We recognize that COVID is still very relevant, and in some provinces, cases are continuing to increase. This blog is meant for the residents of British Columbia to explore their area during the Summer. If you or anyone that you have been in contact with feels unwell, please be sure to stay home and seek medical help if required. If you are planning on travelling within BC during the Summer, please wear a mask, bring hand sanitizer, travel with no more than six people, and be sure to remain 6 feet apart from others at all times.
While there won’t be much international travel this year, there is nothing better than exploring your own backyard! For those of you who currently live in British Columbia, we thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to round up some of our favourite hidden (or not so hidden … LOL!) gems for YOU to visit this summer! If you are looking for a quick day trip option or a weekend getaway, we’ve included some of our favourite spots that you need to check out!!
Luxurious Weekend Getaways
1. Chute Lake
If you were anything like me, panicking and scrambling to get your campsites lined up for the Summer, don’t fret; this is the next best thing!! Shay visited Chute Lake last winter and had a BLAST! They offer everything from hiking, fishing, and e-biking! Not to mention, they are super close to the beautiful Naramata bench, which means you can enjoy some Okanagan wine tasting!
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it does. The team at Chute Lake also cooks delicious meals for you, and you have the choice to stay in a cozy cabin, a yurt, or better yet, you can GLAMP! This getaway is the perfect vacation if you’re looking for something quiet and quaint amidst the wilderness and close to home. They are almost booked up for summer, so if this is something that you may be interested in, make sure to reach out as soon as possible! It also makes for the perfect escape in the Fall and Winter too! If we haven’t convinced you to visit Chute Lake, make sure to check out their video below, it gave us some serious FOMO!
2. Pacific Sands Resort Tofino
While our recent visit to Tofino didn’t start on the right foot (pun intended!), we still had such a blast on our family getaway! For those of you that don’t know, upon our arrival to Jordan River (on our way to Tofino!), we stopped in at Justin’s brother’s house to spend the night. When we were all hanging out enjoying the beautiful evening, Justin and his brother decided to do a little skateboarding. Long story short, this quickly ended with Justin in the hospital with a broken leg, but that didn’t slow us down too much! LOL!
Once Justin was out of surgery (I know, crazy, right?!), we joined Tori and Sam at Pacific Sands Beach Resorts Tofino and had a BLAST. If you are looking for a place to stay in Tofino, I highly recommend this spot! And if you are looking for a few other places to check out, make sure to check out my Tofino travel guide here (it may be an oldie, but it’s a goodie).
3. Predator Ridge
Predator Ridge is located just outside of Vernon, BC and offers vacation rentals with a wide range of activities to do. Whether you’re a golf, yoga, or wine enthusiast, they’ve got you covered! This one is FORE you! LOL! I couldn’t help myself …
4. The Watermark Beach Resort
The Watermark Beach Resort will seriously make you feel like you’ve just stepped out of Canada and walked right into a tropical destination. This resort is not only situated steps away from Osoyoos Lake, but it’s also right in the heart of downtown in Osoyoos, BC. You’ll want to pack your bags for at least three days as there is an unlimited variety of things to do and areas to explore!
Spontaneous Day Trips
5. Superfly Ziplines
If you’re in the mood for an adventurous outing, you have to check out Superfly Ziplines. Your visit will begin with a climb up Rainbow Mountain with a full panoramic view of Whistler, followed by the most exhilarating and adrenalin pumping 1km long, 200m high and 100km/hour zipline! Who’s up for the adventure?
6. Sooke Potholes
There is nothing better than finding a hidden beach or swimming hole that isn’t jam-packed and just so happens to make for the perfect day trip. These hidden geological swimming holes in Sooke are formed due to glacial action that happened THOUSANDS of years ago! Sooke Potholes adopted its name from the pothole formed swimming holes. It’s a must-see this summer, and if you’re not down for a dip, you can always explore the abandoned ruins hidden in the forest!
7. OK Falls
Would it really be a Team Jilly post without a little pop of pink? I didn’t think so! Shay found this cute little spot in OK Falls, and it’s been one of our favourites ever since! We think it’s definitely worth the drive. OK Falls is super TINY but a visit and photo op at this antique shop followed by a stop at Tickleberry’s ice cream shop is worth the trip. Trust us.
8. Hot Springs Cove
Is there really anything better than washing your worries away in a natural hot spring? Western Canada is known for its hot springs, and we’re not complaining about it. There are so many different hot springs to visit, but one of my favourite places in the world is Tofino, and their hot springs are next level. Tofino is quite the trek, but I promise it will be worthwhile.
Well, there you have it! Some of these places we have yet to visit and others we travel to regularly! We hope you enjoy all that BC has to offer this summer.
Ps. Make sure to share your hidden gems and fave spots in the comments section below!
xo
Team Jilly
