We both grew up in British Columbia, and feel so incredibly lucky to be able to call this part of the world home. Over the past few years, we’ve been really taking advantage of being home and have focused on rediscovering this beautiful province. We are completely in love with the West Coast! Being near the water and the mountains is the most magical combination, and living here in Vancouver is the perfect blend of city life, while being surrounded by nature. We couldn’t have chosen a better place to live!
We wanted to share some of our favourite local getaways in British Columbia. Be sure to add these to your travel list!
The Southern Gulf Islands
The Southern Gulf Islands are the most accessible from the city of Vancouver, and they are all beautiful and unique in their own ways! We were fortunate enough to make it out to Galiano Island last Fall, and it was a first visit for both of us. Just like the other gulf islands we’ve visited in the past, it had its own special charm and we really loved it. Mayne Island, Pender Island, and Saltspring Island are also popular choices! If you head to Galiano we highly recommend both Bodega Ridge and the Galiano Inn and Spa. Read more about Galiano Island here:
The Northern Gulf Islands
The Northern Gulf Islands are harder to access from the city, but that can make them even more special, because many are very quiet and secluded. Last summer we visited Malcolm Island, which is one of the smaller islands, and it was such a unique experience. Known for its incredible sea life and wildlife, Malcolm Island and the other Northern Gulf Islands are a great option if you’re looking for something more remote and quiet. Denman Island and Hornby Island are probably the most well known! If you head to Malcolm Island we highly recommend The Oceanfront Hotel. Read more about Malcolm Island here:
Lesbian Friendly Malcolm Island
Harrison Hot Springs + Harrison Mills
If you’re looking for a fun getaway that’s closer to the city, Harrison Hot Springs and Harrison Mills are only 90 minutes outside Vancouver! Harrison River and Harrison Lake make these great wilderness destinations, and the community of Harrison Mills and the village in Harrison Hot Springs have lots of great activities and attractions to check out. It’s a great option for a day trip or a quick weekend away. If you’re planning a visit out to the Harrison area, we definitely recommend The Lodge on Harrison Lake, Rowena’s Inn on the River and the Harrison Hot Springs Resort. Read more about Harrison Hot Springs and Harrison Mills here:
Harrison Mills + Harrison Hot Springs
The Okanagan
If you’re able to venture a little further, the Okanagan is one of the best BC destinations! With gorgeous lake views, plenty of fruit stands, and incredible wineries, it makes for such a great local trip. This past summer we took a CanaDream truck camper up to the Okanagan for a little camping trip and we had so much fun. It really is one of our favourite places in the province! If you’re planning a trip out to the Okanagan, we highly recommend checking out Kelowna, Penticton, Naramata, and Peachland. There are great options for hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds in the area! Read more about our Okanagan camping trip here:
Whistler
Whistler is best known for its world class ski resort Whistler Blackcomb, but its a great destination year round! Just 90 minutes north of Vancouver, it’s a perfect nature getaway from the city. There are lots of great activities during any season, and Whistler’s pedestrian village is full of amazing cafes, bars, and restaurants. We headed up to Whistler last summer for a little dog-friendly vacation, and we had a great time hiking, canoeing, and taking the gondola up the mountain. If you’re headed to Whistler with your dog, we highly recommend Summit Lodge as a great pet-friendly boutique hotel. Read more about Whistler here:
The Sunshine Coast
This region of BC is on the mainland and it’s not too far from Vancouver, but there are no roads to get there! You can only access the Sunshine Coast by air or water, so it’s most common to take the ferry. The communities on the coast are small, laid back, and artsy, and the whole region has such a great vibe! We visited in the early Fall and had such a great time exploring the area. There are great breweries, restaurants, and cafes, and the water views are truly stunning. If you’re planning a trip to the Sunshine Coast we highly recommend checking out Gibsons, Roberts Creek, and Sechelt, and be sure to go kayaking if you have a chance!
Pemberton
Pemberton is a small mountain town a couple hours north of Vancouver, and it’s another great outdoor adventure destination in BC. There are some amazing hikes and local farms to check out, and some great local breweries, restaurants, and businesses in town. We visited in late summer and completely fell in love with Pemberton. It’s such a gem and definitely worth a visit! If you head up to Pemberton we highly recommend staying at Pemberton Valley Lodge, especially if you’re visiting with your pet. Read more about Pemberton here:
The Fraser Valley
If you’re not straying too far from the city, there are some really great local destinations right in the Fraser Valley. Just an hour outside Vancouver you can find some great local communities with amazing breweries, farms, wineries, and restaurants. Some of our favourite spots are in Langley and Abbotsford, and they make great day trips or quick getaways! If you’re planning some visits to the Fraser Valley, we recommend checking out Maan Farms in Abbotsford, the village of Fort Langley, some local wineries, and some local craft beer. You don’t need to travel too far to have a fun adventure! Read more about The Fraser Valley here:
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island always makes for a great getaway, and there is so much of it to explore! We’ve spent quite a bit of time in Victoria, but this past summer we visited Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, and the north part of the island for the first time. There really is so much to see, and wherever you choose to explore you can’t go wrong. If you have more time, we highly recommend doing an island trip. There are options to camp, book a vacation rental, or find a great boutique hotel, and there are so many beautiful areas to see!
We’re really hoping that we’ll all be able to do some local exploring again this summer, depending on how things go with the vaccine rollout and case numbers across the province. As soon as it’s safe, hopefully we can all be prioritizing local travel and supporting BC tourism!
Where are your favourite local travel destinations in BC? Let us know in the comments!
2 comments
This is a great list! I’m really hoping that it’s safe enough for us to visit the Okanagan this summer – I’ve never been. The Southern Gulf Islands are such perfect getaway spots!
Thanks, Leslie! The Okanagan is so lovely in the summer! We can’t wait to explore more of BC.