As local officials and retailers urge British Columbians to go local, perhaps your travel plans can also be localized in BC.
As BC Premier David Eby said, it’s no secret that the US and Canada are “having a moment.”
If you’ve cancelled plans to travel to the US in the near future, you obviously don’t have to cut out travel altogether, and you can probably have a fantastic trip right here in the province for cheaper than you would’ve been paying to travel to and shop in America due to the currency exchange.
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According to online reports, thousands of Canadians are cancelling trips to the USA in protest of President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and his plans to make Canada the 51st State. Here in the province, the British Columbia subreddit has hundreds of people reflecting on the reality of cancelling travel to the US.
“I am asking my brothers and sisters in BC and the rest of Canada to fully boycott the USA,” one Redditor said.
Another Redditor said, “Cancelled our trip to New Orleans over Spring Break. We’ve had it planned for six months, but it just didn’t sit right. Going to Mexico instead!”
But you don’t have to go to Mexico — you can have a fantastic trip right here in the province. Here are some ideas to get that travel brain stimulated.
Places to go in BC
EB Adventure Photography/Shutterstock
With spring break just around the corner, there are plenty of spots around the province for an invigorating trip.
Ferry over to Vancouver Island
Taking a ferry to Vancouver Island is the vaguest of ideas since the island is home to many incredible destinations like Tofino, which has the perfect vibe for spring break. Then there’s Victoria, oft-praised as one of the best cities in North America and even the world.
There are also less obvious spots to explore that you may have never heard of.
Ucluelet
Ucluelet is one of the most beautiful places on Vancouver Island. Despite having a population of just over 2,000 people, there’s still lots to see and do, especially if you’re a nature lover.
Wild Pacific Trail is one of those things to see and do. Not only is it home to beautiful scenic hikes, but if you’re into storms, it’s also a great place for storm-watching.
“Benches are spaced along the trail, so you can just sit a while to observe the flora and fauna living on this wild coastline. Please visit with respect in the Traditional Territory of the Ucluelet First Nation,” the Wild Pacific Trail website states.
Other BC hidden gems
Another spot that emerged on the British Columbia subreddit as a hidden gem that people should explore is Wells Gray Provincial Park.
If you cancelled your US travel to stay local, check out Wells Gray Provincial Park.
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Located in Clearwater, BC, it’s a great spot to plan a road trip, as it’s around a five-hour drive from Vancouver City Centre. Folks on the BC subreddit have warned that it could be spotty for cell phone reception, so if you head that way, be prepared.
“I’ve lived here my whole life, and it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, and there is a lot of stuff that isn’t as advertised you can miss,” said another Redditor.
Emerald Lake
It might be a bit ambitious for a road trip, but Emerald Lake, just west of the BC-Alberta border, is TripAdvisor’s top BC hidden gem.
Located in Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake gives visitors views of the Canadian Rockies. It is also home to lots of interesting wildlife, like mountain goats and bighorn sheep, as well as the more common types of wildlife, like bears.
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail and Myra Canyon
Not as far of a drive from Vancouver is the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, located near Summerland, just north of Penticton.
Myra Canyon is one of the most popular areas to visit near the Kettle Valley. There are lots of outdoor activities to participate in, as well as lots of cultural and arts events in March. Regardless of when you go, Myra Canyon has activities to join in, regardless of the month or season.
If you are still determined to head to the US, it might be good to know that folks in Bellingham are still welcoming their Canadian neighbours.
This merely scrapes the surface of the tremendous potential you have when it comes to travelling within the province. If you don’t want to drive too far out, there’s plenty to do within an hour’s drive of Vancouver and lots to do all year round in the city that might still be outside your usual comfort zone. Places like Squamish and Whistler also offer many things to experience and explore.
Tell us your favourite BC destinations in the comments.