British Columbia's Best Seaside Towns to Visit

Balance Rock, Graham Island, is thought to be a rock left behind from the ice ages
Balance Rock, Graham Island, is thought to be a rock left behind from the ice ages | © All Canada Photos / Alamy Stock Photo

When a Canadian province consists of over 40,000 islands, you know that it’s going to be home to just a few incredible and diverse seaside towns. From Tofino on Vancouver Island to Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast, here are the best coastal towns you need to visit in British Columbia.
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Prince Rupert

Waterfront Bed & Breakfast overlooking harbour, Prince Rupert, BC

Located on Kaien Island in northwestern British Columbia, Prince Rupert is a small marine town, with many cruises stopping there on the way to Alaska – it’s just south of the state border. Visitors should stop by Cow Bay when in town, which is a three-block area filled with decorated cows (hence the name), enjoy a seafood meal – the area is rich in salmon – and browse local artists’ work. It is also known for its grizzly bear population in the nearby Khutzeymateen Sanctuary.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Squamish

Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish, British Columbia, Canada.

Located just an hour outside of Vancouver on the photogenic Sea to Sky Highway, Squamish may get overshadowed by its neighbour, Whistler, but it does have something else. Instead of ski resorts, this town has the beach. The most popular activities around town include both windsurfing and kitesurfing in the summer, hiking Stawamus Chief, playing golf beside the ocean and enjoying the views from the Sea to Sky Gondola. If you are looking for a town that offers both mountainside adventures and seaside fun, Squamish is the place.

Tofino

Tofino Harbour, Tofino, British Columbia, Canada

Tofino is one of the most well-known townships on Vancouver Island. It’s referred to as Canada’s surf capital, with over 35 kilometres (22 miles) of surfable beach. But if surfing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other attractions. Hiking, whale watching, stand-up paddleboarding, and even storm watching are just some of Tofino’s best activities. You also can’t visit Tofino without eating BC’s best tacos at Tacofino and dining at the award-winning restaurant, Wolf in the Fog.

Queen Charlotte

Fishing boats in Skidegate Inlet, Graham Island, Queen Charlotte Islands, BC, Canada

It may be just a small village on Graham Island, but Queen Charlotte is the gateway to one of British Columbia’s best-kept secrets. Haida Gwaii (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands) consists of 150 islands, but Graham Island’s the most populated. Queen Charlotte is where you will find government houses, accommodation options and many oceanfront restaurants. The seawalk is a must-do activity, which offers visitors sweeping views of Skidegate Inlet and Queen Charlotte Harbour. National Geographic named Haida Gwaii as one of the best trips of 2015, so it’s worth seeing if it lives up to this accolade.

Bowen Island

Union Steamship Marina Bowen Island BC Canada

Only a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, Bowen Island lives up to its slogan, ‘Within Reach. Beyond Comparison’. It’s a great place for a day trip from Vancouver, with a thriving village life awaiting you in Snug Cove. There are plenty of restaurants, pubs, galleries and stores filled with jewellery and handcrafts to keep you busy. Catch the public bus around the island and enjoy a day at one of Bowen Island’s popular beaches: Tunstall Bay, Sandy Beach or Bowen Bay.

Gibsons

Gibson’s landing, float house, BC, Canada

Described as the gateway to the Sunshine Coast, Gibsons is a popular summertime destination in British Columbia. It’s a 40-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver, and its picturesque harbour is just the beginning of the town’s charm. It has a thriving arts scene and hosts many festivals during the warmer months. It’s also where the popular series The Beachcombers was filmed from 1972 to 1990. Gibsons is an excellent option when travelling without a car too; there are ferries, public buses and bike rentals to make your trip to this BC seaside town easy breezy.

Steveston

Steveston, BC, British Columbia, Canada – Outdoor Restaurant along Fraser River Waterfront Boardwalk

Steveston is a small coastal town in the Greater Vancouver area, but it feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. That may be because, for a few months of the year, it does become another world: Storybrooke from the popular TV show, Once Upon a Time. If you are a fan, a visit to Steveston is a must. Walk down the main street and see sights like Granny’s diner, the clock tower and the pier. Even if you aren’t a fan, the town is a great place to relax, enjoy some seafood by the sea and eat some ice cream while watching the sunset.

Salt Spring Island

Shoppers browse for goods at the popular Saturday farmers market at Fulford harbor

Separating mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands comprise over 200 islands, with Salt Spring Island being the most popular. The reasons why? Well, the island is home to friendly locals, forested trails and scenic beaches, to name just a few. It’s described by many as an ‘unspoilt paradise’, which will feel like a breath of fresh air. There is a large range of dining options on the relatively small island too. From March to October, the best thing to do in town is to visit the Saturday Market.

Sechelt

Tsain-Ko Village totem poles, Sechelt, Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, Canada

Located north of Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast, Sechelt is another great BC seaside town. Surrounded by mountains, it has a lot to offer adventurers. Hire a kayak and paddle out to Smuggler’s Cove, with its clear water and rugged cliffs, or if you are a more experienced outdoorsman, head to Skookumchuck Narrows and try your luck against North America’s fastest-moving saltwater rapids. You can then do the 40-minute climb up Soames Hill, which overlooks Gibsons. After this much adventure, you will love resting your head at one of the town’s unique B&Bs.

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