Imagine spending your summer in a quiet town hidden away from the city, where the only noise you hear is the splashing of waves along the shoreline and the pleasant hellos from fellow vacationers. Sounds too good to be true? Not in British Columbia, where there is no shortage of secluded communities inviting you to disconnect from the daily grind and welcome a slower-paced state of mind. Make the most of your summer by escaping to these five British Columbia retreats. Bonus: they’re all within arm’s reach of Vancouver.
Cultus Lake
If you love spending time in the outdoors, you need to visit Cultus Lake. A popular destination for fishing, water skiing, wind surfing and hiking, Cultus Lake is located just south of Chilliwack in the renowned Fraser Valley. This quiet lakeside community is home to an abundance of campgrounds, golf courses and marinas. There’s something for everyone here, as Cultus Lake also has a selection of cafés and local shops.
Halfmoon Bay
Embrace an endless summer at this coastal community on the Sunshine Coast. Whether you enjoy bird watching, wilderness camping or browsing through local shops, Halfmoon Bay welcomes your stay. If you choose to either unwind on a patio with a cold beer or watch the sunset over the horizon, this West Coast getaway spot is yours for the taking.
Bowen Island
This island is the perfect escape from busy city life. Even travel is convenient, as the island can be accessed via a short ferry ride from West Vancouver or a water taxi from Granville Island. Relaxation begins the moment you step onto this seaside oasis complete with sheltered bays, lush forests and sandy beaches. Whether you prefer beachcombing for buried treasure of shopping for fair-trade goods, you'll find something special in Bowen Island.
Passage Island
If you’re looking to truly disconnect from the city, this isolated community with limited public access might be for you. You’d never guess from its undeveloped roads and off-grid resources that Passage Island actually belongs to the Greater Vancouver Area. Adventurers and weekenders alike enjoy the slow-paced lifestyle, which makes Passage Island the perfect place for your next vacation home or rental.
Pender Harbour
Pender Harbour is a collection of small towns including Garden Bay, Madeira Park, and Egmont, where you can experience seaside living in the heart of the Sunshine Coast. Picturesque and utterly charming, Pender Harbour offers world-class restaurants, oceanfront resorts, and an opportunity to expand your outdoor activity repertoire through sea kayaking, diving, salmon fishing or sailing. Here you can plan the perfect family vacation or romantic getaway.
Interested in finding a beautiful escape like these to retreat to? Here is a great place to start your search.
