Beyond the Tourist Trail in British Columbia
British Columbia’s postcard-worthy views and outdoor adventures draw millions of visitors every year. From Whistler’s alpine peaks to Victoria’s historic charm, sightseeing tours across the province tend to highlight the most famous landmarks. But beneath the surface lies a rich collection of off-the-beaten-path destinations, places brimming with raw natural beauty, culture, and tranquility, often missed by the average traveler.
This blog takes you on a journey through British Columbia’s best-kept secrets. Whether you’re an adventurous tourist or a local with a thirst for discovery, these hidden gems are ideal for a unique and memorable sightseeing tour. Each location offers a different vibe, from coastal solitude to historical immersion, and plenty of surprises in between.
Zeballos: Where Wilderness Meets the Water
Zeballos, nestled on the rugged northwest edge of Vancouver Island, is a small village surrounded by mountains, thick forest, and remote inlets. Unlike the more tourist-heavy regions of the island, Zeballos is peaceful and immersed in wilderness.
This historic former gold mining town is perfect for travelers looking to reconnect with nature. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Vancouver Island Ranges and accessible by a single winding road, the town offers access to kayaking along glassy inlets, wildlife watching in pristine ecosystems, and hiking trails with virtually no foot traffic.
The journey itself is part of the experience, as the drive into Zeballos provides scenic vistas and wildlife sightings. It’s an ideal destination for eco-tourists and photographers looking to avoid the noise of mainstream sightseeing tours.
Lillooet: Desert Vibes and Gold Rush Roads
Lillooet is a surprise in British Columbia’s geography. Located along the Fraser River and flanked by semi-arid cliffs and canyons, it stands apart from the rain-soaked coastlines and alpine forests that define much of the province. Once known as “Mile 0” on the Cariboo Wagon Road, Lillooet is steeped in Indigenous and pioneer history.
This unique microclimate nurtures vineyards, making Lillooet one of BC’s most unexpected wine destinations. Alongside the wineries, visitors can explore Indigenous fishing sites, quiet hot springs, and scenic drives like the Duffey Lake Road, one of BC’s most visually stunning routes.
Sightseeing tours here can range from heritage walks and wine tasting to fishing expeditions and canyon hikes. It’s a lesser-known gem for travelers interested in culture, nature, and BC’s Wild West history.
Powell River and the Sunshine Coast Trail: The Quiet Trekker’s Dream
Powell River is a gateway to a different pace of life. Located on the upper Sunshine Coast, it’s accessible only by ferry or air, which keeps the crowds away. Yet, for those who make the journey, the reward is immense: serene beaches, lakes, towering forests, and one of BC’s greatest long-distance hikes, the Sunshine Coast Trail.
This 180-kilometre hut-to-hut trail weaves through old-growth forests, crosses ridgelines, and descends into tranquil lakeside campsites. Even for those not interested in hiking the full length, shorter sections offer rewarding day hikes and overnight options with well-maintained, free wilderness huts.
The region’s commitment to preserving natural beauty while making it accessible to hikers sets it apart as a must-visit for nature lovers. The blend of remoteness and comfort makes it ideal for both novice hikers and experienced trekkers alike.
Telegraph Cove: A Hidden Harbour of Ocean Giants
Tucked into a tiny cove on northern Vancouver Island, Telegraph Cove is one of the best places in the world to witness orca whales in their natural habitat. Unlike southern Vancouver Island’s busier whale-watching hubs, Telegraph Cove offers quiet, awe-inspiring marine experiences that connect you deeply with the wild coast.
Once a sawmill town, the boardwalk community is now a haven for ecotourism. Kayaking through misty channels at dawn or taking a guided boat tour offers sightings of humpbacks, orcas, and sea lions. The area is also known for its rich Indigenous history, small-scale museums, and breathtaking fjord-like scenery.
With its combination of marine life, isolation, and charm, Telegraph Cove is a dream stop on any sightseeing tour focused on wildlife and coastal landscapes.
Barkerville: BC’s Gold Rush Brought to Life
In the heart of central British Columbia lies Barkerville Historic Town, one of Canada’s most impressive living history sites. This fully restored gold rush town dates back to the 1860s and allows visitors to immerse themselves in BC’s past with an unparalleled level of authenticity.
Here, you’ll walk along wooden sidewalks, meet costumed interpreters, and watch performances that bring the gold rush era to life. Try your hand at gold panning, take a ride on a stagecoach, or explore the Chinese community’s contribution to BC’s early development.
Barkerville goes beyond sightseeing, it’s a theatrical, sensory experience that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. It’s an excellent option for families, educators, and those seeking a different kind of tour, rooted in history and storytelling.
Haida Gwaii: Culture, Nature, and Sacred Spaces
For travelers seeking true remoteness and profound cultural depth, Haida Gwaii is unrivaled. This archipelago off BC’s northwest coast is home to the Haida Nation, who have stewarded the land and sea here for thousands of years.
The islands offer a rare combination of ecological diversity and spiritual reverence. Explore ancient totem poles in UNESCO-protected village sites, hike through moss-draped rainforests, or stroll quiet beaches where tidepools teem with life.
Unlike many destinations, the best way to explore Haida Gwaii is through guided cultural sightseeing tours led by Haida community members. These tours offer storytelling, traditional knowledge, and a respectful introduction to a region that continues to inspire awe.
Tulameen: The Inland Escape You Didn’t Know You Needed
Tulameen, located near Princeton, is a lakefront town that locals love but few visitors know. It surrounds Otter Lake, one of BC’s warmest and cleanest freshwater lakes, and is surrounded by mountains ideal for hiking, biking, and off-roading.
It’s an old-world kind of vacation spot, think floating docks, campfire songs, and slow sunsets. With nearby trails for dirt biking and hiking, Tulameen attracts both thrill seekers and families.
This hidden gem is perfect for low-key sightseeing tours focused on relaxation, leisure, and simple natural pleasures. The scenery is beautiful year-round, but especially magical in summer.
Stewart and Hyder: A Glacial Sightseeing Spectacle
At the edge of British Columbia and the U.S. border lies Stewart, with Hyder just across in Alaska. This far-flung corner offers one of BC’s most jaw-dropping vistas: the Salmon Glacier.
A self-guided driving tour from Stewart into Hyder leads you up winding roads to a panoramic viewpoint over the glacier, one of the few places in North America where you can drive to such a view.
Beyond the glacier, the area offers exceptional bear viewing, old mining remnants, and the feeling of being on the edge of the world. It’s a surreal landscape, accessible yet untamed, and ideal for travelers who like their sightseeing with a dose of adrenaline and wonder.
Kootenay Lake: A Calm Corner of Culture and Scenery
Kootenay Lake, nestled in the southeastern interior of BC, is surrounded by forested mountains and dotted with artisan communities. While the area is gaining attention, it still feels untouched and serene compared to places like the Okanagan.
The free ferry from Balfour to Kootenay Bay is a scenic journey in itself. On the other side lies Crawford Bay, a hub for artisans, blacksmiths, glassblowers, potters, who welcome visitors into their studios.
With its blend of cultural richness and mountain-lake scenery, Kootenay Lake is perfect for leisurely sightseeing tours and those looking to connect with the creative spirit of BC.
Lund and Desolation Sound: Where the Highway Ends and the Magic Begins
Lund sits at the very end of Highway 101 and serves as the southern gateway to Desolation Sound, a stunning marine park filled with warm waters, quiet coves, and wildlife-filled inlets.
While the name suggests isolation, the reality is peaceful bliss. Visitors can kayak into island channels, sail through the archipelago, or hike coastal trails with panoramic views. The local Indigenous culture and European settler history add rich storytelling layers to your experience.
It’s a place where a sightseeing tour becomes an emotional journey, deeply immersive, profoundly quiet, and remarkably beautiful.
Quick Comparison: Top Hidden Gems for Sightseeing Tours
| Destination | Key Features | Best For |
| Zeballos | Rugged coast, remote hiking | Wilderness explorers |
| Lillooet | Dry canyons, Indigenous history | Cultural and road-trip travelers |
| Powell River | Hut-to-hut trail, ocean views | Trekkers and photographers |
| Telegraph Cove | Whale watching, fjords | Wildlife lovers and kayakers |
| Barkerville | Gold rush reenactments, museums | History buffs and families |
| Haida Gwaii | Totem poles, spiritual landscapes | Cultural adventurers |
| Tulameen | Lakeside camping, off-road trails | Summer vacationers |
| Stewart & Hyder | Glacier drives, bear viewing | Glacial landscape photographers |
| Kootenay Lake | Artisan towns, ferry rides | Slow travelers and culture seekers |
| Lund | Island kayaking, marine park | Ocean explorers and peace seekers |
The Best Tour Guide You Can Count On
Star Sightseeing specializes in creating custom sightseeing tours that uncover the lesser-known beauty of British Columbia. Whether you’re craving an ocean escape, a cultural journey, or a wilderness adventure, we’re ready to help you explore BC’s hidden treasures.
Located at 328 Industrial Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 2P3 Canada, our team is committed to helping you design an unforgettable experience. Contact us at info@starsightseeing.com, call 604-685-STAR, or reach us toll-free at 1-800-803-9222 to start planning your adventure today.
The best sightseeing tours don’t always follow the main road. In British Columbia, the true magic lies in places few have heard of but none will forget. Whether you’re walking through gold rush towns, paddling through ancient fjords, or standing before glaciers at the end of the earth, these hidden gems redefine what it means to explore.
Let your next sightseeing journey be one of discovery, and let British Columbia surprise you.
