British Columbia is Canada’s four-season playground. With gentle winters and balmy summers, BC is crammed with stunning locations to go to from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast it has an limitless provide of outside adventures, world-class vineyards, and exquisite surroundings. In case you are planning a visit to Canada’s West Coast, these are the most effective locations to go to in British Columbia so as to add to your journey bucket listing.
We’ve been fortunate sufficient to have lived in British Columbia and regardless that we aren’t BC residents anymore, we make a degree of going again commonly. Actually, I believe we journey extra to British Columbia now that we don’t dwell there anymore. Now we have explored all corners of the province and these are some concepts to spark your wanderlust to discover Canada’s West Coast.
Locations to Go to in British Columbia
1. Vancouver
Vancouver is without doubt one of the finest cities in Canada that gives the right mix of city and outside adventures. When planning your travels to British Columbia, likelihood is you’ll begin in Vancouver. This stunning metropolis has every little thing you’d need in an city heart but, it’s crammed with outside actions. Stanley Park is dwelling to the well-known sea wall that’s good for biking and mountaineering. There’s the Vancouver Aquarium which is a high attraction in Stanley Park and there are many strolling trails, a marina, and the Stanley Park Totem Poles.
Granville Island is a to not miss vacation spot in Vancouver with artwork galleries, eating places, cafes, and reveals on a bustling island within the coronary heart of town.
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2. Whistler
It’s Canada’s winter vacation spot, however Whistler is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in British Columbia in summer time too. Make your technique to Whistler Village to benefit from the nice open air of the coastal mountains. Dwelling to the 2010 Winter Olympic Video games, Whistler is an out of doors lover’s playground with World Cup ski hills, a bobsleigh observe, and limitless cross nation ski trails.
In the summertime, there’s incredible mountaineering, mountain biking, and mountain climbing and Whistler Village is a year-round retreat crammed with eating places, cafes, and loads of actions.
3. Squamish
Positioned between Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish is commonly ignored as a fast cease on the Sea to Sky freeway highway journey, however this city is value spending a couple of days. It’s a mountain climbing Mecca with skilled climbers flocking to sort out the Squamish Chief (Stawamus Chief Mountain ). The Britannia Mine Museum is a captivating stroll by means of time and there are many waterfalls and mountaineering trails and whitewater rafting round Squamish. For those who don’t wish to hike or climb to the highest of Squamish Chief, you may take the Sea to Sky Gondola up for prime views of Howe Sound, the place you may take a look at your nerves by crossing the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. There’s glorious eating and Squamish is without doubt one of the finest locations in British Columbia to see bald eagles.
4. Sunshine Coast
This drive up the rugged and distant stretch of the BC coast is one among Canada’s best-kept secrets and techniques. The Sunshine Coast is situated north of Vancouver alongside the Straight of Georgia. Positioned on the mainland of BC, one would assume it’s a simple drive, however the one technique to entry the Sunshine Coast is by taking a ferry, helicopter, or aircraft. Taking the ferry from Horseshoe Bay transforms you to one of the crucial stunning coastlines in BC.
As you drive north, you’ll come into Gibsons Touchdown, dwelling to the filming location of the legendary Canadian TV Present, the Beachcombers earlier than you start the drive as much as Lund the place you may soar on excursions to Desolation Sound. The Sunshine Coast can also be recognized for a few of the finest mountain biking in British Columbia.
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4. Desolation Sound
Lund is the jumping-off level for Desolation Sound and it’s simple to e-book excursions from the Lund Resort at Klah a Males or from Terracentric Coastal Adventures within the Marina. From right here you may exit to Hernando and Savory Island that are generally known as the Hawaii of the North due to its sandy seashore and Main Rock which is dwelling to a colony of sea lions and to see a big colony of sea birds as nicely.
It’s simple to e-book water taxis to the islands round Desolations Sound. Costs begin at $12 per particular person a technique. Test charges and instances right here. Or in order for you an actual journey, you may hike all the way in which as much as Desolation Sound as a part of the Sunshine Coast Path.
For those who go to Lund, an excellent place to remain within the Lund Resort at Klah ah males. This boutique resort is the primary of fully-run Indigenous resort on the Sunshine Coast and it was named the Most Excellent Indigenous Lodging by Indigenous Tourism of Canada.
6. Okanagan Valley
The Okanagan Valley is one among Canada’s premier wine-producing areas. Positioned in Southern British Columbia, it’s a year-round trip vacation spot. It’s additionally one of many premier locations in Canada to retire. Consisting of Kelowna and Penticton and Vernon BC, there are many issues to maintain you busy as you discover this expansive valley that’s 200km lengthy and 20 km large. Okanagan Lake is the primary lake of the area.
Thought-about the fruit basket of British Columbia, there are many vineyards and fruit farms that develop cherries, plums, pears, peaches, and apples. Learn extra about this area on Greatest British Columbia Street Journey – Vancouver to Revelstoke
7. Kelowna
Considered one of our favorite cities to go to within the Okanagan Valley is Kelowna. This city not solely has an excellent wine scene however there’s additionally a superb meals scene, distilleries, and outside actions galore. Among the best issues to do in Kelowna is to hike or cycle the Kettle Valley Railway path at Myra Canyon.
The trestle bridges of the Kettle Valley Railway in Myra Canyon supply one of the crucial spectacular views in British Columbia, not to mention the Okanagan Valley. The Kettle Valley Rail Path itself runs from Hope to Castlegar and is definitely 650-kilometers lengthy, however essentially the most stunning views are situated simply outdoors of Kelowna in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park.
Positioned on the japanese shore of Okanagan Lake, there are many watersports in the summertime and you’ll hire paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis to discover the beautiful surroundings from the seashore in downtown Kelowna. Learn extra at Greatest Issues to do in Kelowna British Columbia
8. Penticton
One other main metropolis within the Okanagan Valley, Penticton must also be added to your listing of locations to go to in British Columbia. Surrounded by mountains and situated between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, Penticton is a nature lover’s dream. This pretty Okanagan Valley metropolis has lakeside promenades, seashores, mountaineering trails, and snowboarding at close by Apex Mountain. Apex was the primary place Dave and I went snowboarding in British Columbia. Like Kelowna is within the coronary heart of wine nation with vineyards and orchards to go to close by. Watch our flight over the stunning countryside.
9. Kamloops
When searching for locations to go to in British Columbia, Kamloops doesn’t pop on the high of thoughts, however it’s a widespread cease on the Rocky Mountaineer so many individuals might have heard of it. As with so many locations in British Columbia, Kamloops has loads of outside actions and it ought to positively be added to your listing. Keep on the Sandman Signature Resort on the waterfront.
One other nature-lovers escape, Kamloops has every little thing you would wish to get outdoors. Mountaineering by means of its desert-like valleys is a singular expertise with Hoodoos and sandstone canyons lining the way in which. There are 100 lakes close by, limitless mountaineering and biking trails and you’ll study BC wildlife on the Wildlife Park which rescues and rehabilitates native wildlife. Take a look at extra at The Rocky Mountaineer Expertise – Vancouver to Banff
10. Revelstoke
Revelstoke is commonly ignored for Whistler, however this mountain playground is a good various to the extra widespread ski resorts of British Columbia and Alberta. Revelstoke Mountain Resort homes North America’s longest vertical descent at 1713m (5,620 toes) and has a few of the finest ski circumstances in Canada with a median of 10.5 meters (34 toes) of powder every winter. Be certain that to remain at The Sutton Place Revelstoke Mountain Resort proper within the village subsequent to the hills for optimum journey and luxurious in Revelstoke.
Whereas Revelstoke is thought for its distinctive snowboarding and snowboarding, it is usually a tremendous place to go to in the summertime too. Revelstoke Mountain Resort has adventures for everybody from downhill mountain biking, mountaineering, an aerial journey park, and a mountain coaster. However there are many issues to do in downtown Revelstoke with an aspiring meals scene, purchasing, museums, and outside adventures in Mount Revelstoke Nationwide Park.
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11. Glacier Nationwide Park
Sure, Canada has its personal Glacier Nationwide Park and it’s situated close to Revelstoke Nationwide Park. Positioned simply 35 minutes from Revelstoke, you may tick off two Canada Nationwide Parks whereas making a base in Revelstoke. It’s a year-round journey paradise. One factor to not miss in Glacier Nationwide Park is to hike the Canadian Pacific Railway Line. The Rogers Go Discovery Centre is a nationwide historic website that has a reproduction of a historic railway constructing with a theatre, and an avalanche exhibit and also you’ll additionally study in regards to the historical past and wildlife of the realm.
12. Yoho Nationwide Park
British Columbia is blessed with parks and wide-open areas and Yoho Nationwide Park is one other stunning place to go to in BC. Positioned within the Canadian Rockies, it presents distinctive mountaineering and biking and beautiful surroundings with crystal clear lakes and snow-capped mountains. Yoho Nationwide Park creates a Rocky Mountain triangle with Kootenay Nationwide Park to the south and Banff Nationwide Park to the East within the UNESCO World Heritage Web site, the Canadian Rocky Mountains Park.
The highest sights to see listed here are the pure bridge, emerald lake, Wapta Falls, and Burgess Shale Fossil Web site. As with the entire nationwide parks in Canada, you may go tenting within the backcountry (with a allow). Permits and passes might be bought at Parks Canada. One of many extra distinctive issues to do at this Canadian Nationwide Park is taking a guided fossil mountaineering tour to see the fossil stays of an historical sea. Learn: The Rocky Mountaineer Expertise – Vancouver to Banff
13. Kootenay Nationwide Park
One other place to go to close by is Kootenay Nationwide Park. Becoming a member of Yoho Nationwide Park with Banff Nationwide Park this trio makes up the UNESCO-designated Canadian Rockies. Positioned within the city of Radium, it’s snuggled alongside the Alberta border. It’s recognized for its abundance of sizzling springs. (together with Radium Scorching Springs the place you may benefit from the sizzling swimming pools in luxurious) and abundance of wildlife. A spotlight of Kootenay Nationwide Park is Marble Canyon the place you may hike by means of the slim gorge.
14. Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park
We will’t pass over British Columbia’s Provincial Parks and this Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park is without doubt one of the oldest provincial parks in Canada. Positioned in Southeastern British Columbia, it homes two glaciers, Kokanee and Woodbury that feed 30 lakes together with Kootenay Lake. Positioned within the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park is exclusive in the truth that a lot of the park sits above 1,800 meters in elevation. Be ready when visiting this provincial park, with the excessive elevation, climate circumstances can change continuously.
Make a base within the metropolis of Nelson, British Columbia the place you’ll have the ability to view the peaks of the Kokanee glacier from downtown. Positioned on the shores of Kootenay Lake, Nelson is a historic downtown is crammed with restored heritage houses serving to to contribute to it being known as the Queen Metropolis.
15. Fraser Canyon – Hells Gate
When taking the Rocky Mountaineer by means of the Canadian Rockies from British Columbia to Alberta, our prepare journey weaved alongside the Fraser River by means of Fraser Canyon. This was our first time witnessing Hells Gate in Fraser Canyon. Positioned within the coronary heart of Gold Rush nation, Hell’s Gate might be visited by taking a gondola down into the Fraser Canyon. The rapids of Hell’s Gate are livid with over 200 million gallons of water squeezing by means of the narrows of Fraser Canyon every minute. There are remark decks, a restaurant, a suspension bridge, and a present store so it’s nicely well worth the go to.
Taking the Rocky Mountaineer was a tremendous technique to witness the beautiful surroundings of British Columbia whereas taking in its pure magnificence from the consolation of a prepare.
16. Hope
Hope was as soon as well-known for being the filming location of Sylvester Stallone’s First Blood, however what makes visiting this city in British Columbia value it’s the Hope Tunnels. The Othello Tunnels in hope are one of many high vacationer sights in inside BC. Just like the Trestles of Kelowna, the tunnels of hope are a sequence of trestle bridges and tunnels slicing by means of the mountains. This was a feat of engineering because the 5 tunnels have been blasted and built-in 1914. It’s only a 3.5 km spherical journey, however utterly value stopping to see.
17. Tofino
Tofino has change into somebody of a magical vacation spot in British Columbia. A surfer’s paradise, UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Area is a biodiverse ecosystem with old-growth rainforests and dramatic coastlines. Its coastal seashores appeal to solar lovers and surfers within the hotter months and storm chasers within the winter.
Positioned simply north of the Pacific Rim Nationwide Park Tofino’s sandy seashores stretch to picket boardwalks and stairs winding by means of historical, moss-covered cedar and hemlock timber, making you’re feeling as in case you’ve reached the tip of the earth. Take a kayaking journey to Clayoquot Sound, study to surf, or head out to view a few of the spectacular wildlife. Take a whale watching tour to see as Grey Whales, Humpback Whales, and Killer Whales, frequent these waters. You’ll see gray wolves, sea otters, black bears, and numerous chicken species.
18. Pacific Rim Nationwide Park Reserve
Talking of the Pacific Rim Nationwide Park Reserve, that is an journey lovers’ playground. Positioned on Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim Nationwide Park is dwelling to the 100 sheltered islets of the Damaged Group Islands and the well-known 75-kilometer multi-day West Coast Path that is the place to go for outside adventures. You may make a base in Tofino or Ucluelet, or you may head into the backcountry for tenting, mountaineering, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Learn extra about adventures within the Pacific Rim at Kayaking to the Damaged Group Islands – Survive as a Household
19. West Coast Path
There are few epic trails that may compete with British Columbia’s West Coast Path. It’s Canada’s most iconic mountaineering path and is on each hiker’s bucket listing. The 75-kilometer (47-mile) backcountry path is as rigorous as it’s stunning. Throughout this multiday trek, hikers want to hold every little thing out and in whereas climbing greater than 100 ladders and navigating by means of waist-deep flowing rivers. If you’d like the final word mountaineering bragging rights, e-book a visit to the West Coast Path. Reservations are necessary at Parks Canada. Learn extra: Greatest Hikes in Canada to Add To your Bucket Record
20. Victoria
The Capital Metropolis of British Columbia is situated on Vancouver Island and is known as after Queen Victoria with tudor-style buildings lining its waterfront. This stunning metropolis is British Columbia’s provincial capital however has a inhabitants of fewer than 100,000 folks making it really feel like a small city, with all of the facilities you’d want. Victoria is without doubt one of the prettiest cities in Canada with the historic Fairmont Empress Resort dominating the picturesque Inside Harbour.
Victoria is the second oldest metropolis within the Pacific Northwest and right here you may get pleasure from afternoon tea and really feel just like the royalty it was named after for a couple of hours. There may be actually a historic feeling with the parliament buildings, Canada’s oldest China city, and the narrowest road in Canada. Its gentle year-round temperatures have made Victoria a well-liked retirement vacation spot for many years.
21. Vancouver Island
Regardless of its identify, Vancouver Island is 2 hours away from town by ferry and is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in British Columbia. Vancouver Island is crammed with beautiful surroundings. The 2-hour journey contains a ferry journey from town and ends on the largest island on the Pacific Coast of North America. Should-see spots embody Victoria, the Pacific Rim Nationwide Park in Tofino (additionally nice for browsing), and the impeccable Butchart Gardens.
E book this Vancouver to Victoria tour that features a ferry journey throughout the Strait of Georgia and thru the Gulf Island to Vancouver Island to discover the gorgeous Butchart Gardens adopted by a sightseeing tour of downtown Victoria. Butchard Gardens is a 55-acre backyard the place you’ll have the ability to peruse its Italian Backyard, Japanese Backyard, Rose Backyard, and almost 1000 plan varieties.
22. Barkerville Historic City
Whereas Dawson Metropolis within the Yukon stands out as the most well-known Gold Rush City in Canada, Barkerville Historic City is one other legendary historic city that you could go to in British Columbia. There are 125 heritage buildings that transport you again to the 1800s. This Canadian Nationwide Historic Web site is a enjoyable place to go to unfold throughout greater than 1000 acres. Actors and road performers wearing historic costumes stroll the streets placing on performances and storytelling shows. There may be lodging and tenting close by so you can also make a weekend out of it!
23. Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands)
Positioned off the coast of British Columbia, Haida Gwaii was briefly generally known as the Queen Charlotte Islands. After the 2010 Haida Gwaii Reconciliation Act, they have been modified from the colloquial Queen Charlotte Islands to their conventional identify for the individuals who have inhabited these islands for 2000 years.
Haida Gwaii is a system of 150 distant islands within the Pacific Ocean that take you nicely off the overwhelmed path. Haida Gwaii is a wildlife lover’s dream with an abundance of bald eagles inhabiting the islands. They’re usually referred to as the Galapagos of the north with distinctive wildlife species endemic to the islands. From whale watching to indigenous experiences, this can be a vacation spot in BC that’s not to be missed.
24. Nice Bear Rainforest
British Columbia’s Nice Bear Rainforest is an enormous chunk of land lining the Pacific Ocean for 400 km up the west coast of BC. This is without doubt one of the premier locations to go on a grizzly bear safari. The annual salmon run from August to September is the most effective time to go to the Nice Bear Rainforest for grizzly viewing and there are a number of firms that provide adventures from Bella Bella, Klemtu, and Prince Rupert. There may be whale watching within the Nice Bear Rainforest as nicely with Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago being among the best locations on the earth to see orcas. This space has an abundance of wildlife and also you’ll additionally have the ability to witness bald eagles of their pure habitat.
So there you have got it from the Pacific Ocean to the Canadian Rockies, these are a few of the finest locations to go to in British Columbia. BC is an enormous province with an space bigger than France and Germany mixed. It may take a lifetime to see all of it, however that’s all of the extra purpose to go to British Columbia repeatedly. The place ought to we go subsequent?
