“Summertime is always the best of what might be.”
– Charles Bowden
Welcome to Wellness Travel BC’s big, juicy summer newsletter – showcasing a few of our recently renewing partners in wellness travel!
From the spectacular mountain town of Fernie located in the Kootenay Rockies Region of BC, to multi-award-winning Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre in Parksville on Vancouver Island, BC, or a bit further up island to the coastal elegance that is Long Beach Lodge Resort in Tofino, or the luxurious beauty that is Sparkling Hill Resort in the Okanagan, we have your wellness desires covered.
We’ve also got a new blog post on the magic of camping in 2025 and the many benefits to our health and wellness, and info about Harbour Air’s 155+ flights per day to amazing destinations throughout British Columbia.
First up, we have the story of our winner of our 2024 Lotto BC and Pattison Food Group incredible luxury wellness vacation prize. Watch for our August newsletter for news and dates about our very exciting third-year Lotto BC campaign!
2024 Lotto BC / Pattison Food Group $42k Luxury Dream Getaway Winner!
Dynamic Mother / Daughter Duo, Linnea and Vanessa hiking near Nimmo Bay Resort
Congratulations to Linnea Turnquist of Victoria, the lucky winner of our 2024 Lotto BC / Pattison Food Group luxury Dream Getaway campaign! Owner of one of the best cake and cupcake shops in town, Ooh La La, Linnea entered her local Save-On-Foods last Fall, picked up a $10 Prize Pack, scanned her More Rewards card – and didn’t give it another thought. That is, until Lotto BC contacted her with the incredible news: she had won the dream getaway!
Linnea chose to share the experience this past June 2025 with her daughter, Vanessa, as a special gift to celebrate her daughter’s graduation from UBC this year. Together, they enjoyed a luxurious West Coast escape thanks to our memorable Wellness Travel BC partners – Nimmo Bay Resort, Wickaninnish Inn, and Harbour Air – complete with scenic floatplane rides, spa relaxation, and gourmet coastal cuisine.
When Wellness Travel BC’s Founder, Cheryl MacKinnon, connected with Linnea and Vanessa after their trip, she was touched by their reflections. Linnea expressed, “There were so many firsts, complemented by the kindness and remarkable hospitality of the staff at both resorts. We hope to go back again someday soon.”
We celebrate inspiring stories like Linnea’s – where a simple lotto ticket purchase opened the door to a mother-daughter adventure of a lifetime!
Featured Founding Partners with Wellness Travel BC
Long Beach Lodge Resort
We’re proud to spotlight Long Beach Lodge Resort as a founding participant in the Wellness Travel BC online guide to rest + renewal. Nestled on breathtaking Cox Bay, this iconic Tofino retreat blends luxury, nature, and wellness – from its oceanfront Great Room to a newly opened spa that channels the rhythm of the wild Pacific. Discover why this West coast gem is redefining coastal wellness in our blog feature on the WTBC website.
BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association
Wellness travel is about achieving overall well-being through experiences that promote physical, mental, and emotional health, all while embracing sustainable and mindful practices. There are many who believe that the best way to achieve this is on a camping trip. Whether it’s a remote setting by a lake, to staying at a full-service campground, getting away from the fray is a means to incorporating wellness as an integral part of your travel experience. Pick up your copy of the 2025 BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association camping guide in BC at Visitor Centres around the province or download the Super Camping app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) for on-the-go convenience.
Tourism Fernie
Courtesy Island Lake Lodge
Looking to slow down and reconnect? Tourism Fernie can guide you to the perfect setting to unwind, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re here for a weekend or longer, wellness experiences are woven into the rhythm of this friendly mountain town. And wellness options are as grounded and authentic as the community itself; no pressure, just space to breathe, move, and feel good.
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre
At Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort & Conference Centre in Parksville, wellness is a journey, not a checklist. Start at The Grotto Spa with warm mineral pools, cedar saunas, and fireside lounging in the forest. This Summer, enjoy the new spa patio – perfect for soaking up sunshine or starlight.
Sparkling Hill Resort
This Summer, retreat into the serene luxury of Sparkling Hill Resort, Canada’s only European-inspired wellness resort. Designed exclusively for rest and relaxation, Sparkling Hill Resort invites you to pause, recharge, and experience an elevated summer escape in the exquisite landscape of the Okanagan. Enjoy a preferred rate on stays of two nights or more, and immerse yourself in breathtaking lake views, spa indulgence, and alpine stillness, all just a short journey from home.
Harbour Air Seaplanes
For those seeking a unique, yet rejuvenating escape, our popular partner in wellness travel experiences Harbour Air Seaplanes offers an extraordinary mode of transportation. With 155+ flights per day to amazing destinations throughout British Columbia, flying with Harbour Air is an experience that blends thrill with wellness – for your mind, body and soul. Soar high, breathe deeply, and discover a new dimension of travel that stimulates the senses.
Escape to Wellness This Summer!
Summer is one of the absolute best times to explore our own backyard and escape to wellness. We hope you are enjoying these glory days so far – stay well and travel safely.
Cheryl MacKinnon
Chief Wellness Officer