Having lived here for the past four years, I have explored much of this beautiful province. Some places I've been have lived up to the hype, while others have fallen short. But every so often, I discover places that take me utterly by surprise and make me think, "Why don't more people know about this?"

So without further ado, here are three underrated places you should visit in British Columbia, Canada.

Connect with Nature in Haida Gwaii

If you're looking to slow down and reconnect with Mother Nature, look no further than Haida Gwaii. Named one of National Geographic’s 20 must-see places in the world for 2015, the remote, almost-untouched Haida Gwaii is one of the most unique and breathtaking places in all of Canada. 

Haida Gwaii is a storm-battered archipelago of 150 islands located off the northern coast of British Columbia. The islands are home to deep moss-covered coastal rainforests, ancient village sites, dramatic landscapes, and abundant wildlife. The moody, lush landscapes are usually shrouded in mist and storm-ridden, but are filled with endless adventures and life.

There are no chain stores, fast-food franchises, or large hotels on the islands of Haida Gwaii. The lifestyle demands that you slow down, appreciate nature, and experience the beauty of rugged Western Canada.

What to Do in Haida Gwaii

Go Whale Watching

The Pacific Ocean waters off the coast of Haida Gwaii teem with life, including Dall's porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbor seals, California sea lions, and Steller's sea lions. At certain times of year, they are also a seasonal home for grey whales, humpback whales, and orcas. 

If seeing these majestic creatures is a dream of yours, it's important to visit at the right time of year. During herring spawning in February, humpback whales arrive and stay until fall; they can be found on both sides of the islands. During their northward migration from March to June, Gray whales swim on both sides of the Islands and are often sighted as they feed and socialize. July & August are the best time of year to see orcas. 

Fishing

Fishing is the primary sport in Haida Gwaii, with exceptional fishing year-round. The islands offer access to superb freshwater and saltwater fishing, and avid fishermen and women come from around the world to try their hand at the teeming waters. 

Even if you've never fished before, Haida Gwaii offers many guided fishing tours. Haida Style Expeditions is owned and operated by local Indigenous Haida people who provide a real Indigenous experience throughout the fishing tour, sharing culture, stories, and history with you while you fish. 

When to Visit Haida Gwaii

Generally, the best time to visit Haida Gwaii is from May to September. July and August are the warmest months. 

Hike in Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park is part of the Canadian Rockies, which have long drawn visitors from all over the world. It is beloved for its majestic beauty, famous hiking trails, crystal blue lakes, thundering waterfalls, and more. 

Although the Canadian Rockies continue to become more and more touristy, the popularity of Yoho National Park does not compare to its neighbors Banff National Park or Jasper National Park. Banff and Jasper certainly deserve the acclaim, but if you are looking for something slightly less well-known, you need only to look slightly west of these parks, to Yoho.

The word "yoho" in Cree is an expression of amazement or awe and is an apt description for the park's awe-inspiring mountain peaks, which rank among the highest in the Canadian Rockies. 

What to do in Yoho National Park

Emerald Lake

If the towering peaks of the mountains aren't enough to draw you to the Canadian Rockies, the shockingly blue glacial lakes certainly will. Renowned for its emerald color and reflections of the peaks of President Range, Emerald Lake is one of the most photogenic lakes in the Rockies.

If you're in Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake is a must-stop. While it's certainly a tourist destination, it is generally less busy than Banff's Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, but no less beautiful. Emerald Lake is easily accessible and open all year round. Once there, you can walk the path around the lake or even rent a canoe for a unique view of the water and surrounding mountains. Of course, the most popular activity is just relaxing and taking in the stunning scenery around you. 

Takakkaw Falls

Takakkaw Falls in the highest waterfall in the Canadian Rockies, at a whopping 384 meters (almost 1,260 feet!). The waterfall has two drops, with the lowest towering 254 meters above the ground. As the water plummets into the pool beneath, it causes an intense spray — so be dressed in waterproof clothes and protect your electronics well. 

The path to the falls is well-trodden and easy to follow, only 1.3km long (0.8 miles). The waterfall is most impressive in June when all the snow in the mountains has just melted, but it continues to impress year-round. 

Lake O’Hara

Perhaps the most spectacular place in Yoho National Park is Lake O'Hara. With brilliant blue-green alpine lakes, towering mountains reflected in its waters, and a fantastic trail system with epic viewpoints, it's not hard to understand why travelers worship lake O'Hara. 

But all of this beauty is not easily accessed. Parks Canada has a tightly controlled reservation system that ensures only a few people per day can hike and camp at Lake O'Hara. Be sure to do your research ahead of time and try to make a reservation right as they open if you want a shot at seeing Lake O'Hara for yourself. 

The best time to visit Lake O'Hara is between mid-June and early October, but if you want completely snow-free trails, aim for mid-July to early September. If you can get a reservation, plan to spend at least two nights at Lake O'Hara to allow time to do as many hikes and viewpoints as possible.

Find Adventure and Art in Nelson

Located in interior BC, in the southeast corner of the province along the shores of Kootenay Lake, lies a town that very few British Columbians have even had the privilege of visiting. But if you're a skier, hiker, foodie, or hippie at heart, you're sure to love the unique and diverse town of Nelson, BC.

Driving to Nelson makes you feel quite secluded as you wind through barely-there towns and long roads that cut through thick forests. But just when you begin to wonder if this town is everything people say it is, you'll enter the eclectic town of Nelson. The people of Nelson are as colorful and edgy as the ambiance and are just as welcoming. 

It may be a small town (only 11,000 residents), but the things to do in Nelson are endless. Nelson offers a rich heritage, incredible food and coffee scene, and many outdoor activities in the Kootenay mountains. Once you're there, you may never want to leave. 

Things to do in Nelson, BC

Wander The Downtown

The mountains surrounding Nelson often draw visitors for hiking, skiing, or mountain biking, but to really get to know Nelson, you need to spend some time wandering its downtown. It's here you'll find eclectic shops and people alike and begin to understand why Nelson has a reputation of being a hippy town. 

The downtown core also offers incredible places to eat, such as Pitchfork Eatery with its farm-to-table cuisine or Cantina Del Centro which offers Latin American dishes and over 70 tequilas. 

Stand Up Paddle Board or Kayak on Kootenay Lake

On a hot summer's day, Kootenay Lake is where you'll find tourists and locals alike. The lake offers loads of sandy beaches along the 144km (89 mile) lake and many great places to explore by kayak or stand-up paddle board, which you can rent from Kokanee Creek Paddle Sports. 

Ski, Hike, or Mountain Bike Your Way Through the Mountains

This region is a hiker's paradise, with great excursions for the family and those for outrageous adventurers. Day hikes include Toad Mountain, Kokanee Lake Trail, or Lyle Lakes. For those seeking more solitude in the backcountry and have a vehicle that can handle bumpy forestry roads, Monica Meadows and Jumbo Pass are great options. 

If you happen to be in this area in the wintertime, Whitewater Ski Resort is known as "Canada's best powder mountain." Avid skiers will love the fluffy, dry snow of interior BC and the steep, long runs of the Kootenay mountains. 

Western Canada awaits

No matter where you go in British Columbia, you are sure to discover beauty in the landscapes, culture, and people there. Travel with an open heart, and see where the road will take you.