6 of the most magical places to visit in BC, according to locals (PHOTOS)

Cathedral Forest

It's hard to feel more fairytale-like than when you step into an old-growth forest. You're surrounded by thick tree trunks covered in moss, vibrant green ferns covering the forest ground and canopies of branches hanging above. It's a scene that evokes a sense of peacefulness just thinking about it, but it's what you'll find in Cathedral Grove.

Set within MacMillan Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, it's home to some of the tallest and oldest trees in the country. You can spend hours wandering the trail system and soaking in the beauty of the 800-year-old trees. As sunlight filters through the lush greenery, it's a truly magical scene.

The Big Tree Trail here will take you past the park's widest tree, a Douglas Fir with a 9-meter circumference.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

The beauty of the West Coast forests can't be understated, and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is another place showcasing it.

This park is easy for tourists to reach outside of Vancouver, but it feels like you're far away from a city, retreating deep into nature. Within the park, there's a network of treetop platforms that take you through the temperate rainforest, connected by bridges and paths. The suspension bridge here floats 230 feet above the Capilano River and is 450 feet long, and there's also a Cliffwalk where you can walk high above a canyon.

It's a unique spot because you can wander high above the ground, go from treetop to treetop, and experience the forest from a new angle. You can also stay on the ground level and walk along The Living Forest pathways, which take you past the sights and sounds of the forest.

This spot costs $71.95 for an adult ticket, but it's a great way to experience the area's natural beauty without going far from the city.

The Butchart Gardens

This is another example of how natural beauty is at the doorstep of B.C. cities. Just outside of Victoria sits the famous Butchart Gardens, where you'll see countless varieties of flowers and plants. You can stroll around the gardens, taking in the colourful scenery, different vibes, and variations of gardens. The Sunken Garden here is famous, and it is a manicured masterpiece that you can look out on from a platform above it.

Pathways can take you through the 55 acres of gardens, which have been worked on for over 100 years and are designated a National Historic Site of Canada.

Garibaldi Lake

This park, right outside the famous ski village of Whistler, is legendary for its incredible glacier-fed lake. Alpine mountains wrap around the lake's turquoise waters, creating a scene worth the steep climb.

The trail up to Garibaldi is an 18-kilometre-long journey that's challenging. The incline is demanding, and the entire trip takes about 6 hours. Once you're there, though, you forget about the workout (for the most part) and can sit and enjoy the unbelievable view. The way back down is downhill, which is a relief.

If you are willing to make the effort, the spectacular destination of Garibaldi Lake won't disappoint.

Haida Gwaii

Haida Gwaii is the definition of a bucket-list place. If you live in Vancouver it's a journey to reach it, as you have to take an eight-hour long ferry ride from Prince Rupert to reach it, or a flight. It's an incredible special place though, that's worth visiting.

It's actually a group of many islands, the communities throughout them connected by ferries, and they're known as "Canada's Galapagos," because of the diversity in animal and plant life.

A visit to the archipelago means learning about its rich history, seeing the incredible wildlife first-hand, exploring thick rainforests, and walking along breathtaking beaches.

Before travelling here you should review the Haida Gwaii Visitor Orientation, sign the Haida Gwaii Visitor Pledge, and make sure to travel responsibly.

Vancouver Island

Although a few Vancouver Island spots were specifically mentioned, the island as a whole also received praise, and rightfully so. It's a place where misty rainforests meet rugged coastlines, and a bustling city sits alongside breathtaking nature.

It's teeming with life and full of natural wonders, from the wild beauty of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to the mountains of Strathcona Park.

You could explore it for months, years even, and just scratch the surface of its natural beauty.

There's a lot to do here, but you won't be disappointed with a trip that involves a stop in the famous surfing town of Tofino, a day shopping at Victoria's local boutiques, and a dive into the Sooke Potholes.