BC’s Top 5 Backcountry Lodges

Posted on 01. May, 2009 by BCAA in BC

Until recently, overnighting at one of the 30 catered-and-staffed backcountry lodges scattered throughout the mountainous regions of B.C. meant doing without all but the most basic amenities. Today, however, a growing number of the province’s remote retreats are redefining backcountry lodging with words like showers, indoor toilets, private rooms, gourmet dining – even wireless Internet. Just tag on an impressive roster of green credentials (post heli-access, these self-propelled vacations are as sustainable as they come), and the result is guilt-free, luxuriously chic comfort seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

1. Revelstoked – Selkirk Mountain Experience

In the 23 years since Swiss mountain guide Ruedi Beglinger stumbled across an imposing slab of the Alps north of Revelstoke, he has steadily transformed his Swiss-chalet-style lodge into a modern mountainside hotel.

The latest additions – a propane-powered shower room, micro-hydro-generated electricity throughout and Wi-Fi – only complement the old standbys like indoor toilets, a wood-fired sauna and chef-prepared meals (including a tabletop of sushi, “a guest favourite”). Equally sought after: the chance to follow in Beglinger’s tracks, given that the Selkirk Mountain Experience means making as many turns and bagging as many peaks as possible. From $1,890 per week. 250-837- 2381; selkirkexperience.com

2. Whistler’s Wild Side – Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventures

Well before 50 km of ski trails were built to host the 2010 Olympics’ cross-country and biathlon events, the Callaghan Valley, south of Whistler, was a stellar – if undeveloped – backcountry skiing destination. And now, Callaghan Lodge is a winter Shangri-La. A short ski or snowcat ride from the road, the lodge has added 42 km of private, packed, ski and snowshoe trails, plus tobogganing and backcountry skiing out its back door – a diversity of activities that makes it well suited for group get-togethers. It’s also the closest thing to a traditional hotel among B.C.’s backcountry lodges, offering four room options (standard with shared bathroom to superior with private bath and family style suites). From $199 per person, per night. 604-932-6696; callaghancountry.com

3. Peak & Bowl Paradise – Purcell Mountain Lodge

Unwilling to risk its crown as the most palatial backcountry ecolodge in the province, Purcell recently underwent an interior facelift. Now, after a hard day’s giddy pleasure exploring rolling meadows and glades in the mountains west of Golden, skiers snuggle into bathrobes in rooms featuring fresh, mountain-classic decor, complete with in-room sinks (with hot water). A sauna and three shared bathrooms with steaming showers and a stand-alone chalet for privacy-loving couples or families are also new. As always, though, there’s no pressure to keep up with the Joneses, assures lodge rep Petra Musick. Whether snowshoeing, telemarking, touring or alpine skiing in guided groups divided by skill level, R&R is most definitely “part of the package.” Three-day private rooms, from $1,460 per person. 250-344- 2639; purcellmountainlodge.com

4. Undo This Snowbelt – Sol Mountain Touring

One of the relative newcomers on B.C.’s backcountry-lodge scene, Sol Mountain doesn’t disappoint, with indoor plumbing, showers, a cozy living room and a relaxation-stretching zone. The three-storey lodge, perched invitingly in the Monashees near Nakusp, is a particularly “great option for couples,” notes owner Aaron Cooperman, thanks to private double rooms – a rarity on the backcountry circuit. Other popular draws: a hearty, locally sourced menu with fresh Okanagan and Shuswap produce (flown in with guests weekly), as well as deep snow, including fresh powder almost daily. One week stays, $2,150 per person. 250-674-3707; solmountain.com

5. Agog at Magog – Mount Assiniboine Lodge

In 1928, the Canadian Pacific Railway built a lodge on the shores of Lake Magog, with the Matterhorn of the Rockies – Mount Assiniboine – dominating the view. And no wonder. Though recently modernized, the lodge has remained true to its wilderness setting, boasting spectacular views, “green power” from a nearby stream, running water in the kitchen, a sauna cabin with hot showers and new, individual cabins heated and lit with propane. Hearty fare in mountain-guide-sized portions is served communally at three massive tables. Easy access to the light powder the Rockies are known for by helicopter or snowshoe – plus plenty of intermediate ski terrain and multiple trip lengths – also help make the Assiniboine a smart pick for backcountry first-timers. From $220 per person, per night. 403-678-2883; assiniboinelodge.com

Tags: Lake Magog, Monashees, Purcell, Revelstoke, Skiing, Whistler