Nimmo Bay Wilderness Lodge Central Coast of British Columbia

Reach Nimmo Bay by floatplane or helicopter, a breathtaking journey over coastal mountains and inlets. The lodge is accessible only by air or water, adding to its sense of seclusion and deep immersion in the wild.

Yes – children are very welcome at Nimmo Bay, and the experience can be magical for families.

Days can be tailored around younger explorers, from gentle kayaking and paddleboarding to beachcombing, waterfall swims and wildlife-spotting by boat. Guides are brilliant with children, patient, playful and full of stories – and the team goes out of their way to make little ones feel at home, from flexible dining to treasure hunts in the forest.

Multi-generational groups work particularly well here, with private cabins and the freedom to design each day around different interests and energy levels.

Nimmo Bay is consciously built and operated to minimise its impact on the fragile Great Bear Rainforest ecosystem, with sustainability central to every decision from the start. The lodge generates most of its own power from a small Pelton‑wheel hydroelectric plant, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and keeping carbon emissions low. Buildings are half‑floating over water or raised on stilts to avoid clearing forest, and materials are sourced locally or chosen for low environmental impact. Single‑use plastics have been eliminated; guests receive reusable water bottles and facilities use refillable bathroom products and locally produced, sustainable toiletries. Water comes from natural filtered sources and is UV treated on‑site. Waste is rigorously managed with composting, recycling and advanced wastewater treatment systems to protect land and waterways. The culinary programme focuses on hyper‑local sourcing, foraging and seasonal ingredients, strengthening connections to land and sea. The lodge also actively participates in conservation and community projects, including research partnerships that support salmon genetics and wildlife habitat protection, and prioritises local hiring and cultural engagement. Their guiding principle is to take only what can be given back, striving for balance between luxury experiences and environmental stewardship in this remote wilderness.

• Return floatplane transfers – scenic flights to and from Port Hardy included as part of the journey
• Private cabin accommodation – beautifully designed forest or intertidal cabins with cosy touches and sweeping views
• All meals and snacks – daily-changing menus using locally sourced, foraged and freshly caught ingredients
• House wines and local spirits – a curated selection of regional wines, beers and small-batch spirits
• Guided wilderness experiences – kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, wildlife-viewing and foraging with expert local guides
• Use of lodge equipment – including paddleboards, rain gear, fishing rods, wetsuits and more
• Daily wellness offerings – yoga sessions and access to outdoor hot tubs and the floating cedar sauna

Nimmo Bay Wilderness Lodge began as a family dream in the early 1980s, when Craig and Deborah Murray built a small, floating fishing lodge in a remote cove of British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest. With no road access, everything – including the floating cabins – had to be brought in by boat or air. Over the years, the Murrays expanded the lodge into one of Canada’s pioneering wilderness retreats, blending heli-fishing and later heli-adventures with heartfelt hospitality and deep respect for nature. Their son Fraser has since taken the helm, evolving the experience into something even more holistic – combining foraging, yoga, kayaking, wellness and conservation. Today, Nimmo Bay remains family-run and resolutely off-grid, powered by its own hydro system and shaped by a belief in stewardship and sustainability. It’s still the kind of place where staff know your name – but now with access to 50,000 square kilometres of wild, sacred space.