Discover your limits.
VANCOUVER COAST, BC
FREE AND FUN
Visit Bates Motel
The set of the famous Bates Motel can be found in Aldergrove, BC! While you can't get up close and personal, the house and motel are visible from the road. Not only are the house and motel used in the Bates Motel series, but they are a close replica of those from the original "psycho" set (which was in Universal Studios). A visit here will make you feel like you just stepped into a real life horror movie!
Photo credit to: http://www.vridetv.com
McBarge
McBarge is now a memory of what was - one of the world's first floating McDonalds. Rumour has it that the original construction of the McDonalds reached costs of over $8 million. Unfortunately, things did not work out with the location of the McDonalds, and today it stands as a sad, graffitied image of what it once was.
Photo credit to: http://nowiknow.com/mcbarge/
Chiliwack Lake Provincial Park
Forests, lakes, and alpine ridges are just some of what makes Chilliwack Lake such a beautiful spot to visit. With over 40 kms of trails, the park is the perfect spot for hiking and nature watching. It is also a popular location for water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and boating. Campsites are also available.
Photo credit to: https://en.wikipedia.org
Hike Elk Mountain
If you enjoy long hikes, the walk up Elk Mountain is well worth your time. The hike takes a steady incline, but once you are at the top, the views are spectacular. The top of Elk mountain overlooks Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, and the Fraser Valley area.
Photo credit to: http://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/elk-mountain/
Jones Lake
If you want to relax and campout, Jones Lake may be the perfect place for you. If the remote and peaceful location is not enough, the scenery here will take your breath away.
Photo credit to: http://www.vancouverisawesome.com
Birdwatching
The George C Reifel Bird Sanctuary is located in Delta, BC and is the perfect place for birdwatching. While it is not completely free, the sanctuary only charges a small entrance fee, and offers some of the best birdwatching trails in BC. Depending on the season you may expect to see many different types of Geese, Swans, Ducks, Cranes, and many other bird species.
The Othello Tunnels
The Othello Tunnels are located near Hope, BC and are a series of old bridges and train tunnels. While there are no longer train tracks that pass through, the tunnels are popular for hikers and bikers alike.
Photo credit to: http://www.vancouvertrails.com/blog/othello-tunnels/
The Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Park
The Stein Valley Park is of significance not just because of it's beauty, but also because of the deep spiritual meaning that it holds for Aboriginals. The Nlaka'pamux people have long lived in the area and have made it a point to ensure that the park maintains its natural and untouched wilderness. Pictographs and Petroglyphs can be found all around.
Photo credit to: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
If you're feeling brave, you could visit the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge in Lynn Canyon Park. The bridge stands over 50 meters high and peers down upon the waterfalls and raging waters below. In the same park you will find the Twin Falls, a 30 foot pool, an old Pipe Bridge, and walking trails.
Photo credit to: http://vancouversnorthshore.com/
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park consists of 3 different lakes, each of which are a fascinating and beautiful turquoise blue. Each lake takes on a different shade of blue, each more breathtaking than the last. The lakes are a great place for hiking, enjoying nature, and camping.
Photo credit to: http://whistlerhiatus.com
Night Market
The Richmond Night Market is the largest Night Market in North America. It is open at night through summer months and contains vendors of all sorts. A small entrance fee is required to get into the market.
Photo credit to: http://www.vancitybuzz.com/
Shannon Falls
The Shannon Falls Provincial Park is a popular day park for hikers. It's major attraction is the Shannon falls which tower 335 meters in the air, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the province.
Photo credit to: https://en.wikipedia.org
Garibaldi Lake
Waters don't get much bluer than the ones you will find at Garibaldi Lake. The gorgeous turquoise water of Garibaldi is enhanced even moreso by the glacial backdrop behind it. It is definitely one of the most scenic lakes in BC and well worth the visit!
Photo credit to: http://www.caminomyway.com/
Stanley Park
Stanley park is a popular Urban park that is home to a wide range of landscapes. At Stanley park you can hike through rainforests, swim in the water, climb a mountain, and discover historical landmarks all in one day!
Photo credit to: https://commons.wikimedia.org
Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is a haven for horticulturalists. The park offers spectacular views, beautifully landscaped gardens, and an array of floral displays. Activities such as tennis and lawn bowling are also available.
Photo credit to: https://cfapp.vancouver.ca/
Sea to Sky Highway
For those who enjoy roadtrips, the Sea to Sky Highway takes you on a scenic journey from Vancouver to Whistler. The highway passes through mountain ranges, by amazing waterfalls, around scenic ocean vistas, and through flourishing communities. A variety of parks and outdoor activities can also be found on the route.
Photo credit to: http://www.hellobc.com/
Wreck Beach
If you're looking for a more risky experience, Wreck Beach is clothing optional! The beach hosts regular clothing optional events and brings in over $60 million annually in tourist revenue. It sees 12 000-14 000 visitors each day during summer months.
Holocaust Education Center
The Holocaust center is designed to educate visitors about the Holocaust and promotes anti-racism education. Visits to the Holocaust Center are by donation.
Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence is an amazing and beautiful natural phenomenon that occurs when phytoplankton light up. The result is a stunning light show of the waters around them. While no one really understands why this happens, there are several theories surrounding mating, communication, and attracting prey.
You can witness bioluminescence for yourself on Vancouver Island. The phenomenon occurs once the sun has gone done, usually after 9pm. It is also safe to snorkel in the waters at this time, which is a unique and amazing experience on it's own.
Photo credit to: https://thetransientbiologist.wordpress.com/page/3/
Galiano Sand Caves
The Galiano Sand Caves can be found on Galiano Island, which makes for a wonderful weekend getaway. Aside from the uniquely formed sand caves, the island has an abundance of wildlife, parks, and mountains for hiking.
Photo credit to: https://www.pinterest.com/
Hike the West Coast Trail
The West Coast Trail is one of the most beautiful and scenic trails in BC and extends over 75km. The trail takes approximately 2-3 days to hike, and incorporates varied terrains. Those who hike the trail should be prepared to wade through rivers, climb slopes and ladders, and perform additional activities that may be moderately difficult and strenuous.
Photo credit to: http://joshmcculloch.photoshelter.com
Train Wreck Trail
The Train Wreck Trail runs near the Cheakamus River and is, as the name states, home to a trainwreck. Several decades ago a train derailed and the 7 cars still remain today. The cars have been aged, painted, and graffitied, and are now considered a unique work of art.
Photo credit to: http://boredinvancouver.com
Fire and Ice Show
Every Sunday evening you can watch a free Fire and Ice Show! Join some of the best riders and skiers in Whistler as they jump through blazing rings of fire and put on an amazing show and fireworks display.
Photo credit to: http://www.familyfuncanada.com
Parkhurst Ghost Town hiking trail
The Ghost Town hiking trail is definitely one of the more unique trails in BC. Parkhurst was a small logging town that was founded in 1926, but when the logging industry slowed down in the 50's and 60's, the town was eventually abandoned. Today you can hike the Ghost town trail and explore the remains of the vehicles, machines, and collapsed houses in the area.
Photo credit to: https://www.flickr.com/
