There’s a reason why all signs into British Columbia read, ‘welcome to the most beautiful place on Earth’. Canada’s southwestern province is home to an astonishing abundance of diverse and breathtaking scenery. From soaring mountains and lush green forests filled with dense and towering trees, to sparkling coastlines, bustling cities, and an incredible diversity of wildlife, British Columbia (BC) really has it all. The whole province from Vancouver Island up to the Yukon has some of the most staggering natural scenery we have ever seen, but to round it up, here are just some of the most beautiful places in British Columbia.
The Canadian Rockies
The Rocky Mountains are simply majestic, and top of our list of the most beautiful places in British Columbia. This massive mountain range stretches through North America, inviting hikers, mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts from across the world. Start in the north, in Mount Robson Provincial Park, where the turquoise Robson River runs through a valley of wildflowers and deep green forest, and owls soar across the open valley. Walk along the river for views of Mount Robson’s jagged peak or hike the Berg Lake Trail to really get a sense of this mountain’s beauty. Expect glassy lakes, gushing waterfalls and surreal glacial landscapes as you hike up to Berg Lake which sits at an elevation of 5,380ft. Drive south through Jasper and down the Icefields Parkway where wide roads through glacial valleys provide that ultimate Canadian road trip scenery. Make sure to take some time to walk or kayak around the brilliantly blue Lake Louise and Moraine Lake on the Alberta side of the border, then cross back into BC to visit Yoho National Park, where truly awe-inspiring scenery awaits. By day, hike the Ice Line Trail, climbing through ancient forest and up above the tree line to get up close to the glaciers and come evening, relax on a lakeside beach as you watch the sunset turn the park’s peaks into honey-dipped snow cones.
Image: AleCam/stock.adobe.com
Whistler
We can’t talk about British Columbia without mentioning Whistler. The region’s most loved mountain resort is not only a haven for skiers and mountain bikers, it’s also one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia. Part of the incredibly striking Garibaldi Provincial Park, Whistler has got the goods when it comes to breath-taking views. In the summer, hike up Whistler or Blackcomb through meadows sprinkled with wildflowers and backed by dramatic mountains, to look out over the hundreds of peaks and lakes that make up the park. The icy blue and impossibly clear Garibaldi Lake is best appreciated on a hike and the Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge trails are just 20 minutes’ drive from Whistler. Camp by the lake or thru-hike here to really soak up the tranquil beauty of this place. Come winter, Whistler turns into an icy wonderland. White powder puff snow covers the village and turns the mountain’s trees into a Lapland-like scene. Sip a bailey’s hot chocolate at the Crystal Hut as you look out over this enchanting setting for the ultimate indulgence.
Image: Steven Slater/stock.adobe.com
Okanagan
BC is not just about hiking and mountains, it’s also home to some beautiful farmlands and lower land lakes. Enter the enchanting wine region of Okanagan. Here, rolling green hills striped with vineyards and apple orchards hang over sparkling blue lakes, the perfect backdrop for summer walks. Visit farmer’s markets selling freshly grown local produce or spend a day among the vines on a wine-tasting tour. Cycle the Kettle Valley Rail Trail - a boardwalk trail that runs over rushing rivers, through dense forests, and across deep valleys - or take a boat out for a day on the water at Okanagan Lake. The Okanagan Valley boasts a wonderfully diverse landscape that ranges from rainforest to desert. In fact, the Okanagan Valley contains Canada’s only desert, due to the hot summers inland and long daylight hours. In contrast, Okanagan Lake provides a vast thermal sink that regulates the dramatically hot and cold temperatures common to arid regions. It’s the perfect combination for both the resulting natural beauty and the wine-growing conditions.
Image: Gerald Haenel/LAIF-REA
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is home to wild and ancient forests, dramatic coastlines, soft sand beaches and the colourful capital of Victoria. Here, visitors can enjoy everything from outdoor adventures to beach relaxation and city exploring, making it a worthy contender for our list of the most beautiful places in British Columbia. Wildlife can be spotted throughout BC, but for the real animal-lovers, Vancouver Island is the place to go. The island’s climate has also resulted in some of the tallest trees in Canada, so a walk among giants is not out of the question. Head up to Telegraph Cove to spot grizzlies and black bears on land and majestic humpback whales out on the water. You can see pods of grey whales in the sheltered bays near Tofino between February and late April, or head north of Ucluelet for the chance to spot wolves. Bird enthusiasts will be in paradise, too, as hundreds of species can be found across the island. For some real adventure, hike all (or parts) of the 29-mile Juan de Fuca trail which offers an array of incredible scenery along the coastal route. Gushing waterfalls pour out of green forests onto black sand shores as you make your way along the trail through old growth forests that become radiant in the mist. From here, you can often see grey and blue whales out at sea and even the occasional orca.
Header image: Un Cercle