My Top Places to visit in Beautiful British Columbia

"For someone who lived in Toronto for more than a decade, there is so much I am missing when it comes to exploring the natural beauty of Canada."

Just last year, I went to visit a long time friend, and a colleague of mine way back in our early years of Nursing. I migrated to Ontario and she then migrated to Saskatchewan and then to British Columbia.

It's amazing that even with a decade of not seeing in each other, we still had that connection and great sense of camaraderie. It was a time were I had to do find time away from all the crazy things in Toronto with my family's blessing of course.

Apologies for adding drama to this blog.. Anyways, it was a short 6 day trip but it was a meaningful one.

How I got there? Easy! I booked a flight thru Swoop Air. It was the cheapest flight I could ever find and I spent $160 Cad for my two-way airfare. 

I didn't want to spend a fortune on airline tickets just to do a soul searching. And on top of that, I stayed at my friend's house so that made my trip even more affordable. 

I chose to land in Abbottsford as it was closest to where my friend lives and conveniently much cheaper than a flight to Vancouver. I was fortunate that I had a safe place to stay and very good company and tour guide when I visited B.C.

Ok so much for background information, here are my TOP Places to Visit in the Beautiful British Columbia.

Bridal Veil Falls in Chilliwack, BC

One of the provincial BC parks, Bridal Veil Falls is located east of Chilliwack and on the South side of Fraser River. It was established on 1965 and was used to generate electricity for the Bridal Falls Chalet.

Presently, it is a scenic day-use area where people can go hiking, picnicking and viewing of the mesmerizing Bridal Veil Falls.

Visit Bridal Veil Falls Park | BC Parks

Harrison Hot Springs

Located 90 minutes from Vancouver and 30 mins from Chilliwack, Harrison Hot Springs is one of the popular destinations in B.C. It has a scenic view of  the lake, mountains, forests, a beach and is popular for its mineral hot spring.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to explore the Mineral Hot Spring due to its closure, nevertheless the view itself is a gem. I visited around Fall and it was rainy and windy. If you get hungry while visiting the area, I recommend having a Japanese cuisine. We ate our hearts out at Sushi Yukiya. 

Related Links: Sushi Yukiya | Japanese Restaurant in Harrison Hot Springs | Order Online

Vedder Mountain in Chilliwack, B.C.

Hiking in Vedder Mountain as an amateur was easy with the help of my companions. The tall centuries old trees and natural forestry are incredible. It was foggy and slippery due to recent rainfall, but despite that the trail was clear and free of bears. Yes you heard it right, there are bears around Vedder Mountain so you will need a bear spray with you when you venture the trails. 

Related Link: Vedder Ridge Trail | Vancouver Trails

Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, B.C.

Now this is a must-see! It is all season outdoor scenic view where you can hike, walk with a panoramic view of the sea and mountains. There are so many things to see and do.

How to get there? Thru the Gondola of course! It's a 10 minute scenic ride up the Summit Lodge.  I have a fear of heights but the mesmerizing beauty of seeing the sea from the mountains kept me looking at the view.

When you reach the Summit Lodge there are a couple of things to do while up there. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the sea thru the Summit Lodge Viewing Deck and you can cross the

Suspension bridge. 

Suspension Bridge

Note that there's a fee to ride the Gondola to and thru the Summit View Lodge. It will be worth it once you reach the summit you can oversee the coastal mountains and sea. 

Related Link: Sea to Sky Gondola | Squamish | Sea to Sky Gondola

Whistler Olympic Village in Whistler, B.C.

Whistler Olympic and Paralympic Village was a 2010 Winter Olympics Facility and presently is being used to house Canadian Athletes. Since I visited in Fall, it wasn't that busy, but apparently can be  congested during Winter Season due to Peak To Peak Ski Trails. If you enjoy skiing then this is the place to be. 

Related Link: PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola in Whistler | Tourism Whistler

There are still so many places to share that are as spectacular. That will be for part 2 of this blog. British Columbia has so many panoramic views and 6 days will not suffice. Just driving along the roads, you will get a glimpse of  mountains everywhere and made me miss my hometown in Cebu. 

Have you been to B.C.? Share some of your ideas and feedback.