B.C. is filled with hidden gems, whether it's cafes and restaurants tucked away in neighbourhoods, hikes that lead you to magical waterfalls or adorable small towns filled with charm.
However, it's not just the mainland and cities like Vancouver that have these gems. Just a short BC Ferries ride away you can find plenty of them on Vancouver Island.
From lavender farms to stunning beaches with waterfalls cascading down cliffs, you'll be surprised by all that the B.C. island has to offer.
Here are 14 hidden gems on Vancouver Island that are worth visiting on your next trip.
Fan Tan Alley
Canada's narrowest street is located in Victoria's Chinatown neighbourhood and it's worth a visit when you're on Vancouver Island.
The red-brick alley runs between Fisgard Street and Pandora Avenue. It's not just a popular tourist attraction, but a cute shopping street with locally-owned stores. You'll find items like clothing to bath products and vintage records in these stores.
The Chinese Canadian Museum is also in Fan Tan Alley so you can go inside for a quick self-guided tour.
Fan Tan Alley will also lead you to Chinatown, which is full of Chinese restaurants, shops and heritage buildings.
This is the oldest Chinatown in Canada and the second oldest in North America so don't miss out on this stop!
Craigdarroch Castle
Built during the reign of Queen Victoria, Craigdarroch Castle has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
The Victorian-era Scottish mansion is an incredible spot to see because it gives you a glimpse of privileged life in the 1890s, according to its website.
For $22.50 you can take a self-guided tour inside the museum. It's also worth spending some time outside to admire it and get photos of the stunning architecture.
The Moss Lady at Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park is one of Victoria's most popular parks with beautiful flower beds, trees and wildlife.
It's also at this park that you'll find the Moss Lady, which is an incredible statue depicting a woman lying down with her arm outstretched in front of her and moss almost completely covers her.
Bilston Creek Farm
Bilston Creek Farm is a magical lavender farm in Metchosin. You can take a stroll through the lavender fields, grab some snacks and drinks at the farm and buy some lavender-infused goodies.
The farm also has various pop-up events like pizza nights and workshops so it's worth checking out their calendar before your visit.
Once you're done at the farm you can take a beautiful walk at Witty's Lagoon Regional Park which is right behind Bilston. The trail will take you past the lagoon and to Witty's Beach where you can take in the ocean views.
Kinsol Trestle
About an hour's drive from Victoria, you'll find the Kinsol Trestle. The trestle is one of the tallest free-standing timber rail trestle structures in the world, according to the Cowichan Valley Regional District website.
It measures 187-metres in length and stands 44-metres tall above the Koksilah River.
Botanical Beach
Botanical Beach is one of the island's natural gems.
This beach nestled in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is filled with crystal tide pools. The BC Parks website says you'll find starfish, sea urchins, white gooseneck barnacles, blue mussels, green sea anemones and sea cucumbers at this beach.
Canada's gnarliest tree
Take a trip to Avatar Grove where you'll find giant red cedars and Douglas fir trees.
Among them, you'll find a unique tree that's been dubbed Canada's gnarliest tree due to "the enormous size and crazy shape of its burl," the Ancient Forest Alliance website reads.
It's worth seeing for yourself, just be prepared to hike for about 30 minutes to the spot where the tree is located.
The teahouse at Abkhazi Garden
While Butchart Gardens seems to be a Vancouver Island jewel everyone knows about, have you ever been to the Abkhazi Garden?
Created in 1946 by royalty, Abkhazi Garden is filled with colourful flowers, Garry oak trees and Japanese maples.
Stop at the teahouse for some afternoon tea and delicious treats, including finger sandwiches, scones and macarons.
Old Baldy Mountain swing
Old Baldy Mountain is a hike on Vancouver Island that takes you on a 3.4-kilometre loop near Shawnigan Lake.
One of the most popular tourist attractions on the mountain happens to be a swing that is in the perfect spot for some epic views of the lake and photos.
Mystic Beach
If you ask a Vancouver Island local about some of the best beaches on the island, you'll likely hear about Mystic Beach.
Since you can't drive up to this beach, you'll have to hike for about 30 to 45 minutes to get there. The hike is an easy trek through a forest and across a suspension bridge before leading you to one of the most scenic beaches in B.C.
The sandy and rocky shore is a nice spot for a picnic or a quick stroll. You'll also find a beautiful waterfall that cascades down a cliff.
Goats on the roof
If you're driving from Victoria to Tofino then be sure to stop at a gem located in Coombs.
This small town has one of the cutest tourist attractions which you'll find on the roof of a local market.
You can visit the goats on the roof at the Old Country Market and take some photos with the cute animals.
Goldstream Provincial Park
Goldstream Provincial Park is an amazing spot for camping and hiking.
The park is home to a variety of trees, including Douglas fir trees that are over 600 years old, according to the BC Parks website.
One of the best hikes is up Mount Finlayson which will give you stunning views of Greater Victoria.
Be sure to check out the waterfall located at the park called Niagara Falls, which is 47.5 metres high.
Hatley Castle
Hatley Castle is the perfect spot to visit for anyone who loves fairytales.
This castle is part of Royal Roads University in Colwood and you can walk around the grounds at any time of year.
Don't be alarmed if you see people lying on the ground in front of the building. They're just recreating Ryan Reynold's pose in Deadpool 2, which was partially shot outside this landmark.
San Josef Bay
San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park deserves a spot on this list, especially since it was recently named the best beach in Canada.
The beach has sandy shores, crisp blue water and rugged coastal views.
It's a bit remote and involves a 45-minute hike to get there, but many people who have been there say it's worth the trip.
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.
