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2. Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat, Tofino, British Columbia
Take one of Abercrombie & Kent's luxurious tented African safaris and plop it down on the northern fringes of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, and you start to understand the sumptuous wilderness experience that can be had at Clayoquot. On the shores of the Bedwell River under the canopy of a temperate rainforest, you can spot bear, whales, porpoises, moose, and bald eagles as you choose to sea kayak, hike, or go on horseback. Then it's back to home base for a hot-tub soak or massage at the spa, plus a fabulous dinner that features the bounty of British Columbian goods. There's halibut, tuna, and every type of salmon available, from the pink Coho to the cherry-red smoked sockeye salmon, and loads of fresh fruit like figs, blueberries, gooseberries, and yellow golden berries. Did we forget to mention the resort's own organic garden? Clayoquot's environmental legacy programs include restoring salmon streams, mapping bear habitat, and educating the local First Nations people on the virtues of eco-tourism. Rates start at $4,750 Canadian per person for three nights, including all meals, excursions, spa treatments, and the float plane flight from Vancouver.