16 Unmissable Issues to do in BC, Canada

Flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, British Columbia is one in every of Canada’s prime journey locations. It’s a spot the place you’ll be able to surf and snowboard in sooner or later, see Nationwide Geographic-level wildlife, and discover bustling world-class cities.

From jaw-dropping mountain vistas in Whistler to rolling vineyards in Kelowna, all the best way to the rugged shoreline of Tofino, BC locations are extraordinary. It’s identified to have one of many mildest climates in Canada and is house to a laundry checklist of distinctive wildlife. BC performs host to a few of the better of North America’s nice open air—it’s not known as Lovely British Columbia for nothing!

Over the previous couple of years, now we have spent months exploring BC in our camper van and hitting a few of the coolest spots throughout the province. We’ve summed up our favorite locations and must-see spots within the checklist beneath! So begin planning your journey round these prime locations to go to and issues to do in British Columbia.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Finest Time to Go to BC

We love British Columbia as a result of it’s a year-round vacation spot with countless out of doors actions. The summer time months are the preferred time to go to the province, with peak season in July and August.

Because of the gentle local weather, the shoulder season from Might-June via September/October is a good time to keep away from the crowds throughout your go to. You’ll see wildflowers on mountaintops and vigorous wildlife within the forests and ocean.

Winter journey in BC gives its fair proportion of challenges, however that doesn’t imply that you shouldn’t go. Snow bunnies flock to the ski hills of Whistler, Gros Mountain and different ski resorts and winter locations throughout the province in seek for contemporary powder and the thrills that include winter actions.

Getting Round British Columbia

Many of the prime sights in British Columbia are greatest reached by automotive. The roads are maintained and effectively related, however do be ready for some mountain driving.

To hyperlink up with all the gorgeous locations in BC, you’ll be able to drive, fly, and take ferries. Floatplanes provide scenic flights between coastal locations and bus providers, just like the Tofino Bus, are scattered round vacationer hotspots.

In our opinion, one of the simplest ways to discover BC is on an RV or campervan journey. The province has an abundance of nice campsites and alternatives to get up in nature, accessible solely to these, fortunate enouch to journey in a house on wheels.

Finest Locations to Go to in BC, Canada

We’ve had a lot enjoyable discovering all that British Columbia has to supply from its historical past to spectacular surroundings. So if you happen to’re questioning the place to go in British Columbia, look no additional than these unimaginable locations.

Vancouver

Vancouver is lengthy identified to be one of the crucial livable cities, placing a excellent steadiness of nature and metropolis life. It’s acquired every little thing you might dream of inside an hour radius of the town, from lush forests and mountaintops to wonderful sushi and nice tea.

Spend your time exploring the downtown core and cruising the eating places and funky retailers of its many neighbourhoods. You may get your coronary heart pumping on a Grouse Mountain climb or be a part of a yoga class on Kitsilano Seashore. Nonetheless you select, Vancouver in itself is a good purpose to go to British Columbia.

On the Capilano Suspension Bridge

Prime Issues to Do in Vancouver

Discover the retailers and waterfront of downtown Vancouver that provide nice views of the North Shore Mountains
Go to Stanley Park, Vancouver’s largest city park that’s steps from downtown. Stroll the ocean wall and finish the day and benefit from the sundown.
Cease by Granville Island for lunch and procuring on the Granville Island Public Market. Don’t miss an opportunity to take house some implausible tea from the Granville Island Tea Co.
Go to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and immerse your self within the forest on a tree-top journey stroll.

Vancouver Island

Dwelling to the provincial capital of Victoria, Vancouver Island is without doubt one of the most beloved out of doors playgrounds in British Columbia. It’s a mecca for browsing, mountain climbing, and whale watching. Because of its spectacular shoreline and old-growth forests, it has unimaginable surroundings and loads of actions to do to out in nature.

Ucluelet Harbour, Vancouver Island

Prime Issues to Do on Vancouver Island

Go to Campbell River or Tofino for a style of true wilderness or uncover BC’s pure historical past on the Royal BC Museum in Victoria.
Go to Butchart Gardens Nationwide Historic Website and stroll amongst flowered paths within the Japanese Backyard or Rose Backyard
Discover Victoria’s Inside Harbour and get a dose of historical past on the Royal British Columbia Museum
Go on a whale-watching cruise in Tofino, Campbell River, or Telegraph Cove or kayak the Damaged Group Islands in Ucluelet
Uncover the mountain climbing trails of Pacific Rim Nationwide Park or spend per week conquering the West Coast Path

Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains

Whistler is without doubt one of the most world-famous British Columbia vacationer sights. It’s a must-see in BC if you happen to’re a fan of dramatic mountains and naturally – snowboarding.

However Whistler has extra to supply than simply ski slopes—it’s turn out to be one of many prime trip locations in BC for spas and eating too. The cobbled streets of Whistler Village are an idyllic place to buy and the views from the Peak 2 Peak Gondola are breathtaking.

Outdated City, Whistler
Sea to Sky. Picture credit: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova
Downhill skier at Whistler Blackbomb. Picture credit: Vacation spot BC/Blake Jorgenson

Prime Issues to Do in Whistler

Go snowboarding or snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb
Eat your method round Whistler Village at prime eating places like Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar and Rimrock Cafe
Get panoramic mountain views on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola—no ski gear required!
Take a drive alongside the Sea to Sky Freeway from Vancouver to Whistler and admire the views alongside the best way.

Squamish

Squamish is an journey city nestled midway between Vancouver and Whistler. It’s acquired a roster of outside actions to final a lifetime, from mountain climbing to mountain biking, and fishing to mountain climbing. It’s house to one of the crucial standard vacationer spots in British Columbia for hikers, Stawamus Chief Provincial Park. Plus, Squamish boasts an up-and-coming eating scene that’s certain to prime off an adventure-packed day.

Ending in Squamish
View from the highest of The Stawamus Chief. Picture credit score: Credit score: Vacation spot BC/Ben Girardi

Prime Issues to Do in Squamish

Hit the various mountain climbing and biking trails scattered across the surrounding mountains
Lounge on Newport Seashore whereas soaking in views of the snow-capped mountains and glowing ocean
Climb the Stawamus Chief
Fish for salmon within the Squamish River or dine on contemporary seafood in downtown Squamish

Sea to Sky Freeway

British Columbia tourism is all about celebrating the province’s pure magnificence and the Sea to Sky Freeway is without doubt one of the greatest locations to admire BC’s most beautiful landscapes. The 120 km journey is thought to be one in every of Canada’s most scenic drives. Spanning from North Vancouver to Whistler, the drive takes you thru mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and extra. It’s really a spotlight reel of the very best of British Columbia.

Sea to Sky Freeway
Shannon Falls. Picture credit score: Vacation spot Vancouver/Landsea Excursions Ltd.

Prime Issues to Do on the Sea to Sky Freeway

Hit a number of of essentially the most stunning locations in British Columbia on a day-long or multi-day highway journey
Soak in beautiful views of Howe Sound from the Sea to Sky Gondola
Go to beautiful waterfalls at Shannon Falls and Brandywine Falls

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park

Joffre Lakes seems like one thing straight out of a postcard. The panorama has quintessential British Columbia surroundings with snow-capped mountains and glacier-fed turquoise lakes. It’s an incredible spot for mountain climbing, fishing, mountain climbing, and backcountry recreation. The park is situated near Pemberton, about 1 hour north of Whistler and is a must-see!

Prime Issues to Do at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park

Hike to at least one or all three of the lakes. Decrease Joffre Lake is a straightforward stroll, and though the trek to Center and Higher Joffre Lake is a problem, it gives spectacular views.
Fish for trout within the lakes – Center Joffre Lake is thought to be the very best spot

Haida Gwaii

Previously generally known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is excessive on the checklist of cool locations in BC. The distant archipelago is made up of over 150 islands coated in a temperate rainforest that’s teeming with wildlife. The most important islands are Graham and Moresby, which have mountain climbing trails, seashores, and beautiful hand-carved totem poles.

Prime Issues to Do in Haida Gwaii

Go to SGang Gwaay Llnagaay (Ninstints) to discover the previous Haida village and see the totem poles
Discover the seashores and trails of Naikoon Provincial Park
Go to native artisan studios and retailers on Graham Island

Totems at SGang Gwaay Llanagaay, Gwaii Haanas Nationwide Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Website, Haida Gwaii. Picture Credit score: Vacation spot BC/Brandon Hartwig
Textured sea grasses and windblown bushes close to the Blowhole in Naikoon Provincial Park. Picture credit score: Vacation spot BC/Grant More durable

Bella Coola and Nice Bear Rainforest

Positioned on the central coast of BC, Bella Coola is the coronary heart of the Nice Bear Rainforest. It’s a tremendous place to see wildlife of their pure habitat and get a glimpse into the realm’s wealthy First Nations historical past. A go to to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park highlights the very best of BC in relation to nature and wildlife. Seeing grizzly bears is unquestionably one of many coolest issues to do in British Columbia, Canada!

Overlooking Tweedsmuir Provincial Park within the Nice Bear Rainforest

Prime Issues to Do in Bella Coola

Be part of a grizzly bear safari at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
Hike Tweedsmuir Park’s many trails via the Rainbow Vary and Burnt Bridge
Be part of different eco-tours like a Wilderness River Drift or Birdwatching Tour

Hunlen Falls

Hunlen Falls is a spotlight of any Cariboo Chilcotin Roadtrip and is without doubt one of the lesser-known BC sights. The waterfall is the best in Canada and might solely be reached by aircraft or a steep hike. This all provides to the journey and the views are exceptional!

Prime Issues to Do in Hunlen Falls

Take a scenic flight over the falls from Nimpo Lake for panoramic views of pristine nature
When you’re feeling courageous, hike the steep 16 km path for a distinct view of the falls

Hunlen Falls and Turner Lake in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. Picture Credit: Vacation spot BC/Kari Medig

Cariboo Mountains Provincial Park

For a style of rugged wilderness, go to the Cariboo Mountains close to Quesnel, BC. These hovering rocky peaks are surrounded by glaciers and wetlands with nice tenting and lake entry. The park is wealthy in wildlife and is house to numerous lakes, making it an superior place for fishing and water actions.

Prime Issues to Do within the Cariboo Mountains

Canoe round Ghost Lake whereas tenting at Ghost Lake Recreation Website
Fish for sockeye, coho, chinook, bull trout, and rainbow trout

Fly-fishing at Ghost Lake. Picture credit score: Vacation spot BC/Blake Jorgenson

Wells Grey Provincial Park

Dwelling to 41 totally different waterfalls, nature lovers can’t miss a go to to Wells Grey Provincial Park. When you’re questioning what to see in British Columbia, a go to to the park will tick many issues off your checklist. With mountain climbing, kayaking, birdwatching, river rafting, mineral springs, and extra, the checklist of actions is countless.

Prime Issues to Do in Wells Grey Provincial Park

Go to Helmcken Falls and Spahats Creek for waterfalls and panoramic views of the Clearwater Valley
Hike to alpine lakes on Trophy Mountain

Helmcken Falls

Fishing Freeway 24

Although chances are you’ll not discover it on the quilt of a BC tourism journal, Freeway 24 is a good detour within the Cariboo area. Generally known as the Interlakes Freeway or the Fishing Freeway, this area spans from the cities of 93 Mile to Little Fort and is surrounded by lakes. Fishing your method across the lakes is among the many enjoyable issues to do in BC for all ranges of anglers.

Prime Issues to Do alongside Freeway 24

Go fishing! Fish for rainbows and bull trout in Latremouille Lake and Lac des Roches
Stroll the Bridge Lake Ice Caves Path to discover small caves within the forest

Driving previous Lac des Roches alongside Freeway 24. Picture credit score: Vacation spot BC/Andrew Pressure
A misty morning on Lac des Roches. Picture credit: Vacation spot BC/Andrew Pressure

Kamloops

Kamloops is without doubt one of the coolest issues to see in British Columbia as a result of it’s so totally different. It’s proper on the Trans Canada Freeway and exhibits a distinct aspect of gorgeous BC that’s much less rainforest and extra desert. It’s acquired loads of mountain climbing and mountain biking trails, lakes, and in winter – snowboarding, and different winter actions.

Prime Issues to Do in Kamloops

Go mountain biking in Kenna Cartwright Park for 40 km of trails overlooking the town
Paddle round Kamloops Lake on a SUP or kayak
Go to Solar Peaks Resort for winter snowboarding or summer time mountain climbing

Kelowna & Okanagan Valley

You may’t journey British Columbia with out attempting a few of the province’s greatest wines. Visiting the Okanagan Valley and for wine tasting is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in British Columbia. Kelowna shares an analogous desert-like look to Kamloops due to the mountain valleys and countless sunshine. The area is famed for its abundance of ripe fruits and neverending vineyards. Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley are must-visit locations in British Columbia for any wine lover.

Overlooking Kelowna, BC

Okanagan wine tasting at Summerhill Vineyard Kelowna

Prime Issues to Do in Kelowna & the Okanagan Valley

Sip on native wines on the many vineyards and wineries. A few of our favourites are Summerhill Pyramid, Mission Hill Household Property Vineyard, and Black Hills Property.
Cool off in Okanagan Lake and revel in swimming or boating
Cruise the various farmers markets within the space. The Okanagan is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in BC in summer time as a result of there’s a lot contemporary produce accessible.

Rocky Mountains

The Canadian Rockies are certainly a few of the greatest British Columbia sights round. Southeast BC is house to 4 of the 7 nationwide parks within the province and a few really epic surroundings. From Mount Revelstoke to Glacier and Yoho to Kootenay Nationwide Park, this area has some main British Columbia landmarks.

Prime Issues to Do in BC’s Rocky Mountain Area

Go to the aptly named Emerald Lake in Yoho Nationwide Park for stunning views, mountain climbing and paddling
Discover the peaks of Glacier Nationwide Park earlier than strolling the brand new suspension bridge in Golden. It’s known as the Golden Skybridge and towers 426 ft above a canyon for unimaginable views.
Ski in Revelstoke or discover the attention-grabbing retailers on the town
Soak within the mineral swimming pools of Radium Sizzling Springs

Northern BC

One of many lesser travelled British Columbia locations, Northern BC is a hidden gem. See BC in its wild, untamed glory with rugged mountains, sizzling springs, and alpine meadows. In relation to cool locations to go in BC, the north has heaps to supply.

Alaska Freeway alongside Muncho Lake, BC. Picture credit: Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Pressure
Walter Wright Pioneer Village in Dawson Creek. Picture credit: Northern BC Tourism/Matthew Littlewood

Prime Issues to Do in Northern British Columbia

Go horseback using at Muncho Lake Provincial Park
Soak within the Liard River Sizzling Springs alongside the Alaska Freeway
See the northern lights
Take a strolling tour across the historic city of Dawson Creek for a glimpse of pioneer and World Battle II historical past