6 BC spots that will make you feel like you're on a European getaway, according to locals
No plane trip required. 🏰
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. Right: Hatley Castle.
If you're dreaming of a European summer but want to skip the plane ticket, these spots in B.C. are the next best thing. You might not actually be able to travel to the Italian vineyards or beaches of Spain, but you can get a little taste when escaping into these places.
We asked people on the Narcity Canada Facebook page what places in the province give them European vibes, and they came through with stunning destinations. From cobblestone streets to German-themed towns, these destinations around the province are the perfect escape for the summer.
Victoria
Starting out strong, this was the spot that people mentioned most. Victoria's known as the "most British" city in the country, so a visit should whisk you away to the U.K.
It's got historical sites, Victorian architecture, cobblestone streets, and even a red telephone booth. Stroll around the Inner Harbour here and soak in the vibes, before stopping at the dreamy Fairmont Empress Hotel, for a traditional English afternoon tea. The hotel itself is a landmark of the town, and staying there will have you feeling like royalty, no doubt.
The Butchart Gardens are a must-see near the city too, and are reminiscent of an English countryside stroll.
Kimberley
This charming little town is nestled in the Purcell Mountains and will transport you to a German village. Seriously, Kimberley has an old Bavarian theme to it, with a big cuckoo clock in the middle of town that adds to the charm. While the town has leaned away from the theme a bit, it's definitely still there.
You can stroll through the pedestrian-only downtown and take in the unique architecture, and cool local shops. Go for a meal at The Old Bauernhaus Restaurant for a taste of Germany, stop by the Bavarian Home Hardware and wave at Happy Hans (the old mascot).
You can really experience the German vibes in the fall at the Oktoberfest celebrations in the Kimberley Platzl here.
Whistler
Winter or not, a visit to a little ski village in the mountains always as a European feel to it. Quaint shops line pedestrian-only streets, mountain views are around every turn, and dreamy vibes are the goal.
You'll get all that in Whistler, the tourist hot-spot about an hour and a half outside of Vancouver. The ski town comes alive in the winter, of course, and definitely has a European atmosphere to it. The summers are also beautiful though, with sparkling lakes, mountain biking, and the same small-town charm.
Kelowna
All of your Lake Como daydreams can come true in this city, set in the Okanagan Valley. You've got rolling vineyards, a tranquil lake, and small town vibes.
It's about a four-hour drive to get here from Vancouver, but worth it to see one of the top summer destinations in the province. The Okanagan is known for it's warm summer days, wineries, and unique dry landscape. You can spend days here laying out by the Okanagan Lake or heading out on a boat or paddleboard. The lake is actually known has the warmest fresh-water lake in the country, so you won't have to face chilly waters.
Of course, you've got to check out the local wineries too. Mission Hill Winery is in Kelowna and looks like a little castle, with views of the sprawling vineyard and the scenic lake.
There's lots of vineyards to choose from in the area though, and wine tours if you really want to see it all.
If you want to keep the dreamy vibes going you can also head to one of the local lavender farms, and roam through rows of the purple flowers. Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm is in the city and is like a little slice of France.
Hatley Castle
This spot is actually right outside of Victoria, in Colwood, but deserves its own spot on the list.
It really is a fairytale come to life, with expansive grounds to roam around, a stately castle and picture-perfect scenery. The castle was built in 1908, for Royal Roads Military Collage cadets, and now it's an administrative building. It has a small museum with exhibits, so you can explore some of the history.
The estate is a stunning place to spend a summer afternoon, with beautiful gardens, lush greenery and beautiful architecture. There's a formal Italian Garden, a Rose Garden and a Japanese garden here — so you can spend hours exploring each and taking it all in.
The castle was actually used in a few movies, including Deadpool and the X-Men films.
Right in Victoria there's also Craigdarroch Castle, so you can spend a whole day pretending like you're in a fairytale.
District 1881
This neighbourhood in Downtown Chilliwack has picturesque buildings, pedestrian alleys, cute shops and restaurants. It's like a little European village in the city with local businesses to visit.
You can get your fill of charm here wandering from store to store, and it's only around an hour's drive from Vancouver.