alaska with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Review: Sonora Resort, British Colombia (today)
Review: JW Marriott Parq Vancouver & the Dougles, Autograph Collection Hotel (Vancouver)
Review: British Airways A350 Business Class from Vancouver to London

Review: Sonora Resort, British Colombia (Canada)

Hotel website: Sonora Resort
Location: Google Maps
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso

Sonora Resort is one of those rare luxury properties where the journey, setting and experiences are just as important as the hotel itself. Located on remote Sonora Island in British Columbia’s spectacular Discovery Islands, this Relais & Châteaux resort offers an extraordinary combination of wilderness, privacy and refined hospitality. Sonora Resort originally began in 1979 as a rustic fishing lodge before being transformed into the luxury wilderness retreat it is today. Surrounded by mountains, dense coastal rainforest and pristine waterways, the resort feels wonderfully removed from everyday life and places guests directly in the heart of the wilderness, with wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures forming a central part of the experience.

Sonora Resort features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels and resorts in Canada.

Have you ever stayed at Sonora Resort? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

Pros & things I like
Cons & things to know
My verdict
Tips for future guests & save money
Best time to visit
How to get there
Photos

Pros & Things I Like

The breathtaking location is undoubtedly one of Sonora Resort’s greatest assets. The property occupies a spectacular waterfront setting on the eastern edge of Sonora Island, within the Discovery Islands off the coast of British Columbia. There are no roads connecting the resort to the outside world, and there are no neighboring towns or developments to interrupt the scenery. Instead, the resort is surrounded by rugged mountains, dense temperate rainforest, rocky shorelines and the waters of the surrounding channels. Depending on where you are on the island, you can look across the water towards forested islands and snow-capped peaks or simply watch wildlife moving through this extraordinary landscape. The remote location also gives Sonora a remarkable sense of tranquility. Even though the resort offers extensive facilities and activities, nature always remains the dominant presence: eagles can be seen overhead, marine life passes through the surrounding waters and the forest provides a constant backdrop.

Getting to Sonora Resort is part of the experience. Because the resort is located on a remote island with no road access, it can only be reached by air or water. The most convenient option is a 50-minute helicopter flight from Vancouver. The helicopter service is operated by London Air Services, with departures from Skyservice at Vancouver International Airport. This is a separate facility from the main airport terminal, around a 10-minute taxi ride away, and guests are asked to arrive about one hour before departure. The private aviation terminal has a comfortable lounge, making the experience considerably more relaxed than a conventional airport departure. Once airborne, the flight becomes an attraction in itself, taking guests over the Gulf Islands and the spectacular waterways of Desolation Sound before landing directly at Sonora Resort. Seaplane transfers are also possible from Vancouver, depending on the number of guests and weather conditions. If you are traveling from the United States, Kenmore Air also operates scheduled seaplane flights from Kenmore/Lake Washington in Seattle to Sonora, with the journey taking around three hours depending on stops. A water taxi from Campbell River on Vancouver Island provides another option.

One of the interesting aspects of Sonora Resort is its transformation from a remote fishing lodge into a sophisticated luxury wilderness retreat. The property first began welcoming guests as a rustic fishing lodge in 1979. Its history changed significantly when Vancouver’s Louie family acquired the resort in the early 2000s. Brandt Louie, whose family business includes London Drugs and London Air Services, was already familiar with the property and had a strong personal interest in fishing and the British Columbia wilderness. Under the family’s ownership, Sonora underwent a major transformation, with substantial investment in new accommodation, facilities and infrastructure. The aim was not simply to create a more luxurious fishing lodge, but to develop a destination that could combine wilderness adventure, fine dining, wellness and high-end accommodation. The result is the resort that exists today: a collection of lodges and villas spread across the island, surrounded by facilities and experiences that make the property much more than a fishing destination. Fishing remains an important part of the experience, but today it sits alongside wildlife viewing, helicopter adventures, spa treatments and gourmet cuisine.

Sonora Resort has a distinctive layout that makes it feel more like a small wilderness village than a conventional luxury hotel. At the heart of the property is the main lodge, which serves as the social center of the resort and houses a restaurant, lounge, boutique, games room and cinema. Rather than concentrating everything in a single building, the other facilities and accommodations are spread throughout the surrounding grounds in a series of separate pavilions. The spa, conservatory and tennis court are all located in their own buildings, while the rooms, suites and villas are housed in individual lodges scattered around the property. Directly in front of the main lodge is a large terrace overlooking the water, providing one of the property’s most beautiful vantage points and a natural gathering place throughout the day. Just beyond the terrace is Sonora’s private dock, which is effectively the gateway to the surrounding wilderness. It is from here that most of the resort’s marine excursions depart, whether in search of whales and other wildlife, for fishing trips or for exploring the spectacular coastal waterways.

Accommodation at Sonora Resort is spread across several separate lodges and buildings. The different pavilions are connected to the main areas by paths through the landscaped grounds, and each has its own character while following the same West Coast design philosophy. Many of the buildings feature common lounges with fireplaces and large windows overlooking the surrounding landscape, creating inviting places to relax outside your room. Another particularly nice feature is that the individual pavilions have their own hot tubs, allowing guests to enjoy a soak surrounded by the peaceful natural setting. Interiors make extensive use of cedar, stone and other natural materials, with large windows bringing the scenery indoors. During my stay, I was accommodated in Arbutus Lodge, which I found to be one of the most beautiful pavilions at the resort. My lodge enjoyed a spectacular frontal view of the waterways, while the magnificent rooftop Jacuzzi provided an exceptional spot to take in the surrounding wilderness.

During my holiday at Sonora Resort, I stayed in a Diamond Ocean Vaulted Room. Located on the top floor, the room featured a vaulted ceiling that created a particularly spacious and airy feeling. Large picture windows made the surrounding landscape the star of the room, with beautiful frontal views stretching across the water towards the mountains. The interior followed Sonora’s West Coast aesthetic, combining natural shades of cedar, sand and slate with post-and-beam construction. A comfortable daybed was located along the window, while a gas fireplace added warmth and a cozy atmosphere. The generous bathroom features heated floors, a large soaking tub and a separate glass-and-slate shower. I also appreciated the thoughtful welcome amenities, including a reusable water bottle and a baseball cap featuring the Sonora logo. The minibar was generously stocked with complimentary drinks and snacks, which was particularly convenient after a day spent exploring the wilderness. Overall, the room felt comfortable with large windows keeping the spectacular surroundings firmly at the center of the experience.

The design of Sonora Resort is best described as understated West Coast luxury. Rather than trying to compete with the scenery, the architecture and interiors have been designed to complement it. Cedar, natural stone, slate, exposed beams and large windows are recurring elements throughout the accommodation and public areas. The colors of the interiors echo the surrounding forest, rock, sand and water, while fireplaces and comfortable seating areas create a welcoming atmosphere when the weather turns cooler. The main lodge follows the same philosophy, combining timber and stone with large windows that frame the surrounding wilderness. It feels more like an elegant mountain lodge than a conventional luxury hotel lobby. This is important at Sonora because the architecture never becomes the focus. Instead, it provides a comfortable frame through which to experience the destination. The property has clearly evolved considerably from its beginnings as a fishing lodge, but it has managed to retain the character and warmth of a remote Canadian lodge.

Although most guests come to Sonora for the wilderness, there is an impressive selection of facilities on the property for moments when you simply want to relax or stay close to the resort. The outdoor heated swimming pool is an attractive place to unwind, particularly with the surrounding forest and mountains as a backdrop. There are also oceanside mineral pools (at the spa) and dozens of hot tubs associated at the individual lodges. For active guests, Sonora has a covered indoor tennis court that can also accommodate pickleball, basketball and table tennis. There is a nine-hole putting green, a virtual golf setup and stocked fly-fishing ponds where guests can practize their skills without leaving the property. The games room adds another option for downtime, with billiards, shuffleboard and foosball, while the small movie theater provides a surprisingly fun way to spend an evening. The Conservatory offers a quieter space allowing guests to sit back and appreciate the surroundings. What I appreciate about these facilities is that they never feel like the reason to come to Sonora. They are complementary experiences that fill the gaps between excursions and allow the resort to work equally well for rainy days and slower afternoons.

Dining is an important part of the Sonora Resort experience, with all meals included in the accommodation rate. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are covered, so there is no need to think about where to eat during your stay. All main meals are served in the Tyee Dining Room, located in the main lodge, which overlooks the spectacular surrounding waterways. Breakfast combines a buffet of pastries, fruit, yoghurt and juices with a selection of hot dishes, while lunch is served à la carte. For excursions that extend through lunchtime, the kitchen can also prepare boxed lunches to take with you. Dinner is the highlight of the culinary experience, with a menu divided into two sections: one page features dishes that remain available throughout your stay, while another page changes completely every day. This daily rotation is particularly welcome when staying for several nights, as it brings something new to the table each evening. The cuisine showcases the flavors and ingredients of British Columbia, with fresh seafood and seasonal produce featuring prominently. House wines, beer, cider, seltzers and non-alcoholic beverages are included, while premium cellar wines, spirits and cocktails are charged separately.

For a resort so focused on adventure, Sonora has an impressively comprehensive wellness offering. The Island Currents Spa is a forest sanctuary designed around the restorative qualities of water and nature. The facility includes six treatment rooms, manicure and pedicure facilities, outdoor mineral pools, and sauna and steam room located withing the locker rooms. Treatments range from massages and facials to body treatments and other spa therapies, making it easy to combine an active wilderness itinerary with some restorative downtime. One of the most enjoyable experiences is the spa’s Water Journey, which follows a sequence of heat, cooling and relaxation. Guests can move between the sauna or steam room, warm mineral pool, Swiss shower and cool mineral pool, creating a wonderfully relaxing ritual overlooking the surrounding landscape. After a demanding hike or helicopter adventure, spending some time in the Water Journey provides the perfect counterbalance. The spa is also home to a fully equipped fitness center, which features weight machines, free weights, kettlebells, bands, medicine balls and a separate stretch studio.

Sonora Resort has been a member of Relais & Châteaux since 2009, placing it within a highly regarded collection of independent luxury hotels and restaurants around the world. Relais & Châteaux has a history that goes back to 1954, when eight independent hotels and restaurants in France joined together to create what was then known as the “Relais de Campagne.” Their idea was simple but distinctive: to create a collection of exceptional properties where hospitality, gastronomy, local traditions and a strong sense of place were as important as luxury itself. Over the decades, the association evolved into an international collection of more than 580 independent hotels and restaurants across 65 countries, encompassing everything from historic châteaux and grand country estates to island retreats, mountain lodges and celebrated restaurants. Some members have become legendary names in hospitality, including Château de la Chèvre d’Or on the French Riviera, Cliveden House in England and Maison Lameloise in Burgundy. What unites such remarkably different properties is not a particular architectural style, but a shared philosophy centred on gastronomy, authenticity, exceptional hospitality and a deep connection with the destination.

The biggest reason to stay at Sonora Resort is undoubtedly the activities. This is a destination where the experiences outside the resort can be just as spectacular as the resort itself. Depending on the season, guests can head out by boat to search for whales, dolphins, sea lions and bald eagles, kayak through the emerald waters of the Discovery Islands, hike through ancient rainforest or go fishing in the surrounding waters. From late August into autumn, one of Sonora’s signature experiences is its grizzly bear excursion. Guests travel by boat into the inlet before continuing with a Homalco First Nation guide to viewing platforms overlooking the river, where grizzlies gather to feed on spawning salmon. Helicopter adventures take the experience to another level, with options ranging from heli-hiking and glacier walks to helicopter flights over the Coast Mountains and combined whale-and-glacier excursions. One of the most memorable possibilities is to combine a helicopter journey with whale watching, allowing you to experience British Columbia’s wilderness from both the air and the water in a single day. The activities are not simply excursions added to a hotel stay; they are the reason this remote location makes sense.

Cons & Things To Know

The first consideration is getting to Sonora. For guests who are uncomfortable flying, the standard 50-minute helicopter journey from Vancouver or three hour seaplane from Seattle may be a drawback, particularly as the remote location is an integral part of the experience. The good news is that there are alternatives: Sonora can also be reached by boat, including water-taxi transfers from Campbell River, making the resort accessible without having to take a helicopter. For most guests, however, the journey is part of the adventure. Flying over the mountains, forests and waterways of coastal British Columbia provides a spectacular introduction to Sonora and immediately gives you a sense of just how remote the resort really is.

Another consideration is the design. Sonora embraces a very authentic West Coast aesthetic, with cedar, stone, timber, fireplaces and natural materials that fit beautifully with the surrounding wilderness. Personally, I think this gives the resort considerable charm and character. That said, in certain areas the interiors do not always have the highly polished, luxurious feel you might expect from an ultra-luxury property, and some spaces could benefit from refurbishment and a more contemporary design. This is not necessarily a flaw, as the relaxed West Coast character is very much part of Sonora’s identity, but guests accustomed to the sleek interiors of newer luxury resorts may find teh decor of the property somewhat underwhelming.

It is worth understanding that Sonora is not primarily a destination you visit for its accommodation. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, but the real reason to come here is the extraordinary setting and the world-class experiences available beyond your room. This is a place where the landscape is the main attraction: helicopter flights to remote glacier lakes, whale and wildlife excursions, kayaking, fishing and countless opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness. For me, the accommodation provides a comfortable base from which to experience all of this, rather than being the destination in itself. That distinction is important when comparing Sonora with conventional luxury resorts where the hotel itself is often the main attraction.

When it came to the cuisine, my experience was a bit mixed. The food at Sonora is undoubtedly of a very high standard, and I enjoyed many of the dishes, but it did not consistently blow me away in the way I might expect from a Relais & Châteaux property. A few dishes felt less successful than others, and I sometimes found the presentation could have been more refined. That said, this is also very much a matter of personal taste. The cuisine has a distinctly North American character, with generous combinations of textures and flavours, rather than the more restrained or technically elaborate style found at some European luxury hotels. The ingredients are excellent and the kitchen makes good use of the region’s seafood and seasonal produce. So while the food was certainly very good overall, it was perhaps not the aspect of my stay that left the strongest impression.

Sonora is one of the most beautiful places I have ever stayed at, and throughout my visit I kept thinking about how extraordinary the property could become with a major investment in its interiors and guest spaces. It is easy to imagine a brand such as Rosewood or Four Seasons taking over the management and carefully refurbishing the property while preserving its remarkable setting and character. With a more contemporary design and a truly ultra-luxury interpretation of the interiors, I believe the underlying ingredients are already here to create one of the world’s most extraordinary hotels. Of course, such a transformation would almost certainly come with a very different price point, potentially doubling or even tripling current rates. For now, there is something genuinely charming about Sonora remaining independently and family owned, with its character and sense of place intact.

My Verdict

Location: 10/10
Design: 7/10
Pools: 8/10
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Excursions: 10/10
Spa: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Wow factor: 10/10
Value for money: 10/10
Overall experience: very good 8.8/10

Tips & Save Money

Save money: get VIP perks at Sonora Resort when booking through Virtuoso:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- A complimentary one-hour eco tour for two guests
- Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Sonora Resort (and/or receive many free perks).

Room tip: For the best combination of views and atmosphere, ask for a Diamond Ocean Vaulted Room in Arbutus Lodge, ideally on the top floor. The vaulted ceiling, ocean views and proximity to the lodge make it a particularly appealing choice.

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

Best Time To Visit

Sonora Resort is open from May through mid-October, with each period offering a slightly different experience. May and June bring lush landscapes, impressive waterfalls and excellent conditions for fishing, although the weather can be cool and changeable. July and August are generally warmer and sunnier, making them ideal for boating, kayaking, hiking and enjoying the resort’s outdoor facilities. September is my preferred month, particularly for wildlife enthusiasts, as it coincides with the prime grizzly bear viewing season, when the bears gather to feed on spawning salmon. The weather is often still pleasantly mild, while the forests begin to take on beautiful autumn colours. October is quieter and cooler, with shorter days and spectacular autumn scenery, while grizzly bear excursions remain available until the resort closes in mid-October.

Overall, I would choose September for the best combination of weather, scenery and wildlife, especially if seeing grizzly bears is high on your list. May, June and October can also be attractive alternatives for travelers looking for lower-season rates and a more peaceful atmosphere.

How To Get There

Getting to Sonora Resort is an adventure in itself, as the remote property is accessible only by air or water. The most convenient option is the resort’s approximately 50-minute helicopter transfer from Vancouver, departing from the South Terminal area of Vancouver International Airport. Alternatively, guests can arrive by seaplane or boat, including water-taxi transfers from Vancouver Island. There are also seasonal seaplane connections from Seattle, operated by Kenmore Air, making Sonora surprisingly accessible despite its wonderfully remote setting. The journey over the mountains, forests and waterways of coastal British Columbia is spectacular and provides a memorable introduction to the wilderness that surrounds the resort.

Photos

Below is a selection of my photos from Sonora Resort. To view additional images, including breakfast, lunch and dinner at the main restaurant, click here.