Whistler is kind of like the Beyoncé of B.C. travel spots — undeniably iconic, gorgeous at every angle, and guaranteed to leave you in awe. But similarly to trying to snag tickets to her Renaissance Tour circa 2023, it's also always booked and busy. Between the crowds, parking headaches, and lineups, sometimes just existing in Whistler can feel less like you're on a mini vacation, and more like you're waiting in a retail line on Boxing Day.
Now, full disclosure: I am not a big skier or snowboarder. If hurtling down mountains on planks is your thing, Whistler is obviously your holy grail. However, if you're craving a city escape for some R & R, nature, adventure, or you just want beauty without all the background noise, there are plenty of other stunning destinations near Vancouver worth checking out.
As a local, here are five spots I'd happily pick before Whistler for a more peaceful getaway.
Port Renfrew & Botanical Beach
Port Renfrew feels like the moody, mysterious, black cat cousin in the B.C. family tree. Just when you think you've seen every version of coastal beauty, you roll up to Botanical Beach and realize nature's been holding out on you.
This place is famous for its tidal pools — massive, otherworldly craters filled with purple sea urchins, sea stars, and anemones. It’s basically a free, interactive aquarium built by Mother Nature herself. If you time your visit with low tide, you can hop from rock to rock, spotting all the adorable ocean life you usually only see in documentaries.
The vibe of Port Renfrew is less “Instagram hot spot” and more "primeval quiet." The drive is long and winding — and, unless you're prone to car sickness, I mean that in the best way: it feels like a pilgrimage.
On route, I'd definitely recommend stopping at Mystic Beach. Aptly named, it's a little slice of paradise with a waterfall that plunges into the ocean, a sea cave to explore, and a rope swing if that's your thing. By the time you're standing at the shoreline with the Pacific roaring at your feet, you'll forget Whistler was even on your itinerary.
Why I'd go here before Whistler: Because staring into tide pools feels more profound than staring into a lineup at Starbucks in the Village.
Pemberton Meadows & Nairn Falls
In my opinion, Whistler's cooler, quieter neighbour deserves way more hype. Pemberton is only about 30 minutes past Whistler, but the vibe is completely different. Instead of tourist bustle, you get wide-open valleys, sleepy farms, and mountain ranges that look Photoshopped.
One of my favourite gems here is Nairn Falls Provincial Park. The hike is short and sweet (a little under 2 km), but when you get to the falls, it feels like you've stumbled on some secret hideout. The waterfall isn't necessarily “Niagara,” but its raw, churning power in the middle of the forest makes it beautiful unto itself.
Add to that the drive through Pemberton Meadows — rolling fields dotted with horses — and it feels like stepping into an actual B.C. postcard (aka: a high-budget Hallmark movie). Bring snacks, find a picnic table, and put your phone away — never underestimate what listening to the wind and birds can do.
Why I'd go here before Whistler: Because sometimes you don't want to conquer a mountain — you just want to sit in a meadow, eat your sandwich, and feel the breeze on your face.
Squamish
Squamish often gets overshadowed because it's the halfway point to Whistler, but this little mountain town could be a trip all on its own. Yes, the Chief is famous, but if you skip everything else, you're missing out.
I'll start with Alice Lake. Four freshwater lakes surrounded by pines? Check. Paddleboarding, swimming, or just floating peacefully into the abyss? Double check. On cooler days, the forest trails are perfect for strolling, jogging, or letting your dog live its most unencumbered life.
Then there's Smoke Bluffs Park, a climbing and hiking paradise. Even if you're not scaling the cliffs, the viewpoints make the short treks worth it. I'd define it as a "workout without the suffering" type of place — you'll sweat just enough to feel accomplished, but not so much that you regret every life decision that led you to this point.
Why I'd go here before Whistler: Because Squamish has everything you'd want from a mountain town — minus the crowds, plus the best craft breweries.
Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast feels like a secret world that's only a short ferry ride away. Time slows down here — as if the towns collectively agreed to unsubscribe from their Google calendar updates and always leave their phones at home.
Sechelt is the perfect home base, full of romantic cafés, quirky craft shops, and oceanfront strolls. From there, head to Halfmoon Bay Trail. The hike itself is easy (and I'm not a fan of difficult hikes, so you can take this recommendation seriously), but the reward is a forest-framed coastline that looks like a green screen. Rocky coves, bright water, sunsets that make you feel wistful, nostalgic, and emotional — it's all here.
And because it's less overrun than Whistler, you can actually hear the waves instead of being blasted by a busker’s Ed Sheeran covers (I’ve only ever experienced this once in Whistler, but the amp was jarringly loud).
Why I'd go here before Whistler: Because coastal sunsets hit differently.
Chilliwack Lake
If alpine lakes are your thing, Whistler has plenty — but Chilliwack Lake offers a stunner that doesn't get nearly enough credit. Tucked deep in the Coast Mountains, this glacier-fed lake has gatorade blue water and is surrounded by dramatic peaks on all sides.
The park also has plenty of trails, from casual shoreline strolls to training day treks. But if you ask me? Just plopping yourself on the beach with salt and vinegar chips and a blanket is activity enough. Watching the light change over the lake throughout the day is a kind of entertainment of its own.
It's far enough from Vancouver to keep the biggest crowds away, but still doable as a day trip. And unlike Whistler, you'll actually find a parking spot without breaking into a sweat.
Why I'd go here before Whistler: Because it's all the alpine glory without the chaos.
Whistler is gorgeous, no doubt. But if you want stunning landscapes without the crowds, these five destinations are proof that B.C.'s beauty isn't tied to one ski town. Whether it's tide pools, meadows, or turquoise lakes, there are plenty of places to soak up little bits of B.C. magic — without following everyone else's footsteps.
The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
