The beauty of B.C., to me, lies mostly outside the borders of the city.
If you're heading west for a summer trip, here's spots that won't disappoint.
Salt Spring Island
My day on this little island was the kind of day that you look back on for years and just think — wow, that was perfect.
It actually started with missing the ferry from Swartz Bay (the BC Ferries terminal in Victoria), which sounds like a bad start, but it actually just meant forcing my friends to watch the only movie I had downloaded on my phone (which of course, was Twilight), until the next one came.
Once we made it to the island, it felt like all the stress we had fell away as we drove down the winding road, with the forest on one side and the ocean peeking through the other. Farm stands line the roadside, adding an extra level of charm as you drive around.
The main town here is Ganges, which has some cute shops and restaurants and a little waterfront.
As you make your way around the island, though, you'll see lots of galleries to stop in at, farms, and breweries. We stopped at Lavender & Black and got to roam the lavender fields with a view of the ocean. We also stopped at Beddis Beach for a little swim, and the crystal clear water here is incredible.
Whistler
I may be a bit biased here because I did live in Whistler for a year, but hear me out.
It's one of the main destinations in B.C. for good reason. The little village is a hotspot for tourists, offering incredible restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping. It's all surrounded by lush nature, with thick forests, the signature mountain peaks, and sparkling lakes.
It's a blend of peaceful retreat and liveliness. It's not many small towns where you can spend a day forest bathing with no one else in sight and then go party at a country bar with music so loud that you can barely talk. Whistler has a little bit of everything, and that's what makes it special.
Some would argue it's a winter destination (obviously, as a ski hill, that's hard to disagree with), but my favourite time here was actually in the spring and summer. I loved the hiking and days at the local lakes and parks. There's a slower pace here in the off-season that makes it that much better.
My perfect summer weekend here? Getting a sourdough loaf from BReD, taking the gondola up the mountain to hike around, going for a dip at Lost Lake, and (if I really want to go all out) a visit to Scandinave Spa.
Tofino
If you want a more low-key trip with typically cheaper prices, go to Ucluelet (30 minutes down the road). Tofino is more popular, bringing crowds and cost hikes, but it's another one that's famed for good reason.
I don't think that I need to go on and on about Tofino, because it's been said before. Twist my arm, though — I'll sing its praises yet again.
It's my favourite town I've ever been to, hands-down. It's got all the beach-town vibes you're dreaming of, with miles of sandy beaches, surf shops set up alongside the road, people on beach cruisers heading down the road, and a slowed-down vibe.
It has local shops and restaurants that are great, and there are loads of campsites to choose from (my rec is to camp).
Oh, and it's all next to a lush rainforest, with trees so big that you can't help but feel a bit insignificant and very awe-struck. Its natural beauty is unlike anywhere else in the world, and it's the kind of place that you leave already making plans for your next visit.
Bowen Island
Here's one that's a bit closer to the city if you just want a mini-getaway or a day activity while on a Vancouver visit.
To get here you can just hop on BC Ferries from West Vancouver, which will sail you over in about 20 minutes. You can even walk on, making it that much more traveller-friendly. The ferry drops you in an idyllic harbour, which is close enough to restaurants and shops that you can walk around to explore.
The short day I spent here had me falling head-over-heels for this place. It feels like a retreat far off from the city, even though it's quick to get to. It's relaxed and beautiful, with hikes, biking, kayaking, and rocky beaches.
Grab a coffee and a treat from The Snug Cafe here, hike up Mount Gardner for a stunning lookout (or skip the hike and just enjoy the views from the town), and wind down on the beach.
Victoria
This isn't exactly an escape from the city, but it is one of my favourite summer destinations. Victoria is the ideal base for a Vancouver Island trip, and to me, it doesn't get better than summer on Vancouver Island.
The city itself is beautiful and maintains a relaxed feel and charm even though there's lots to do and see. It has fantastic restaurants, great brunch (go to Nourish Kitchen & Cafe), and cozy coffee shops. Then you have the beautiful waterfront you can walk along and cute boutiques to explore.
It's also within driving distance of some of the most stunning spots I've been to (Mystic Beach and Sooke Potholes are stand-outs) and it's ideal for day trips to the Gulf Islands (see Salt Spring above!).
A vacation here is blending city life, good vibes, and natural beauty — and what's more B.C. than that?
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
