Itineraries Nature & Wildlife Trip Ideas
Below are itineraries to help inspire your trip planning.
Please note: Due to limited availability, we are not always able to schedule activities as outlined in these itineraries.
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Spring: 3-Night Itinerary
Day 1 - Hike
Arrive at Sonora Resort by helicopter or seaplane from Vancouver or by water taxi from Campbell River. Relax in your luxurious ocean-facing accommodation complete with a pair of binoculars to watch the wildlife from your window. Enjoy a sunset stroll through the lush forest on our many hiking trails before enjoying a gourmet dinner in the Tyee Dining Room. We recommend trying the Pacific Salmon Foundation Lager, where a portion of sales goes to their Foundation. Supporting local beer and the local salmon stocks at the same time- now that’s a good reason to raise a glass.
Day 2 – Tide-To-Table
Head out on the water early in the morning on the Tide-to-Table Expedition. Explore the local fjords and waterways as you search for wildlife, jig for lingcod, troll for salmon and trap Spot prawns and Dungeness crabs. If you’ve had a successful fishing day on the water, our Chefs will be waiting to prepare your local feast for dinner tonight. Sip fine wine in a soothing hot tub under the stars to complete your day.
Day 3 – Ocean Kayak
Enjoy a delicious breakfast, then dip your paddle in emerald waters on a two-and-a-half-hour Ocean Kayak Tour. Explore Surge Narrows Marine Park, home to nutrient-rich waters and a spectacular variety of colourful intertidal critters. A variety of sea birds, seals, Dall’s porpoises, dolphins, and sea lions share the waters that we paddle. Back at Sonora, walk to Sonora Springs for the perfect photo of lounging Harbour Seals, then sit down to a sumptuous Chef’s Tasting Menu in the Tyee Dining Room.
Day 4 – Eco Tour
Hop aboard a 1 or 2 hour Eco Adventure Tour in search of Bald eagles, seals, sea lions and more. Visit the Innes Conference Center to print pictures captured on your trip, then savour a delicious lunch featuring fresh West Coast ingredients before departing the resort.
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Summer: 3-Night Itinerary
Day 1 – Discovery Island Viewpoint
Arrive at Sonora Resort by helicopter or seaplane from Vancouver or by water taxi from Campbell River. Settle into your luxurious accommodation then head straight to the Discovery Island Viewpoint for an incredible view of 2000 lb Steller sea lions fishing for salmon in the Innes passage. Enjoy a delicious meal in the Tyee Dining Room with seasonal, local ingredients.
Day 2 – Charter Cruise & Island Currents Spa
Join a Charter Cruise for a thrilling morning spent exploring ancient cedars that tower hundreds of feet high and incredible wildlife viewing of the Pacific Coast. Enjoy an idyllic picnic lunch in the forest before heading to the Island Currents Spa for an afternoon of pampering at our ocean-side retreat. As the sun dips lower, a custom cocktail from the bar and specialty Dungeness Crab dinner whets your appetite.
Day 3 – Helicopter, Whale & Glacier Tour
Take to the skies and sea in a once-in-a-lifetime wilderness viewing experience that very few people get to see. The Helicopter, Whale and Glacier Tour is a private helicopter journey over snow-capped mountains to Port McNeil, where you’ll board a 55ft passenger vessel for a 4-5 hour whale watching tour. Spot Killer whales, Minke whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Dall’s porpoises, Harbour seals, Stellar sea lions, Humpback whales, Bald eagles and a variety of other sea birds. Hop back in the helicopter to touch down on a glacier or remote mountaintop and take in the 360° view over a glass of champagne. In the evening, sit down to a gourmet dinner, sip fine wine and mingle with other guests in the lounge or games room.
Day 4 – Hike
Spend the morning spotting the variety of wildlife on Sonora Island. Stroll one or two of the many well-marked hiking and biking trails to see if you can get a glimpse of a soaring Bald eagle or grazing Black bear. Enjoy a delicious gourmet pizza from the woodstone oven on the Tyee Patio overlooking an ocean vista, before departing the resort.
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Fall: 3-Night Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive
Arrive at Sonora Resort by helicopter or seaplane from Vancouver or by water taxi from Campbell River. Relax in your luxurious ocean-facing accommodation complete with a pair of binoculars so you can watch the wildlife from your window. In the evening, cozy up on the Tyee Patio and enjoy a Chef’s Tasting Menu and our Sommelier’s wine pairings.
Day 2 – Grizzly Bear Tour
Observe one of the most magnificent and elusive animals on the continent – the great Grizzly bear in its wild habitat. The Grizzly Bear Tour is a short voyage to a river inlet by boat where you are met by an experienced Homalco First Nations guide. Carry on by vehicle to covered bear-viewing towers to quietly watch these spectacular animals pluck salmon from the riverbanks. Spot eagles, ravens, and elk in the lush, cathedral-like forest as the guides share their knowledge about the bears, salmon, Homalco people and their ties to the land. End your day back at the resort by sampling fresh Pacific oysters as you sip a glass of wine from Sonora’s award-winning cellar.
Day 3 – Guided Hike & Island Currents Spa
After a delicious sweet or savoury breakfast, explore Sonora Island’s natural splendour and stunning fall foliage with a guided hike. Your experienced guide provides informative narration on the area’s flora, fauna, and historical significance. Spend the afternoon soaking in a luxurious treatment at Island Currents Spa for total body and spirit wellness at our ocean-side retreat. End the day with an impressive culinary treat – a Tomahawk steak dinner, prepared by the expert chefs of Sonora.
Day 4 – Conservatory
After a scrumptious breakfast, meander through the Conservatory, a tranquil indoor green space. Experience both a tropical and seasonal environment, including local varieties of flora that you may have spotted on your journey around Sonora before departing the resort.
