British Columbia is a beautiful province on the west coast of Canada that you must travel to! Known for the stunning natural landscapes, it offers a wide range of activities and attractions for travelers. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or urban exploration, BC has something for everyone. This BC travel guide is even organized by region to help you make the most of your days in British Columbia.

Vancouver Coast and Mountains

Renting Bikes

Biking in Stanley Park is a popular activity for locals and visitors alike in Vancouver. The park offers the scenic seawall path, providing stunning views of the city skyline, snow-capped mountains, and ocean waters. Cyclists can enjoy a leisurely ride, stopping to visit attractions like the Vancouver Aquarium along the way.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a popular tourist attraction located in North Vancouver, British Columbia. The bridge spans 137 meters (450 feet) across the Capilano River Canyon, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding forest.

Visit Museums and Art Galleries

With Canoo, you have free access to spaces like the Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver Art Gallery, Science World, Beaty Biodiversity Museum. Spend your days immersed in the cultural and educational exhibitions that will show you the history and heritage of Vancouver and on a larger scale, BC.

Museum of Vancouver in front of the Vancouver skyline.

Explore Gastown

Gastown is a historic neighborhood in downtown Vancouver, known for its cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. It is Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood and features numerous shops, restaurants, and boutiques housed in heritage buildings with the iconic Steam Clock as a must-see attraction.

Gulf Islands

Take a ferry or seaplane to explore the Gulf Islands, a picturesque archipelago located between Vancouver Island and the mainland. Each island has its own unique charm and offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and cycling.

Vancouver Island

EXPLORE DOWNTOWN VICTORIA

Wander through the city filled with boutiques, quaint streets, harbourfront views and so much more. Make sure you don’t miss Chinatown – Canada’s oldest Chinatown! With museums scattered throughout Victoria, you can visit the Royal BC Museum and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria to learn more about the local history and art scene that thrives in the area.

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Sooke Potholes

Sooke Potholes is a natural wonder located in Sooke on Vancouver Island. A series of unique rock formations and pools have been carved out by the rushing waters of the Sooke River. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking in the beautiful surroundings.

Tofino and Ucluelet

Visit these picturesque coastal towns on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Tofino is known for its stunning beaches, surfing spots, and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. While, Ucluelet offers beautiful coastal hikes in and around the Wild Pacific Trail.

Whale Watching

Vancouver Island presents countless opportunities for whale watching. Take a boat tour from Victoria, Tofino, or Telegraph Cove to spot orcas (killer whales), humpback whales, gray whales, and other marine wildlife that you won’t find in many other regions of Canada. This is not limited to Vancouver Island, either. Canoo has an offer for users to get discounted tickets on tours leaving downtown Vancouver.

Whale emerging from the water off the coast of BC

Whistler

Skiing and Snowboarding

Whistler is famous for its incredible skiing and snowboarding! Hit the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb, one of the largest ski resorts in North America, with over 8,000 acres of downhill terrain and a variety of runs suitable for all skill levels.

Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Take a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, an engineering marvel that connects Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys as you travel between the two peaks.

Hiking and Nature Trails

Whistler boasts numerous hiking and nature trails, allowing you to explore the beautiful mountain landscapes. Take a leisurely stroll around Lost Lake Park, or challenge yourself with a hike up to Garibaldi Lake and the challenging but rewarding Black Tusk.

Whistler Village

Explore the village where the heart is in the town. Filled with shops, restaurants, and lively après-ski events, this is a pedestrian-only village with delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife year-round.

Whistler Olympic Park

You can visit the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics and enjoy a range of activities at Whistler Olympic Park. Try your hand at sports you may not have even heard of like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or biathlon, and learn more about the Olympic history of the area.

Eastern BC

Okanagan Valley

Venture away from the coast of British Columbia and explore the picturesque Okanagan Valley. Known for its wineries and vineyards, you can indulge in wine tasting tours and enjoy the scenery of rolling hills and sparkling lakes. In the summer, you can also go boating, swimming, or kayaking in Okanagan Lake.

A group of people drinking wine in front of a mountain in British Columbia.

Kootenay National Park

As a part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage site, Kootenay National Park is the perfect outdoor getaway! Take a scenic drive along the Kootenay Parkway, hike to stunning waterfalls, and soak in the Radium Hot Springs. Canoo can grant you access to this park and so many more across British Columbia!

Visit the Historic City of Nelson

Explore the charming city of Nelson, known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and artsy vibe. Stroll along Baker Street, browse the local shops and galleries, and enjoy the arts and culture scene. Make sure that you don’t miss a visit to the Nelson Brewing Company for a taste of the local craft beer!

Discover Glacier National Park

Located in the Selkirk Mountains, Glacier National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the park’s hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging routes. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as mountain goats, black bears, and moose.

Take a Scenic Drive

Eastern BC is known for its scenic drives! Along the Kootenay Highway (Highway 3) or the Trans-Canada, these drives will take you into the Rocky Mountains that rise up from either side of the road.

Northern BC

Great Bear Rainforest

If you’re interested in wildlife and nature, consider visiting the Great Bear Rainforest on the central and northern coast of British Columbia. It’s one of the world’s largest temperate rainforests and home to grizzly bears, wolves, and the rare Kermode (Spirit) bear.

Haida Gwaii

For a truly unique cultural experience, visit Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off the northern coast of British Columbia. Immerse yourself in Haida First Nations’ art and culture, and explore the pristine wilderness. Before visiting, click here to help plan your experience and ensure that you are prepared and respectful.

Join a wilderness adventure

Northern BC offers numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures. Go hiking or backpacking in Mount Robson Provincial Park, explore the Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park, or embark on a multi-day canoe trip down the Stikine River.

People walking beside bicycles in a forest in BC.

Soak in Hot Springs

Relax in natural hot springs scattered throughout Northern BC. Liard River Hot Springs, near the Alaska Highway, is a popular spot with beautiful warm pools surrounded by lush greenery.

Take a Northern Lights Tour

Northern BC offers excellent opportunities to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Join a guided tour to increase your chances of seeing this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit these iconic destinations! With its natural beauty, friendly people, and rich cultural heritage, British Columbia is a destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.