Western Canada, escape and adventure in the wilderness

The climb immerses you in nature, and the views are breathtaking. A true delight, and the final reward is a cup of tea served in a pretty wooden house. This building can be reached only on foot, horseback, or by helicopter. With each sip, you will feel privileged indeed.

London Air Flight AW139 reaches Sonora in barely 50 minutes. From the Esso Avitat Terminal in Richmond, this is above all a unique voyage along superb fjords and craggy coastlines. On the right you can see the landscape of British Columbia and, on the left, Vancouver Island. You fly over mountains and vast stretches of water. A true delight.

Gliding down British Columbia's fjords in a sea kayak, to the sound of paddles, is one of the most beautiful ways to commune with nature. Accompanied by a guide, you might spot kingfishers, bald eagles, sea lions or killer whales along the way.

Several vineyards have become known far beyond the island's borders, featuring on the wine lists of the country's greatest restaurants. Gary Oaks Winery has won many awards for its excellent Pinot Gris while, a few kilometers away, Salt Spring Vineyards produces a superb organic blackberry 'port'. Continue your wine country tour with a visit to Mistaken Identity Vineyards, where sustainable development is synonymous with great wine.

Salt Spring is a destination of choice for art lovers. A native of the island, Robert Bateman became famous for his abstract depictions of nature, before becoming a realist painter. He was very inspired by the Group of Seven, one of the country's most important artist collectives. Some of their works are on permanent display in the Pegasus Gallery and at Hastings House. Tours are organized to the town's main galleries. You can also meet resident artists during the Salt Spring Studio Tour.

Situated opposite False Creek Bay, this covered market attracts a large section of Vancouver's inhabitants on weekends. The maple syrup, cold cuts, cheeses and fish all come from the area around the city. Taste the delicious Sockeye salmon – my son works in the market as a fishmonger. And, after you've shopped, sit yourself down to an improvised picnic with a view of the skyline.

The pathway along the seawall is great for fans of running, cycling and rollerblading. Along the way, stop at the aquarium and, perhaps, at the pretty Teahouse in Stanley Park. If he has the time, ask Wedgewood's Maître de Maison, to accompany you on this superb two-wheel ride.

On weekends, it's not uncommon to come across surfers and fishermen in deep discussion along the docks and piers of Tofino. Wave and wilderness enthusiasts from Vancouver and beyond come to brave the cold waters of the North Pacific. Since 2006, Rip Curl has been holding an international competition here every year. With its constant swell, Tofino seems to have found its place on the world surfing map.

Designated by UNESCO in 2000, Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve lies at the heart of one of the world's most impressive temperate rainforests. Being so inaccessible to mankind, his evil intent has been kept at bay. This explains why so many ecosystems are found here, including: forests, lakes, rivers, marshes, beaches and mountains. You can discover all of these landscapes at a leisurely pace along the well-marked paths...

Mike White is a local legend who has trekked through every corner of the region. With his restored wooden boat, “The Browning Passage”, he will take you to watch bears hunting for crab along the beaches. A true immersion in the wilderness, during which you might also come across some wolves foraging along the coast.

Take a morning flight at the break of dawn to reach Hot Springs Cove, inside Maquinna Marine Provincial Park. Thanks to the quick flight, you can enjoy this heavenly site, isolated and quiet, before the tourists arrive by boat. The return trip is by sea where, between the coves of Clayoquot Sound, you might cross paths with whales, seals, sea lions and otters.

Accessible only by boat (or kayak), the extremely wild Meares Island is known for its Big Tree Trail, which takes you on a walk through the island's beautiful primeval forest along a plank and log boardwalk designed by local artist Adrian Dorst. Some of the tallest trees in British Columbia can be found here, including a magnificent 1,500-year-old giant red cedar.