British Columbia is one of Canada's most popular vacation destinations.
While Quebec to the east offers visitors a European-like experience without having to
leave North America, BC is known for its spectacular mountain ranges, lush rainforests, gorgeous
stretches of rugged coastline, world-class slopes, and picturesque towns – each of
which has its own unique flavor.
British Columbia is quite possibly Canada's most multifaceted and striking province.
It's also one of the country's biggest.
While the size and scope of things to see and do in BC might be a bit overwhelming to
a first-time visitor, there's really no wrong way to experience the province.
Many travelers will first pay the city of Vancouver a visit.
Not only is the city a great starting point, but it also serves as a pretty prime base
point.
From there, you can take a short flight or ferry ride over to Vancouver Island – just
one of BC's 6,000+ islands.
An hour's drive out of Vancouver will take you to the province's capital, Victoria.
And only two hours away is the popular ski destination, Whistler.
Inland, you'll find yet another popular year-round destination, Okanagan Valley.
Here you will discover the majestic beauty of Okanagan Lake, several top-rated golf courses,
and quite a few highly rated ski resorts.
Simply put, British Columbia is an excellent place to vacation.
There is plenty for travelers of all ages to enjoy, so feel free to bring the kids.
Alternatively, you could always spend an extended weekend with your significant other at one
of BC's seaside or mountain resorts.
For a better idea of what this Canadian province has going for it, keep watching because we're
about to take a look at what we believe to be the absolute best attractions and destinations
in British Columbia.
Whistler
With the snow-capped Whistler and Blackcomb mountains as its backdrop, Whistler is the
center of one of the largest and most visited winter sports recreational areas in Canada.
Over a decade ago in 2010, Whistler gained widespread attention when it hosted the downhill
ski events at that year's Winter Olympics.
Most people associate Whistler with skiing and snowboarding – and for very good reason
– but it's also a very popular year-round destination for outdoor activities like mountain
biking, hiking, golfing, and sightseeing.
If you're an avid birder, don't forget to bring your binoculars, as there are over 270
species in the region.
Even if you aren't much of a skier, the town of Whistler is a lovely place to explore either
solo or in the company of a good friend.
One of the best attractions in town is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola which connects Blackcomb
and Whistler mountains.
In fact, it's one of the longest gondola rides in the world, clocking in at an impressive
4.4 kilometers.
For some truly breathtaking views of the area, make sure you take this epic 11-minute ride.
It's well worth it.
Since Vancouver is only about two hours away by car, Whistler is easily accessible.
Plus, the drive between these locales along the Sea-to-Sky highway is worth experiencing
on its own.
Along this route, be sure to make a couple of pit stops at the many culturally rich communities
you come across, such as Shannon Falls and Squamish.
Stanley Park – Vancouver
This spot is one of Canada's premier destinations for getting up close and personal with nature
and wildlife.
The large grassy oasis offers photo-worthy views, quaint outdoor tea houses, romantic
oceanfront hideaways for mom and dad, and splash pads for the little one.
It makes for a great little getaway spot for families, especially since it's the home to
Vancouver's world-renowned aquarium as well as some of the finest equestrian outlets in
the province.
Since the park is located in the center of Vancouver, it makes for a great escape from
the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle.
Whether you're in town for a day or two or planning on spending a week exploring everything
worth seeing, no trip would be complete without a visit to this historic park.
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And don't go anywhere just yet.
Keep watching to learn about several more of British Columbia's must-see locales.
Tofino
Tofino is known for its surf culture, remote beauty, and indigenous roots.
For those looking to explore Nootka Sound, Tofino serves as its gateway.
Beyond that, however, it's one of the most significant seaside resort destinations in
Canada.
Whether you're looking to engage in a little bit of coastal camping or are more inclined
to check in at a luxurious rental home, Tofino offers a range of stellar accommodations for
travelers of all comfort levels.
While you might not think of Canada as being very 'tropical', Tofino certainly fits the
bill.
It's one of BC's most westwardly located towns, home to some of the best surfing in the nation,
and is one of the premier places in North America for whale watching.
For adventurous visitors, Tofino is also a pretty decent place to go paddling, hiking,
and cycling.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Just south of Tofino is one of the most dramatically beautiful National Parks in Canada.
While Alberta has famed and breathtakingly gorgeous places like Jasper and Banff, the
Pacific Rim is arguably every bit as remarkable.
With its colorful and lush ancient rainforests, mineral-rich waters teeming with marine life,
and infamously ferocious winter squalls, the Pacific Rim is a force to be reckoned with.
Surfers have been flocking to the Pacific Rim for decades.
If hanging ten isn't up your alley, however, taking a hike on the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Trail
is another highly recommended activity.
The rich history and culture of this First Nation tribe is explained in detail as you
stroll along this tranquil path.
Another great trail rooted in Native Canadian history is The West Coast Trail.
The First Nations traveled along this route searching for food, resources, and better
opportunities.
Be aware, though, that if your intention is to complete this trail, you'll need to devote
at least a couple of days and pack accordingly.
It's not for the faint of the heart, and you'll probably have to brave the fog, rain, and
rocky terrain.
Butchart Gardens
Located in an old rock quarry in Victoria, Butchart Gardens offers guests a phenomenal
display of plants, flowers, trees, and wildlife.
This attraction makes for a perfect day trip if you find yourself around Victoria.
The mild climate of this area means that it's a perfect stop almost any time of the year.
In our opinion, though the best time to visit is anytime between spring and fall.
The vibrant spring blossoms are gorgeous.
Our second favorite time to stop by is the fall when the changing leaves put on their
colorful show.
Haida Gwaii
This remote island chain is one of Canada's hidden gems.
While sometimes overlooked by tourists, this destination provides a wealth of natural beauty
and culture.
Previously known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, this natural wonder is made up of over 150
isolated islands at the Western edge of the continent.
The two most famous islands, Graham and Moresby, are located roughly 30 and 90 miles off the
coast of BC, respectively.
The indigenous inhabitants of the islands, the Haida people, are known to have lived
on these islands for more than 8,000 years.
Historically, they were known for their 20-meter long war canoes, but today they are famed
for their skillful carving and artistry.
Throughout the Canadian Pacific Coast, their totem poles and ornate illiterate carvings
can be found in numerous museums.
Glacier National Park
In addition to Mount Revelstoke National Park, which is a just a few miles away, Glacier
National Park is a beautifully scenic area that is particularly popular with hikers,
and rock climbers The parks are both located in one of the most remote and inhospitable
mountainous regions of the province – the Columbia Mountain's nearly inaccessible Selkirk
Range.
The park is known for its dramatic landscape featuring jagged mountain peaks and deep valleys.
There are more than 400 glaciers in Glacier National Park.
At the lower elevation levels up to about 4,200 feet, dense forests full of hemlocks,
firs, and red cedar trees and dense covering ferns provide a suitable home environment
for the parks caribou, mountain goats, grizzly bears, and black bears.
While the majority of visitors simply visit for the day, there are several campgrounds
and hiking trails in the area suitable for backpackers looking to immerse themselves
in the natural beauty for a couple of days.
British Columbia is, to many travelers, the crown jewel of Canada.
While provinces like Montreal and Alberta are undoubtedly charming and have a wealth
of beautiful and culturally vibrant destinations to explore, BC is one of the best places in
North America to let your spirit soar free.
You'll be surrounded by breathtaking mountains, wildlife, and forests while being treated
to some of the most attractive and historically significant towns in the nation.
On top of that, the people of BC are absolutely terrific.
They are known for being accepting, giving, and particularly hospitable.
If you've never had the chance to visit this especially lovely region of Canada, you're
in for a treat.
The memories that you'll make in British Columbia will stick with you for a lifetime.
Who knows, you might love the place so much that you'll be tempted to move there!
Anyway, that about wraps up this video.
Hopefully, you've enjoyed our little rundown of the top destinations and things to do in
British Columbia, Canada's only province that borders the Pacific ocean.
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Safe Travels.