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British Columbia
Pacific coast and mountain ranges
- 4 destinations
- 34 attractions
About British Columbia
British Columbia offers a dramatic landscape where rugged Pacific coastline meets towering mountain ranges. From the temperate rainforests of the west coast to the arid interior valleys, the region provides diverse landscapes for exploration.
British Columbia is Canada's westernmost province, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and Alberta to the east, with the Rocky Mountains rising along much of the southern boundary between them. This geographic diversity creates a unique climate, ranging from temperate rainforests in the west to semi-arid grasslands in the interior. The province is home to major urban centers, including Vancouver, a vibrant coastal city known for its multiculturalism and access to nature, and Victoria, the capital, known for its British colonial heritage and mild climate. Key attractions include the rugged beauty of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the historic charm of Victoria, and the world-renowned ski resorts in the Coast and Columbia Mountains. Cultural highlights include the rich Indigenous heritage, with numerous First Nations communities offering cultural tours and artifacts, as well as a thriving arts scene. The best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and dry, ideal for outdoor activities. However, the province is also a popular destination in the winter for skiing and snowboarding. Travelers can reach British Columbia by air, with major airports in Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna, or by road via the Trans-Canada Highway. Once in the province, visitors can explore by car, bus, or train, with the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway and the Rocky Mountaineer train offering stunning views of the landscape. British Columbia is a destination that offers something for everyone, from adventure seekers to nature lovers and culture enthusiasts.Where to go in British Columbia
British Columbia
Vancouver
Pacific coastal city with mountain and ocean access
British Columbia
Whistler
Mountain resort in the Coast Mountains
British Columbia
Victoria
Island capital with historic architecture and gardens
British Columbia
Tofino
Surf town on Vancouver Island's wild west coast, gateway to Pacific Rim
What to see
Tofino · Natural Wonders
Wild Pacific Trail
Clifftop coastal trail in Ucluelet, a short drive south of Tofino
Victoria · Gardens
Beacon Hill Park
A green headland on Victoria's southern shore holds both the city's favourite park and the zero point of the Trans-Canad...
Vancouver · Architecture
Museum of Anthropology at UBC
At the edge of the cliffs above the Strait of Georgia, a concrete building made of tall posts and beams stands in a gard...
Whistler · Natural Wonders
Whistler Mountain Bike Park
The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is a lift-served downhill riding area on Whistler Mountain in British Columbia, and it i...
Victoria · Gardens
Butchart Gardens
Jennie Butchart began Butchart Gardens in 1904 as a way of hiding a mess. Her husband, Robert Pim Butchart, ran a cement...
Vancouver · Food & Markets
Gastown
John Deighton arrived on the shore of Burrard Inlet in 1867 with a barrel of whisky and a promise to the local mill work...
Whistler · Culture & Leisure
Whistler Olympic Plaza
A cluster of five giant coloured rings stands at the entrance to Whistler Village, a reminder of the 2010 Winter Olympic...
Vancouver · Historic Mills
Granville Island Public Market
In Vancouver, a shed full of salmon, cheese, bread and flowers sits under the Granville Street Bridge, and it is the rea...
Victoria · Culture & Leisure
Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum is the provincial museum of British Columbia, standing in the middle of Victoria’s Inner Harbour dis...
Itineraries for British Columbia
Day-by-day routes you can follow as written or borrow from.
Stories and tips
· 5 min read
Vancouver Beaches: English Bay, Kitsilano, Spanish Banks and Wreck Beach
Which Vancouver beach suits your day, when lifeguards are on duty, and how to check water quality before you swim.
· 4 min read
Banff Ski Resorts: Sunshine, Lake Louise and Norquay Compared
How Banff's three ski resorts differ in size, terrain and access, and how to plan lift tickets, shuttles and park passes around them.
· 4 min read
Travelling Canada by Train: VIA Rail Routes and Scenic Journeys Compared
A comparison of Canada's main passenger train options, from VIA Rail's Quebec City–Windsor Corridor and the Ocean to Halifax to The Canadian across the country and the Rocky Mountaineer.