Canadian Summer Destinations That Feel Like a Secret

Off-the-radar adventures on British Columbia’s wild coast

Canada is vast—prairie-wide skies, snowbound tundra, bustling cities—but one of its most remarkable corners lies just beyond Vancouver, where rainforest meets the sea.

Along the Pacific coast, fjords carve deep into ancient mountains, and wildlife thrives in a setting that feels almost untouched.

For many travellers, it’s closer than it may seem. With direct flights into Vancouver from many major cities and easy connections to the coast, it’s surprisingly simple to leave the urban rush behind and step into a slower, wilder world.

Why Choose the BC Coast?

Summer brings the coast to life. Humpbacks breach in narrow channels. Bald eagles ride warm air currents above spruce-lined shores. Kayaks glide over glassy bays, where the silence is broken only by the exhale of a passing whale.

Compared to more widely known summer destinations, the coast’s secluded fjords, islands, and rainforest anchorages remain refreshingly uncrowded.

Temperatures are cooler than southern hotspots, and wildlife sightings—from breaching humpbacks to the rare coastal sea wolf—are at their best.

Our Picks for a Summer Tour

Some of Canada’s most remarkable summer destinations are the ones few people know about—places where cool ocean air, endless space, and a slower rhythm offer an alternative to crowded hotspots. Here’s where you’ll find them:

Haida Gwaii

Off the northwest coast of British Columbia, this remote archipelago stays lush and temperate through the summer.

Gwaii Haanas carefully limits visitor numbers to protect its cultural and ecological wonders—including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SG̱ang Gwaay. Kayak secluded bays, walk among magnificent old-growth, and land on beaches where local guides share their living history.

The Great Bear Rainforest

Covering more than six million hectares, this is one of the largest remaining temperate rainforests on Earth. In summer, wild islands teem with life: humpback whales breach in sheltered fjords, sea otters raft together in kelp beds, and coastal wolves roam quiet beaches.

In late summer, the first salmon runs begin, drawing bears back to river mouths—but even before then, it’s a season rich in movement, light, and the sound of water everywhere.

Vancouver Island’s Northwest Coast

Rugged and untamed, this coast offers a raw, elemental experience that contrasts sharply with the more populated summer destinations like Tofino.

Here, you’ll find isolated beaches backed by rainforest, dramatic bluffs where puffins flock, and the thrill of kayaking beside sea otters. It’s a place where solitude still comes easy.

The Broughton Archipelago

A sheltered world of misty channels and forested islets, the Broughton Archipelago is a haven for slow summer exploration. Orcas and humpbacks frequent the nutrient-rich waters, while Pacific white-sided dolphins race alongside boats.

Paddle into hidden coves, spot bald eagles soaring overhead, and trace the quiet backwaters where Indigenous cultural sites remain. Far from the busier parts of Vancouver Island, it’s a place to find calm, wildlife, and wonder—at nature’s own pace.

Slow Travel By Sea

The most rewarding way to experience this coastline is the old way: by boat.

There are no roads here. So your lodging and your travel to island shore trips is aboard one of the province’s comfortable, well-known expedition ships.

Maple Leaf Adventures has offered these award-winning expeditions for forty years and specialise in giving you access to Canada’s spectacular nature, paired with incredible food, local guides and welcoming hospitality.

Sailing aboard the historic schooner Maple Leaf, or the elegant catamaran Cascadia, each trip is guided by expert naturalists and mariners who know these wild places intimately. Frequent shore trips guide you among jawdropping fjords, wildlife hotspots and cultural sites.

Where the Road Ends, the Journey Begins

Maple Leaf Adventures’ owner, Kevin Smith, grew up exploring these shores, first as a marine park ranger and later as an expedition leader.

“I’ve spent my life cruising the coast,” he says, “and know every nook and cranny. Now I get to share my favourite places with our guests.”

For those looking to pair a city stay with something deeper—or simply trade concrete for coastline—this is British Columbia in its purest form. Unfiltered. Unexpected. Unforgettable.

Ready to plan for a summer that’s off the edge of the ordinary? Get in touch today by phone or contact form—your coastal adventure awaits.