British Columbia
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Catherine Driver is a travel writer and tour guide from Vancouver, Canada. Her first taste of travel was back in the nineties on a school trip to Europe. And she hasn’t stopped since. After a year-long stint teaching English in Madrid, Spain, Catherine is now back home in Vancouver. When she’s not planning her next adventure abroad, she can be found enjoying live music and training for her next Camino.
Why We Love British Columbia: British Columbia is one of Canada’s most beautiful provinces. Blessed with the West Coast’s stunning beauty, this is a nature lover’s paradise. BC will wow you whether you love to hike, ski or watch a sunset on the beach! But you don’t have to be outdoorsy to enjoy your time here. Surrounded by majestic scenery are lively cities and charming towns with lots to see and do. British Columbia is also a diverse province that welcomes people from all over the world. Whoever you are and whatever your interests, you will feel at home in British Columbia.
Best of British Columbia
🏙️ Destinations
There are so many amazing places in British Columbia. And each has something special to offer. Here are some of the most popular destinations:
- Vancouver – BC’s most cosmopolitan city is full of fun attractions, incredible restaurants, and buzzing nightlife.
- Victoria – British Columbia’s charming capital city feels like England. Afternoon tea and a visit to Butchart Gardens are not to be missed.
- Whistler – This resort is the best in Canada for outdoor activities. Ski, hike, and white water raft in the fresh mountain air.
- Kelowna – One of BC’s most popular summertime destinations. A playground for beach and wine lovers.
- Tofino – Located on Vancouver Island’s Pacific Coast, Tofino is famous for surfing and storm watching.
✨ Things to Do
Everybody will find something to love in British Columbia. The province is full of activities that showcase the natural beauty of Canada’s West Coast.
- Go on a Wine Tasting Adventure – BC’s Okanagan Valley is home to over 200 unique wineries. Let someone else do the driving on a winery tour!
- Take a Whale Watching Tour – Head out onto the open seas and get up close to the magnificent animals of BC’s waters.
- Learn to Surf – Tofino and Uclulet have the best surf scenes in British Columbia. If you are keen to try surfing, there is no better place to learn.
- Get to Know BC’s First Nations in Haida Gwaii – Only accessible by ferry, this stunning archipelago is home to BC’s Haida community. Come and meet them!
- Midsummer Music Festival – The Bulkley Valley is the site of this annual three-day music and art extravaganza.
👉 See the full list of best things to do in British Columbia.
🗺️ Where to Stay
British Columbia has plenty of big cities and smaller towns that make great jumping off points to explore the rest of the province. Here are a few we love:
- Vancouver – Easiest to fly in and out of, BC’s largest city is best for those looking for lots of action and culture.
- Victoria – BC’s easygoing capital city is an excellent base for exploring Vancouver Island.
- Kelowna – This vibrant Okanagan city is great for visiting the orchards, wineries, and beaches of BC’s Southern Interior.
- Whistler – Perfect for visitors who love outdoor activities and want to explore the Sea to Sky country.
- Prince George – This city is best for anyone who wants to adventure in BC’s rustic north.
👉 Check out the best day trips from Vancouver.
🛎️ Best Hotels
Hotels in British Columbia take full advantage of their spectacular natural surroundings. Here are some beautiful places to stay when you want to treat yourself.
- Fairmont Pacific Rim – One of Vancouver’s most upscale hotels. Home to the renowned Willow Stream Spa and Botanist restaurant.
- Four Seasons Resort – This lavish hotel is in the heart of lively Whistler Village. Whistler and Blackcomb’s ski runs are at your doorstep.
- The Fairmont Empress – Victoria’s most famous hotel is a favorite with the British Royal Family. Their Afternoon Tea is a favorite.
- Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa – This luxurious hotel and spa is the Okanagan’s number one stay for rest and relaxation.
- Wickaninnish Inn – This elegant hotel sits on Tofino’s rugged coast. Curl up by the fire and watch the Pacific Ocean’s famous storms.
🚗 Best Road Trips
- Sea to Sky Highway – The waters of Howe Sound and its surrounding mountains make this the most picturesque road in the province.
- Okanagan Valley – Sample the best fruit and wine as you make your way through the orchards and vineyards of BC’s Interior.
- Pacific Marine Circle Route – Beaches and old-growth forests provide the setting for great food and wine in the towns along this route.
- The Great Northern Circle Route – 3,200 kilometers of rugged wilderness and pretty towns make up this breathtaking part of BC’s north.
- Hot Springs Circle Route – Looking to relax? Visit BC’s Kootenay region for its seven steamy hot springs.
👉 Check out the British Columbia road trip
🏖️ Best Lakes
- Emerald Lake – With the Rocky Mountains as its backdrop, this lake is perfect for fishing and canoeing in the summer months.
- Garibaldi Lake – Hikers will love the trails around this turquoise lake. This is also a popular area for camping and bird watching.
- Okanagan Lake – This enormous lake in BC’s Interior is the perfect summer destination. It has over 30 beaches and great campgrounds.
- Lakelse Lake – The largest warm water lake in BC’s north boasts dramatic forests and beaches. Camping and glamping are also offered.
- Harrison Lake – Not only is this lake surrounded by breathtaking mountains, but it’s also the home of BC’s most famous hot springs.
⛷️ Best Ski Resorts
- Vancouver’s Local Mountains – Grouse, Cypress, and Seymour Mountain are all less than an hour away from Downtown Vancouver.
- Whistler Blackcomb – Canada’s most famous ski resort is home to two amazing mountains and a charming village. It’s expensive, but worth it!
- Big White – With over 120 runs for every level, this is the best place in the Okanagan to hit the slopes.
- Sun Peaks – This Kamloops resort is perfect for the whole family. Ski, dog sled, and snowshoe on three amazing mountains.
- Revelstoke – Want a challenge? This ski resort in southeastern BC boasts North America’s longest vertical drop at 1,710 meters.
🏡 Best Small Towns
- Kimberley – Voted BC’s best small town by the CBC, this quaint village has plenty of attractions, shopping and restaurants.
- Chemainus – This Vancouver Island town is famous for its 53 murals and charming downtown. Visit the Willow Street Cafe for lunch.
- Oliver – BC’s wine capital has a strong Latin culture thanks to the Mexican workers who help at the wineries every year.
- Barkerville – Travel back in time to central BC’s gold rush days. This town has 125 historic buildings, museums, and shops to explore.
- Gibsons – Full of markets, galleries, and restaurants, this is the perfect base to explore the Sunshine Coast.
👉 Read the full list of best small towns in BC.
🎨 Best Museums
- Museum of Anthropology – University of British Columbia’s remarkable museum highlights world cultures and Indigenous art of the Pacific Northwest.
- Audain Art Museum – The art of coastal British Columbia is on display at this Whistler gallery. It is one of the best in the province.
- Royal BC Museum – Victoria’s most popular museum celebrates BC’s natural and human history. Be sure to visit the Woolly mammoth!
- Canadian Museum of Flight – Aviation enthusiasts will love this museum in Langley. See over 25 vintage jets along with aviation art and artifacts.
- Britannia Mine Museum – Put on a hard hat and hop on the train for a guided tour deep inside the mountain where copper was once mined.
British Columbia Travel Advice
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Each season in British Columbia offers different things to do. So, the best time of year to visit all depends on what you’re looking to enjoy!
- 🍂 Fall – Fall is one of the prettiest seasons in British Columbia. The leaves are changing color, the air is crisp and the days are still long and sunny.
- 🌞 Summer – Summer in British Columbia is warm and dry. If you love hiking and camping, this is the time to visit!
- ❄️ Winter – British Columbia’s mountains are a paradise in winter. It’s the perfect time to hit the slopes.
- 🌼 Spring – Spring is rainy in British Columbia, but temperatures are pleasant and the flowers always come out early.
👉 Read the full guide to when to visit British Columbia.
🚌 Getting In & Around
British Columbia is huge. While driving is optimal, there are plenty of other great ways to explore the province.
- ✈️ Airports – There are five large airports and several smaller ones all around British Columbia.
- 🚗 Driving – BC is full of well-signed highways that will get you anywhere you want to go.
- 🚇 Public Transit – Public transit is best in the cities. Smaller towns have limited transit options.
- 📲 Ride Share – Uber and Lyft are available in the metro areas. But ride sharing services can be found all around BC.
- 🚴♀️ Biking – British Columbia has endless biking trails and paths. They are everywhere in the cities, towns, and remote areas.
- 🛴 Scooters – Cities and towns all over the province have embraced the scooter. You can always find a place to rent one.
- 🚶♀️ Walking – From forest trails to city walking paths, British Columbia is best explored on foot.
👉 Tips & Things to Know
- 🛣️ – Roads and Driving – Many of BC’s highways are situated in the mountains. Winter tires are required from October 1 to April 30.
- 🔥 – Weather Events – BC can experience severe weather events. During the summer, there are forest fire risks, especially in the Okanagan.
- 👠 – Leave Your Nice Clothes at Home – Unless you have a special event, you won’t need to wear anything fancy in BC. Even the cities are casual.
- ⚠️ – Always Obey the Outdoor Rules – If you plan to enjoy the great outdoors, heed any caution or warning. And never go out of bounds.
- 💸 – British Columbia is Expensive – Save money by visiting in the off-season, eating at modest restaurants, and enjoying free activities.
🧳 What to Pack
- ☔ – Umbrella – Nearly 25% of the world’s temperate rainforest is in BC. Make sure to pack an umbrella, even in the summer.
- 👕 – Layers – You can experience four seasons in one day in British Columbia. Always bring layers and something waterproof.
- 🥾 – Walking Shoes – Whether you’re going on a long hike or walking around the cities, bring comfortable shoes. You’ll need them.
- 🚰 – Water Bottle – British Columbia has amazing tap water. Fill your water bottle before you set out for the day and help the environment.
- 🧴 – Sunscreen – There are many lakes and beaches in BC. Even if you come to ski in the winter, you’ll still need your sun protection.
🤓 Facts & Info
- Population (2024) – 5,698,430
- Capital – Victoria
- Largest Metro Areas – Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna
- Time Zone – Pacific Time (UTC – 8:00 / UTC -7:00 during daylight savings)
- Airports – Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Abbotsford International Airport (YXX), Kelowna International Airport (YLW), Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
- Colleges & Universities – The University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, The University of Victoria, The University of Northern British Columbia
- Nickname – Beautiful British Columbia
- Demonym – British Columbian
- Canada Post Abbreviation – BC
- Premier – David Eby (NDP)
- Country – Canada
💵 Costs & Budgeting
- Cost of Living Rank – British Columbia is the least affordable province in Canada
- 3 Star Hotel Room – $150-$300/night
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Rental – $150-$300/night
- Rental Car – $50/day
- Public Transit Ticket – ~$11.25 day passes ($9.55 to Vancouver International Airport from center)
- Take Out Meal for Two – $30-$50
- Sit Down Dinner for Two – $70-$100
- Draft Beer – $8.00
FAQs About Visiting British Columbia
Is British Columbia safe for tourists?
British Columbia is very safe for tourists. Exercise common sense and take any precautions that you would at home. Property crime is rampant all over the province, especially in the larger cities. Lock your doors and never leave anything in a vehicle.
How many days do you need in British Columbia?
First time visitors should plan for two weeks or about 14 days in British Columbia. It’s best to arrive in Vancouver and spend some time in the big city. Then check out the rest of the province. Popular destinations include Whistler, Vancouver Island, and The Okanagan.
What food is British Columbia famous for?
British Columbia is most famous for its seafood. Dungeness Crab, Spot Prawns, and Wild Pacific Salmon are abundant in our waters. British Columbia is also famous for Nanaimo Bars. These are a sweet, layered dessert named after the Vancouver Island city of Nanaimo.
Is British Columbia worth visiting?
British Columbia is definitely worth visiting. You’ll be spoiled here if you love the outdoors. But even if you’re not outdoorsy, British Columbia is rich in culture and full of fun things to do. Foodies will love the province’s diverse restaurant scene.
What is the best way to explore British Columbia?
The best (and fastest) way to explore British Columbia is by car. British Columbia is full of small towns and hidden gems that are only accessible with a vehicle. However, there are also bus, train, and ferry services that can take you around the province.
Meet Our British Columbia Travel Expert
Catherine Driver
Catherine Driver is a travel writer and tour guide from Vancouver, Canada. Her first taste of travel was back in the nineties on a school trip to Europe. And she hasn’t stopped since. After a year-long stint teaching English in Madrid, Spain, Catherine is now back home in Vancouver. When she’s not planning her next adventure abroad, she can be found enjoying live music and training for her next Camino.
📰 British Columbia Travel Guides
Every corner of this province has something wonderful to offer. Check out Travel Lemming’s British Columbia guides to help you plan an unforgettable adventure on Canada’s West Coast:
- These Day Trips from Vancouver are Worth It
- 43 Best Things to Do in Vancouver (By a Local)
- Where to Stay in Vancouver (Best Places & Areas, By a Local)
- The Perfect Itinerary for One Day in Vancouver (By a Local)
- Is Vancouver Safe Right Now? (Honest Advice, By a Local)
- Where to Stay in Victoria, British Columbia (Best Places & Areas)
- The Perfect 5-Day Vancouver Itinerary (Planned by a Local, With a Map)
- One Day in Steveston (Perfectly Planned, By a Vancouver Local)
- 37 Best Things to Do in British Columbia (By a Local)
- The 25 Places to Visit in British Columbia You Shouldn’t Miss
- A Local’s Favorite Cities in British Columbia
- 13 Charming Small Towns in British Columbia (By a Local)
- The 9 Best Vancouver Neighbourhoods (By a Local)
- The Best Times of Year to Visit British Columbia
- 23 Cool Things to Do in Vancouver Island
- British Columbia Road Trip [Epic 7 Day Itinerary + Map]