British Columbia, Canada

Whether you’re on the lookout for rambling bears, rugged Pacific surf and spouting whales, the colorful cultural diversity of Vancouver, majestic snow-capped mountains or wide open road, British Columbia – BC in local lingo – is your baby.

Canada’s westernmost province is a lot of things, and most of them – short perhaps the regular rain showers that soak the coast – are good.

Vancouver, the provincial big city, is a cultural dream. From the arts to outdoor activity to a wonderfully diverse populous, this is one urban center that should appeal to even the country-lovers at heart. Shop til you drop, struggle up Grouse Grind til you want to drop, kayak, kick back in Stanley Park, cruise the demonstration forest on wheels and retire for cocktails and varied cuisine with live jazz come stars at night. Best of all, Vancouver is a stone’s throw from Vancouver Island, the Rockies and Whistler.

Whistler, a scenic drive up the coast and inland is a favorite winter retreat with plenty of groomed runs to go around. And the scenery isn’t anything to sniff at either. Summer rousts bikers and hikers out to enjoy the mountain, with climbing at Squamish en route for those not vertigo-squeamish. The Sunshine Coast, accessible by boat or long hike, lures water lovers come sunny swells.

Visitors won’t want to miss making the trip over to Vancouver Island for peaceful coves perfect for kayaking, lush hikes, surfing at Tofino and plenty of long splendid beaches. No island adventure would be complete without a day or two in Victoria, the picturesque provincial capital. From shopping to sea-based activity, this city’s appeal is readily apparent.

Travelers with time to penetrate BC’s scenic interior won’t want to miss smearing on sunscreen to enjoy the waters of Okanagan Lake. Whether you head for Penticton or Kelowna, boat rentals and sunny lakeside naps come on tap with a refreshing dip.

Any decent detour through the Thompson and Fraser River Valleys necessitates a stop in Kamloops, a happening cultural center within easy reach of a range of outdoor activities, from rafting to fishing, hiking and biking to winter skiing.

If your next stop is glorious Banff National Park, you have no excuse to skip a foray into the Kootenays for mountains of fun, hot springs and tourist amenities in cities like Cranbrook or Nelson.

With so much to do close to the southern end of BC it might be hard to tear yourself away long enough to head north. There’s a serious amount of drive-time involved, but the prize – whether you’re touring the Queen Charlotte Islands off the coast from Prince Rupert or steering for the Yukon – merits the mileage.

Whether you’re after bears, beaches, brilliant snowy peaks or a range of Canadian “best-ofs”, British Columbia should be high on your priority list.

British Columbia Destinations

Cranbrook
Kamloops (Fraser & Thompson Valleys)
Kelowna
Lake Koocanusa
Lake Shuswap
Pacific Northwest / Cassy / Alaska Highways
Penticton
Sunshine Coast / Whistler
Vancouver
Vancouver Island
Victoria

Other Provinces