Beyond the borders of the city is even more spectacular natural beauty, from untouched wonders tucked away along the coast of the province to popular destinations that live up to their reputations.
You can take your pick of rainforest walks and island adventures to mountainous hikes and sparkling lakes. There's so much to see and do it's hard to choose where to start.
It makes planning a trip to B.C. all that much more exciting, but also difficult. Choosing which exciting sight to see is no easy feat, but we're here to help. Our team has put together their list of all-time favourite destinations in B.C. that they'd recommend to anyone exploring the West Coast.
If you're headed on a West Coast adventure anytime soon or just want some travel inspo to tuck away on your bucket list — take notes.
Saturna Island
Narcity Editor Josh Elliott loved visiting this Gulf Island, known for its coastal beauty and wildlife you can view from its shoreline. Elliott recommends enjoying the natural sights there, of which there are many.
Take a hike up Mount Warburton Pike for a breathtaking view of the small islands peppering the ocean. Or, take a walk along the coast and breathe in the salty air, enjoying the peaceful sound of the waves lapping the shoreline.
If you want to really embrace nature you can camp underneath the stars on this little island.
Going here is all about embracing a slower pace of life and winding down surrounded by nature.
Manning Park
Although not on the coast, this place is just under 3 hours from Vancouver so makes for the perfect weekend getaway for those visiting the city, and is one of my top favourite spots that I've explored. The park is set in the Cascade Mountains and has adventure weaved throughout it.
In the summer you can camp beside the idyllic Lightning Lake here, waking up to watch the sunrise from behind the mountains and shimmer of the calm water.
Make sure to explore the park's hikes too, finding the hidden waterfalls and fields of wildflowers along the way.
In the winter you can stay warm at Manning Park Resort and head out to the ski area here.
Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
Vancouver Island is brimming with the kind of picturesque scenery that you'll struggle to find anywhere else in the world. From the world-renowned small town of Tofino to the rugged wilderness within Strathcona Park, this place is our magic.
One of the stunning places on the island is Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, conveniently located under an hour away from Victoria. The day trip from the big city will transport you to a different world entirely.
The park has swimming spots in it, made from unique rock formations filled with turquoise-green waters
Narcity writer Mira Nabulsi has been there twice and fell more in love with each visit. "From the hike to the natural swimming pools, being fully immersed in nature but also having a blast doing it is my definition of a perfect day," she said.
Pender Island
The tiny islands around B.C. were a hit with our team, and it's no wonder why.
Narcity writer Asymina Kantorowicz shouted out Pender Island, which is just a BC Ferries ride away from Vancouver Island.
"It's a charming island with stunning ocean views pretty much everywhere you go. There's a beautiful hotel you can stay at right along the water, a winery where you can try local wine and lots of cute shops and restaurants," Kantorowicz said.
Poets Cove Resort & Spa is a tranquil retreat on the island where you can enjoy the ocean views right from your room.
Also make sure to enjoy the nature on the island, exploring one of the many trails there.
Ucluelet
Tofino gets a lot of the attention when it comes to oceanside small towns on Vancouver Island, but Ucluelet is only about 40 minutes from it and I think it deserves just as much praise.
This small community on Vancouver Island is often overlooked because of its popular neighbour, Tofino. While Tofino doesn't disappoint, Ucluelet offers its own kind of coastal beauty.
It usually comes at a cheaper price tag for accommodation, and you have access to the same kind of natural beauty. Plus, it's full of amazing local local shops, breweries, and restaurants.
You can go for a drive to Tofino from here, stay in and enjoy the breathtaking ocean views, or get out into nature by walking the Wild Pacific Trail.
A day trip from Victoria to Port Renfrew
This one is a few unforgettable destinations rolled into one, chosen by Asymina Kantorowicz.
"I also love going on a drive from Victoria to Port Renfrew, which provides stunning views and you can make lots of great stops along the way," she said.
Kantorowicz recommends stretching out the two-hour drive by "stopping at Mystic Beach for a hike, getting a baked treat and coffee at Shirley Delicious and then ending your road trip with dinner at the Renfrew Pub."
A trip full of surreal views and good eats!
Whistler
This is probably the most well-known spot on the list, but a visit to Vancouver should definitely include a day or weekend trip to Whistler if possible.
It's only an hour and a half from Vancouver, depending on the traffic, and every part of it is memorable. The drive there is along the Sea-to-Sky Highway and gives you classic West Coast views on the way.
It's the mountains, ocean and islands all wrapped up into one glace out the car window – perfect for visitors who want that signature experience.
You'll also pass through Squamish and get a view of the towering Stawamus Chief (and maybe even stop for a hike there).
One of the great things about Whistler is that there's something to do in every season. Ski season is the obvious time to go, but in the fall you can enjoy the changing colours of the trees on a hike or lakeside stroll. In the summer you can float around those lakes, looking out at the stunning mountains.
All that nature surrounds the village, where you can get some shopping in or enjoy the variety of restaurants.
Happy exploring!
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.
Rendering of the upgraded Amtrak Cascades train.
Seats aboard the new Amtrak Cascades train.
