9 breathtaking natural wonders in BC that you have to see at least once in your life
Within the borders of B.C. lays some of the most surreal-looking nature you can find. Think powerful waterfalls plummeting into vast canyons, bright emerald lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and ancient trees towering high above you. The nature at your doorstep in B.C. is limitless, and there's much to explore.
Whether you live in the province or are planning a visit, you likely have a long bucket list of beautiful things to see. If you need some inspiration or help narrowing it down, check out these nine stunning natural wonders. Each one is breathtaking and will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Mystic Falls
Address: Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
Why you need to go: This is a spot with a big payoff for relatively low effort. Set on Vancouver Island, you take a hike through a lush rainforest to reach this secluded beach. The trailhead is near Sooke, and the journey takes about 40 minutes.
Along the way, you'll wander through the vibrant greenery of the forest, go over a suspension bridge, and pass towering trees. Once you reach the beach, you'll see the waterfall it's famous for. The beautiful fall cascades off a cliffside into the ocean, creating a magical sight.
Joffre Lakes Park
Address: Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Why you need to go: This famous hike is a day trip away from Vancouver — about two and a half hours away — and is super popular in summer. Although it can get crowded, visiting the incredibly scenic lakes is worth it.
Along the 7.5-kilometre journey, you will pass by three lakes, each more picturesque than the last. The middle lake is famous for its especially bright water, which has its colour thanks to the "'rockflour' (or glacial silt) that is suspended in the water and reflects green and blue wavelengths of sunlight," the BC Parks website says.Malaspina Galleries
Address: 99 Malaspina Dr., Gabriola
Why you need to go: These sandstone rock formations were formed by the ocean, and now makes for a unique stop on a trip to Gabriola Island. You can take BC Ferries from Vancouver to get here, and it's a beautiful spot for a getaway, especially in the summer.
Cheewhat Giant
Address: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Why you need to go: This is Canada's largest tree, with a trunk that's 20 feet in diameter and a height of 182 feet, according to the Ancient Forest Alliance. You can visit the giant tree on Vancouver Island, within the beautiful Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Helmcken Falls
Address: Helmcken Falls Rd, Thompson-Nicola, BC
Why you need to go: This stunning waterfall in Wells Gray Provincial Park is one of the tallest in the country, and a short 1-kilometre hike will take you to a viewing spot. The quick journey rewards you with a spectacular view of the waterfall.
Hot Springs Cove
Why you need to go: Tofino is a beautiful destination in its own right, but this hot spring is a scenic boat ride away and lets you soak in toasty pools overlooking the ocean. There are different tours that can take you to this spot, within Maquinna Marine Provincial Park, and it's well-worth the journey.
Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
Price: $5 from April 1 to October 31, or you can get an annual pass for $10.
Why you need to go: This natural hot spring is the second largest in the country, and a popular stop off the Alaska Highway. To reach it you walk through a beautiful forest, and then you can dip into the tranquil springs. It's big enough that you can swim around and really soak in the nature and the toasty temperatures, which sit between 42°C to 52°C.
BC Parks website
San Josef Bay
Why you need to go: This pristine shoreline is in Cape Scott Provincial Park, on the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island, about seven hours from Victoria. A 2.5 kilometre hike leads you to the white sand and clear waters of the beach. The real stand out here though is the sea stacks scattered around the shoreline.
Botanical Beach
Address: Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, B.C.
Why you need to go: This is another spot in the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park that will leave you breathless. Here you'll find unique tide pools full of diverse sea life. Make sure to go at low tide so you can fully take in the magic of this beach.
You can hike the Botanical Beach Loop Trail to get here, which is 2.9 kilometers long and rated as "easy" on AllTrails.
These are just a taste of the incredible nature that's within B.C., but there's a whole lot out there to explore. 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.
