Let’s face it, you really shouldn’t bother venturing into the great outdoors of British Columbia. Who wants the calm and serenity that comes with being surrounded by nature? The peaceful sound of chirping birds, rustling leaves, and flowing rivers might just be too much of a change from the constant hum of city life. That’s not for everyone, right?
And those incredible views of mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and endless forests? They’re probably too breathtaking to handle. Plus, seeing majestic eagles, playful otters, or even a bear might leave you with a newfound appreciation for the natural world—and who needs that kind of emotional shift? If that hasn’t convinced you to stay indoors, here are our 7 main reasons not to overland in BC, featuring spots so boring and ordinary, they’ll make you question why you didn’t stick to your couch.
Video Made By: @ZacharyDoehle
Cape Scott Provincial Park
Cape Scott Provincial Park might not be for everyone. The 16-kilometre hike through peaceful rainforests, surrounded by towering Sitka spruce and cedar trees, leads to the Cape Scott Lighthouse with sweeping views of the Pacific—but maybe that’s too much effort.
Then there’s San Josef Bay, with its pristine white-sand beaches, dramatic sea stacks, and tide pools. Add wildlife like seals, bald eagles, and even the occasional black bear, and it’s clear this place is more than most people could handle. And the sunsets? Almost too beautiful to describe. If you’re not ready to create unique images in your mind, maybe skip this one.
Strathcona Provincial Park
Strathcona Provincial Park, located in the heart of Vancouver Island, might just overwhelm you. With rugged mountain peaks like Mount Albert Edward and stunning glacial lakes like Buttle Lake and Cream Lake, the scenery is almost too picturesque to take in.
The park is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails ranging from leisurely walks to challenging climbs, including the Elk River Trail. Along the way, you’ll encounter cascading waterfalls, lush alpine meadows, and pristine wilderness that might leave you feeling, well, too connected to nature.
And let’s not forget the wildlife such as deer, marmots, and eagles are common sights, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a Vancouver Island wolf. The sheer peace and beauty of Strathcona Provincial Park might be too much to handle for those who prefer the noise and chaos of everyday life.
Okanagan Valley
The Okanagan Valley is just another spot that might leave you feeling overwhelmed. Rolling vineyards, sparkling lakes like Okanagan and Kalamalka, and endless sunny skies are almost too picture-perfect to believe.
If you enjoy wine, the 200+ wineries in the region might be too much to handle, how do you even choose? Pair that with orchard-fresh fruit stands and farm-to-table dining, and it’s almost unfair how good it all sounds.
Outdoor enthusiasts might feel similarly lost. Hiking trails, kayaking on calm waters, and paddleboarding at sunset are all too relaxing and rejuvenating for those who prefer city stress. And let’s not even get started on the festivals and cultural events, because who has time for that much fun?
Whistler Backcountry
The Whistler Backcountry might be too much for some to handle. Endless alpine trails, glistening glaciers, and untouched wilderness stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s the kind of place that demands you leave the ordinary behind, and maybe that’s asking too much.
Winter brings unparalleled skiing and snowboarding opportunities, but who really wants to glide through perfect powder? In the warmer months, hiking, mountain biking, and camping under the stars could make you feel overly connected to nature.
And the views? They’re almost unfair snow-capped peaks, emerald lakes, and pristine valleys that might leave you speechless. If you’re not ready to be blown away by natural beauty and raw adventure, maybe stick to the comfort of your usual routine.
Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit
The Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit isn’t for the faint of heart or those who aren’t ready for an unforgettable adventure. This 116-kilometer loop of interconnected lakes, rivers, and portages offers some of the most serene and untouched landscapes in British Columbia.
Paddling through calm waters surrounded by towering mountains and dense forests might be too peaceful for some. The sight of moose wading in the shallows or bald eagles soaring overhead could leave you feeling, dare we say, inspired.
And then there’s the camaraderie of evenings spent at rustic campsites, under starlit skies, listening to the gentle lap of water against the shore. If you’re not ready for a transformative outdoor experience that connects you to both nature and yourself, maybe skip this one.
Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park might leave you questioning your love for the ordinary. Towering cliffs, turquoise rivers, and inspiring vistas stretch across this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering too much natural beauty for some to handle.
The park’s famous Radium Hot Springs could make you too relaxed as you soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by dramatic mountain views. And for those who love exploration, trails like Marble Canyon and Stanley Glacier might spoil you with their geological wonders and diverse wildlife.
Whether you’re hiking, driving the scenic Banff-Windermere Highway, or camping under the stars, Kootenay offers both serenity and adventure. But if you’re not ready for unforgettable experiences and unrivaled views, maybe give it a pass.
Chilcotin Plateau
The Chilcotin Plateau is the kind of place that might overwhelm you with its raw beauty. Vast grasslands stretch endlessly under open skies, rugged mountains rise dramatically in the distance, and sparkling rivers wind their way through untouched landscapes. For some, it’s just too remote and too wild.
If you venture here, you might find yourself hiking through alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers or exploring ancient volcanic formations. Wildlife sightings like grizzly bears, bald eagles, or herds of wild horses—might leave you feeling too connected to nature.
And then there’s the solitude. The kind of silence that lets you hear your own thoughts and the distant whisper of the wind a stark contrast to the buzz of everyday life. If remote adventures aren’t your thing, you might want to stick closer to home.
Maybe staying at home is the safer choice if you’re not ready to embrace new memories or dive into adventures that will reshape how you see the world. But as 2025 approaches, we wanted to share our all-time favourite places for overlanders, places that have inspired us and countless others. These spots might just give you the extra push you’ve been waiting for to finally start your journey and discover the beauty that’s been right here in BC all along.
