Just a short flight from Coeur d’Alene or Spokane (or very long drive if you prefer) are some of the most exclusive accommodations in the American west. Central Washington is home not only to the amazing etched-out Columbia River Gorge, but also to some of America’s finest wineries. To the north, the Canadian Rocky Mountains and glacier fed lakes are world-renowned. These spots coupled with one of the best lodges in Montana makes this one of the best spots in the world for experiencing the wilderness with a luxurious flair.

This morning we depart by private plane to our first destination in the central high desert of Washington State. This is an area famous for its magnificent rock formations, dry desert atmosphere, yet fine vineyards. Upon arrival we will be enjoying a wine reception while checking into this luxurious resort. These beautiful suites, with floor to ceiling windows, are literally perched on the edge of a canyon, 900 feet above the mighty river. With 140 acres of vineyards and a working organic farm with orchards located on site, there will be plenty of exploration to be done. Tonight you will be joining the estate winery’s winemaker for an exclusive dinner. This intimate setting will be the perfect time to find out about the estate’s selections and upcoming releases as well as get the vintner’s suggestions for a great wine to complement your meal.

After breakfast, at your leisure, we will be embarking on a personal tour of this award-winning winery. We will start with picking grapes in the vineyards and continue all the way to the cellar tasting room. The surrounding area has some great high desert hikes and mountain biking trails along with spa facilities. In the event a concert is not taking place at the amazing Columbia Gorge site, this evening, we will be entertained by a local musician or instructed by a featured guest chef preparing fresh, seasonal, regional foods to pair with the estate’s premium wines.

This morning, our plane will be taking us high into the Canadian Rockies and the view as we fly over these majestic mountains will be unsurpassed. We will see up close the mountains, trails, and vistas from the air – where not many have enjoyed these sights! After our exhilarating flight, we will arrive at our hotel. The “Chateau” is located on the shores of a magnificent glacier-fed lake and it is as grand as the scenery that towers around it. Upon arrival, we will enjoy “tea” as we get acquainted with our surroundings and checked into our accommodations. This Chateau offers every amenity you would expect from a first class resort; from the morning paper, to nightly turn-down service…all with a view of this famous lake and its awe-inspiring glacier. We head out this afternoon for a light hike to marvel at the view of this awe-inspiring site from the other side of the lake. At dinner this evening, we will enjoy a private presentation on the history of this fabulous Canadian National Park and all it has to offer by a local expert.

After last night’s presentation, you will be anxious to explore this amazing wilderness for yourself. Today you can choose from many exciting excursions:

Hike with the local naturalist to watch birds, track for and follow grizzly bear trails all the way to the viewing point where active glaciers and a waterfall can be seen!
Canoe on this pristine glacier lake: view the glacier up close, follow the shoreline and the wild animals that live in the surrounding forest.

This afternoon you may golf, enjoy spa activities, or just go shopping in the local village of Banff.

Our plane will be waiting for us this morning for our flight seeing tour over the glacial areas and into Northwestern Montana. The landscape changes greatly from the wilderness and high peaks to the wide open spaces of Montana. Our destination is a luxurious ranch resort nestled among some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Our accommodations here combine rustic elegance with first class amenities such as feather beds, fine linens, and every modern convenience along with an outstanding view. Upon arrival, our gracious hosts will give us a brief history and some story telling about this 37,000 acre ranch. This afternoon, you might be treated to an optional private helicopter tour of a nearby buffalo range, multiple lakes and amazing ranch and home sites. You will be shown amazing sights and be given intimate knowledge of places that are inaccessible except by air. Our pilot knows every nook and cranny of this wilderness area. Our helicopter will deposit us back at the ranch where dinner will be waiting and the evening will be free for exploration.

A Montana style breakfast and then we’re off to take in a morning fly-fishing adventure on the Blackfoot river, foraging for Montana’s wild bounty with the local mycologist, or enjoy a spa treatment at our outdoor spa. Anyone interested in a nice massage down by the creek?

We head out this afternoon for your privately guided Clearwater canoe trip – plying through the pristine waters of Montana. If we get back in time we can grab the ice chest and picnic box and hop onto ATV’s for our guided drive into a spooky old ghost town! See how life was in the old west. You can stop and pick wild flowers or even huckleberries if they are in season!

This evening we will be having a real old-fashioned barbeque with a roaring campfire. Join us as stories abound and we share the experiences of our day under a blanket of stars. This is the perfect ending to our wonderful outdoor adventure.

Our private plane will be waiting to take us home late this morning after a sumptuous breakfast. We will swoop in and see the peaks and waterfalls of Glacier National Park on the way back home. Contact us about an optional helicopter tour of Glacier that can be easily added. We end our adventure back in Coeur d’Alene or Spokane.