50+ Bucket List Ideas for a Summer Trip to British Columbia
10 Of Our Favourite B.C. Summer Getaways
Breadcrumb Trail LinksWe asked our network of writers to tell us their favourite getaways in B.C. Is yours on the list?
Published May 22, 2023 • Last updated May 23, 2023 • 10 minute read
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The wildflowers at Sun Peaks are amazing in summer. You can catch a chairlift to mid mountain and hike one of the 15 designated hiking trails. Photo by Debbie Olsen Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
Article contentWe asked our network of writers and freelancers to tell us their favourite getaways in B.C. Their responses range from mountain tops to valleys to beaches. Is your summer vacation spot one of the selected? If not and you want to let us know where your summer getaway is, please email the Travel Editor at dpottinger@postmedia.Com.
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By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails or any newsletter. Postmedia Network Inc.365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4416-383-2300 Thanks for signing up! Article content You won't find it in the usual Best-of B.C. Lists, but my summer secret is Courtenay and the Comox Valley. Ferrying in from the city and flying up Highway 19, the pace is relaxed, the outdoor attractions abundant, and the locals friendly. I'll take my kids fossil-hunting for dinosaur bones in nearby river beds (we first learned about it with an excellent tour at the Courtenay District Museum and Paleontology Centre), take floaties down the Puntledge River, hike to the suspension bridge in Elk Falls Provincial Park, or along the expansive beach in Miracle Bay Provincial Park.
Kids love fossil-hunting for dinosaur bones in the river beds near Courtenay. Photo by Robin Esrock We might drive up the highway for an adventure in the cool Horne Lake Caves, bike the Forest Loop in Seal Bay Nature Park, or just relax at beautiful Comox Lake. The Gladstone Brewing Co is fantastic, and there's always something to eat on 5th Street. Each time I visit Rawthentic Eatery my body wants to thank me. It doesn't get nearly as much attention as other destinations on Vancouver Island, but Courtenay is a taste of B.C. Summer living at its best.— Robin Esrock
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Article content Hornby Island — A family traditionThe first time I visited Hornby Island it was 1984 and I was four years old. My parents, brother and I set off for our first adventure to the Gulf Islands, and two-and-a-half hours of highway driving and three — Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, Buckley Bay to Denman, Denman to Hornby — ferry rides later, we were unpacking our bags in our sun-beaten waterfront cabin.
Lise Boullard at Hornby Island circa 1990. That first summer turned into annual trips where we'd spend the last week in August relaxing on the white-sand beaches — (could this really be B. C.?)—fishing, playing tennis, picnicking and eating my mom's homemade blackberry pies.
As my brother and I grew older, the family trips grew few and far between, and the last time I visited Hornby was three years ago. Yet, Hornby's whimsical spirit remained intact. The turquoise waters and fine white sand at Tribune Bay. The Mars-like sandstone formations at Ford's Cove and Whaling Station Bay. The Saturday farmers market, and Movie Night at the community hall. The scent of pine needles, arbutus trees and dried grass filling the sea air as you walk along the cliffs overlooking the sparkling sea at Helliwell Park.
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Article contentIf you're still wondering, the answer is yes: Hornby Island is worth every one of those three ferries.— Lise Boullard
Enjoy the wilds at WhistlerI've always loved what Whistler has to offer in the wintertime, but I've increasingly found myself, and my family, enjoying the summertime more.
And while there is no shortage of in-town and on-mountain activities to keep you busy during B.C.'s long daylight hours during the summer — from golf to shopping, from dining to mountain biking — it is exploring the outskirts of the municipality that I've really come to appreciate. Namely, the wilderness.
Go off the beaten path for spectacular views in Whistler. Photo by Tourism Whistler One of my best recent memories in Whistler was a half-day spent on the Crater Rim Trail around Loggers Lake, a 4.5-kilometre intermediate loop hike that descends into the cauldron of an extinct volcano. Then there is the myriad trail system in Callaghan Lake Park, a backcountry area which became much more accessible with the establishment of Whistler Olympic Park. And the hike up to Black Tusk should be on everyone's Whistler bucket list.
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Article contentAfter a day in the splendid and rugged wilds, there's nothing like spending some quality patio time in the Whistler Village, enjoying a cold drink, great food and prime people watching.— Andrew McCredie
Somewhere between Tofino and UclueletPacific Rim National Park Reserve has a multi-use pathway that just opened last year that lets you cycle or walk from Tofino almost all the way to Ucluelet. The 25-kilometre pathway, in the ḥaḥuułi (traditional territories and homelands) of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and Ucluelet First Nation, is called ʔapsčiik t̓ašii and pronounced ups-cheek ta-shee. The name means "going the right way on the path" as well as "make sure you speak the truth."
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve trilingual welcome to multi use pathway. Photo by Jennifer Bain Here in the park reserve's Long Beach Unit, most visitors drive to the beach, so to combat that, Parks Canada allows pedal assist electric bicycles on ʔapsčiik t̓ašii. The bikes max out at 32 kilometres an hour on level ground. I rented from T̓iick̓in (Thunderbird) E-Bike Rentals at the Ucluelet/Tofino junction. The meandering but well-marked pathway crosses rainforests, bogs, official and unsanctioned hiking trails and surfing beaches. It boasts trilingual directional signs and zigzags to protect old-growth trees, cultural sites and amphibian areas.— Jennifer Bain
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Article content Head to 'The Star'SilverStar, just a 20-minute drive from Vernon. SilverStar's varied terrain transforms in summer into a mountain biker's delight, with over 100km of downhill trails suitable for all abilities, a vast, purpose-built single-track cross-country network, and an adrenalin-pumping progressive bike park.
SilverStar is home to the second biggest bike park in B.C. Photo by Robb Thompson Hikers can choose from over a dozen hiking trails, or ride the Des Scheumann Summit Express gondola to the summit for spectacular views of the Monashee Mountain Range and Okanagan Valley. And after a day of outdoor play, you can relax and soak up the laid-back, family-friendly vibe in SilverStar's charming pedestrian-only village, which hosts several seasonal festivals.
For my money, it doesn't get any better than 'The Star' in summer, which makes it my first resort when I want to get away from the city.— Mark Sissons
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Article content Golden rulesMy favourite place to be during the summer is on a hiking trail, exploring the beautiful backcountry of B.C. Surrounded by six national parks and two mountain ranges, Golden is the perfect base for exploring the giant mountains along the eastern edge of B.C. Golden is a hidden jewel that takes outdoor activities to the next level. Whenever I'm there, I try another adrenalin-filled adventure that pushes me out of my comfort zone — like whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River or walking across Canada's highest suspension bridge on the Golden Skybridge.
Spanning 140 metres long and 130 metres high, the Golden Skybridge is Canada's highest suspension bridge. Photo by Pamela Roth At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, a scenic gondola ride takes you to an elevation of more than 7,700 feet, providing instant access to backcountry hikes above the clouds. The star attraction on the mountain is a 650-pound grizzly bear named Boo, who lives in the largest enclosed grizzly bear habitat in the world. There's also a decent dining scene for a small town, affordable accommodation and a craft brewery with delicious beer.— Pamela Roth
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Article content Sun Peaks' bike trailsLast August, I visited Sun Peaks with my daughters and even though we are all novice riders, we had an amazing time on the mountain bike trails. The lifts that take skiers and boarders up the mountain in winter carry mountain bikers and hikers in the summer.
Debbie Olsen, her daughters and instructor ready to hit the trails at Sun Peaks. We also hiked the Top of the World and Juniper Loop trails, two of the 15 designated hiking trails, to see beautiful wildflowers. We joined a "Yoga on the Mountain" class and went kayaking and paddle boarding on nearby McGillivray Lake. We enjoyed great meals at local restaurants and we relaxed in comfy mountainside accommodations with wonderful views. Our girls' getaway at Sun Peaks helped us step out of our comfort zones and left us feeling confident and empowered.— Debbie Olsen
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Article content Blissfully remote BamfieldOne of my favourite B.C. Summer getaways is Bamfield a laid-back hamlet on a protected inlet near Barkley Sound on Vancouver Island. I love its remote location, reachable by float plane or ferry from Port Alberni (a new road will be completed in fall 2023), and its compact village centre, where I stroll along a raised boardwalk past brightly painted wooden cottages.
Bamfield is on the Pacific Rim of Vancouver Island. Photo by Claudia Laroye The tiny village is on the traditional territory of the Huu-aye-aht First Nation, which offers guided tours to Kiix? In, a National Historic Site and the only traditional First Nations village remaining on the southwestern coast of B.C.
A short walk from Outer Shores Lodge brings me down to Brady's Beach, one of the loveliest sand beaches in the province and a great spot to watch the sunset on a summer's night. With its prime oceanfront location, Bamfield's an ideal base for experiencing marine activities. I can't resist climbing into a zodiac for a bit of wildlife spotting between the Deer Group Islands, where we hit the jackpot with sightings of playful sea otters, braying sea lions and soaring bald eagles.— Claudia Laroye
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Article content Cowichan Valley's Flavour TrailFor a quick getaway, I love taking a road trip along Vancouver Island's bucolic Cowichan Valley. I opt for the scenic route across the Saanich Inlet on B.C. Ferries' cute Mill Bay ferry from Brentwood Bay on the Saanich Peninsula to Mill Bay at the valley's southern end. From there it's easy to wind past the organic farms and wineries that have blossomed into one of North America's fastest growing wine regions.
Touring is easy: I'll simply follow the burgundy and white Wine Route signs or grab a map from a local tourist office. But it's not all about the grapes: English-style craft cidery, brandy, craft distillery gin, and even tea, are among the local specialties.
Wineries, English-style craft cidery, brandy, craft distillery gin, and even tea, are among the local specialties in Cowichan. Photo by Vanessa Pinniger Finding places, hidden down winding country lanes, tucked between farm stands, is part of the fun. Most are small, family-run, labour-of-love operations, such as Ampersand Distillery, which produces craft gin and vodka, and Emandare Vineyard, both in Duncan.
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Article contentI've had some of the area's best lunches al fresco on winery patios, at places such as Unsworth Vineyard in Mill Bay, whose charming bistro is set in a restored 1900s farmhouse, and in Cobble Hill at Cherry Point Estate Wines' La Terraza and the Eatery at Merridale Ciderworks, where a Spirits and Brandy Tour and Tasting nicely rounds off a meal.
I recommend starting at Mill Bay's Enrico Winery and wending north, with stops along the way at Venturi Schultz Vineyards in Cobble Hill, now known for its slowly aged balsamic vinegars, and Rocky Creek Winery in Cowichan Bay.
Once in Duncan, visit Zanatta Winery, Averill Creek Vineyard, and Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard; sample flights of small-batch beer at Red Arrow Brewing Company, or cap it off with a cuppa at Westholme Tea Company, Canada's first commercial organic tea farm.— Vanessa Pinniger
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Article content Revelstoke and its Enchanted ForestLike countless other Canadians who've barrelled across the Trans-Canada Highway, Revelstoke evokes happy childhood memories for me. Situated smack-dab on the highway, The Enchanted Forest is a great reason to get out of your vehicle. While those kitschy fairy tale figurines scattered throughout the old-growth forest have been there as long as I can remember, visiting them always feels fresh. Nowadays, SkyTrek Adventure Park is right next door, with enough ziplines and rope challenges to tire out both tots and teens before heading into town.
Ride the Revelstoke Mountain Coaster for an adrenalin rush. Photo by Revelstoke Mountain Resort Whether you're searching for outdoor adventure or looking to calm the senses, resorts like Revelstoke Mountain Resort have you covered. High-octane mountain bike thrills are easily achieved via a sprawling trail network. And it's even easier to get your adrenalin rush by whooshing down The Pipe Mountain Coaster, an individual ride where you control the speed. On mountain, there's a massive outdoor pool at The Sutton Place Hotel or you can cool off at Williamson Lake which sports a beach and plenty of trees for shade.— Jody Robbins
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Article content Victoria is a kayaker's paradiseMy idea of a great summer holiday doesn't include busy airports and flights, so my preferred seat assignment is in my Delta kayak on the waters surrounding my hometown, Victoria. The capital is a kayaker's paradise, with scenic flatwater routes, rugged ocean coastline and offshore islands.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel is a dramatic backdrop to a Victoria harbour paddle. Photo by Glen Petrie Favourite paddles? The famously picturesque inner harbour, abuzz with seaplanes, ferries and yachts, with the iconic Empress Hotel in the background. (Get a harbour map to stay out of trouble.) I'll tie-up at Fisherman's Wharf for lunch at the locally renowned Barb's Fish & Chips. From there, the Gorge Waterway cuts a calm route through the city centre, or I can point the bow seaward and skirt offshore rocks where seals sunbathe. A little further west lies Fisgard Lighthouse, the oldest on Canada's west coast.
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Article contentFrom Oak Bay, a three-kilometer paddle leads to Discovery Island Marine Park in the (often turbulent) Haro Strait, where the rocks teem with seals, sea lions and seabirds. Follow the Marine Trail (bcmarainetrails.Org) for a multi-way tour of islands near Sidney that allow camping.
Not travelling with a kayak? Rent boats or book a tour with oceanriver.Com or victoriakayak.Com.— Glen Petrie
B.C.'s San Josef Bay named one of the world's best beaches 
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14 Pretty Towns To See In Canada's British Columbia
© Provided by TheTravel Travelers planning a trip to Canada may want to consider visiting British Columbia. This western province is teeming with natural scapes and rich culture. Undoubtedly, there are plenty of things one shouldn't miss doing in Vancouver, but this Canadian province is home to other breathtaking destinations, particularly within its pretty towns. This year, while venturing across the British Columbia coast, curious (and adventurous) travelers will drop their jaws when stumbling upon these picturesque towns!
UPDATE: 2023/05/28 14:44 EST BY OSCAR APONTEThere's Also Beauty In The Mountains
Despite being a coastal location, there are also mountains and valleys in British Columbia that serve as wonderful travel locations for a vacation along eastern Canada. That's why this list has been updated to include a couple more beautiful towns in the heart of British Columbia, Canada.
NelsonThe British Columbian destination of Nelson is a true hippie town with a rich history and culture. Many believe that Nelson is one of British Columbia's gems due to its rich culture and stunning views of the Selkirk Mountains with the Kootenay Lake. Besides enjoying its lakeside views and refreshing nature scapes, visitors can discover its historical attractions, including its 350 heritage buildings and restored streetcar!
Osoyoos sits between Penticton and Omak in the southernmost end of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. Known as "Canada's Warmest Welcome," Osoyoos is home to Canada's only desert and one of Canada's hottest locations. Like other Okanagan Valley communities, Osoyoos is also known as a wine-producing region! Otherwise, its natural landscape is a huge tourist attraction, especially its notable destinations like the Osoyoos Desert Center and the Osoyoos Lake.
Formerly known as Oyster Harbor, this quaint town can be found in the eastern portion of Vancouver Island, south of Nanaimo and north of Victoria. Visitors can enjoy small-town vibes at Ladysmith, home to only 8,990 residents. Tourists can learn about the town's history and its original inhabitants (i.E., the Stz'uminus First Nations) while exploring its miles of hiking trails with hillside (and harbor) landscapes.
RELATED: Why British Columbia's Capilano Suspension Bridge Is Worth The Visit
Qualicum BeachSet at the base of Vancouver Island's Mount Arrowsmith along the Georgia Strait, Qualicum Beach has cottages and coastal views. Due to its proximity to British Columbia's coast populous cities like Victoria and Vancouver, Qualicum Beach is also a popular retirement destination! While visiting this Vancouver Island town, travelers can enjoy a family-friendly beach day or soak up the province's lush temperate forests on a hiking trail.
Yup, British Columbia has its own Sunshine Coast! Sitting on the southern coast of the province, adventure-seeking and curious travelers can truly appreciate the beauty of British Columbia here, which stretches from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound. Don't bother renting a car to get here either, because this BC region is only accessible by ferry, private boat, or plane! Teeming with mountain and coastal scapes (which are perfect for activities like diving or boating!), this gem of a region also boasts a rich Indigenous history related to communities like the Homalco, Tla'amin, Klahoose Nations, and many more.
Adventurers will feel like they stepped into a painting when visiting Ucluelet. Meaning "People of the Safe Harbor" to the Nuu-chah-nulth's First Nation community, the rugged views of Ucluelet are nothing short of spectacular. A true nature's paradise, this coastal destination on Vancouver Island is blessed with miles of temperate rainforests and quiet beaches and is near the Pacific Rim National Park (which itself spans 126,500 acres!)
RELATED: 10 Best Things To Do In Abbotsford, British Columbia
OliverOliver is a quiet town with over 5,000 people and sits in Southern Okanagan. Though Ontario's Niagara region is known as one of Canada's notable wine regions, Oliver has built its reputation as the Capital of Wine Capital of Canada! Besides its arable land for grape growing and agriculture, Oliver has other attractions worth admiring, including the McIntyre Bluff and Mount Baldy, both offering picturesque (and somewhat challenging) hiking opportunities. The town is also great for outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and golfing.
Creston sits in the Kootenay region in southeastern British Columbia, offering visitors small-town vibes with plenty of nature-related excursions and travelers interested in agro-tourism. Creston is an excellent starting point to explore Creston Valley. Nearby, visitors can check out attractions like Kootenay Lake, the Selkirk (and Purcell) Mountains, local wineries, fruit farms, and much more!
RELATED: Mayne Island: The Complete Guide To One Of British Columbia's Most Beautiful Islands
TofinoWhile discovering Vancouver Island's Devil Bath and other attractions, consider visiting the island's communities like Tofino. Tofino is an eclectic mix of surf-town vibe and outdoorsy adventures, boasting popular attractions like Cox Bay, Chesterman Beach, and Long Beach. This beautiful British Columbia coast town is also popular among tourists for its whale-watching excursions due to its long whale-watching season, running from March (or late February) to October.
Haida Gwaii is an archipelago off the west coast of British Columbia, boasting as an ideal getaway for the ultimate traveling nature (and outdoors) lover. Known as the Queen Charlotte Islands and home to the Haida Nation, prospective visitors who are keen on visiting Haida Gwaii must be mindful of the Haida ways and are encouraged to take the Haida Gwaii Visitor Pledge. Once they do so, they are invited to soak in the breathtaking sights of this British Columbian archipelago, which is best appreciated through kayaking, boating, surfing, and museum hopping!
To fully show respect to the people and their land, visitors are encouraged to take the Haida Gwaii Pledge upon arrival, as well as having the proper permits to set foot on the islands.
WhistlerIt's not all beaches and sunny lakes, British Colombia is also known for its idyllic resorts around the mountainous region. The town of Whistler is surrounded with mountains that are constantly covered in snow, making it one of the go-to destinations for adventurous travelers seeking a fresh escapade. During the winter, Whistler covers itself in snow and becomes one of the best spots for skiers and snowboarders in Canada, whereas summer makes the hiking trails available to traverse through.
Whistler's resorts aren't precisely cheap, but previous travelers say that, if the budget's available, it's totally worth it.
Related:10 Of The World's Best Hidden Family Vacation Spots To Visit In 2023
RevelstokeAs a mix between vibrant displays of imposing mountains that offer all kind of activities accompanied by fresh air with blooming fields of wildflowers during the summer, the city of Revelstoke can grant both exciting adventures and relaxing experiences for anyone at a vacation in British Columbia. In 1914, Mount Revelstoke National Park was established, becoming Canada's eight national park in existence.
With a population of only around 4,000 people, Invermere is undeniably a small community in eastern British Columbia, Canada, but its charm manages to greatly outweigh its size while being surrounded by picturesque locations and offering unique shops to browse around. Being right next to Windermere Lake also helps it gather a lot of tourist attraction during the summer.
Welcome to the intrepid town of Squamish! Also known as the "outdoor-recreation capital of Canada", this British Columbia gem makes the most out of being in a valley surrounded by luscious forests, tall mountains, and clean lakes, with plenty of available hiking trails that perfectly frame the area's natural beauty. The lakes are also prime locations for kayakers wanting to challenge themselves against the elements, and anglers wanting to try their luck at catching the different species of trouts that inhabit the lakes and rivers.
Province Announces Cancer Care Centre For Nanaimo, B.C.
The new cancer care centre at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital is due to open in summer 2027. (Island Health)
B.C.'s premier and health minister were in Nanaimo on Friday to announce a new cancer care centre.
The central Vancouver Island city, which has a population of more than 90,000, is the latest municipality in the province to get a centre providing radiation therapy, an outpatient ambulatory care unit and a net new PET/CT machine.
Health Minister Adrian Dix was in Kamloops to announce a similar centre on Thursday. It's all part of B.C.'s 10-year, $440 million cancer plan that was unveiled in February to deliver on a promise in the B.C. NDP's 2020 election platform.
In Nanaimo on Friday, Dix said new resources are needed to achieve "sustainable cancer care, provincewide" as the population grows.
"This new cancer centre will provide services people can rely on, with the latest technology, so a cancer-free future can be the reality for more people in B.C.," he said, surrounded by local politicians and cancer care doctors and administrators.
It's estimated that half of B.C. Residents will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
The new centre will be located at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, with a business plan to be approved this fall. Like the new facility announced for Kamloops, it's not expected to begin seeing patients until 2027.
Currently, cancer patients in Nanaimo often travel to Victoria for care. Earlier this month, the province approved temporarily sending cancer patients to clinics in neighbouring Washington state to reduce wait lists at treatment centres in B.C.
Premier David Eby defended the work his government was doing to address shortfalls in health care across the province.
"Short, medium and long term, we're taking action," he said Friday.
"We don't anyone to wait and we're certainly not asking people to wait until 2027 for cancer care. Yet what we're doing here is building the infrastructure for the future, right here in Nanaimo, for a growing city."
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