No passport? No problem. If traveling to Europe isn’t an option right now, look no further than your own backyard.

From authentic restaurants and quaint vineyards to small towns nestled in the countryside, these BC destinations will have you feeling like you’re on vacation in Europe.

RELATED: 7 Places In British Columbia That Feel Like A Getaway Abroad

British Columbia destinations that feel European

Restaurants

The false bourgeois

Visit this lively bistro on E. 15 Avenue for classic French fare, including duck confit and steak frites. Plus, it offers a wide selection of wines that are sure to make you feel like you’ve been transported to France, without ever having to leave Vancouver.

Ask for Luigi

For authentic Italian fare, look no further than this cozy restaurant tucked away in Gastown at 305 Alexander Street. It is known for serving great, fine Italian dishes designed to be shared. They even have gluten free options.

The crocodile

Another French spot that needs to be on your radar is Le Crocodile at 909 Burrard Street in Vancouver. It’s a longtime destination for traditional French cuisine by Michel Jacob in an elegant space, which will make for a memorable meal.

The Terazza

Discover this fine restaurant with terrace at 1088 Cambie Street in Vancouver’s lively Yaletown district. The popular restaurant offers gourmet Italian dishes with a twist and there are over 2,500 wines to choose from.

Chambar

Dining in this chic, exposed-brick space will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe. This restaurant at 568 Beatty Street in Vancouver is best known for its creative Belgian cuisine and sustainable seafood, as well as its beer and wine offerings.

Coffee Fruit Salad

Savor unpretentious French cuisine and a delicious weekend brunch at this cozy cafe located inside the French Cultural Center at 1555 W 7th Avenue in Vancouver. The dishes are (almost) too beautiful to eat.

Cafe La Tana

Escape to this little hideaway tucked away in Little Italy at 635 Commercial Drive in Vancouver. It offers an intimate setting with a menu of small plates and pastas to share, as well as an all-Italian wine list of popular reds and whites.

Market of the old country of Combes

This quirky market on Vancouver Island has Europe written all over it. The unique space features rooftop goats and a variety of international foods and products that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. It is located at 2326 Alberni Hwy in Coombs.

Cellars

Quails’ Gate Winery

Sample local and international wines at this beloved winery located at 3303 Boucherie Road in Kelowna. Three generations have helped make Quails’ Gate the award-winning winery it is today and the lavish property definitely exudes a French vibe.

Route 13 Vineyards

Another must-visit winery is Road 13 Vineyards. This is a bold red and a white Chenin from old vines. Bottles are fermented with just the right mix of practice and patience. Find him at 799 Ponderosa Road in Oliver.

Flechefeuille cellars

This beautiful winery nestled in the Lake District of British Columbia is the best thing to do in Europe. The family-owned winery at 1574 Camp Road offers impeccable wines in a one-of-a-kind setting.

Cedar Creek Wine Estate

Feel like you’re on vacation when you visit this scenic Kelowna winery. Located at 5445 Lakeshore Road, this winery offers an impressive wine boutique, tours, tastings, and a seasonal restaurant.

Elephant Island Winery

The Naramata region of British Columbia is the closest thing you’ll get to France’s iconic city of Bordeaux in the province. It is a popular place for wine tourism, with a large selection of bottles. You could spend hours here without even breaking the surface of all the wines you might try. Find it at 2730 Aikins Loop.

Mission Hill Family Estate

This sprawling vineyard with modern buildings, an amphitheater and a locavore restaurant is perfect for a photo op. Sip some of their wines while admiring the breathtaking view at 1730 Mission Hill Road in West Kelowna.

Landmarks

Hatley Castle

Hop on a ferry to Victoria to find this European-style castle in the Colwood district. Since 1995, the historic mansion and estate has been used for the public Royal Roads University. Given its impressive architecture, it makes an idyllic backdrop for any photo.

Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

While in Victoria, there is another beautiful European-style building to explore and that is the British Columbia Legislature. Located along picturesque Victoria Harbour, this remarkable piece of architecture is sure to make you feel like you’re somewhere far away.

Fort Langley

Given its small-town charm and historic buildings, something about Fort Langley reminds us of what we would typically find in a quaint town in England, or anywhere else in Europe for that matter. Plus, there are plenty of cozy cafes and shops to discover along the way.

gastown

Gastown’s cobbled streets, paired with brick buildings and many historic pubs are reminiscent of what you’ll find in many European cities. It’s what makes this part of Vancouver so special and worth visiting when you feel like a change of scenery.

Yoho National Park

It may be hard to believe that such a beautiful place exists in your own backyard, but it certainly does in the case of Yoho National Park in Field. The incredible views it offers remind us of what we would see in Switzerland and many other European countries.

Rossland

Visiting this quaint town in the West Kootenay region of south-central British Columbia can make you feel like you’re somewhere in Europe, especially in winter. The small village seems to come alive with sparkling lights and many winter activities that attract tourists from here and abroad.

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