Your full travel guide to British Columbia
Vast natural spaces, wild mountain ranges, 25,000 km of coastline, culture-filled cities and temperate rainforests makes British Columbia a dream to explore. But with so much to see and do, and with experiences to suit all kinds of travellers, knowing where to start can be tricky. Our travel guide is here to help...
British Columbia at a glance
At nearly a million square kilometres – approximately the same as France and Germany combined – British Columbia is a big place, so it’s important to plan to make the most of your time.
Regular flights depart for Vancouver from London Heathrow and London Gatwick year-round, as well as regional airports including Manchester and Glasgow. If you’re mainly visiting the Rockies, flying directly into Calgary is an alternative option. Once you’ve landed, the easiest way to explore is to hire a car or motorhome. Travel distances can be long, however, so if you want to visit several areas, short-haul flights to regional airports such as Kelowna, Nelson, Abbotsford or Kamloops can cut down on travel time. Catching a train is another possible option: VIA Rail operates two rail lines, one from Vancouver to Jasper, the other from Prince Rupert to Jasper. Or treat yourself to the luxury of the Rocky Mountaineer.
Most people start with a few days in Vancouver, then catch a boat or fly over to Vancouver Island to explore the island’s forests, coast and rich indigenous culture. The mountain town of Whistler is another popular side-trip, especially for skiers and snowboarders.
Further north, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast gets increasingly wild as it heads towards Prince Rupert and the Haida Gwaii islands. Beyond Prince George in Northern British Columbia, you’re into proper wilderness – this is one of the many areas to explore if you’re a wildlife enthusiast. East of Vancouver, the Okanagan Valley is the epicentre of British Columbia’s wine-growing industry, while the Thompson and Fraser Valleys are dominated by farming and agriculture. Further east still rise the craggy peaks of the Rocky Mountains, marking BC’s eastern boundary with Alberta and offering a host of mountain adventures, as well as several national parks.
Best for culture seekers
1. Big city thrills
British Columbia is best-known for its landscapes, but it has plenty of urban experiences on offer too. Vancouver, has a wealth of vibrant neighbourhoods to explore: check out the boutiques and bistros of Gastown, wander the old streets of Chinatown, sunbathe on Kitsilano’s beaches, go shopping on Robson St or visit the farmer’s market on Granville Island – and don’t miss a walk around Stanley Park, an oasis of wildness on the edge of the city covering more than a thousand acres, encircled by a seawall walkway. Victoria, the capital of British Columbia on Vancouver Island, has long been known for its British connections (it’s named after a former queen, after all). And while the city certainly has its fair share of quaint tea-rooms and cosy pubs, it also has plenty of cutting-edge restaurants and craft breweries to discover – as well as the Royal BC Museum, which houses a treasure trove of artefacts exploring the province’s past. Over in the Okanagan Valley, Kelowna is the gateway to British Columbia’s top vineyards, and the centre of the province’s fast-growing winemaking industry. Most vineyards offer guided tasting tours, and at the end of the summer you can watch the harvest and sample the season’s first vintages.
2. Meet the locals
Laid-back surfers in Tofino, artists, baristas and buskers in Nelson, climbers and craft brewers in Fernie: if you really want to get to know the BCers, you’re better off skipping the big cities and immersing yourself in small town life instead. From the sea to the mountains, coast to countryside, British Columbia has a wealth of small towns, each with their own strongly local flavour and distinctive character. In seaside towns such as Gibsons, Comox and Campbell River, life revolves around the ocean: you’ll find people spending their weekends fishing, sailing or kayaking, or just chilling out down by the seafront for some seafood and a cold beer. In mountain towns such as Fernie, Golden and Whistler, join the locals by hitting the trails or heading out onto the ski slopes. To sample Okanagan vintages, make a beeline for Oliver – it’s declared itself the Wine Capital of Canada. Cruising the lakes in Penticton, admire the heritage buildings in Rossland or Revelstoke, or take a road-trip to off-the-radar gems such as Smithers and Keremeos. Before too long you’ll find yourself counted as one of the locals.
3. Experience indigenous culture
Long before the settlers arrived, First Nations people had established their own complex culture and way of life across western Canada, intimately connected with the land and the rhythms of nature. Today, there are 203 indigenous communities in British Columbia, each with their own customs and mythologies, speaking a total of 30 different languages. A visit to an indigenous centre, such as the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre or Xatśūll Heritage Village, is a great way of immersing yourself in First Nations culture: you could join a traditional feast, learn a sacred dance or even make a hand-drum or buckskin medicine bag. Alternatively, book a wildlife-watching tour with an indigenous guide such as Clayoquot Wild or Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours to gain an understanding of the relationship between First Nations people and their environment. On Vancouver Island, experience indigenous art at one of the island’s galleries, such as the House of Himwitsa or I-Hos Gallery, or head for Alert Bay to learn about First Nations culture at the U’mista Cultural Centre which houses artifacts of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw people.
Best for immersing yourself in nature
hike in a national park
Strapping on your boots allows you to experience BC’s wildest and grandest scenery, but you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker - there are plenty of easy trails to choose from, too. In less than an hour, you could hike to the base of Wapta Falls in Yoho, follow the crashing river through Marble Canyon in Kootenay, walk amongst giant cedars in Mount Revelstoke or follow the old Canadian Pacific Railway track in Glacier. Big views, minimal miles: blissful.
Pick up a paddle
Canoes and kayaks have a played a central part in the history of British Columbia, so there’s no better way to explore. Whether you paddle along a quiet creek or take a multi-day expedition along the coast, there’s a variety of paddling experiences on offer – from piloting a traditional First Nations canoe with Takaya Tours in North Vancouver to watching orcas along the Johnson Strait with North Island Kayak Trips & Tours.
Head for the woods
At 6.4 million hectares, the Great Bear Rainforest forms part of the largest area of temperate rainforest on the planet. It’s an oasis of biodiversity, home to some of the nation’s oldest trees (including 1,000 year-old cedars) and its rarest wildlife. The jumping-off point for adventures in the forest is the small town of Bella Coola, where you can organise wildlife watching and kayaking expeditions. Whales, eagles, sea otters, grizzlies and black bears can all be seen here – and who knows, you might even see a spirit bear (or Kermode bear), a black bear with a super-rare cream white coat, considered sacred by First Nations people.
Take a walk in the clouds
The Kootenay Rockies is where British Columbia’s views turn widescreen. Encompassing four mountain ranges (and four national parks), these craggy peaks are beloved by hikers, climbers, photographers and painters alike. They’re criss-crossed by trails – from one-day summits such as Idaho Peak and Three Brothers Mountain to multi-day classics such as the Rockwall Trail, Iceline Trail and Mt Assiniboine. In fact, there are enough mountain hikes here to fill several lifetimes’ of hiking – just make sure you bring along a decent pair of boots, some warm layers and, most importantly, a spirit of adventure.
Best for wildlife watchers
The bear essentials
According to scientists, there around 25,000 wild grizzlies in Canada – and more than half of them can be found in the forests and mountains of British Columbia (along with 120,000 to 150,000 of their black bear cousins). Even so, the chances of encountering them are small – unless you go out of your way to find them, that is. Staying at the Great Bear Lodge or the Kutzeymateen Wilderness Lodge is the experience of a lifetime. Located in the depths of the Great Bear Rainforest, and only accessible by seaplane, these floating lodges are arguably the top places in British Columbia to spot grizzlies, especially in autumn, when the bears come to show off their salmon-fishing skills.
Ocean adventures
From playful otters and dolphins to harbour seals, porpoises, sea lions and orcas, British Columbia’s Pacific coastline is a fantastic place for a nature hit, especially the waters of the Georgia and Johnstone Straits around Vancouver Island. Telegraph Cove is famous for its orcas and dolphins, while Tofino, Ucluelet and Victoria are excellent locations for whale watching. There are many accredited operators to choose from, but vessel sizes and styles vary: some are geared for comfort, with washrooms, covered cabins and viewing platforms, while others aim for speed and manoeuvrability with fast, agile Zodiac boats. Expect to get wet.
Alpine animals
As you head up in altitude, keep your eyes peeled for mountain wildlife. The easiest species to spot is the ground squirrel, whose cheeky cheep becomes a common refrain as you hike through the mountains. A relation is the hoary marmot, which is slightly larger and can be identified by its whistling call (they often show up when you’re eating your lunch, but please don’t feed them). You’ll need keen eyes to spy the other alpine residents: look for mountain goats and bighorn sheep high up on the cliffs and crags, and eagles and hawks soaring over the mountain valleys. Forested areas and lakeshores are good areas to see moose and elk, but you’re unlikely to see a cougar or wolf - and that’s probably a good thing.
A spotlight on whales
Every summer, Canada’s Pacific coastline is visited by giants. Between spring and autumn, several different species of whale come here to feed and breed, attracted by temperate waters and the plentiful supplies of food stirred up by ocean currents. Grey whales and humpbacks are the most commonly seen, especially during the peak months from July to October. On Vancouver Island, the waters of Clayoquot Sound near Tofino, and Barkley Sound near Ucluelet, are regularly visited by both types of whales, while from Vancouver and Victoria, boats often head for the southern Gulf and San Juan islands. Operators often work together to maximise the chance of sightings – and while nothing’s guaranteed, many claim a 90% success rate. Remote Prince Rupert also sees large numbers of grey whales, humpbacks and minkes. There are resident orca pods around Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and Johnstone Strait, meaning they can be seen over a longer season than whales, usually from March to October. Make sure you choose a responsible operator, ideally one which has an accredited naturalist or biologist on board – the best whale-watching companies participate in scientific research projects, conservation and monitoring programmes that contribute to our wider understanding of these mighty creatures of the deep.
Best for adrenaline-fuelled adventures
White water rafting
Canoeing is fun, but for real thrills, nothing beats a day taking on the wild, surging waters of one of British Columbia’s big rivers such as the Fraser, Tasenshini, Quesnel or the aptly-named Kicking Horse. Get a white water taster on a day trip, or book a multi-day wilderness adventure, camping out and cooking your own food along the way.
Zip lining
Some people get their kicks out of climbing mountains; others get them by coming down as fast as they possibly can. Superfly Ziplines in Whistler, Grouse Mountain, Zipzone Peachland and Kokanee Mountain Zipline near Nelson all offer the chance to whizz down from the mountaintop at high speed for the ultimate heart-in-the-mouth thrill.
Via ferrata
You don't have to be an alpine expert to experience the excitement of mountain climbing. Via ferrata uses a system of ropes, ladders, steps and cables that are fixed into the cliff, allowing you to conquer sheer faces in safety – even though the drops are real! Try it out at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish or the Mountain Skills Academy in Whistler.
Best for foodies
Indigenous eateries
Food is a fundamental part of First Nations culture. From smoked sockeye salmon to elk stew, eulachon, venison sausage, bannock bread and even seaweed, there’s a wealth of indigenous flavours to try. Pick up a frybread taco from Kekuli Cafe in Kelowna, tuck into a bison pot roast at Salmon n’ Bannock in Vancouver or experience Shuswap fine dining at Quaaout Lodge. Even better, take a foraging food tour with Cree Nation chef Shirley Lang.
Wines of the Okanagan
With 9,617 acres of vines and 186 wineries the Okanagan Valley accounts for more than 80% of the vineyards in British Columbia. There are four regions within the Okanagan - Golden Mile Bench, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Falls and Skaha Bench – each with their own soil, climate and characteristics. Take a tour around renowned vineyards such as Mission Hill or Summerhill Pyramid Winery, or taste some Boogie Woogie White or Rockabilly Red at Nostalgia Wines.
Craft brewing in BC
Wine is fine, but BCers are beer connoisseurs too. There’s a huge number of craft brewers across the province creating all kinds of beers and ales – from Canadian pale ales to Pilzner-style lagers, sour ales, stouts and even wild brews flavoured with foraged ingredients. Follow the BC Ale Trail across the province to find award-winning breweries such as Field House Brewing near Abbotsford, Four Winds Brewing Co in Delta or R&B Brewing in East Vancouver. There’s even a downloadable app to guide you: all you need is a designated driver.
Make it happen
Start planning your perfect visit to British Columbia with the help of the experts from Bon Voyage. With over 40 years of experience, you can trust Bon Voyage to create a tailor-made experience that draws on the advice and first-hand experiences of its team of travel experts.
Find their recommended itineraries below
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