A Puzzle in the Wild
Think back on your last escape from everyday life; a recent vacation or trip. Maybe you’re transported back to an exciting outing or a guided adventure. Or perhaps what you’re reminded of is a feeling. Those feelings can be cultivated in the quiet moments in your room, at dinner, around the fire dock. These are the moments in between the planned activities. At Nimmo Bay, our spaces become your spaces, and our goal is to make it feel like home. It’s our hope that the quiet moments become just as memorable for you.
A couple who were staying with us this summer picked out one of our puzzles and began working on it in the September Lounge. Sitting down with their morning coffee and settling into the space and puzzling to relax became a part of their vacation routine. The team left their puzzle out for the whole stay, and they came back to it each day. This is one small example of unexpected moments that define a stay with us.
OUR Living Room Is Your Living Room
Nimmo hosts a small number of guests at a time. Because of this, you can truly settle into the space like it’s your own. Take over the living room, find your favourite chair and claim it for reading in the evenings, then walk steps from your cabin to have a private soak in the waterfall hot tubs. When you go for your meals, our chefs and servers know your preferences, the way you like your eggs, or your smoothie recipe so that it’s ready before you ask.
Each space is created with intention; they’re stylized but warm and created to be used. A lot of what you see are vintage and antique finds, hand selected by the owner, Fraser Murray. These pieces carry so much love and history, and they welcome you to settle in.
When you walk around, there are photos lining the wall depicting the history of the lodge. You can see the Murray family that has grown up throughout the years at Nimmo Bay. The pictures also show some of the guests and team members who have had an impact on the resort over the years. Nimmo is a real living organism and there’s nothing cookie-cutter about it. The people and their unique characteristics are what make it stand out.
A Music Room Guests Actually Use
We created Melody Room as a space to encourage connection, storytelling, and music. It’s stocked with records so you can choose the mood of the space every time you hang out. It’s also filled with all types of instruments, and they’re not just for show. The piano and the guitars, you can pick them up and start to play whenever you’d like.
Melody is also where we host the famous Nimmo music nights. The tradition started back in the 80’s with founder Craig Murray singing and playing the guitar. Right now, we have an incredibly talented team who play and sing for guests. We often bring in local artists to perform intimate concerts as well.
An Art Studio That’s Never Empty
Throughout the season, Nimmo Bay hosts Artists in Residence in our newly launched art studio. Guests are welcome to explore their creative freedom in the space when it’s free or alongside the professional artists. We make sure the Nimmo studio is stocked with high-quality art supplies that anyone can use. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just feel moved to create your first painting, it’s a space we’ve built to encourage creativity.
As you wander around the resort you’ll also be treated to incredible art made by some of our talented friends. Each and every piece is handcrafted and tells a story, holding the history of this landscape and the people who have touched Nimmo Bay. Carvings, paintings, and tapestries line the walls and you’ll even find sculptures of local wildlife placed amongst the trees. If you feel connected to a piece or want to know more about it, our team can tell you about the artists and their connection to Nimmo.
Games, Books, and the Freedom to Slow Down
For the moments in-between your activities, there are plenty of puzzles and games to choose from. Nimmo Bay boasts a large library of books as well.
If your usual family routine includes a games night, our team will set up the ultimate competitive evening for you. Boardgames laid out and ready for you with a selection of snacks and drinks on hand. We’ve also had guests visit that get utterly consumed by a compelling book. Your private deck overlooking the ocean is a reading paradise. If you feel compelled, sit down in the Muskoka chairs and only emerge for dinner.
Why the Unscripted Things Matter Most
While Nimmo can be action packed, you’re given the space and the freedom to slow down and fully disconnect. The remoteness of the Great Bear Rainforest creates an entirely different atmosphere. We promise that the moments when you sink into the calm are just as memorable and restorative as the adventures.
ACTIVITIES FAQ
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What activities are available at Nimmo Bay besides excursions?
Waterfall dips and hot tubs, games and puzzles, choose a book from our library, draw or paint in the artist studio, listen to records or play music, watch for wildlife from your balcony, and sit around an open fire.
Nimmo also has a full spa menu and wellness treatments you can select from while you’re here.
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Does Nimmo Bay have an artist in residence program?
Yes! Nimmo does invite a number of artists to the resort each season. However, we had such incredible interest in the program during our last round of applications we may not open them up again until the end of 2027. Nimmo is quite small and we have a short operating season, so we only have a limited number of openings every year for the program. You can monitor any updates here and if applications open again, https://nimmobay.com/artist-in-residence/
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Can guests play instruments or make art during their stay?
Absolutely yes! Nimmo Bay inspires creation and there are dedicated spaces around the resort for guests to dive into their creativity. Use the supplies in the artist studio or pick up the instruments in Melody Room throughout your stay.
Credit
Words by: Alexandra Janes
Alexandra Janes is a writer and marketer based in British Columbia, Canada and is the voice behind many Nimmo Bay stories. With a background in environmental communications, she specializes in bringing complex ideas to life in a way that resonates with a broad audience. Over the past seven years, including four at Nimmo, her writing has focused on sustainability, wellness, food and drink, and immersive experiences in wild places. The root of her work comes from a deep passion for the natural world and a desire to connect people with the outdoors.
Photos: Jeremy Koreski
Jeremy Koreski is an assignment photographer known for capturing world-class outdoor adventures and remarkable wildlife. He has over 20 years of experience in the field. His commercial and editorial work is featured internationally in publications such as The New York Times, The Surfer’s Journal, and with brands like Patagonia and YETI. Since his first visit to Nimmo Bay over a decade ago, Jeremy has felt like part of the family, developing a distinct ability to capture the true spirit and atmosphere of the resort.