Must-see hotels in British Columbia

  • Free Spirit Spheres

    Vancouver Island

    When it comes to extravagantly unconventional accommodations, these three wooden spheres, handmade by owner-inventor Tom Chudleigh and suspended like…

  • Wickaninnish Inn

    Tofino

    Cornering the market in luxury winter storm-watching packages, 'the Wick' is worth a stay any time of year. Embodying nature with its recycled-wood…

  • Ocean Island Inn

    Victoria

    The kind of hostel that’ll make you want to become a backpacker (again), the Ocean is a fabulous blitz of sharp color accents, global travel memorabilia…

  • Skwachàys Lodge

    Gastown & Chinatown

    The 18 small but elegantly designed rooms at this sparkling First Nations art hotel include the captivating Forest Spirits Suite, with floor-to-ceiling…

  • Sunset Inn & Suites

    Vancouver

    A good-value cut above most of Vancouver's self-catering suite hotels, the popular Sunset Inn offers larger-than-average rooms with kitchens. Each has a…

  • Victorian Hotel

    Vancouver

    The high-ceilinged rooms at this well-maintained heritage hotel combine glossy hardwood floors, a sprinkling of antiques, an occasional bay window and…

  • Nita Lake Lodge

    Whistler

    Adjoining the handsome Creekside railway station, this chic timber-framed lodge offers 'suites' rather than mere rooms, the smallest of which is an ample…

  • Black Rock Oceanfront Resort

    Vancouver Island

    Ucluelet's fanciest hotel feels like a transplant from Tofino. Set dramatically on the Pacific waterfront and painted the same gray hue as the rocks, it…

  • Crown Mansion

    Vancouver Island

    The effortlessly regal Crown Mansion is easily worthy of its name. Dating from 1914, this country hotel mixes modern comforts with handsome historical…

  • Abigail’s Hotel

    Victoria

    A boutique hotel with the ambience of a B&B, the historic, regal and faintly English Abigail’s is Victoria’s most Victorian accommodations despite the…

  • Painted Boat Resort Spa & Marina

    British Columbia

    A boutique waterfront resort where the spacious villa accommodations look like a West Coast dream home. One- and two-bedroom units hug the waterfront…

  • Galiano Inn

    British Columbia

    The island’s most deluxe accommodations occupies a small unobtrusive collection of buildings right next to the ferry dock, complete with spa, manicured…

  • Hastings House Hotel

    Salt Spring Island

    This smashing rustic-chic hotel with 17 rooms is just up the hill from the main Ganges action, but it feels like staying in a country cottage estate in…

  • Riding Fool Hostel

    Vancouver Island

    One of BC's finest hostels colonizes a restored Cumberland heritage building with its rustic wooden interiors, large kitchen and lounge areas and, along…

  • Lake House

    British Columbia

    This lovely B&B sits right on the edge of Dutch Lake and features three exquisite rooms in a large log house, handmade rustic wooden furniture, an…

  • Hotel Zed

    Kelowna

    An old Travelodge has been reborn as this funky throwback to a 1960s that never existed. The rooms come in many shapes and sizes; all are in cheery colors…

  • Harrison Hot Springs Resort

    Harrison Hot Springs

    This fabled resort on the lakefront in Harrison Hot Springs exudes peace. Open since 1886, it has an art-deco flair and offers good service. The hot…

  • Kwa'lilas Hotel

    Vancouver Island

    A beautiful manifestation of Kwakwaka’wakw culture, this new-ish cedar-wood hotel is rich with indigenous art. The modern, uncluttered look extends to the…

  • Adventure Hotel

    British Columbia

    Rooms come in three flavors at this well-located, slick, renovated hotel: budget (tiny, two bunk beds, shower down the hall), economy (full private bath)…

  • Burrowing Owl Guest House

    Okanagan Valley

    One of the Okanagan's best wineries has 10 rooms with patios facing southwest over the vineyards. There's a big pool, a hot tub, king-size beds and…

  • Cacilia's B&B

    Haida Gwaii

    Cacilia's is in a lovely spot in Tlell, a 30-minute drive north from the ferry landing. There are seven rooms, four with private bath, in a big log…

  • Bell 2 Lodge

    Northern BC

    This northern oasis is at the 248km mark on the Stewart-Cassiar Hwy, 241km south of Dease Lake, where Hwy 37 crosses the Bell-Irving River. There are tent…

  • Plaza Hotel

    British Columbia

    In a town of bland modernity as far as lodgings go, the Plaza reeks of character. This 67-room, six-story classic has changed little on the outside since…

  • Kootenay Park Lodge

    British Columbia

    The pick of the few places to stay inside the park, this lodge has a range of cute log cabins complete with verandah, fridge and hot plates. Think rustic…

  • Hotel Eldorado

    Kelowna

    This historic lakeshore retreat, south of Pandosy Village, has 19 heritage rooms where you can bask in antique-filled luxury. A modern, low-key wing has…

  • Lake O'Hara Lodge

    British Columbia

    Leaving guests slack-jawed for more than 90 years, the lodge is the only place to stay at the lake if you're not traveling with a tent. It's luxurious in…

  • Truffle Pigs Lodge

    British Columbia

    Field’s only hotel is a timber building with heritage charm. The 14 rooms are fairly simply decked out, though. Some have small kitchens. The owners run…

  • Dreamcatcher Hostel

    British Columbia

    Run by two veteran travelers, this centrally located hostel has everything a budget traveler could hope for. There are three dorm rooms, five private…

  • Bella Coola Mountain Lodge

    British Columbia

    The rooms, many with kitchen facilities, are huge and there's an excellent espresso bar at this lodge 15km east of Bella Coola village. The owners also…

  • Eagle's Nest Resort

    British Columbia

    At Anahim Lake, 320km west of Williams Lake and 130km east of Bella Coola, this small resort lodge has a variety of rooms, cabins and a cottage. Enjoy…

  • Regent Hotel

    British Columbia

    The poshest place in the center is not lavish, but it is comfy. The 42 modern rooms bear no traces of the hotel's 1914 roots and exterior. The restaurant…

  • Watermark Beach Resort

    Okanagan Valley

    A top spot right on the water in Osoyoos, perfect for couples and families. Facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, hot tubs, spa, restaurants…

  • Crest Hotel

    Prince Rupert

    Prince Rupert's premier hotel has harbor-view rooms that are worth every penny, right down to the built-in bay-window seats with loaner binoculars. Avoid…

  • Eagle Bluff B&B

    Prince Rupert

    In an ideal location on Cow Bay, this pier-side B&B is in a heritage building that has a striking red-and-white paint job. Inside, the seven rooms have…

  • Premier Creek Lodging

    Haida Gwaii

    Dating from 1910, this is the top place to stay in the town of Queen Charlotte. The lodge has 14 rooms that range from tiny but great-value singles to…

  • Dancing Bear Inn

    British Columbia

    The brilliant management here offers advice and smooths the stay of guests in the 14 shared and private rooms, all of which share baths. There's a gourmet…

  • Ripley Creek Inn

    Northern BC

    The 40 rooms in various heritage buildings are decorated with new and old items; decor varies greatly. The Peterson House is a former brothel. Check out…

  • Park Place Lodge

    British Columbia

    The nicest lodging close to the center, Park Place offers 64 comfortable rooms with fridge and microwave, and access to an indoor pool and hot tub. Some…

  • Buchan Hotel

    Vancouver

    The 1926-built Buchan, just steps from Stanley Park, has bags of charm. Facilities were being upgraded on our visit and while prices have risen somewhat…

  • Times Square Suites Hotel

    Vancouver

    Superbly located a short walk from Stanley Park, this West End hidden gem (even the entrance can be hard to spot) is a comfy apartment-style Vancouver…