Your guide to British Columbia
Top destinations in British Columbia
Kelowna
This lakeside city in the Okanagan Valley draws travellers year-round with its mountain adventures, days on the beach and excursions into wine country.
Tofino
Wild coastline meets tranquil rainforest and some of the best surf waves in the Pacific Northwest in this tiny town on Vancouver Island.
Vancouver
Vancouver has it all, from stunning coastal vistas and rugged wilderness to a dynamic inner city with the best food and drink scenes in British Columbia.
Victoria
With ocean scenery, picture-perfect gardens and gorgeous 19th-century architecture, British Columbia’s capital city promises more than just a breath of fresh air.
Whistler
Canada’s top ski destination has more than peaks and powder. From world-class hiking and biking trails to a jam-packed cultural calendar, see why Whistler is a bucket-list escape.
Kamloops
Ready to get outside? Whether you’re into mountain biking, golfing, skiing or fishing, British Columbia’s sporty city promises endless adventures among rugged mountains.
British Columbia: fast facts
| Language | English, French |
|---|---|
| Currency | Canadian dollar (C$) |
| Time zone | Vancouver - UTC−8 (PST) and UTC−7 (PDT) |
| High season | June – September; December – March |
| Low season | October – November |
British Columbia highlights
Outdoor adventures
No matter the season, the outdoors is the place to be here. Skiing, surfing and kayaking are some of the top things to do in British Columbia. Hit the slopes in Whistler, 2010 host of Olympic alpine skiing events. Head to Tofino for perfect waves on beaches ringed by old-growth rainforests. And paddle between marine campsites along the pristine shores of Desolation Sound.
Indigenous culture
British Columbia is home to 198 First Nations, which continue to shape the character of the region today. See historical and modern Indigenous artworks at the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver. Then try reimagined First Nation dishes at Salmon n’ Bannock restaurant. Head to the northwest coast to experience Haida craft and culture at the sprawling Haida Heritage Centre, which resembles a traditional village.
Island hopping
Off the shore of British Columbia’s mainland lie thousands of picturesque islands. The region’s capital, Victoria, resides on pretty Vancouver Island, an ideal place to go whale watching. Tick several off your list with a visit to the Gulf Islands, accessible by ferry or floatplane from Vancouver. Salt Spring Island is especially known for its local food scene.
Things to do in British Columbia
Top attractions
Take in panoramic views along Vancouver’s Seaside Greenway, the world’s longest uninterrupted seawall. Hike through Yoho National Park’s spruce-lined trails and tumbling waterfalls, home to elusive mountain goats. On Vancouver Island, wander the sprawling Butchart Gardens, a floral masterpiece over 120 years in the making, where blooming artistry and elegant landscapes delight in every season.
Beaches
The beaches in British Columbia have a reputation for being windswept and wild. The stunning San Josef Bay on northern Vancouver Island delivers on the drama — it can only be reached by foot, boat or plane. For sought-after surf breaks, head to Cox Bay in Tofino. If you’re looking for beauty without the bustle, try the tranquil Tribune Bay on Hornby Island.
Nature
Marvel at untamed nature in British Columbia’s world-class national park system. Chase waterfalls at Yoho National Park, or take a scenic drive and visit hot springs in Kootenay National Park. If you have high adventure on your mind, head to the remote Kluane National Park and Reserve, one of the planet’s largest protected wilderness areas, to see glaciers and the Northern Lights.
Cuisine
Vancouver has many of the most exciting restaurants in British Columbia. The city’s diverse dining scene includes destination-worthy Cantonese cuisine, exceptionally fresh seasonal salmon and a cluster of Michelin-starred restaurants. Wine lovers shouldn’t skip the verdant Okanagan Valley, the province’s biggest wine-producing region.
Culture and museums
Brush up on the region’s history at the museums in British Columbia. Experience the life of a Victorian family inside the meticulously recreated Roedde House Museum in Vancouver. Get a dose of life during the Cariboo Gold Rush when you visit the restored heritage buildings in Barkerville Historic Town. To explore the British Columbian art scene, head to the Audain Art Museum in Whistler.
Nightlife
The nightlife in British Columbia has serious range. In Vancouver, sip craft brews or hunt down hidden speakeasies before catching a live show at the historic Vogue Theatre. Over in Victoria, the cocktail scene is small but mighty. Think tiki with a twist and bold spins on old-school classics, all served in intimate, inventive bars.
Find the best time to visit British Columbia
Weather in British Columbia through the year
March – May: British Columbia shows off during spring with bright greenery and brilliant wildflower blooms. Pack for rain, and start booking your whale-watching excursions for May.
June – September: A BC summer can still bring a bit of fog and rain in some places. But this is your best bet for warm, sunny weather that’s perfect for city treks and hikes through the wilderness.
October – February: Expect cool, wet weather on the coast and plenty of snow flurries in the interior. This is the best time to visit British Columbia’s cities without the crowds. It’s also peak season for ski hubs like Whistler.
Events in British Columbia
World Ski and Snowboard Festival (April): Head to Whistler to watch elite athletes from around the globe compete in this high-energy sports fest. Beyond the slopes, enjoy nighttime music sets, a speaker series and art exhibitions.
Celebration of Light (July): See Vancouver’s skies erupt in colour during one of British Columbia’s most exciting events. For over 30 years, international teams have faced off over English Bay, crafting dazzling, music-synced fireworks displays that draw thousands to the waterfront.
Okanagan Wine Festival (October): British Columbia’s famous wine region comes alive with special tastings and events set against a backdrop of changing leaves. Can’t make the autumn event? Another comes around in spring.
Know before you go
Budget
If you’re exploring an inexpensive visit to British Columbia, consider using public transport and skipping pricey ski passes in favour of free activities like hiking. You can usually find an inexpensive meal for under 30 Canadian dollars ($). A local beer will cost less than $10, and taxi rides start at well under $5.
Health and safety
If you’re exploring Canada’s outdoors, take standard precautions. Check the weather, stick to marked trails, and always keep a safe distance from wildlife. At the beach, swim only in designated areas, watch for posted warnings or flags, and follow the advice of lifeguards and local safety personnel to stay safe in changing conditions.
Free things to do
Stroll the excellent Vancouver Art Gallery for free on the first Friday evening of each month. With its beaches, forest trails and scenic seawall, Vancouver’s Stanley Park is always open to explore. Nature lovers can also head to Vancouver Island for hikes through Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, a rugged stretch bristling with pools, rocky cliffs and nearby waterfalls.
Family friendly
Younger kids will be wide-eyed at Victoria’s Miniature World, where interactive dioramas bring tiny scenes to life. Older children can climb the Malahat SkyWalk, a spiralling tower set on a forested ridge 250 metres above sea level. For a nature break, take an easy scenic walk like the Takakkaw Falls trail in Yoho National Park.
Getting around British Columbia
Public transport
Buses: A number of private coaches connect popular destinations within the region, such as Pacific Coach Travel Services, which makes trips between Vancouver and Whistler.
Trains: Via Rail and the Rocky Mountaineer both operate scenic train routes to the Canadian Rockies.
Boats: British Columbia Ferries runs frequent trips to the islands, with onboard food service and lounges. You can book tickets online in advance and bring your car along for the ride.
Domestic flights
If you’re pressed for time, flights from Vancouver International Airport to Calgary or Edmonton are a quick way to reach the Canadian Rockies. Floatplanes, operated by carriers like Harbour Air, offer a fast and scenic way to hop between the islands off British Columbia’s coast, complete with bird’s-eye views along the way.
Driving and car hire
You’ll find most major car hire companies operating in British Columbia. And thanks to scenic drives like the Sea-to-Sky Highway and car-friendly ferries, driving is a popular way to explore the province. Canadians drive on the right, and British Columbia has strict distracted driving laws. Using a handheld phone while driving can result in a hefty fine.
