British Columbia is a place of diversity - from the vastness of the Pacific Ocean to the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains and the serenity of the Okanagan lakes. Favorable destinations like Vancouver and Victoria tend to grab the headlines, but the true beauty is in the hidden gems that are spread throughout the province. If you're hoping to find some cool places to see in BC, there's a lot more than the well-trodden path to explore.
Begin in the Cariboo, where history and nature make a perfect match. Barkerville Historic Town & Park and step back in time to B.C.'s Gold Rush! With over 100 heritage buildings and live re-enactments, it is a rare opportunity for visitors to stroll through a living piece of history. Then, just a few hours up the road is Bowron Lake Provincial Park, home of the world-renowned canoe circuit that attracts paddlers from around the world.
Northward, the land becomes wilder and less visited. The Great Bear Rainforest, one of the largest temperate rainforests on the planet, is also home to the rare white Kermode bear, or spirit bear. Wildlife tours in this area provide not only the rare opportunity to spot incredible animals, but also a window into Indigenous cultures that have coexisted with the land for millennia.
If you're more into the coast, the serenity of the Sunshine Coast. But although it's just a short ferry trip from Vancouver, it feels like another world. Spend some time in the town of Lund-this is the end (or beginning) of Highway 101-for local seafood, art galleries and hiking trails through coastal forests and by tranquil beaches.
Further into the interior, Wells Gray Provincial Park is one of the most underrated BC places to see. Overshadowed by its famous neighbour, Jasper National Park, Wells Gray offers dramatic waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and alpine lakes. Helmcken Falls is also a dramatic expression of the force of nature and is the fourth-tallest waterfall in Canada.
Art and culture lovers shouldn't miss the Kootenays city of Nelson. Dotting the town is such an array of shopworn Victorians, overlaid with the odd splashy arts development, that you'd swear Ketchum had bitten off more than it could ever possibly chew. From independent coffee houses to fringe theatre and street art, Nelson provides a cultural breadth seldom seen in a town of its size.
Whether you are an explorer, a lover of nature, or just a curious person, there are plenty of BC places to visit that lie off the tourist route. From ancient forests to alpine peaks, to quaint historic towns, there's something here that just might surprise and move you if only you take the time to look.
Justin Mack the author of this article. To know more about British Columbia tourism please visit our website: www.tourismhcc.ca