An Adventurer's Guide to the Lesser-Known Corners of British Columbia

Free Spirit Spheres is a new alternative glamping accommodation option available near Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. There are three spherical treehouses to choose from (Eve, Eryn and Melody) that stand in an enchanting coastal rainforest. Staying in a treehouse is not a typical experience in British Columbia, but it is an unforgettable one. Qualicum Beach is about halfway between Tofino and Victoria, two of the best places to visit on Vancouver Island.

This remote archipelago of islands in northern British Columbia doesn’t receive many tourists. But it should, because it has a lot to offer. Haida Gwaii (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands) is home to the Haida Heritage Centre, where you can learn more about the Haida First Nations history and culture. There’s also world-class salmon fishing available off its shores, along with the Pesuta Shipwreck and SGang Gwaay, a Unesco World Heritage Site.

BC Parks calls Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, located near Bella Coola, “one of North America’s most magnificent wilderness areas.” It also says the outdoor recreation opportunities are unlimited within the park and include boating, camping, hunting, wildlife spotting and fishing. However, due to its remoteness, you should either be prepared to be completely self-sufficient or employ a professional guide when visiting Tweedsmuir. Fortunately, there are places such as Tweedsmuir Park Lodge that organize an array of wilderness adventures for guests year-round, including grizzly bear viewing via river drifts or nature walks.

A must-visit attraction in the middle of British Columbia, the Enchanted Forest sits off the Trans-Canada Highway near Revelstoke. The Needham family built this attraction in the 1950s and ’60s. They created everything by hand, including all of the hand-crafted figurines, the Candy Cane House and the castle. Another family now runs the Enchanted Forest, but it’s always been a magical place to visit with the entire family.

The Gulf Islands in British Columbia (such as Salt Spring, Pender and Hornby Islands) are a bit more popular than the Discovery Islands, which lie farther north of the Gulf Islands. Quadra and Cortes Islands are the two main and inhabited islands. Popular activities and things to do in the Discovery Islands include golfing, fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, diving and wildlife spotting.

RED Mountain Resort calls itself the last unspoiled skiing and snowboarding resort in British Columbia. Located in Rossland off the Powder Highway, RED is one of North America’s oldest ski hills. It sits on the Granite, Grey and Red Mountains and has over 2,500 acres (1,000ha) of skiable terrain and 110 runs. Its season usually runs from December until April, and its slopes are geared towards intermediate to experienced skiers.

The Bugaboos are a mountain range located in the Purcell Mountains of southeastern British Columbia, between Golden and Radium Hot Springs. The large granite spires that constitute the Bugaboos were made from glaciers. It’s an excellent destination for climbers and mountaineers. People can also go heli-hiking or heli-skiing – depending on the season – at the Bugaboos, thanks to Canadian Mountain Holidays and Bugaboos Lodge.

The Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit is a great non-touristy experience in British Columbia. It is also one of Canada’s top canoe trips. Located within the Bowron Lake Provincial Park, the 116km (72mi) circuit takes canoers through the Cariboo Mountains and a chain of lakes and waterways. Only a certain number of people can go canoeing annually between May and September, and the trip usually takes people between six and 10 days to complete.

Most visitors to Vancouver will check out either the Art Gallery, Science World or the Vancouver Museum. But the Vancouver Police Museum is the most fascinating and underrated museum in the city. It is North America’s oldest police museum and occupies Vancouver’s original Coroner’s Court and City Morgue. It houses many artifacts along with information about Vancouver’s police force, current initiatives and the city’s most notorious crimes. The spookiest part, though, might be their Movies in the Morgue.

Stargazing is a popular thing to do in a place like Canada, where there is so much open space with minimal light pollution. Osoyoos happens to be one of the best places to do this activity in British Columbia. As Canada’s only desert, its landscape and dark skies are perfect for gazing at the stars and planets every night. The town also hosts the Mount Kobau Star Party every August, when astronomy enthusiasts descend on the town near the United States border.

British Columbia is home to an infinite amount of lakes, which vary in color, size and environment. Locals love spending their summers swimming and floating on them. But if you want to escape the crowds, visit one of the province’s secret swimming holes. Mystery Lake lies in Mount Seymour Provincial Park near Vancouver, but you have to hike 3km (2mi) to visit it. Heisholt Lake – a turquoise stunner located in an old quarry on Texada Island – is very remote, but as this photo demonstrates, it’s worth the ferry ride.

Have a memorable horseback-riding vacation at one of the many guest ranches and dude ranches situated across British Columbia. National Geographic named the luxurious Siwash Lake Ranch one of the world’s most unique lodges. Crystal Waters Guest Ranch sits in the heart of BC’s cowboy country. Meanwhile, Big Bar Guest Ranch prides itself on being an all-inclusive experience the whole family will enjoy.

For more ideas on how to spend your time, discover our guides to the top things to do in British Columbia and the best local seaside towns to visit.