37 Best Things to Do in British Columbia (By a Local)
👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do in British Columbia | Sites & Attractions | Museums & Culture | Hidden Gems | Free Things | With Kids | In Winter | In Summer
When asked what the best things to do in British Columbia are, it’s hard to know where to even start. But I can assure you – the options are endless. As a local, I have spent my life enjoying he great things British Columbia has to offer.
This huge Canadian province is full of vibrant BC cities, charming towns, and breathtaking natural surroundings. It’s heaven for those who love the great outdoors, but British Columbia is also full of history, art, and culture.
I’ll overview all the best things to do in British Columbia in this article. This list covers both the popular things as well as local hidden gems you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s go!
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37 Best Things to Do in British Columbia
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
One of Vancouver’s top attractions will have you swinging 230 feet above a canyon.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (604) 985-7474 | Website | Hours: Open daily, hours vary by season | Entrance: $72.95, adults, $24.95, 12 & under, discounted rates available
The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is set in the lush forest of the North Shore mountains.
The park’s star is its suspension bridge, which stretches 450 feet across Capilano Canyon. Peek over and watch the rushing water below. Or, like me, just hang on for dear life. Test your fear of heights further on the Cliffwalk and Treetop Adventures.
The park is also a fantastic place to learn about the history and ecosystem of this special area. And be sure to stop by The Trading Post for delicious homemade fudge. Their mint chocolate is my fave!
Butchart Gardens
Whether you’re a green thumb or not, these gardens are sure to impress.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (250) 652-4422 | Website | Hours: Daily hours change seasonally | Entrance: Rates start at $42.75, adults, $5.00, 12 & under | 👉 Book a Victoria City & Butchart Gardens Tour on Viator
What was once a limestone quarry is now the home of Victoria’s Butchart Gardens. Hundreds of species of plants and flowers bloom here all year round. Anytime is a good time to visit this world-renowned garden because each season offers something amazing.
The gardens are at their most colorful and picturesque in the summer sunshine. But my favorite time to visit is at Christmas, when over 300,000 lights transform the gardens into a winter wonderland.
Don’t miss the Rose Carousel and the wonderful gift shop. And there are places to eat, drink, and grab ice cream.
Butchart Gardens is outside of Victoria, which can be inconvenient to reach without a car. And if you’re pressed for time, a visit here will be rushed. This Victoria City and Butchart Gardens tour is a great way to see the city and gardens in one trip!
Okanagan Valley Wineries
Enjoy the tastiest region in BC with vineyards that go on for miles.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Sightseeing Kelowna Wine Tour on Viator
The Okanagan Valley is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, local produce, and delicious wine. Oliver, Osoyoos and Kelowna are popular places to sample the Valley’s award-winning wines. BC’s Okanagan is the second-largest wine region in Canada. 186 licensed wineries are spread over a whopping 9,000 acres. And here, you can find your favorite Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot, among many others.
I recommend letting someone else do the driving while you’re here. This sightseeing Kelowna wine tour will take you to some of the region’s best wineries, including my favourite, Quails’ Gate. Are you thirsty yet?
Joffre Lakes
Mountain vistas and turquoise water make Joffre Lakes an Insta-favourite.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 1-800-689-9025 | Website | Entrance: Free
Joffre Lakes Park has become an Instagram sensation, and it’s easy to see why. Glacial silt, known as Rockflour, is suspended in the water of its three lakes. When they’re hit by the sun, they turn bright turquoise.
This picture-perfect landscape is located about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Vancouver. It offers hiking trails, camping, mountaineering, and fishing opportunities.
A trail from the parking lot will access the lakes. And while the Middle and Upper lakes are more challenging to reach, the Lower Lake is 500 meters from your car.
👉 Local Tip: Due to high demand, reservations are required for visits and camping. Always check the official website in advance.
Tofino
Famous for its wild winter storms, nowhere beats Tofino for riding the waves.
Tofino sits on the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island. It’s one of the best things to do on Vancouver Island because of what the town is known for: its surf culture.
Surfing is a year-round activity in Tofino, but is most memorable during autumn when the Pacific Ocean’s waves are at their highest.
You don’t have to be an expert surfer to enjoy the sport in Tofino. There are plenty of places to rent equipment. And surf schools are dotted around town if you’d like to take lessons.
🛎️ Need a Hotel? Tofino deserves an overnight, at the very least. Don’t miss a breathtaking waterfront stay at the Pacific Sands Beach Resort.
Whale Watching Tour
Experience whales and coastal marine life in their natural habitats.
👉 Book a Half-Day Whale Watching tour on Viator
British Columbia has over 25,000 kilometers of coastline. And one of the best ways to experience the breathtaking scenery of the Pacific Ocean is on a whale-watching tour.
Whale-watching adventures depart from several points around the province. Some popular spots to join a tour are Vancouver, Victoria, Tofino, and Prince Rupert.
On a whale-watching tour, you will learn all about the wildlife that inhabits BC’s waters. And you are sure to catch a glimpse of whales, sea lions, porpoises, and eagles.
The Empress Hotel
Channel your inner Duke or Duchess at a tea fit for royalty.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (250) 384-8111 | Website | Tea starting at $109.00, tea for children & takeaway available
Victoria’s Empress Hotel dates back to 1908 and has always been a favourite of the British Royal Family. With the Inner Harbour and Government Street a stone’s throw away, The Empress Hotel is one of the very best places to stay in Victoria.
But you don’t have to be an overnight guest to have a memorable experience at The Empress. Visiting the hotel for Afternoon Tea is one of the best activities in Victoria and has been a treat here for over a century.
You can expect tiers of Afternoon Tea favorites like cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon, and pecan tarts. I especially love their scones with clotted cream. Luxury teas are served in fine china. And you won’t leave hungry!
Whistler Village
Shop, eat, and relax after a day of adventure.
📍 Google Maps | Website
A trip to Whistler always refreshes my soul (and drains my bank account). Whistler is most famous for outdoor activities in its surrounding mountains. But my favorite place is its lively village.
Whistler Village is full of things to do all year round. It’s home to unique shops, fascinating museums, and indulgent spas. And for such a small place, the food scene is amazing! Try out Il Caminetto and Bearfoot Bistro for a special night out or Garibaldi Lift Co. for a fun, casual option.
Whistler Village also has a fun pub and nightclub scene. If you’re not too tired from skiing or mountain biking all day, you can spend your night hopping from place to place. I enjoy Garfinkel’s and Buffalo Bill’s for dancing. And I always love the live music and pub vibes at Dubh Linn Gate.
British Columbia Sites & Attractions
Stanley Park
Some of Vancouver’s top attractions and best views can be found in this famous park.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Open 24 Hours | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
Stanley Park is the jewel of Vancouver. And it’s a favorite among tourists and locals alike.
One of the most popular activities is to walk or cycle along the Stanley Park seawall. With the water on one side and the park on the other, it’s the best place to get your exercise.
You could spend an entire day at Stanley Park, one of Vancouver’s top Vancouver attractions. Be sure to visit the animals at the Vancouver Aquarium, take in live theatre at Malkin Bowl, and watch the sunset from the many beaches.
Stanley Park is huge, 405 hectares to be exact. So, one of my favourite ways to see it all is on the park’s horse-drawn carriage tours.
Sea to Sky Gondola
Outdoor adventure awaits at the top of the mountain.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (604) 892-2550 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Mon – Wed, 9 am – 8 pm Thu – Sun (Hours change seasonally) | Entrance: Rates starting at $67.95, adults, $26.95, 12 & under, discounts available for seniors, youth & families | 👉 Book a Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler Day Trip
The Sea to Sky Gondola is an exhilarating ride, 885 meters above Squamish. And the 10-minute journey is filled with breathtaking views of Howe Sound.
The top of the mountain is full of hiking trails and picturesque lookouts. Although I’m afraid of heights, I love walking across the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge for its jaw-dropping mountain views.
There are great places to eat and pick up souvenirs. The mountain also hosts year-round guided tours and special events.
Squamish can be tricky to get to without a car. But don’t worry! You don’t have to miss out on this amazing experience. This Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler Day Trip is perfect for a guided visit to these incredible places.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Nature lovers will be spoiled in this spectacular national park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (250) 726-3500 | Website
Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim National Park is one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia.
The area is divided into three regions: Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands, and the West Coast Trail. Rugged coastlines, sheltered bays, and temperate rainforests offer hiking, boating, and surfing. Spectacular views are everywhere.
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is also the home of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations. The area is bursting with Indigenous history, mythology, and archaeology. It’s the perfect place to connect with British Columbia’s first inhabitants.
👉 Local Tip: The West Coast Trail is not a walk in the park but a challenging backcountry hike. Make sure to review the Parks Canada website to ensure that you’re fully prepared.
Haida Gwaii
Discover British Columbia’s Haida culture in one of the most magical spots in the province.
Haida Gwaii is an archipelago in northern British Columbia, separated from the mainland. There are two main islands, Graham Island and Moresby Island, plus almost 400 others.
Haida Gwaii has been inhabited by the Haida First Nations for thousands of years. It is one of the most unique places in British Columbia to experience dramatic landscapes full of diverse plant and animal life. You can also visit the First Nations’ totem poles, First Nations longhouses, and hundreds of archaeological sites.
The Haida pride themselves on respect, reciprocity, and appreciation for this land. Before visiting, take the Haida Gwaii pledge. This will teach you how to be a thoughtful visitor to this special community.
🚗 How to Get There: Haida Gwaii is far away, but the journey is worth it. Vancouver International Airport offers flights to Sandspit and Masset. There is also a BC Ferries route from Prince Rupert to Skidegate. Consider renting a car upon arrival as public transportation is limited.
Things to Do in Summer
Wells Gray Provincial Park
Waterfalls, flowers, and wildlife converge in this heaven on earth.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (250) 320-9305 | Website | 👉 Book a Whitewater Rafting Adventure
British Columbia’s Interior is home to Wells Gray Provincial Park and its 41 waterfalls. Go on an incredible hike and find them. And be sure to head up to the Trophy Mountain flower meadows, the largest sub-alpine meadow in Canada. It’s at its most colorful during the summer.
The Clearwater River offers amazing whitewater rafting opportunities. But if you prefer to meander in a canoe, the Clearwater and Azure Lake chain is where you’ll want to be. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for black bears, moose, and eagles during your outdoor adventures.
Whether you are a camper or glamper, Wells Gray Provincial Park has you covered. Choose to rough it in a tent or go for an upgrade at a cabin or B&B. I’m a fan of a comfy bed and a nice bathroom. So the Wolfwood Guest Ranch would be the place for me!
Sunflowers in Agassiz
Brighten up your summer in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6:30 pm daily, August and September | Entrance: $15 – $20, discounts available | Open in Spring 2025 for the tulips!
Flowers love to bloom in Agassiz. It’s the agricultural heart of British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, after all.
The Harrison Sunflower Festival is a summertime favorite. Three kilometers of pathways cover a massive 20 acres. There are 45 varieties of sunflowers, as well as dahlias, zinnias, and many others. When it’s all blooming, it’s easy to see why summer is a popular time to visit British Columbia!
Pick a bunch of sunflowers and take home local honey, garlic, and sunflower seeds. And capture the moment in front of the antique tractor, vintage bike, and Airstream.
Luxury Train Journey
Ride the rails in style.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 604 606 7200 | Website
The Rocky Mountaineer is one of the world’s best train journeys. Three routes connect Vancouver to the towns of the Rocky Mountains. You’ll visit famous places like Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper.
The glass-domed coaches are a unique feature of this train. You won’t have to fight for a window seat because you can see everything around you.
The Rocky Mountaineer certainly shows off the majestic scenery of British Columbia. But it’s also famous for its fine dining and world-class hospitality. It comes at a price, but it’s one of the best BC experiences.
Salt Spring Island
This creative, bohemian island is the perfect summer escape.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Artsy Salt Spring Island is located between the Mainland and Vancouver Island. Nowhere beats this Gulf Island for a rejuvenating summer escape.
Salt Spring Island is one of the best places in British Columbia to unleash your creativity. The island is known for its art studios and galleries. During the summer months, Salt Spring is abuzz with live entertainment, wellness programs, and its weekly farmers market.
As with the rest of BC, Salt Spring Island is surrounded by spectacular nature. It’s no wonder everyone is inspired here. If you need any more convincing, just read my article on why I think everyone should visit Salt Spring Island.
Museums & Culture
Museum of Anthropology
This UBC Museum is easily one of British Columbia’s best.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (604) 827-5932 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Fri-Wed, until 9 pm Thursdays | Entrance: $26, adults, $13, 18 & under, discounts available for seniors & students, half price Thursday evenings after 5:00 PM
The Museum of Anthropology is located on the Vancouver campus of the University of British Columbia. It houses over 500,000 ethnographic and archaeological objects from all over the world.
The museum focuses on the art and culture of British Columbia’s First Nations people. But it also has a collection showcasing the cultures of Asia, Europe, Africa, and The Americas.
The whole museum is fascinating. But I especially love the totems, carvings, and canoes in the Great Hall. And the waterfront views are unbelievable!
Royal British Columbia Museum
Explore British Columbia’s natural and human history at one of Vancouver Island’s top attractions.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (250) 356-7226 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: $29.95, adults, $13.95+, 18 & under, discounts available for seniors & students
The Royal BC Museum is a Victoria highlight dating back to the 1800s. The combined museum and archives showcase British Columbia’s fascinating natural history.
British Columbia’s story is told through artifacts, documents, and specimens. And there is a permanent collection of every “ology” you can imagine. The museum is also home to an IMAX theatre. These educational films are a great add-on to any visit to the museum (admission is separate).
The iconic Woolly mammoth welcomes visitors to the Royal BC Museum. He’s big, but don’t worry, he’s just a replica.
Audain Art Museum
Take a break from the outdoors and explore Canadian art at this gorgeous museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (604) 962-0413 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 6 pm daily, Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays | Entrance: $22, adults, Free, 18 & under | 👉 Purchase a ticket in advance to the Audain Art Museum
The Audain collection spans over 200 years. It features some of Canada’s most acclaimed artists. You’ll see historical works by E.J. Hughes, Emily, Carr, and Jack Shadbolt. And you’ll find contemporary artists such as Jeff Wall, Dana Claxton, and James Hart.
First Nations art is also a focus of this museum. I am always enamored with the fine collection of masks and carvings.
To save time, you can purchase your tickets in advance here.
Fort St. James National Historic Site
This collection of wooden buildings tells the story of Canada’s fur trade.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (250) 996-7191 ext. 25 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily (May – September) Open year-round for self-guided walks | Entrance: $9, adults, Free, 17 & under, senior and family discounts available
Travel back to the fur trade era at the Fort St. James National Historic Site. This historic site in northern British Columbia is Canada’s largest collection of wooden buildings from this time.
Fur and salmon were big business here in the 1800s. Guides share the stories of the fur traders and Dakelth First Nations who worked and lived on this land. Visit the fur warehouse, fish cache, and trade store to learn about these industries.
There is also camping on-site at Stuart Lake, and you can grab a bite at the Home Stretch Diner.
Chemainus Murals
This little town and its open-air gallery will thrill art lovers.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hrs daily | Entrance: Free
Chemainus was once a hub of fishing, mining, and forestry on Vancouver Island. When these industries declined, the town got creative. They decided to showcase Chemainus’ history in a series of outdoor murals, and they were a hit!
There are 63 murals and sculptures which can all be viewed on foot. Themes include Indigenous heritage, logging and rail history, and the immigrant experience.
Chemainus is also full of quaint shops, great restaurants, waterfront parks, and kind people. It’s a perfect day trip from Victoria or Nanaimo. Whenever I visit Chemainus, my first stop is Willow Street Cafe for lunch. Then I pop into my favourite shops, Hansel & Gretel’s Candy Co. and Christmas in Chemainus.
Hidden Gems in British Columbia
Fan Tan Alley
The narrowest commercial street in North America is Victoria’s coolest shopping destination.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24 hours daily | 👉 Book a Historical Chinatown Walking Tour
Fan Tan Alley is six feet at its widest point, making it the narrowest commercial street in North America. This alley has a sordid history in Canada’s oldest Chinatown. It used to be the home of Victoria’s gambling and opium dens and all that came with them.
Today, local shops, galleries, and restaurants have replaced opium and gambling. I never leave without bags from The Turntable, Heart’s Content, and Saltspring Soapworks.
You can learn more about Fan Tan Alley’s history and the Chinese experience in Victoria by visiting the Chinese Canadian Museum. You’ll hear the story of a local man named Chan and maybe even run into his ghost.
If you want to dive deeper into Victoria’s Chinese history, you can’t beat this Historical Chinatown Walking Tour.
Sooke Potholes Park
Swim in the freshwater of this Ice Age legacy.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hrs daily | Entrance: Free
Southern Vancouver Island is home to Sooke Potholes Park. The potholes are a series of deep rock pools formed in the last Ice Age. It’s one of the best places for freshwater swimming.
It’s also a great spot for hiking. There are trails both along the river and above the rock pools. The park is also a great starting point for hiking or cycling the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.
Nearby Sooke River is a great spot for catch-and-release fishing. It’s the perfect place to view the annual Coho and Chinook salmon runs.
Whistler Train Wreck
Graffiti-laden rail cars among old-growth forests make up Whistler’s most unique attraction.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours, daily | Entrance: Free
The Whistler Train Wreck happened in 1956 when a freight train derailed from a track undergoing repairs near Whistler. Local loggers removed the cars and transported them into the forest just off the Sea to Sky Highway.
Over the years, local graffiti artists have been coming to the Whistler Train Wreck to add a splash of color to the 7 mangled box cars. It is now a favorite spot with hikers and mountain bikers.
It is an easy one-kilometer hike to reach the cars. A suspension bridge provides safe and legal access to everyone. Not to mention the views of the Cheakamus River are spectacular.
Roedde House Museum
Step back in time to one of the West End’s original Victorian homes.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 604-684-7040 | Website | Hours: 1 pm – 4 pm (winter), 11 am – 4 pm (summer), Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sun | Entrance: $15, Adults, $10, 18 & under
Gustav Roedde was Vancouver’s first bookbinder, specializing in marbling paper. In the 1800’s, Roedde and his wife, Matilda, moved to this West End home. Today, the Roedde House Museum is a beautiful example of Victorian life in Vancouver.
The home has been restored, but it retains its original architecture. A tour will give you a peek into the family’s life through their old furniture and artifacts.
Come for tea, cookies, and a tour every Sunday. Enjoy intimate music concerts. And be sure to check out the museum’s seasonal events and markets. Their Halloween events are always my favourite!
Things to Do With Kids
Cultus Lake Water Park
Splash, slide, and cool off in one of BC’s top water parks
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (604) 858-7241 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm, daily | Entrance: $39.99, weekday
Nothing says summer like waterslides. And Cultus Lake Water Park has some of the best in British Columbia.
This water park is fun for the whole family. There are over a dozen waterslides, five hot tubs, splash areas, and great spots for lunch. Thrill-seekers will love the 72-foot vertical slide.
The Cultus Lake Adventure Park is across the street so there are plenty of slides and rides to keep the kids busy. And the nearby Cultus Lake Provincial Campground makes this the perfect family getaway.
Old Country Market
Pick up a unique souvenir and visit with the market’s furry residents.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (250) 248-6272 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: Free
The Old Country Market is located north of Nanaimo in the town of Coombs. What started as a roadside stand in 1972 has expanded to include a market, restaurants, and goats on the roof!
Children will love all the wonderful snacks and knick-knacks for sale at Old Country Market. And they’ll certainly want a doughnut from Billy G’s. But they’ll be most taken with the resident goats.
From May to October, the goats hang out on the market’s grass roof. Visitors aren’t allowed up there, but you can still get a great photo. On my winter visit, I found them on a farm out back.
Britannia Mine Museum
Ride a train deep into the mountain to experience life as a British Columbia miner.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 1-800-896-4044 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6:30 pm daily | Entrance: $41.95, adults, $23.95, 12 & under, discounted rates for seniors, students, and families | 👉 Book Your Britannia Mining Museum ticket in advance
The village of Britannia Beach was once home to 60,000 inhabitants. Many residents worked at the Britannia Mine.
Today, you can get a first-hand look at what life was like for the miners in the area. Put on your hard hat and head into the mountain on the small mine train. The stories about the miners and their work are fascinating.
Your visit continues inside the enormous copper mine. It was once the largest in the British Empire. And be sure to pan for gold before you leave! That’s always a hit with the little ones.
It’s always a good idea to purchase your ticket to the Britannia Mining Museum in advance. It’s a busy place in the summer months!
Miniature World
Tiny dioramas make up this playground for the young and young-at-heart.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (250) 385-9731 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm daily (hours change seasonally) | Entrance: $19, adults, $9, 12 & under, discounted rates for youth
I love Victoria’s Miniature World as much now as I did as a kid! Over 80 models feature teeny scenes from fairy tales, literature, and historical events.
Kids will love how stories like Snow White, Gulliver’s Travels, and Oliver Twist come to life. And they will learn a few things too.
Miniature World features scenes about WWII, First Nations history, and the construction of the railroad in Canada. And there is plenty of action at the circus, fun fair, and in space.
Free Things to Do in British Columbia
Granville Island
A bustling public market and colorful art studios make up this Vancouver icon.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 604-666-6655 | Website | Public Market Hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily
Granville Island is home to the city’s best public market and tons of unique shops, theatres, and art studios.
The market is a joy. Visit the different stalls to see the beautiful displays of meats, cheeses, and fruit. Window shop at the Net Loft. Get your camera out for amazing Downtown Vancouver views. And walk around the Island to watch local artists at work.
Although it’s easy to spend a fortune here, you can enjoy Granville Island without spending a dime.
Myra Canyon Trestles
These train trestles will treat you to some of British Columbia’s best scenery.
Completed in 1914, the Myra Canyon Trestles are part of the Kettle Valley Railway. This area is located 40 minutes from Downtown Kelowna. It comprises two tunnels, 18 trestle bridges, and a trail network. And it was built by hand!
The Myra Canyon Trestles are stunning all year round. In the summer, it’s a fabulous place to hike and cycle. In the winter, bring your snowshoes.
You’ll be deep in Canadian nature here. So, there’s always a possibility to see grizzly bears, deer, and mountain goats.
Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Park
Walk amongst giants in this Vancouver Island park.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours daily | Entrance: Free (donations accepted)
MacMillan Park is located near Port Alberni, on Vancouver Island. It is home to Cathedral Grove, one of the best examples of biodiversity in the province.
A network of trails weaves through this old-growth forest. You’ll find gigantic Douglas Firs, Red Cedars, and Western Hemlocks, some dating back 800 years.
In 1997, a catastrophic windstorm changed this landscape forever. Visitors can still see the fallen trees, which continue to provide important nutrients to the ecosystem.
Heritage Walking Tour of Fernie
History buffs will enjoy a stroll around this small, historic town.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Fernie is the perfect place to enjoy lots of history for no cost.
I’m a sucker for historic small towns. Fernie, in the East Kootenay region of British Columbia, is one of the province’s most unique places. Fernie was founded over a century ago. A walking tour through Downtown shows off the town’s beginnings.
Take a self-guided tour of 12 historic buildings along 2nd Avenue. See the old courthouse, post office, and CP Rail station. And admire the different architectural styles of these brick and sandstone buildings.
Things to Do in Winter
Revelstoke
Fancy skiing down the most vertical run in North America?
📍 Google Maps | Phone: 1-866-373-4754 | Website
Small town charm and big powder meet in Revelstoke, making it one of the best British Columbia destinations for winter activities.
Revelstoke’s Mt. MacKenzie is famous for its vertical run of 1,713 meters. It holds the top spot for verticals in North America. The mountain is also known for its record snowfalls and acres of terrain.
You can ski, snowboard, and snowshoe. There are also opportunities for heli-skiing and snowmobiling. Or just relax in a spa or hot spring.
Everything you could want is at Revelstoke Mountain Resort: equipment rentals, great food, and convenient accommodations. But head to the nearby town for unique culture, shopping, and dining experiences.
Liard Hot Springs
Relax in Canada’s second-largest natural hot spring.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (250) 776-7000 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 10:30 pm daily | Entrance: $5, adults, $3, children (cash only)
Liard Hot Springs is a must-do when driving the Alaska Highway in the winter months.
Northern BC can be chilly, and there is no better place to warm up than in the two pools at Liard Hot Springs. These pools are nestled in a lush boreal spruce forest. And they hold a toasty temperature of 42-52 degrees Celsius (107-125 Fahrenheit).
A boardwalk provides access to the hot springs and protects the surrounding ecosystem. There are change rooms and cubicles on-site. Bring what you need, but leave your valuables at home.
Northern Lights in Fort Nelson
Northern British Columbia is the best place to watch the sky light up.
Fort Nelson is in the Northern Rockies region of British Columbia. It’s one of the best places in the province to catch a glimpse of the astonishing northern lights.
The best time to view the colorful skies are September through March. Head out of town on a cold, clear night, just before or after midnight.
Fort Nelson also hosts an annual Northern Lights Festival every March. You can catch live music, dog sledding, and snowmobile rides. Shuttles will take visitors to the best viewing spots.
Hockey Game at Rogers Arena
Could there be anything more Canadian?
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (604) 899-7400 | Website
You can’t come to British Columbia without going to a Vancouver Canucks game. And Rogers Arena is where you’ll catch all the action.
British Columbia’s bars and restaurants show all the games on the big screen if you can’t score a ticket. Sometimes, it can be more fun watching it from the bar.
But Vancouver isn’t the only place with great hockey in the province. Every city, town, and suburb has hockey going on all winter long. Kamloops, Kelowna, and Prince George all have WHL teams. There are 17 teams in the British Columbia Junior Hockey League.
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This is only a small taste of the many incredible things to do in beautiful British Columbia. I hope this guide gives you inspiration for your BC adventure!
And now that you know exactly what to do, why not get started planning an epic British Columbia road trip to experience one of Canada’s best provinces.
(Featured Image Credit: SimonaKoz / Shutterstock.com)
