The West Coast is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, with hidden waterfalls tucked away in vibrant rainforests, mountain ranges that span as far as the eye can see, and a wide open ocean that stretches out into the horizon. There's no shortage of beauty in B.C., so much so that it's hard to know where to start on a visit.
We turned to locals, asking the Narcity Canada Facebook page where the most magical places in B.C. are that people need to visit.
From easy-to-access spots just outside of Vancouver to turquoise lakes that require a heart-pumping hike, they came through with some stunning recommendations.
These are six spots you need to visit if you're on a mission to find the most enchanting pockets of the province.
Cathedral Forest
It's hard to feel more fairytale-like than when you step into an old-growth forest. You're surrounded by thick tree trunks covered in moss, vibrant green ferns covering the forest ground and canopies of branches hanging above. It's a scene that evokes a sense of peacefulness just thinking about it, but it's what you'll find in Cathedral Grove.
Set within MacMillan Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, it's home to some of the tallest and oldest trees in the country. You can spend hours wandering the trail system and soaking in the beauty of the 800-year-old trees. As sunlight filters through the lush greenery, it's a truly magical scene.
The Big Tree Trail here will take you past the park's widest tree, a Douglas Fir with a 9-meter circumference.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The beauty of the West Coast forests can't be understated, and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is another place showcasing it.
This park is easy for tourists to reach outside of Vancouver, but it feels like you're far away from a city, retreating deep into nature. Within the park, there's a network of treetop platforms that take you through the temperate rainforest, connected by bridges and paths. The suspension bridge here floats 230 feet above the Capilano River and is 450 feet long, and there's also a Cliffwalk where you can walk high above a canyon.
It's a unique spot because you can wander high above the ground, go from treetop to treetop, and experience the forest from a new angle. You can also stay on the ground level and walk along The Living Forest pathways, which take you past the sights and sounds of the forest.
This spot costs $71.95 for an adult ticket, but it's a great way to experience the area's natural beauty without going far from the city.
The Butchart Gardens
This is another example of how natural beauty is at the doorstep of B.C. cities. Just outside of Victoria sits the famous Butchart Gardens, where you'll see countless varieties of flowers and plants. You can stroll around the gardens, taking in the colourful scenery, different vibes, and variations of gardens. The Sunken Garden here is famous, and it is a manicured masterpiece that you can look out on from a platform above it.
Pathways can take you through the 55 acres of gardens, which have been worked on for over 100 years and are designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
Garibaldi Lake
This park, right outside the famous ski village of Whistler, is legendary for its incredible glacier-fed lake. Alpine mountains wrap around the lake's turquoise waters, creating a scene worth the steep climb.
The trail up to Garibaldi is an 18-kilometre-long journey that's challenging. The incline is demanding, and the entire trip takes about 6 hours. Once you're there, though, you forget about the workout (for the most part) and can sit and enjoy the unbelievable view. The way back down is downhill, which is a relief.
If you are willing to make the effort, the spectacular destination of Garibaldi Lake won't disappoint.
Haida Gwaii
Haida Gwaii is the definition of a bucket-list place. If you live in Vancouver it's a journey to reach it, as you have to take an eight-hour long ferry ride from Prince Rupert to reach it, or a flight. It's an incredible special place though, that's worth visiting.
It's actually a group of many islands, the communities throughout them connected by ferries, and they're known as "Canada's Galapagos," because of the diversity in animal and plant life.
A visit to the archipelago means learning about its rich history, seeing the incredible wildlife first-hand, exploring thick rainforests, and walking along breathtaking beaches.
Before travelling here you should review the Haida Gwaii Visitor Orientation, sign the Haida Gwaii Visitor Pledge, and make sure to travel responsibly.
Vancouver Island
Although a few Vancouver Island spots were specifically mentioned, the island as a whole also received praise, and rightfully so. It's a place where misty rainforests meet rugged coastlines, and a bustling city sits alongside breathtaking nature.
It's teeming with life and full of natural wonders, from the wild beauty of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to the mountains of Strathcona Park.
You could explore it for months, years even, and just scratch the surface of its natural beauty.
There's a lot to do here, but you won't be disappointed with a trip that involves a stop in the famous surfing town of Tofino, a day shopping at Victoria's local boutiques, and a dive into the Sooke Potholes.
These are just a few of the magical places people love within B.C., but there's a whole lot out there that's ready to be explored. Happy travels!
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.
