Soaring mountains and seascapes beckon in British Columbia, where wild nature backdrops cosmopolitan cities. Downtown Vancouver abuts the winding paths of Stanley Park and Burrard Inlet wildlife, while the history-rich capital of Victoria is a hub for whale-watching and trips to Butchart Gardens. Canada’s west coast has a rep for big adventures from snowcapped peaks to archipelagos cloaked in old-growth forest, but many things to do in British Columbia stand out for their ease of access, from Shannon Falls to the Sea to Sky Highway.
With temperate winters, BC’s coast stays mild year-round; inland is where you’ll find chilly winters and warm summers. For budget travelers, shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) may be the best time to visit British Columbia, while those visiting the province’s mountainous national parks may wish to stick to June–August. Long winters—like at the Olympic hot spot Whistler Blackcomb—shine whitest December–March for the snowhounds.
Road trips are a classic way to see the massive province—RV, rental car, or otherwise. Most visitors base themselves out of Vancouver, which has an excellent public transit system, including a superb ferry network that goes to spots such as Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the Sunshine Coast. VIA Rail and the Rocky Mountaineer chug, chug, chug visitors to the Canadian Rockies, too.
Have you heard of storm watching? The popular activity on Vancouver Island—specifically its west coast—involves simply watching the weather rage outside your window in fall and winter. Of course, if you’re brave enough, put on those rain boots and a weatherproof jacket and brave the elements until they stir your soul or send you back inside for warmth and cover.
Local Currency Canadian Dollar (CA$) | Time Zone PDT (UTC -8) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 120 | Tours 1,194 | Reviews 61,951 |
Canada’s westernmost province, British Columbia is known for the beauty of its temperate rainforests, the vibrant culture of its Indigenous people, and its laid-back communities. With easy access to nature from Vancouver, the province’s largest city, you don’t need to sacrifice urban comfort to immerse yourself in the outdoors.
...MoreBritish Columbia gives you the chance to go from the ski slopes to the beach on the same day. Between skiing and canoeing, you can marvel at 800-year-old trees in Vancouver Island’s Cathedral Grove, the historic Victoria Harbour, and the bustling Granville Island Public Market in Vancouver.
...MoreThree to four days in British Columbia allows you to see the mainland and the islands off the coast. Vancouver Island is home to the province’s picturesque capital city of Victoria, while tight-knit communities thrive on smaller Gulf Islands. There, explore pristine examples of the province’s famous coastal rainforests.
...MoreThe town of Whistler is popular in all seasons, with more than 2 million annual visitors. It hosted 2010 Winter Olympics events, and when the snows fall, the town fills with skiers and snowboarders. Hikers and mountain bikers arrive for summer, and the town’s restaurants and galleries entertain year-round.
...MoreBC’s remote islands and expansive coastline keep summer interesting. Scuba dive, sail, and surf the Pacific, and peruse local produce at bustling farmers markets. Vancouver is full of summer festivals such as the Vancouver Folk Music Festival and the Vancouver Pride Parade, so you can party in the sun.
...MoreYes, BC is a blend of the natural beauty and multicultural warmth for which Canada is known, and it’s worth a visit. Its largest city, Vancouver, offers access to the outdoor wonders that make the province special. You’ll learn about the land, grounded in Indigenous culture, as you travel.
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