Ten of our favourite B.C. Summer Getaways

We 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 [email protected]

The secret of Comox Valley

Hornby Island  – A family tradition

The 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.

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.

Enjoy the wilds at Whistler

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.

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.

Somewhere between Tofino and Ucluelet

Pacific 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.”

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 adrenaline-pumping progressive bike park.

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.

Golden rules

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

Sun Peaks’ bike trails

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

Blissfully remote Bamfield

The tiny village is on the traditional territory of the Huu-ay-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

Cowichan Valley’s Flavour Trail

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.

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.

I’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

Revelstoke and its Enchanted Forest

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 adrenaline 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

Victoria is a kayaker’s paradise

From 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-day 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