B.C. draws in visitors from all around Canada and the world, and those tourists often flock to the postcard views of Vancouver’s Stanley Park, the snowy peaks of Whistler, or the white sand beaches of Tofino. These iconic travel destinations in B.C. are popular for good reason, but there are equally breathtaking spots tucked away all around the province that don’t get quite as much attention.
With a little more breathing room and usually less costly accommodations, these underrated travel spots and hidden gems in B.C. are worth exploring on your next trip.
Ucluelet
Tofino gets all the praise, for its kilometres of sandy shoreline alongside its thick rainforest teeming with life – it’s a magical place that people have come to know and love. What comes with that popularity though is hefty pricetags on accommodation.
Just 30 minutes down the road is this small town, Ucluelet, which has just as much gorgeous scenery but is a bit more lowkey. Its rocky shores are dramatically beautiful, and the town center has its own charming shops and cute cafes. There are camping sites here where you can stay and really immerse yourself in nature, and a ton of hiking trails around so you can explore the unique landscape of the area.
You’re also close enough to Tofino that you can go and explore the famous town and its attractions.
Manning Park
This park is just over 2 hours from Vancouver and is the perfect escape from the city. While there are a lot of stunning parks around the province, and some others also close to the city, this one is fairly underrated and home to so many breathtaking trails that you won’t know where to explore first.
There are a few different camping areas in the park if you want to stay overnight, and Lightning Lake offers a sparkling view with mountains enclosing it. You can sleep beneath the stars here and wake up to the calm lake, going for a dip to start out your day.
Three Falls Trail in this park will lead you past unbelievable waterfalls cascading down cliffs into the lush forest, ending with one that you can walk right up to.
There are also fields of wildflowers, towering mountains, lush greenery, and blooming strawberry plants within this park. If you want a summer adventure, this is the spot to have it.
Mystic Beach
This whole area on Vancouver Island is a worthy travel destination, but Mystic Beach is a must-stop while there.
It’s a pretty easy hike that will take you through a beautiful rainforest, ending at this magical beach. The sandy shoreline has sea caves off to one side, and then a unique cascade of water coming down from a cliff – which the beach is known for.
The beach is located along the Juan de Fuca Trail, which is a trademark of the island and is full of hidden beauty. Stay a while and explore all of the nooks and crannies of the area, or just opt for this 40-minute trail, and you won’t be disappointed.
Pemberton
Whistler gets much of the hype when it comes to small towns near Vancouver, but a 30-minute drive past the popular ski village is this tiny community, which looks like it’s been plucked from a fairytale.
Mountains surround the town, and rushing creeks with bright emerald-coloured water wind their way through it. Full of hiking and mountain biking trails, this place is ripe for adventure.
The small town center is just as charming as its surroundings, and it’s worth driving out to North Arm Farm here for some fresh produce and an amazing view of the towering Mount Currie.
This spot is also close to the well-known Joffre Lakes hike — making it the perfect spot to stay for anyone wanting to explore.
Salt Spring Island
This is one of the Gulf Islands, which are all popular summer destinations. Usually though the sandstone bluffs of Gabriola Island or the crystal clear waters of Hornby get the attention of tourists, but Salt Spring Island is decently easy to get to and overflowing with beauty and things to do.
A 30-minute BC Ferries ride from Vancouver Island, this spot is the perfect place to spend a summer’s day. Drive along the winding roads with the ocean peaking out on one side and massive trees breaking into rolling farms on the other. There are idyllic wineries, cute boutiques, and even lavender farms here to stop in at. Along the road you’ll also spot charming farmstands, where you get your fill of local goodies and be trusted to leave behind your payment.
Paired with the oceanscapes and bustling local community, this island will hold a special place in your heart by the end of your trip.
Squamish
Squamish is a place that people often just drive through, usually on their way to Whistler. It’s super close to Vancouver though (about an hour’s drive away) and a destination in its own right.
Driving up to the small town you’ll be greeted by a view of the Stawamus Chief, which towers above the area. You can brave a hike up for an unreal view, or go for the Sea to Sky Gondola for a less heart-pumping one. Shannon Falls is also here, and the easy-to-access cascade proves how incredible natural wonders are weaved into this town.
The downtown area is full of shops and restaurants, as well as Airbnbs that make it easy to take a vacation here.
Panorama
While it’s easy for people living in Vancouver to explore the Lower Mainland, there’s a lot to explore all around the province. Panorama is close to the Alberta border, and a trip there offers the scenes people dream of when they think of Western Canada. Panorama is a ski destination that will make you feel like you’re in a different world, but it’s also close to some other beautiful small towns. The nearby village of Radium Hot Springs is another idyllic mountain town where you can explore the outdoors, and soak in the hot springs.
It’s worth taking your time and exploring the Kootenay region if you’re up for it. The Kootenay Rockies website has a list of road trip routes which can take you to hot springs, vineyards, mountains, and ranches.
This list features some places in B.C. that deserve more shine, but it’s impossible to list off of the beautiful hidden gems the province is home to. There’s countless other incredible communities, spectacular natural wonders, and underrated corners of B.C.
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