British Columbia is one of three provinces located in Canada’s West Coast region. It is known for its natural beauty and unique culture, including food, wine, and more recently, craft beer, aboriginal populations, and diverse geology. British Columbia’s climate, described as temperate rainforest, is partly due to its coastal location and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The province features temperate, alpine, and subalpine terrain.
The geography of British Columbia is characterized by the Pacific Ocean coastline and mountain ranges. In addition to the abundant forests and wildlife, a large area of the province’s attractions is its natural beauty. British Columbia is a gold mine for vacationers. In this article, we’ll uncover 14 must-try activities if you’re going on vacation to BC.
Vancouver is the ideal destination for those looking for outdoor activities. This city has so much to offer that you can’t pick one particular thing to do. From skiing to kayaking, Vancouver offers something for everyone. While you’re there, be sure to check out the following:
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a well-known and the largest urban park in Vancouver, stretching over 400 hectares. Sites included in the park are beaches, historic landmarks, walking and biking trails, picnic spots, and wildlife.
Granville Island
Granville Island is a small island in Vancouver, British Columbia. Known for its many restaurants and shops, Granville Island still features hints of its industrial history. After the rejuvenation in the 1970s, it has led to the Granville Island we know today. Abundant with food, drink, shops, music, and character.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
If heights give you a thrill, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is the attraction for you. It spans 137m across and towers 70m above the Capilano River, giving you breath-taking views of the canyon and rainforest below.
Grouse Mountain
Only 15-minutes from Downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is a white canvas in winter and an outdoor paradise in the summer. Enjoy a hike among the trees or take the gondola ride up to the top. Both deliver spectacular views.
Vancouver Island is the large island off British Columbia’s coast and Washington state in North America – part of Canada’s Pacific Coast (British Columbia Coast) region. An island with endless possibilities, attractions, and landmarks to visit.
Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens is located in Victoria and ranked as one of the world’s top display gardens. It is also a National Historic site and features over a million plants with 900 varieties covering 55 acres of garden. Captivate your senses with the sights and smells of countless flowers as you meander through this remarkable display of nature.
Fishermans Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a hidden gem located close to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. It boasts unique shops, food and seafood options, and eco-tour adventures. Marvel at the floating homes and watch the fisherman at work.
Elk Falls Provincial Park
Located near the town of Campbell River, Elk Falls Provincial Park provides an all-around experience for anyone looking to enjoy the park to its fullest. With camping, hiking, biking, and fishing. The park features campgrounds, hiking trails, and a new Elk Falls Suspension bridge. A short hike from the campground you will find a 25-meter plunge waterfall.
Surfing in Tofino
Regarded as Canada’s surfing capital, Tofino is everything about the beach, water, and surf. Beginner or experienced, Tofino offers all skill levels of surfers and stand-up paddleboarders (SUP) year-round access to 35 km of coast and beach.
Indulge in a Winery Tour or Wine Tasting
The Okanagan Valley touted as one of the finest wine regions, is scattered with wineries. It’s mind-blowing how much you can learn from taking a tour. They include everything from how the grapes are grown to the aging process to infusing more flavors into the wine.
Experience the water of the Okanagan Lake
Okanagan Lake is the second largest lake in British Columbia. It is a great place to fish and a perfect location for water skiing, sailing, boating, paddleboarding, or just relaxing on the beach. The best way to explore the lake is to take one of the many cruises available.
Explore Ashcroft
Ashcroft is a small town located in British Columbia. Despite its stature, it’s located along the mighty Thompson River, where outdoor adventures, such as camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing, are popular.
White water rafting in Golden
Golden in British Columbia offers some of the best white water rafting experiences on the Kicking Horse River. The Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden has the best skiing in the wintertime.
Hiking in Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park borders the BC and Alberta border. The Rocky mountain range is vast and spectacular and will leave you in awe. With endless things to see and explore, check out Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake.
Hot springs
A vacation in British Columbia would not be complete without a visit to a hot spring. There are several different hot springs in BC, some in more natural surroundings, while others are a part of resorts. But they are all rich in natural minerals for both relaxation and restoration. Here are some of the best hot springs:
- Radium Hot Springs
- Keyhole Hot Springs
- Fairmont Hot Springs
- Halcyon Hot Springs
- Ainsworth Hot Springs
- Tsek Hot Springs
- Liard River Hot Springs
- Hot Springs Cove
- Harrison Hot Springs
British Columbia is a beautiful area of Canada with an incomparable landscape. There are many things to do and see. The people are friendly, and you can easily travel around the province stress-free. British Columbia has a cultural and artsy vibe with plenty of opportunities for nature lovers. With so many activities, unique experiences, mountains, rainforests, coastlines, lakes, valleys, and everything in between on offer, BC is every outdoor enthusiast’s haven, every explorer’s playground, and every vacationer’s dream come true.