This Emerald Green River Is Hidden Off The Highway In BC & No One Knows About It
The province is so beautiful that even a bathroom break can turn into a chance to see breathtaking sights. This far-too easily missed rest stop along the highway hides an emerald oasis with waters as clear as crystal. Make sure to drop by this clear river in B.C. on your next road trip across the province to have your mind blown by its surreal colours.
The Taylor River rest area is a true hidden gem. Found on Vancouver Island along Highway/Route 4, a short 40-kilometre drive from Port Alberni, this pit stop is easy to miss.
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Visitors should take a narrow road off the highway and follow it all the way to the banks of Taylor River.
The rest stop itself is a great place to relax after a long journey, with plenty of picnic benches and six composting toilets. It's even got wifi. But the star of the show is the emerald-green river that lies just a quick walk away.
The water is so vibrant, it feels like a cargo ship ferrying green food colouring had crashed just upstream.
Locals and travellers alike love going for dips at this junction, where the water moves a bit slower, and social media is flooded with images and videos of this place. The water might look tropical but it may be really chilly.
If you're willing to brave the cold, though, you'll have a gem of a photo that'll jazz your Instagram right up.
You might also get superpowers. With waters this beautiful, who knows what magic floats in the river.
Right next door to the stop is the Taylor Arm Provincial Park, a similarly underappreciated area of the island.
It's home to two undeveloped beaches and plenty of hiking opportunities. A trail leads you down to Sproat Lake, which is also good for swimming, canoeing, and fishing.
With the sun raging this summer, there's no better opportunity to relax in some beautiful waters as clear as liquid emerald.
Taylor River Rest Area
Address: Highway/Route 4 near Port Alberni, BC
Why You Need To Go: Take a dip in the magical green waters that look straight out of a dream.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment and obey any local laws.