There’s a reason why the signs into British Columbia read, ‘welcome to the most beautiful place on Earth’. Canada’s southwestern province is home to scenery that’s as diverse as it is breathtaking. From soaring mountains and lush green forests to sparkling coastlines and bustling cities, British Columbia (BC) 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. It’s a tricky task, but if we have to narrow it down, here are just some of the most beautiful places in British Columbia.
Mount Robson Provincial Park
Kicking off our list of the most beautiful places in British Columbia is Mount Robson Provincial Park. This pretty park is part of the Rocky Mountains, a massive mountain range that stretches through North America and invites outdoor enthusiasts from across the world. Here, the turquoise Robson River runs through a valley of wildflowers and deep green forest, and owls soar through the crisp air. 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. As you wander along the paths, expect glassy lakes, gushing waterfalls and surreal glacial landscapes. Once you’ve reached the peak, you’ll be treated to a view across the sparkling Berg Lake, which sits at an elevation of 5,380ft.
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Yoho National Park
The next stop on our list of scenic places in British Columbia is just a stone’s throw from Mount Robson. Drive south through Jasper to get to 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 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. Boasting buckets of natural beauty, it’s no surprise that Yoho, along with Mount Robson, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.
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Whistler
We can’t talk about British Columbia without mentioning Whistler. This well-loved mountain resort town is not only a haven for skiers and mountain bikers, but we think it’s also one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia. Adjacent to the striking Garibaldi Provincial Park, Whistler has got the goods when it comes to breathtaking views. In the summer, hike up Whistler or Blackcomb mountains through meadows sprinkled with wildflowers and look out over the hundreds of peaks and lakes that make up the park. Come winter, white powder puff snow cloaks the town and transforms the mountain’s trees into a Lapland-like scene. For the ultimate indulgence, sip a Bailey’s hot chocolate at the Crystal Hut – a cosy restaurant that sits atop Blackcomb – as you gaze across this icy wonderland.
Image by 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 provide the perfect backdrop for summer walks. Visit farmers’ markets selling freshly grown local produce, or spend a day among the vines on a wine-tasting tour. If you’re a fitness fanatic, why not cycle the Kettle Valley Rail Trail - a boardwalk trail that runs over rushing rivers, through dense forests and across deep valleys. The valley is home to 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. This wonderfully diverse landscape blends to create the perfect conditions for both Okanagan’s natural beauty and its wine-growing industry.
Image by 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. If you’re an animal lover, head up to Telegraph Cove to spot grizzlies and black bears on land and majestic humpback whales out on the water, or go 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, where gushing waterfalls pour out of green forests onto black sand shores. From here, you can often see whales out at sea and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot the occasional orca.
Image by Francesco Riccardo Iacomino / Getty Images.
Written by Emma Begley. Header image by Un Cercle.
