11 BC Coastal Towns to Visit This Fall

They say salt water is the perfect salve for most things, whether it comes from tears, sweat, or the sea. Opt for the latter—we’ve had plenty of the former this year—and let the cool Pacific Ocean wash your worries away when you visit one of BC’s coastal cities or seaside towns this fall. 

You’ll find wide open spaces and friendly (but fewer) faces in BC’s West Coast towns. Looking for a physically distanced hideaway? Check. Craving a rugged outdoor adventure on the remote coast? Check. Seeking a bustling getaway full of culture, food, and fun? Check.

What’s more, restaurants, accommodation providers, and tour operators have worked hard to ensure Covid-19 protocols are in place for guest safety and comfort. While your visit to the West Coast may look a little different this autumn, there are still plenty of ways to safely explore BC’s eclectic oceanside communities. Here are a few ideas. 

Nanaimo

Pay a visit to this classic maritime city for mountain biking, craft beer tasting, island hopping, and forest bathing. Nanaimo, fringed by the Salish Sea (Strait of Georgia) and temperate rainforests, is where the adventurous come to play: go bungee jumping and ziplining at Wildpay Element Park, hike to a breathtaking waterfall, or go for a paddle. Saysutshun/Newcastle Island Provincial Park, just a 15-minute ferry ride away, offers a fascinating glimpse into the living culture of the Snuneymuxw people. Meanwhile, artsy Gabriola Island, with its beautiful beaches, sandstone rocks, and abundance of farm-fresh food, is an adventure-seekers’ haven. Get a feel for the city’s maritime roots by staying on the harbour at the Coast Bastion Hotel, located near the bustling Old City Quarter. And, don’t forget to check out the Nanaimo Bar tasting trail while you’re in town. Get more inspiration for a three-day getaway to Nanaimo. 

Comox

There’s just something about Comox. Maybe it’s the quaint, beachy high street that’s dotted with little boutiques, java joints, and a bike shop. Perhaps it’s the expansive ocean views seen from Goose Spit or the rolling farmland of the Comox Valley, home to vineyards, fresh produce, and artisan provisions. Foodie-minded neighbour Courtenay, is home to Locals Restaurant, an essential stop if you want to sample the best of Vancouver Island producers. Nearby Cumberland adds a historic and adventurous flavour to the valley, with heritage buildings, tasty local eateries, and an extensive mountain biking trail network (tip: take a guided tour). There’s a healthy selection of breweries and a honey distillery in the area, to boot. If you’re looking for waterfront luxury, try the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa, where you can slurp oysters, soak up ocean views, and rejuvenate in the spa. It’s hard to pick just one favourite town, so why not try all three? There are plenty of accommodation options throughout the Comox Valley.

Campbell River

The scenic oceanside community of Campbell River is deeply connected to its tidal waters and Indigenous roots. Sample an abundance of freshly harvested seafood, direct from the ocean to your plate: dockside fish and chips, Dungeness crab, oysters, fresh-caught salmon—you name it. As the Salmon Capital of the World, Campbell River is the perfect place to take a guided fishing tour. But, there’s so much else to explore: sample the local libations (a craft brewery, distilleries, and vineyards); visit nearby Elk Falls Provincial Park; buy hand-crafted art and provisions from local shops; take the 10-minute BC Ferries ride to neighbouring Quadra Island. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience, Klahoose Coastal Adventures offers Grizzly Bear tours now through October. Painters Lodge, with commanding views of the Pacific Ocean, makes for a scenic stay, though there are plenty of great hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campsites to choose from. 

Tofino

Tofino, with its expansive beaches, thriving food and drink scene, and surf shops, is a soothing fall escape filled with adventurous days and cozy nights. With the bustling energy of summer in the rear view mirror, you may find a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds in town. Take a surf lesson (it’s warmer than you think) or head out for a rainforest hike; then, swap adventure tales over a small-batch brew at Tofino Brewing Co. In late autumn, powerful Pacific storms roll in, hammering Vancouver Island’s wild West Coast. Don your wet weather gear and hit the beach to stormwatch (at a safe distance of course)—you may just spot local pro surfers catching a wave or two. Stay at the Tofino Resort and Marina right downtown, where you can book a day excursion and sample sea-to-table fare at their in-house restaurant, 1909 Kitchen. Book a fall stay and let the Pacific Ocean do the rest.

Ucluelet

Ucluelet, rugged, remote, and pristine, is a laid-back fishing village with plenty of coastal charm—and its fair share of adventure, too. The spectacular Wild Pacific Trail offers peek-a-boo views of untouched inlets and archipelagos, with the crown jewel being Amphitrite Point Lighthouse (a great place for stormwatching). Take to the water with a guided kayak tour on the quieter harbour side of town (weather dependent) or book a wildlife viewing excursion. Located on Canada’s most Westerly point, the sleepy town has an unassuming, but burgeoning culinary scene, with a new brewery, eateries, food trucks (try: Ravenlady Oyster Forte), and upscale dining (think: Pluvio). Though it may have blue collar roots, Ucluelet is also a place for luxury—take, for instance, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, perched on a rocky point overlooking the vast coastline. There are plenty more accommodation options for a tranquil stay in Ucluelet. 

Sechelt

Just 30 minutes from the BC Ferries Langdale terminal, Sechelt is a launchpad for outdoor play, cultural experiences, and great dining (El Segundo and Batch 44 Brewery and Kitchen are new this year). Davis Bay, which offers views of the Salish Sea and eastern shores of Vancouver Island, is the perfect spot for a beach picnic. On the other side of the peninsula, Sechelt Inlet, home to Porpoise Bay Provincial Park, is prime for a kayak or boat tour, while neighbouring Coast Gravity Park is a mountain biking paradise. Sunshine Coast Art Tours is a great way to experience the coast’s thriving arts community and craft tasting rooms that have popped up in recent years. Check out the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl October 23-25 to explore the Sunshine Coast’s artsy community (they have re-imagined this annual event for 2020). Stay just 10 minutes out of town at the Pointhouse Suites on Sargeant Bay, nestled on a granite rock face overlooking the ocean.

Bella Coola

Bella Coola, a town in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, is a doorway to raw, untouched wilderness. The Bella Coola Valley, with its glacial rivers, jutting fjords, and vast forests, stretches 100 kilometres inland, with temperatures typically remaining mild into the early fall. The vibrant living culture of the Nuxalk people is deeply embedded here, and you can experience it for yourself: totems, contemporary art, carvings, museums, and heritage landmarks. Visiting in the fall means that you may be lucky enough to witness the salmon spawn or go bear viewing when you stay in a rustic cedar lodge with Bella Coola Grizzly Tours. Get an intimate tour of these vibrant coastal waters with a sailing charter, as you sail along ancient coastlines peppered with waterfalls, old growth forests and hot springs—wolves, whales, bears, and other wildlife are often seen on the trip. Fly into Bella Coola by airplane or helicopter to get a bird’s eye view of the lush valley on the way in, or take in the dramatic beauty of the coast along the BC Ferries voyage from Port Hardy to Bella Coola (advance booking is required).

Featured Image: Autumn surfing at Cox Bay in Tofino | Brian Caissie