I've Lived In BC For 8 Years & These 7 Places In The Province Are On My Bucket List (PHOTOS)
My list keeps growing!
A view of the ocean and forested mountains from a trail in Haidi Gwaii. Right: Asymina looking at the ocean on Vancouver Island.
The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
There's no denying that British Columbia is one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada and I'm excited to keep exploring new parts of it.
Although I moved from Ontario to Victoria, B.C. nearly eight years ago, there are plenty of spots that I have yet to go to and that remain on my Canadian bucket list.
Canada's most western province has many stunning provincial parks, mountains, lakes and islands to visit and it's hard to narrow it down to a select few I want to see.
However, there are at least seven places I can think of that I've wanted to go to for quite some time and they will continue to stay on my B.C. bucket list until I finally get to them.
Great Bear Rainforest
Ever since watching the Great Bear Rainforest documentary in 2019, the temperate rainforest on the Pacific coast of B.C. has been on my bucket list.
According to the Hello BC website, the area of "pristine wilderness" stretches for about 400 kilometres and is about the size of Ireland.
Also, it's the only place in the world where you can see a white Kermode bear, which is also known as the "Spirit bear."
Hello BC says bear-viewing season runs from June to October, but your best bet of spotting one is during the annual salmon run from late August to September/October.
Aside from seeing these beautiful animals, there's much more to do in the Great Bear Rainforest. You can go on boat rides through glacial fjords to a natural hot spring, float down a river or go whale watching.
This part of B.C. looks incredible and I can't wait to visit one day!
Hello BC Website
Haida Gwaii
Haida Gwaii, also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, has been on my Canadian bucket list for years.
The area, nicknamed "Canada's Galapagos," is filled with diverse plant and animal life and more than 500 archeological sites, according to Hello BC.
The Go Haida Gwaii website notes that about 4,200 people live in this part of the province, which is made up of over 150 islands.
From museums to kayaking, surfing and boat tours, there is a lot you can do on Haidi Gwaii.
Any visitors who are planning a trip there are asked to complete the Haida Gwaii Visitor Orientation to learn about the islands and the Haida Nation. Visitors are also asked to sign the Haida Gwaii Pledge and donate 1% of their total travel costs to support the Stewardship Fund.
Texada Island
Ever since moving to B.C. I've enjoyed exploring the Gulf Islands any chance I get, but I haven't made it to Texada Island yet.
Texada Island is the largest of the Gulf Islands and is a 40-minute ferry ride from Powell River.
Whether you go for a day trip or spend the whole weekend there, there's plenty to see on this stunning B.C. island.
The one spot I'm most excited to see on Texada is the Quarry Lake, or Heisholt Lake, which has turquoise water, beautiful rock formations and trees.
The lake used to be a limestone quarry and the minerals in the water are what make the water the beautiful colour that it is.
Sunshine Coast
While Texada Island is a part of the Sunshine Coast, there are other parts of the area I would love to visit someday soon.
The Sunshine Coast is made up of about 180 kilometres, from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound, and includes a rugged coastline that has various trails, lakes, beaches and parks. The coast is also full of wildlife like whales, sea lions and black bears.
Thanks to the mild temperatures during the winter, visitors can enjoy both snowshoeing and golfing on the same day, according to the Sunshine Coast Tourism website.
Cape Scott Provincial Park
Since moving to Vancouver Island, I've spent the majority of my time on the south island and I would love to one day go and explore the northern tip, which is Cape Scott Provincial Park.
I've heard that you can only get so far by car in order to get all the way to the northern end of Vancouver Island and the final trek is by foot.
According to the BC Parks website, Cape Scott Park was established in 1973 and got its name after the location of a lighthouse that guided mariners since 1960. The park offers hikes through rugged wildness and access to beautiful remote beaches.
Hot Springs Cove
I've only been to Tofino once and unfortunately, that trip didn't include a stop at Hot Springs Cove.
Hot Springs Cove is located at Maquinna Marine Provincial Park, which is a 90-minute boat ride or 20-minute seaplane ride from Tofino.
Once you arrive at the park you'll walk 30 minutes along a boardwalk that is surrounded by ancient cedar trees before you get to the hot springs.
Visitors then get to soak in a natural geothermal hot spring while enjoying beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. If you're not a fan of water that's warm, the hot spring pools get cooler the closer you get to the ocean.
The amount of time you get to spend at Hot Springs Cove will depend on the tour company you opt for. The Tofino Whale Centre website says their customers get two hours at the hot springs.
It honestly sounds like the perfect day and Tofino has so many other wonderful spots to visit when you're in the area so you'll have plenty to do while you're there.
Tourism Tofino website
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
I've been wanting to go to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for years after seeing photos of the incredible views you get while walking in this park.
Aside from walking across the iconic suspension bridge, visitors can also go on a treetops adventure where you get to stroll through the rainforest on platforms and across more bridges.
It sounds like a great activity for anyone who is visiting North Vancouver.
While these seven spots in B.C. are on my bucket list, there are several places in the province I have been to and would recommend to anyone planning a vacation to Canada's West Coast.
This article's left-hand cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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