tourist places to visit in bc

Our Wanders

British Columbia Bucket List: 18 Best Places To Visit In British Columbia

Do you need ideas for your British Columbia bucket list? We’ve spent more than a year living and traveling in British Columbia, and we inevitably fell for Canada’s West Coast. How could we not? From the majestic Rocky Mountain to the Pacific Coast, British Columbia is a paradise for outdoor lovers, and you can experience truly wild and untouched nature here. Or good wine. Surfing beaches. World-class ski resorts. Unique cities.

In this post we show you the best places to visit in British Columbia. Most of them we’ve already visited, but there’s a few which are still bucket list items.

Get your BC road trip guide so that all the planning is done, you’re ready to go and enjoy BC.

Vancouver and its surroundings

We’re lucky to live in one of the best cities in the world: Vancouver. (Biased opinion, I know, but we stand by it.) There’s a high chance you’ll start your BC adventure in Vancouver, anyway, and don’t make the mistake of immediately leaving it. Hugged by the ocean and the mountains, Vancouver is a perfect blend of a lively city and amazing nature.

Bike or walk around the Stanley Park Seawall , one of the best urban parks in the world, that has its own island. Visit some of Vancouver’s cool neighborhoods, like Gastown , Granville Island or Yaletown . Marvel at the waves on English Bay Beach or Kitsilano Beach . Go up to Vancouver Lookout for a 360 degrees panorama of Vancouver, the Burrard Inlet and the North Shore.

just a random magical rainforest trail near Vancouver

But the highlights are not only in Vancouver Downtown, you can actually find just as fabulous places outside of it. Venture out to the parks in Metro Vancouver. Visit the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge Park , cross its 140 meters long suspension bridge, stretching 70 meters above Capilano River. Get impressed while hiking in Lynn Canyon . Try scuba diving in Whytecliff Park – or observe seals basking in the sun on Whyte Islet. Go kayaking in Deep Cove. Take the cable car to Grouse Mountain . Conquer peaks in the North Shore Mountains.

Read this post, too: How To Spend 3 Days In Vancouver?

What’s the downside? You can barely see anything if you only have a few days. But look on the bright side: even if you only explore Vancouver and its surroundings, you can experience some of the best things to do in British Columbia.

Canadian geese on the lawn in front of the British Columbia Parliament

The provincial capital of British Columbia is smaller than Vancouver, and it offers a different experience. The vibe in Victoria reminded us of European cities, and it has some wonderful pieces of Victorian architecture. The heart of the city is the Inner Harbor and the Fisherman’s Wharf. This is where you find the British Columbia Parliament building or the Fairmont Empress Hotel, which was built in 1908 for the Canadian Pacific Railway.

But there’s one thing in which Victoria is quite similar to Vancouver: nature is close. Take advantage of it! We liked the surroundings of Victoria even more than the city itself : the Butchart Gardens with its themed flower gardens and water features, East Sooke Regional Park, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, Sooke Potholes or the rushing waterfalls nearby.

Squamish is located at the end of Howe Sound, and – surprise, no surprise – it’s the surrounding nature that makes it so impressive. Squamish is a great base for adventure lovers: you can conquer the picturesque cliffs of Stawamus Chief (there are options for hikers and climbers, too), take the Sea to Sky Gondola for stunning views of Howe Sound and even more hiking trails at higher elevations, visit Shannon Falls or go whitewater rafting.

If you drive the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler , Squamish is a worthwhile stop halfway. If you live in Vancouver (yeah, like us), Squamish will be among your favorite day trips.

The drive from Vancouver to Whistler is amazing, anyway, and each of your stops offer plenty of outdoor adventures.

Whistler is one of the best winter destinations in Canada, with a world-class ski resort that’s among the biggest ones in North America. At the foot of the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, skiing season is long here, but summer can be just as wonderful : with hiking trails to vibrant, turquoise lakes and glaciers (like Rainbow Lake, Iceberg Lake , Wedgemount Lake), mountain biking opportunities, golf courses and seaplane tours in Whistler Village. While I find Whistler wonderful in every season, summer is my true love. Passionate skiers and snowboarders will vote for winter though.

Green Lake or Lost Lake are easily accessible lakes with stunning scenery. Lost Lake is popular for swimming, as well, in the summer months.

Vancouver Island

Visiting Vancouver Island is one of the most popular things to do in British Columbia. It would deserve its own lengthy post, because this 290-mile stretch of land is a mix of fabulous beaches, dramatic coastline, pristine forest, tranquil lakes and artsy towns. No to mention Victoria and its surroundings. You can easily spend weeks here, but a few days will also impress.

However, don’t even try to see everything in a few days. It’s a long island with many remote areas, so choose one region and explore that if you have a very limited time.

Some of our favorite places to put on your Vancouver Island bucket list:

• Tofino : one of the best surfing spots in all Canada; it also offers easy, scenic coastal trails
• Pacific Rim National Park : fabulous coastal scenery and old-growth forests
• Juan de Fuca Provincial Park : wild beaches (several of them have waterfalls on the beach), untouched coastline
• Elk Falls Provincial Park : one of the most impressive waterfalls on Vancouver Island
• Strathcona Provincial Park : a remote park with endless pine forests, lakes, amazing waterfalls
• Victoria and the nearby waterfalls, trails, coastal parks
• Nanaimo : the main attractions are also the lovely coastal parks and waterfalls near the city

Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is a somewhat isolated, idyllic coastal area with many tiny islands and inlets, backed up by giant, rugged mountains that cut if ott from direct road connections. It lies north of Vancouver, along the Strait of Georgia, and it can be accessed by taking a ferry, helicopter or plane.

Are you looking for easy coastal trails with jaw-dropping scenery? Then add the Sunshine Coast to your BC bucket list. (Don’t let the name mislead you though. The Pacific Northwest has a rainy climate for the majority of the year.)

Yoho National Park

Your BC adventures are not complete without the Rocky Mountains. Bordering Alberta’s famous Banff National Park, Yoho is smaller, but just as magical, with rugged mountain terrain, snow-capped peaks, rushing rivers and waterfalls, and crystal clear lakes. With quite some attractions located along the road, it’s a perfect stop on any Canadian Rockies road trip.

Yoho National Park is home to Takakkaw Falls (373 m), the second tallest waterfall in British Columbia, Emerald Lake , an alpine lake named for its magical color, or the picturesque Yoho Valley .

Kootenay National Park

Adjoining Banff and Yoho, Kootenay National Park is another of the seven national and provincial parks that form the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. Its main mountain range reaches 3000 meters, so this park also has a landscape with sawtooth peaks, dramatic ridges, glaciers and narrow gorges.

Kootenay National Park also has easily accessible attractions, like Marble Canyon, Numa Falls or the Paint Pots . My favorite hike there is Stanley Glacier Trail.

Glacier National Park

While you might have heard about Yoho and Kootenay, and visiting them are bucket list things to do in BC for many people, fewer know about Glacier National Park. What?! No, not the Glacier National Park of Montana, this is the Glacier National Park of British Columbia. With high peaks, about 400 active glaciers and one of Canada’s largest cave systems.

It lies in the northern Selkirk Range of the Columbia Mountains, and most of the park is very hard to access. There are some shorter nature trails, challenging, very scenic day hikes – and the backcountry. You have a chance to bump into mountain goats, black bears or grizzly bears, or even woodland caribous. The Trans-Canada Highway runs through the park, so you can enjoy the amazing scenery even from the car.

Our favorite hike in Glacier National Park is Asulkan Valley Trail , a steep, picturesque valley that ends at a glacier. It’s also on the list of our favorite hiking trails in BC.

Mount Revelstoke National Park

Not far from Glacier National Park, here’s another gem that’s not so well-known, but so easily accessible: Mount Revelstoke National Park. You can drive straight up to the peak of Mount Revelstoke on 26 km long Meadows in the Sky Parkway.

You find several short trails in the summit area, and there’s a few longer ones. Miller, Eva & Jade Lakes Trail is one of the most scenic lake hikes in British Columbia.

Actually, casually listing Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier and Mount Revelstoke National Parks makes us realize just how lucky we are to live in a province that is so full of out-of-fairy-tale mountains. No, they don’t feel like they’re the same. Yes, they impress each and every time we get to see a piece of them. Don’t miss the mountains of BC – and prepare for the most epic alpine views you’ve ever seen!

The sleepy little town of Revelstoke is at the foot of Mount Revelstoke, and it doesn’t offer many sights, but it’s a prime destination for heli-skiing . The Revelstoke Mountain Resort has North America’s longest vertical descent at 5,620 feet (1713 m), and it also has plenty of powdery snow each winter. The Sutton Place Revelstoke Mountain Resort gives easy access to this ski paradise and perfect conditions to relax after a tiring day.

So there’s nothing in Revelstoke. Nothing but mountains. Like in most of BC. 🙂

Garibaldi Provincial Park

Sigh. I bet you’ve seen it on Instagram countless times: girls in pretty dresses posing at Garibaldi Lake. Just to make things clear: you need hiking boots and clothes to reach the lake , so carry the pretty outfit in your backpack if you want that picture.

But Garibaldi Provincial Park is more than Garibaldi Lake. It offers long, challenging hiking trails with unforgettable alpine scenery. It’s within day trip distance from Vancouver, which means that this park is very busy in the summer months. And it’s not really accessible for the rest of the year.

While we think Garibaldi Lake and this provincial park deserves the fame, avoid summer weekends. Check if you need a day pass – they’re free, but mandatory in the busiest period of the year.

Wells Gray Provincial Park

British Columbia is so rich in waterfalls! They’ll amaze you no matter where you go within the province. But there’s one park that waterfall lovers simply can’t miss: Well Gray Provincial Park, “Canada’s waterfall playground”.

It has 41 named waterfalls and an untamed wilderness, shaped by volcanoes and glaciers, dominated by powerful rivers and endless pine forests. The waterfalls are roaring, and quite a lot of them have an impressive size, but the lava rock bowls behind them, the basalt canyons, the crystal clear mountain rivers and the surrounding wilderness are all part of the magic.

Helmcken Falls is the most famous waterfall in Wells Gray. It’s 141 meters (463 ft) high and can be seen from a viewing platform that’s a few minutes walk from the parking lot. Spahat Falls and Moul Falls are also on Murtle River – they make our TOP 3 waterfalls in the park.

The main area of Well Gray Provincial Park can be accessed from Clearwater. The road is paved until Helmcken Falls, after that it’s a dirt road all the way to Clearwater Lake. Road conditions vary, but you can usually get to Helmcken Falls all year. Wells Gray Provincial Park has some more remote areas, too, accessible on minor roads that are partly unpaved, or accessible exclusively on water.

Mount Robson Provincial Park

3954 meters high Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and it’s not even located in any of the national parks. It has its own provincial park though, bordering Alberta and famous Jasper National Park. You can admire the peaks from the road as you drive through, and there are a few short hiking trails by the road, but the main attractions of Mount Robson Provincial Park require long and demanding hikes.

We liked the short and easy trail to Overlander Falls. The trail to Berg Lake seems stunning, but it was not a realistic objective for us with a 3-year-old.

Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

Located right on the border of BC and Alberta, Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park offers majestic, untouched mountain scenery. The pyramid-shaped peak of Mount Assiniboine is known as the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies, but you find countless lakes and glaciers worthy of praise, as well.

This park is not for road trippers though. There’s no road into the park, only multi-day hiking trails – or helicopter rides. 5-6 days of backpacking is recommended to see some of the highlights in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, and definitely plan your routes and overnight stays in advance.

This park is one of the few places on this list where we haven’t been, simply because there are so many beautiful places in this province, and too many of them are much easier to access. It would be worth a visit, but it should be a well-planned, longer one.

Okanagan Valley

While mountains impressed us, we expected to find them in BC, because we knew that most of the province is mountains. Okanagan Valley on the other hand was a true surprise. It was like stumbling upon a piece of the Mediterranean in Canada!

With hot, dry summers and hundreds of (not glacial-fed, so warm enough) lakes, the Okanagan Valley is the best beach destination in British Columbia. It’s also one of Canada’s premier wine-producing regions. The 120 km long Okanagan Lake is the heart of the region, with the city of Kelowna on its eastern shore. The scenery is spectacular even if you only drive through, but the countless wineries and beaches are surely worth some stops along the way.

Slocan Lake

“Take the road less traveled.” The statement stands true for the Arrow-Slocan region, with about 20 small communities, scenic roads, farmland, rivers and crystal clear lakes with mountain backdrops. This was one of those regions on our BC road trip where we had most of the attractions to ourselves, or shared them with a few local families.

Slocan Lake is a huge, deep, wonderful lake in the Slocan River Valley. No major river feeds the lake, but several small streams bring cold water into it. Its water temperature is not nearly as pleasant as some of the lakes in the Okanagan Valley, but we could easily mistake it for the sea – so huge and perfectly blue. We had a few short swims, but hiking was our favorite activity here. Boating and fishing are also popular.

Nestled between the West Kootenay and Valhalla mountain ranges, you can choose any trail on the steep shoreline of Slocan Lake to enjoy spectacular views. Bannock Point Recreation Site has short trails to scenic viewpoints, and Valhalla Provincial Park offers longer, more remote trails into the wilderness.

This region is most likely quite out of your way though. Coming from Revelstoke, we had to take the Upper Arrow Lake Ferry, linking Shelter Bay and Galena Bay and providing free(!) ferry service, then drive down on Highway 6. But what a peaceful paradise we found!

Great Bear Rainforest

Finally, another place which is still on our BC bucket list: Great Bear Rainforest. It’s a temperate rainforest that covers 6.4 million hectares (roughly the size of Ireland) and is home to rich wildlife and marine life. Spirit Bears, unique white-colored sub-species of the black bear, can only be found here. No big cities, busy highways or anything of that sort around. Just nature – and nature is more than enough.

It’s a remote region, flying, hiking or sailing is the way to explore it. Bella Coola and Kitimat are two of the small communities that are great bases to immerse yourself in the solitude and beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest.

Now, tell us what are your favorite places in British Columbia?

Disclosure: Please note that affiliate links are used in this post, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase. This is how we pay our bills and keep our blog free for you to enjoy. 🙂

Which are the best lesser-known hikes in North America?

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Bea is a travel writer and the co-founder of Our Wanders, an adventurous family travel blog. She’s been traveling for more than 10 years, seeking outdoor adventures, fairy tale castles and unique experiences. She's passionate about sharing all she has learned along the way, and she's an expert in planning trips of any length. She’d love to help you plan your own amazing trip, too.

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35 BEST Places to Visit in BC (British Columbia)

British Columbia is not just one of the most beautiful places in Canada, but the entire world. There are so many beautiful places to visit in BC , it would be impossible for any visitor to feel fulfilled after just one trip.

From roaring waterfalls, colossal peaks, pristine coastline, and bright blue lakes, there are plenty of amazing places to go in BC. Let’s dig into just a few to get you started with your travel planning!

The Best Places to Visit in BC

1. joffre lakes.

When you visit Joffre Lakes, you’re not visiting one or two lakes but three incredibly beautiful glacier-fed lakes with turquoise waters and stunning surroundings. The lakes are situated in a provincial park and the hiking trail that leads to them is one of the best in the entire country.  

The first lake you’ll reach is called Lower Joffre Lake. Keep hiking and you’ll reach Middle Joffre Lake and finally, you’ll reach Upper Joffre Lake. The entire hike is about 9.4 kilometers and along the trail, you’ll see snow-capped mountains, rushing streams and perhaps some wildlife.  Other popular activities in the park include camping, climbing and fishing. 

2. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in BC. Situated on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is home to the country’s temperate rainforest and a land of unspoiled beauty. Sandy beaches, rugged coastline, mountains and beautiful hiking trails, such as the West Coast Trail, make up the landscape but you also get a taste of history and vibrant culture. 

Take an interpretive walk with a local guide, watch for wildlife, or embark on an overnight adventure to the Broken Group Islands.

If you’ve heard of Tofino, you’ve likely heard about how it’s a popular surfing destination but this small coastal town on Vancouver Island is so much more! The area surrounding Tofino features incredible scenery consisting of lakes, rainforests, sandy beaches, and rugged inlets. 

Whether you love catching waves, hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, camping, whale watching, fishing, indulging in the vibrant foodie scene (the oysters are to die for), or just spending time in nature, there’s something for everyone. 

There are also many attractions including the Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens and the Roy Henry Vickers Gallery to also enjoy between all the adventures in Tofino.

4. Victoria

The British Columbia capital city of Victoria is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, and it’s easy to see why. With its lovely coastal scenery, Victorian architecture and so many gardens and parks that it has earned the nickname Canada’s Garden City, this city is more than meets the eye. 

Besides its good looks, it’s known for incredible restaurants serving fresh, local food and for being an outdoor lover’s paradise. Many hiking, kayaking and camping adventures await on the outskirts of the city! 

Enjoy world-class attractions such as the Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Miniature World, Victoria Bug Zoo and The Maritime Museum of British Columbia. 

5. Sunshine Coast

Jagged coastline, beautiful beaches, towering mountains, sparkling lakes, sprawling green spaces and plenty of sunshine are just some of the things the Sunshine Coast is known for. Within this 180 kilometer expanse of rainforest, you’ll enjoy a range of activities including hiking, biking and kayaking. 

Because it’s only accessible by boat or plane, this place feels like it’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. When you want access to modern amenities, stop at Noosa where you’ll find a variety of eateries, shops and accommodations. 

Several provincial parks are in the area, including Mount Richardson, Tetrahedron and Spipiyus which are wonderful to visit in the summer.

6. Garibaldi Provincial Park

Mount Garibaldi is the prominent feature in Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish but it’s also known for its distinct vegetation, wildlife, scenery and outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, climbing, biking, snowshoeing and hiking on more than 90 kilometers of trails. 

One of the best things to do in British Columbia is tackle the steep climb to Garibaldi Lake and see where turquoise-coloured water is nestled between alpine mountains and a spectacular glacier as the backdrop.

7. Capilano Suspension Bridge

Easily one of British Columbia’s top attractions. At 430 feet across, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is the longest bridge of its type in the world and is located in Vancouver .

It hangs 230 feet above a raging river, giving visitors a thrilling experience as they cross to the other side, enjoying views of the surrounding rainforest. 

Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk are the two other thrilling experiences available at this attraction. 

8. Wells Gray Provincial Park

Located in Clearwater, Wells Gray Provincial Park is nicknamed Canada’s Waterfall Park due to the 41 BC waterfalls within its borders, including the spectacular 141-meter-tall Helmcken Falls. 

Lakes, snow-capped mountain peaks, sprawling meadows, canyons and many wildlife species are some of the sights you’ll enjoy as you explore this huge wilderness area.

Enjoy hiking, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, river rafting, fishing and exploring the abandoned Ray Farm while you’re there. 

9. Squamish

Squamish is an amazing mix of history, culture and outdoor adventure and one of the best places to visit in BC. With many trails and a location close to mountains, ocean and rivers, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to go hiking, biking, climbing, kayaking and river rafting in this small BC town .

Explore Shannon Falls, marvel under Stawamus Chief, a granite dome that you cannot miss, watch for bald eagles and explore the downtown district which features many shops and restaurants. Some of the best things to do in Squamish is go mountain biking, or if you’re a climber, this is a world class climbing destination.

Britannia Mine Museum, Railway Museum of British Columbia, and Brackendale Art Gallery are popular attractions. 

10. Hole in The Wall – BC

The circular hole you can see in the rock at the site known as Hole in the Wall near Port Alberni isn’t naturally formed; it was drilled to accommodate a pipeline that has since been removed, but the fact that it’s man-made doesn’t make it any less fascinating! 

The trail is just over a kilometer and once there, you’ll see a beautiful site with a creek that runs into a clear pool surrounded by forest.

11. Malahat Skywalk

At the Malahat Skywalk, you’ll have the opportunity to climb to a 600-meter walkway that overlooks the treetops, mountains and fjords and out over the Cowichan Valley, Finlayson Arm, Saanich Peninsula, the Gulf Islands and to the state of Washington. 

You can also go out onto the Adventure Net for a feeling of being suspended over the forest. 

12. Barkerville

You’ve likely heard stories of the Wild West during the Gold Rush Days, and at Barkerville , you can experience what it was like in those times with a stroll through this restored town that’s now a National Historic Site. 

It’s the biggest living-history museum in Western North America, but it was once the main center during the Cariboo Gold Rush . It looks much like it did back then and through research, each of the 125 buildings was refurbished to be just as they were. 

Period displays, fascinating exhibits, restaurants and shops are some of the things you’ll see during your visit and during the winter, you can head over to the Shamrock Tube Run for some cold-weather thrills. 

13. Tribune Bay

They don’t call Tribune Bay “Little Hawaii” for nothing! This tropical-like park area on Hornby Island features white sandy stretches lined with unique rock formations. The clear, turquoise ocean water is said to be the warmest in the province.  

Hiking and fishing are other popular outdoor pursuits and if you visit in the spring, you’ll enjoy a lovely wildflower bloom.  

14. Sun Peaks

If you love downhill skiing, you’ll love Sun Peaks, the country’s second-largest ski area, and one of our favorite Canadian ski resorts ! It features 137 runs and 13 lifts with skiing suitable for all levels. There are also 40 kilometers of cross-country ski trails and a tubing area. 

In the warmer months, enjoy access to a mountain bike park and golf course. No matter what season it is, the village of Sun Peaks and its European ski resort charm features a variety of accommodation options, restaurants and shops. 

15. Haida Gwaii 

If any place in British Columbia could be described as magical, it would be Haida Gwaii.  This group of remote islands is rich with wildlife, scenery, history, culture and mystique.  

During your travels around the region, you’ll see ancient totem poles, beaches, rainforest areas and fascinating archaeological sites. Hiking and kayaking are popular activities on the islands but many people go there simply to be one with nature. 

16. Great Bear Rainforest

It’s where the ocean meets the land and the valleys seem to always be shrouded in a light mist. Where spectacular fjords, pristine rainforests and a wide variety of wildlife species share space in a vast wide-open space. 

This is the Great Bear Rainforest and its part of the biggest coastal temperate rainforest on earth and one of the best places to visit in British Columbia. Admire incredible scenery, embark on guided experiences with local Indigenous guides, watch for whales offshore, go fishing for salmon in the raging rivers, kayak along the coast and hike the many trails.  

There are so many ways to enjoy this spectacular place that is virtually untouched by the modern world. 

17. Osoyoos Desert

Most people would never dream of finding a desert in Canada, but deep in the Okanagan region in the town of Osoyoos lies the country’s only desert! This arid desert is actually part of the Sonoran Desert that runs from Mexico all the way to Osoyoos.  

If you’re seeking a truly unique landscape featuring a different kind of beauty than the coastal and mountain areas of British Columbia, this is the place to head! Head to the Osoyoos Desert Center and take a stroll along the boardwalk where you’ll see native plants and interpretive displays. 

Be sure to keep an eye out for the rare animal species that make their home in this desert land.  

18. Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a place where you can see the spectacular Northern Lights in the winter, pristine wilderness areas where rare species thrive, mountains, valleys, meadows. It’s home to the only inland cedar rainforest on earth and even the remnants of a luxury alpine resort in one incredible area. 

While you’re there, you can take a scenic drive on the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, hit the mountain trails with a Swiss mountain guide, relax along the banks of a raging river and learn more about the park at the Rogers Pass Discovery Center. 

19. Prince Rupert

As a port city, you can expect beautiful ocean views when you visit Prince Rupert but you’ll also get to experience nearby wilderness areas including the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary bear habitat. 

That’s the best thing about this city; a fantastic combination of urban and rural attractions. You can be shopping and hanging out in cozy cafes and fishing, kayaking, hiking, or whale watching a little while later. 

Popular attractions include The Museum of Northern B.C., North Pacific Cannery, Ice House Gallery, Prince Rupert Wildlife Rehab Shelter and Prince Rupert Fire Museum.  

20. Valemount

If the great outdoors is calling your name, that call may very well be coming from Valemount. This town is known for being one of the top outdoor adventure destinations in the province but its most famous attraction is Mount Robson nearby, which is the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. 

Fishing, mountain biking and white-river rafting are also popular activities and as you explore the area, you’ll enjoy views of snow-capped peaks, lakes, rivers and valleys. 

Valemount is also under 1.5 hours to Jasper National Park , one of the most famous national parks in Canada.

Friendly, quaint and charming. These are some words that suit Nelson , one of the best places to visit in BC, quite well. You could also say it’s urban with a rural feel. However you want to describe it, its history, culture, and Kootenay Lake activities lure many visitors from all over. There are over 300 heritage buildings in this small area and the arts are alive and well! 

Take a ride on the historic streetcar, immerse in the mountain biking culture the town is known for, or go hiking along the Pulpit Rock Trail. Cottonwood Falls Park, Nelson Museum and Viewpoint Gallery are popular attractions. 

22. Invermere

While many people use Invermere as a base for their adventures at nearby Windermere Lake, it has so much more to offer in all seasons! The town is centrally located to Panorama, one of Western Canada’s top ski areas and the longest skating trail in the world is on the outskirts of town. 

In summer, kayaking, golfing and soaking in rejuvenating hot springs are popular activities. This scenic area is also home to many attractions including James Chabot Provincial Park, Windermere Valley Museum and Artym Gallery. 

23. Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

No matter what adventures you choose to embark on along the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, you’ll always have that stunning scenery consisting of forest, mountain peaks, plains and fjords to admire in the background. Fishing, horseback riding and following in the steps of those who once traveled through here during the Gold Rush are popular activities. 

Visit Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, go canoeing on Bowron Lake, or head to the little town of Quesnel and check out the galleries. 

24. Alaska Highway

Many of the best places in BC that we’ve listed are in the southern part of the province, but not the Alaska Highway! When it comes to epic road trips in Canada, the Alaska Highway is high on the list! The highway runs 1,520 miles through Northern British Columbia, The Yukon and Alaska.

Along the way, you’ll pass through some of North America’s most untouched and wildest places, remote villages, provincial parks with abundant wildlife and places where the scenery is almost otherworldly. 

25. Kelowna

Situated on the shores of Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is an amazing mix of urban sprawl and wilderness. The downtown district is home to beautiful parks and cultural attractions while not too far away, you can escape into an area with orchards, beaches, mountains and forest. 

Kelowna is well-known for its vineyards and there are plenty of Kelowna wineries to embark on wine tours. That’s right – if you’re a wine lover you don’t have to go all the way to Napa Valley – as you’ll find one of the best places to visit in BC for wine production around the Okanagan.

26. Fraser Canyon

The wild and rugged Fraser Canyon is a nature lover’s dream. Mountains, valleys, rivers and stunning scenery make this an amazing place to spend a day rafting or hiking. Even just driving through it is a wonderful adventure! 

Local attractions include Hell’s Gate Airtram, Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park and Yale Historic Site.

27. Sea to Sky Drive

The Sea to Sky Highway quite literally travels from sea to sky from the lowlands of Vancouver to the peaks of Whistler. Along the 120 kilometer drive, you’ll enjoy beautiful scenery featuring lush forests, water views, and mountains.  

You’ll also find many attractions including West Coast Heritage Park, Nairn Falls, Sea to Sky Gondola, Cypress Provincial Park and Britannia Mine Museum. 

28. Revelstoke

Situated on the banks of the Columbia River, south of the Revelstoke Dam, Revelstoke is a small town nestled between the Selkirk Mountains and Glacier National Park in southeastern BC.

While Kamloops and Kelowna are the nearest cities, many road-trippers on the ultimate Western Canada road trip between Calgary and Vancouver make a stop in Revelstoke.

Founded in the 1880s during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), Revelstoke was initially reliant on mining. The town’s mining town roots are still evident while strolling through it today.

Despite its origins in mining and railway, Revelstoke is now renowned for its epic powder dumps at Revelstoke Mountain Resort during winter and mountain biking in the summer.

Located in southeastern British Columbia, Golden is a small town situated around the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse Rivers and is surrounded by the Purcell and Rocky Mountains.

Golden is an ideal location near Yoho , Banff, Jasper, Glacier, and Kootenay National Park . Being located right off Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway), it’s an excellent stop on any Western Canada road trip, especially when connecting Vancouver to Calgary .

Due to its accessibility to Yoho National Park, it’s a popular spot for summer tourists. With the rise of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, it’s gradually becoming a world-renowned ski destination, though the resort needs to invest in a few more lifts before that happens!

Like Revelstoke, Golden’s history is closely tied to the Canadian Pacific Railway and the logging industry, and remnants of its past as an old railway town can still be seen today. However, the town now primarily thrives on outdoor adventure and tourism. Just recently, they unveiled the Golden Skybridge , one of the most popular attractions in the mountains!

30. Whistler

Whistler is a charming ski town considered one of Canada’s top destinations, attracting tourists from all over the world. It can be reached in less than two hours by car from Vancouver via the Sea to Sky Highway. Known globally as a leading skiing destination, Whistler is also North America’s largest ski area and one of the largest in the entire world.

Although it is highly popular among domestic and international travelers in winter, Whistler is also an ideal adventure destination during summer when the whole town turns into a mountain biking mecca.

31. Pemberton

Located just 45 minutes north of Whistler is the picturesque mountain village of Pemberton at the foot of Mt. Currie.

Despite its small size, Pemberton offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and hiking trails to discover in the summer. Visitors can enjoy activities such as visiting North Arm Farm or taking a horseback ride through the valley with Copper Cayuse Outfitters.

For those seeking more affordable accommodation options than Whistler, Pemberton is an excellent choice as it offers many BC cabins with lower rates than its more popular and well known neighbor.

32. Kootenay National Park

Kootenay National Park , spanning 1,406 square kilometers, is a stunning natural wonder that borders Banff National Park in Alberta. Some travelers may even unknowingly cross into a new park when driving along the Banff-Windermere Highway.

The ideal way to explore this picturesque park is to take a leisurely drive on Hwy 93S, which connects Banff and Radium Hot Springs, and plan a day of scenic stops at Marble Canyon and the Paint Pots.

With every turn, the road offers breathtaking views of mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and dense Douglas Fir forests. Adventurous hikers need not fret as the park also boasts plenty of hiking trails and one of our personal favorite lakes in BC – Floe Lake .

33. Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park , nestled in the Canadian Rockies, is a personal favorite of mine due to the variety of activities it offers for visitors.

It’s a short drive away from Lake Louise, making it an easy extension to any Banff trip . Yoho is well known around British Columbia, and all of Canada for that matter, as this is where you can find Lake O Hara and beautiful Emerald Lake !

34. Mount Assiniboine

Standing tall and majestic, Mount Assiniboine is an iconic peak in the Canadian Rockies, and embarking on a journey to its base is a truly unforgettable experience. The region boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies, with a pristine wilderness of wildflowers, bears, and towering peaks.

Often referred to as the “Matterhorn of the Rockies,” the peak’s pyramidal shape is a sight to behold. Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and the surrounding mountains have been a magnet for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in its serene beauty for over a century.

There are no roads leading into the park, so visitors have to hike, take a horse, or fly in on a chartered helicopter, but we promise it’s well worth the effort!

Fernie is another fantastic mountain town that has gained a reputation in the skiing world for its incredible powder dumps during the winter months. During the summer season, it attracts many mountain bikers and hikers who come to explore the beautiful terrain.

No one would suggest otherwise that Fernie is one of the top destinations in British Columbia for ski enthusiasts. Its abundance of fluffy white powder and steep terrain make it a paradise for powder hounds.

In the summer, visitors can unwind and soak up the scenery by spending their days lounging by the many lakes or hiking through ancient black cottonwood trees.

Best Places to Visit in BC Map

Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies

• Tours (New in 2024): The Banff Blog is partnering with one of the leading tour companies in Western Canada so readers can experience the magic of the Rockies with other travelers – without having to think about a thing. See all our 2024 tour offerings here!
• Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
• Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car : The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service connecting you from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff or Canmore.
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• Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going to watch for cheap airfare deals!
• Hop On, Hop Off : This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus bound for all the best attractions at your own pace!

About Natasha

Natasha calls Canmore, Alberta home. After traveling across seven continents and 90 countries with Cameron, she settled down in the stunning Canadian Rockies. She loves to help others travel and make their planning easier. She is a winter enthusiast and loves to snowboard, ice skate, and snowshoe and enjoy all the fantastic summer opportunities in Banff like hiking, scrambling, and biking. You can find her in the mountains or enjoying a coffee by the river. Learn more on the about us page! If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. You can say thanks directly by buying us a coffee . All support is much appreciated!

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24 Best Places to Visit in British Columbia

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 19, 2024

British Columbia is Canada’s four-season playground. With mild winters and balmy summers, BC is filled with beautiful places to visit from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast it has an endless supply of outdoor adventures, world-class vineyards, and beautiful scenery. If you are planning a trip to Canada’s West Coast, these are the best places to visit in British Columbia to add to your travel bucket list.

We’ve been lucky enough to have lived in British Columbia and even though we aren’t BC residents anymore, we make a point of going back regularly. In fact, I think we travel more to British Columbia now that we don’t live there anymore. We have explored all corners of the province and these are some ideas to spark your wanderlust to explore Canada’s West Coast.

Table of Contents

Places to Visit in British Columbia

1. Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the best cities in Canada that offers the perfect blend of urban and outdoor adventures. When planning your travels to British Columbia, chances are you will start in Vancouver . This beautiful city has everything you would want in an urban center yet, it is filled with outdoor activities. Stanley Park is home to the famous sea wall that is perfect for cycling and hiking. There’s the Vancouver Aquarium which is a top attraction in Stanley Park and there are plenty of walking trails, a marina, and the Stanley Park Totem Poles.

Granville Island is a not to miss destination in Vancouver with art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and exhibits on a bustling island in the heart of the city.

Read More About Vancouver

• Where to Stay in Vancouver – Best Hotels & Vacation Rentals By Area
• 26 Best Things to do in Vancouver, BC

2. Whistler

It’s Canada’s winter destination, but Whistler is one of the best places to visit in British Columbia in summer too. Make your way to Whistler Village to enjoy the great outdoors of the coastal mountains. Home to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Whistler is an outdoor lover’s playground with World Cup ski hills, a bobsleigh track, and endless cross country ski trails.

In the summer, there’s fantastic hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing and Whistler Village is a year-round retreat filled with restaurants, cafes, and plenty of activities.

Read More About Whistler

• 30 Awesome Things to Do in Whistler, BC
• Snowmobile Whistler – Into the Backcountry, We Go
• First on the Mountain – Fresh Tracks in Whistler
• Everything You Need to Know to Go Skiing in Whistler

3. Squamish

Located between Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish is often overlooked as a quick stop on the Sea to Sky highway road trip, but this town is worth spending a few days. It’s a rock climbing Mecca with professional climbers flocking to tackle the Squamish Chief (Stawamus Chief Mountain ).

The Britannia Mine Museum is a fascinating walk through time and there are plenty of waterfalls and hiking trails and whitewater rafting around Squamish. If you don’t want to hike or climb to the top of Squamish Chief, you can take the Sea to Sky Gondola up for high views of Howe Sound, where you can test your nerves by crossing the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. There’s excellent dining and Squamish is one of the best places in British Columbia to see bald eagles.

• 14 Amazing Things to Do in Squamish BC
• Vancouver to Whistler – Best of the Sea to Sky Highway

4. Sunshine Coast

This drive up the rugged and remote stretch of the BC coast is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. The Sunshine Coast is located north of Vancouver along the Straight of Georgia. Located on the mainland of BC, one would think it is an easy drive, but the only way to access the Sunshine Coast is by taking a ferry, helicopter, or plane. Taking the ferry from Horseshoe Bay transforms you to one of the most beautiful coastlines in BC.

As you drive north, you’ll come into Gibsons Landing, home to the filming location of the legendary Canadian TV Show, the Beachcombers before you begin the drive up to Lund where you can jump on excursions to Desolation Sound. The Sunshine Coast is also known for some of the best mountain biking in British Columbia.

Read More About The Sunshine Coast

• Ultimate Things to do on A Sunshine Coast Road Trip

4. Desolation Sound

Lund is the jumping-off point for Desolation Sound and it is easy to book tours from the  Lund Resort at Klah a Men  or from Terracentric Coastal Adventures in the Marina. From here you can go out to Hernando and Savory Island which are known as the Hawaii of the North thanks to its sandy beach and Major Rock which is home to a colony of sea lions and to see a large colony of sea birds as well.

It is easy to book water taxis to the islands around Desolations Sound. Prices start at $12 per person one way.  Check rates and times here. Or if you want a real adventure, you can hike all the way up to Desolation Sound as part of the Sunshine Coast Trail.

If you visit Lund, a great place to stay in the   Lund Resort at Klah ah men . This boutique resort is the first of fully-run Indigenous resort on the Sunshine Coast and it was named the Most Outstanding Indigenous Accommodations by Indigenous Tourism of Canada.

6. Okanagan Valley

The Okanagan Valley is one of Canada’s premier wine-producing regions. Located in Southern British Columbia, it is a year-round vacation destination. It’s also one of the premier places in Canada to retire. Consisting of Kelowna and Penticton and Vernon BC, there are plenty of things to keep you busy as you explore this expansive valley that is 200km long and 20 km wide. Okanagan Lake is the main lake of the region.

Considered the fruit basket of British Columbia, there are plenty of vineyards and fruit farms that grow cherries, plums, pears, peaches, and apples. Read more about this region on Best British Columbia Road Trip – Vancouver to Revelstoke

One of our favourite cities to visit in the Okanagan Valley is Kelowna.  This town not only has a glorious wine scene but there’s also a fabulous food scene, distilleries, and outdoor activities galore. One of the best things to do in Kelowna is to hike or cycle the Kettle Valley Railway trail at Myra Canyon.

The trestle bridges of the Kettle Valley Railway in Myra Canyon offer one of the most spectacular views in British Columbia, let alone the Okanagan Valley. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail itself runs from Hope to Castlegar and is actually 650-kilometers long, but the most beautiful views are located just outside of Kelowna in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park.

Located on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake, there are plenty of watersports in the summer and you can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis to explore the gorgeous scenery from the beach in downtown Kelowna. Read more at Best Things to do in Kelowna British Columbia

8. Penticton

Another major city in the Okanagan Valley, Penticton should also be added to your list of places to visit in British Columbia. Surrounded by mountains and located between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, Penticton is a nature lover’s dream. This lovely Okanagan Valley city has lakeside promenades, beaches, hiking trails, and skiing at nearby Apex Mountain. Apex was the first place Dave and I went skiing in British Columbia. Like Kelowna is in the heart of wine country with vineyards and orchards to visit nearby. Watch our flight over the beautiful countryside.

9. Kamloops

When looking for places to visit in British Columbia, Kamloops doesn’t pop at the top of mind, but it is a popular stop on the Rocky Mountaineer so many people may have heard of it. As with so many places in British Columbia, Kamloops has plenty of outdoor activities and it should definitely be added to your list. Stay at the Sandman Signature Hotel on the waterfront.

Another nature-lovers escape, Kamloops has everything you could want to get outside. Hiking through its desert-like valleys is a unique experience with Hoodoos and sandstone canyons lining the way. There are 100 lakes nearby, endless hiking and biking trails and you can learn about BC wildlife at the Wildlife Park which rescues and rehabilitates local wildlife. Check out more at The Rocky Mountaineer Experience – Vancouver to Banff

10. Revelstoke

Revelstoke is often overlooked for Whistler, but this mountain playground is a great alternative to the more popular ski resorts of British Columbia and Alberta . Revelstoke Mountain Resort houses North America’s longest vertical descent at 1713m (5,620 feet) and has some of the best ski conditions in Canada with an average of 10.5 meters (34 feet) of powder each winter. Make sure to stay at The Sutton Place Revelstoke Mountain Resort right in the village next to the hills for optimal adventure and luxury in Revelstoke.

While Revelstoke is known for its exceptional skiing and snowboarding, it is also an amazing place to visit in the summer too. Revelstoke Mountain Resort has adventures for everyone from downhill mountain biking, hiking, an aerial adventure park, and a mountain coaster. But there are plenty of things to do in downtown Revelstoke with an aspiring food scene, shopping, museums, and outdoor adventures in Mount Revelstoke National Park.

Read more about Revelstoke

• The Best Things to do in Revelstoke, BC – Besides Skiing
• Best British Columbia Road Trip – Vancouver – Kelowna – Revelstoke
• 15 Top Ski Resorts in Canada For Winter Fun

11. Glacier National Park

Yes, Canada has its own Glacier National Park and it is located near Revelstoke National Park. Located just 35 minutes from Revelstoke, you can tick off two Canada National Parks while making a base in Revelstoke. It is a year-round adventure paradise. One thing not to miss in Glacier National Park is to hike the Canadian Pacific Railway Line. The Rogers Pass Discovery Centre is a national historic site that has a replica of a historic railway building with a theatre, and an avalanche exhibit and you’ll also learn about the history and wildlife of the area.

12. Yoho National Park

British Columbia is blessed with parks and wide-open spaces and Yoho National Park is another beautiful place to visit in BC. Located in the Canadian Rockies, it offers exceptional hiking and biking and stunning scenery with crystal clear lakes and snow-capped mountains. Yoho National Park creates a Rocky Mountain triangle with Kootenay National Park to the south and Banff National Park to the East in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Canadian Rocky Mountains Park. Check out: Where to Stay in Banff, The Best Areas

The top sights to see here are the natural bridge, emerald lake, Wapta Falls, and Burgess Shale Fossil Site. As with all of the national parks in Canada, you can go camping in the backcountry (with a permit). Permits and passes can be purchased at Parks Canada. One of the more unique things to do at this Canadian National Park is taking a guided fossil hiking tour to see the fossil remains of an ancient sea. Read: The Rocky Mountaineer Experience – Vancouver to Banff

13. Kootenay National Park

Another place to visit nearby is Kootenay National Park. Joining Yoho National Park with Banff National Park this trio makes up the UNESCO-designated Canadian Rockies. Located in the town of Radium, it is snuggled alongside the Alberta border. It’s known for its abundance of hot springs. (including Radium Hot Springs where you can enjoy the hot pools in luxury) and abundance of wildlife. A highlight of Kootenay National Park is Marble Canyon where you can hike through the narrow gorge.

14. Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park

We can’t leave out British Columbia’s Provincial Parks and this Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park is one of the oldest provincial parks in Canada. Located in Southeastern British Columbia, it houses two glaciers, Kokanee and Woodbury that feed 30 lakes including Kootenay Lake. Located in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park is unique in the fact that most of the park sits above  1,800 meters in elevation. Be prepared when visiting this provincial park, with the high elevation, weather conditions can change frequently.

Make a base in the city of Nelson, British Columbia where you’ll be able to view the peaks of the Kokanee glacier from downtown. Located on the shores of Kootenay Lake, Nelson is a historic downtown is filled with restored heritage homes helping to contribute to it being referred to as the Queen City.

15. Fraser Canyon – Hells Gate

When taking the Rocky Mountaineer through the Canadian Rockies from British Columbia to Alberta, our train journey weaved along the Fraser River through Fraser Canyon. This was our first time witnessing Hells Gate in Fraser Canyon. Located in the heart of Gold Rush country, Hell’s Gate can be visited by taking a gondola down into the Fraser Canyon. The rapids of Hell’s Gate are furious with over 200 million gallons of water squeezing through the narrows of Fraser Canyon each minute. There are observation decks, a cafe, a suspension bridge, and a gift shop so it is well worth the visit.

Taking the Rocky Mountaineer was an amazing way to witness the stunning scenery of British Columbia while taking in its natural beauty from the comfort of a train.

Hope was once famous for being the filming location of Sylvester Stallone’s First Blood, but what makes visiting this town in British Columbia worth it is the Hope Tunnels. The Othello Tunnels in hope are one of the top tourist attractions in interior BC. Similar to the Trestles of Kelowna, the tunnels of hope are a series of trestle bridges and tunnels cutting through the mountains. This was a feat of engineering as the 5 tunnels were blasted and built-in 1914. It is just a 3.5 km round trip, but completely worth stopping to see.

Tofino has become someone of a magical destination in British Columbia. A surfer’s paradise, UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region is a biodiverse ecosystem with old-growth rainforests and dramatic coastlines. Its coastal beaches attract sun lovers and surfers in the warmer months and storm chasers in the winter.

Located just north of the Pacific Rim National Park Tofino’s sandy beaches stretch to wooden boardwalks and stairs winding through ancient, moss-covered cedar and hemlock trees, making you feel as if you’ve reached the end of the earth. Take a kayaking trip to Clayoquot Sound, learn to surf, or head out to view some of the spectacular wildlife. Take a whale watching tour to see as Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, and Killer Whales, frequent these waters. You’ll see grey wolves, sea otters, black bears, and countless bird species.

18. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Speaking of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, this is an adventure lovers’ playground. Located on Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park is home to the 100 sheltered islets of the Broken Group Islands and the famous 75-kilometer multi-day West Coast Trail this is the place to go for outdoor adventures. You can make a base in Tofino or Ucluelet, or you can head into the backcountry for camping, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Read more about adventures in the Pacific Rim at Kayaking to the Broken Group Islands – How to Survive as a Family

19. West Coast Trail

There are few epic trails that can compete with British Columbia’s West Coast Trail. It is Canada’s most iconic hiking trail and is on every hiker’s bucket list. The 75-kilometer (47-mile) backcountry trail is as rigorous as it is beautiful. During this multi-day trek, hikers need to carry everything in and out while climbing more than 100 ladders and navigating through waist-deep flowing rivers. If you want the ultimate hiking bragging rights, book a trip to the West Coast Trail. Reservations are mandatory at Parks Canada. Read more: Best Hikes in Canada to Add To your Bucket List

20. Victoria

The Capital City of British Columbia is located on Vancouver Island and is named after Queen Victoria with tudor-style buildings lining its waterfront. This beautiful city is British Columbia’s provincial capital but has a population of fewer than 100,000 people making it feel like a small town, with all the amenities you’d need. Victoria is one of the prettiest cities in Canada with the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel dominating the picturesque Inner Harbour.

Victoria is the second oldest city in the Pacific Northwest and here you can enjoy afternoon tea and feel like the royalty it was named after for a few hours. There is truly a historic feeling with the parliament buildings, Canada’s oldest China town, and the narrowest street in Canada. Its mild year-round temperatures have made Victoria a popular retirement destination for decades.

21. Vancouver Island

Despite its name, Vancouver Island is two hours away from the city by ferry and is one of the best places to visit in British Columbia. Vancouver Island is filled with gorgeous scenery. The two-hour journey features a ferry ride from the city and ends at the largest island on the Pacific Coast of North America. Must-see spots include Victoria, the Pacific Rim National Park in Tofino (also great for surfing), and the impeccable Butchart Gardens.

Book this  Vancouver to Victoria tour   that includes a ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia and through the Gulf Island to Vancouver Island to explore the beautiful Butchart Gardens followed by a sightseeing tour of downtown Victoria. Butchard Gardens is a 55-acre garden where you’ll be able to peruse its Italian Garden, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and nearly 1000 plan varieties.

22. Barkerville Historic Town

While Dawson City in the Yukon may be the most famous Gold Rush Town in Canada, Barkerville Historic Town is another legendary historic town that you must visit in British Columbia. There are 125 heritage buildings that transport you back to the 1800s. This Canadian National Historic Site is a fun place to visit spread across more than 1000 acres. Actors and street performers dressed in historic costumes walk the streets putting on performances and storytelling presentations. There is accommodation and camping nearby so you can make a weekend out of it!

23. Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands)

Located off the coast of British Columbia, Haida Gwaii was briefly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands. After the 2010 Haida Gwaii Reconciliation Act, they were changed from the colloquial Queen Charlotte Islands to their traditional name for the people who have inhabited these islands for 2000 years.

Haida Gwaii is a system of 150 remote islands in the Pacific Ocean that take you well off the beaten path. Haida Gwaii is a wildlife lover’s dream with an abundance of bald eagles inhabiting the islands. They are often called the Galapagos of the north with unique wildlife species endemic to the islands. From whale watching to indigenous experiences, this is a destination in BC that is not to be missed.

24. Great Bear Rainforest

British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest is a massive chunk of land lining the Pacific Ocean for 400 km up the west coast of BC. This is one of the premier places to go on a grizzly bear safari. The annual salmon run from August to September is the best time to visit the Great Bear Rainforest for grizzly viewing and there are several companies that offer adventures from Bella Bella, Klemtu, and Prince Rupert. There is whale watching in the Great Bear Rainforest as well with Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago being one of the best places in the world to see orcas. This area has an abundance of wildlife and you’ll also be able to witness bald eagles in their natural habitat.

So there you have it from the Pacific Ocean to the Canadian Rockies, these are some of the best places to visit in British Columbia. BC is a massive province with an area larger than France and Germany combined. It could take a lifetime to see it all, but that is all the more reason to visit British Columbia again and again. Where should we go next?

Read more about British Columbia

• Best Things to do in Kelowna British Columbia
• 14 Best Hikes in Vancouver to Enjoy the Great Outdoors

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Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

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Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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1 thought on “24 Best Places to Visit in British Columbia”

Wow!!! Good Post!

The top 10 attractions in British Columbia

Things to do

From the rainforest to mountain tops and the cities in between, British Columbia is full of wonders sure to leave you breathless.

Butchart Gardens

You don't have to love flowers to enjoy the Butchart Gardens External Link Title in Victoria. The gardens are home to fine dining opportunities, complete with local ingredients and wines. They host local art and entertainment, as well as Saturday night fireworks in the summer and Christmas lighting and an outdoor ice rink in the winter. Tour the surrounding waters and get a sense of the garden's history in an eco-friendly boat. Or, stay on land and visit the beautiful, bronze and granite dragon fountain gifted by the People's Republic of China and the City of Suzhou. And yes, if you do enjoy flowers, the 55-acre site has world-renowned floral displays. Breathe in that garden smell.

Sea-to-Sky Gondola

Squamish is often called the outdoor recreation capital of Canada, and the Sea-to-Sky Gondola External Link Title fits right in with that nickname. The 10-minute gondola ride provides breathtaking views of Howe Sound, the surrounding mountains and forest. You'll be glued to the windows, taking in rock climbers on their way up the Squamish Chief, or the unique views of Shannon Falls. The top of the mountain might signal the end of your ride, but it's really the start of your adventure. Take in the views from three incredible lookouts, enjoy hiking and walking trails, go rock climbing and, if you dare, walk across the 100-metre long Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge

Royal BC Museum

Walk through Victoria in the 1920s, see a woolly mammoth in its habitat, and learn about the ceremonial masks of local First Nations, all under one roof. The natural and human history of British Columbia is permanently on display at The Royal BC Museum External Link Title in Victoria. The museum strives to not only display its collection of artifacts and items--all 7 million of them--but to immerse them (and you) in a realistic setting. If you really want to learn about the province as you experience it, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more fitting attraction.

Whistler Blackcomb

In 2010, the eyes of the world turned to Whistler Blackcomb External Link Title as an official venue of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. While the games have come and gone, everything else is still here! Sitting right next to each other you have two mountains absolutely covered in ski and snowboard runs for all skill levels, from glacier riding to bunny hills. When the lengthy ski season comes to a close, people trade in their boards for bikes and hikes. To relax after a day on the mountain, or relax without ever hitting the mountain, spend your day at the spa and end the night at one of the awesome local restaurants. But if you're only going to do one thing, make it the Peak 2 Peak Gondola External Link Title . Look down 436 metres through a glass floor while riding the record-setting longest gondola in the world, which spans 3 kilometres between the two mountains.

Victoria's Inner Harbour

Victoria's Inner Harbour is a hive of activity year round. The harbour was once used by local First Nations to launch their canoes. Today yachts, small cruise ships, and ferries have since come to call the area home. You can rent a kayak, sign up for a whale watching tour, or hop in a float plane all from the harbour. On dry land, kill an hour watching musicians, performers, and artists as you walk along the waterfront, or visit the near-by legislative buildings External Link Title and historic Fairmont Empress Hotel External Link Title . Best of all, you can actually take a ferry into the Inner Harbour directly from Washington, via Port Angeles, Bellingham or Seattle.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Beaches, rainforests, and rocky islands form the incredible Pacific Rim National Park Reserve External Link Title . The 510-square-kilometre park really captures every setting that has come to characterize the Pacific Coast. Walk barefoot along the 16-kilometre Long Beach, or don a wetsuit and try your hand at surfing. Or fill your backpack with a week's worth of supplies and head out through the rainforests, cliffs, waterfalls and caves of the 75.6-kilometre West Coast Trail External Link Title . Listen to the mythology of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations and then trace that history under the canopy of giant Sitka spruce in the old growth forest. The Pacific Rim National Park is a Canadian treasure. 

Stanley Park

Stanley Park External Link Title is the icing on the metaphorical cake of downtown Vancouver. The 1,000-acre park provides a green escape from the urban setting, and is brimming with activities that you can take in year-round. Walk the famous Seawall for unparalleled views of the Burrard Inlet or head inland and marvel at the giant trees that still live in this preserved forest. Tan on one of the beaches in the morning and then play a round of pitch-and-putt in the afternoon. Stand beside the massive totem poles and learn about the First Nations that lived on this land. Or grab a lunch at one of several restaurants and head to the aquarium to spend the day. Stanley Park has been a star attraction for over 125 years. There's no stopping it now.

Granville Island

No, not only trolls live under bridges. Beneath a major bridge near downtown Vancouver you'll find a hotspot of dining, shopping, and entertainment. Granville Island External Link Title is a buzzing community full of artisans creating unique gifts, passionate foodies sharing the fruits of their labour, and aspiring musicians perfecting their craft. There's always something happening on the island. You can stop in for a beer or you could spend the entire day browsing stores, treating your senses at the Public Market, and taking in the entertainment. Whatever you do, just don't skip it.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Overcome your fear of heights in style, with the help of the 140-metre  Capilano Suspension Bridge External Link Title , which hangs 70 meters above the rushing Capilano River. Once you've conquered the big bridge, the Cliffwalk -- a series of cliff side suspended and cantilevered walkways above the rainforest -- won't seem so daunting, right? And after those two experiences, the Treetops Adventure -- seven bridges suspended by 250-year-old Douglas firs 33 metres above the forest floor -- will really be a piece of cake. You get the picture. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is full of adrenaline-pumping attractions that immerse you in the beautiful outdoors. 

Vancouver Aquarium

Home to over 50,000 creatures, the Vancouver Aquarium External Link Title is what you might call an animal-lover's playground. From friendly sea otters to bright jellyfish, get up close and personal with wildlife from across the globe. Stop by and say hello to Helen, a rescued Pacific white-sided dolphin. Or buy tickets to one of the After Hours External Link Title events and enjoy the aquarium with a drink in a hand and no kids running around. Oh, and don't forget to see if you can find Nemo.

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17 Best Places to Visit in British Columbia

Bordering the Pacific Ocean, British Columbia is debatably one of the most stunning provinces of Canada. It connects the flow of the ocean with sandy coastlines to flourishing rainforests, glassy lakes, and towering mountain peaks for impeccably picturesque viewpoints and outdoor recreational opportunities.

There is so much waiting to be explored and things to do in British Columbia, no matter the season. From skiing at world-famous resorts like Whistler Blackcomb to kayaking the waters at Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia is a memorable adventure waiting to happen!

The province is just made for outdoorsmen, but those who prefer a more cosmopolitan atmosphere will find it here, too. Some of the best places to visit in British Columbia include Victoria, its capital, and Vancouver, its biggest city. These cities are home to world-famous attractions and renowned sights that welcome millions of visitors annually.

You can also visit towns founded during British Columbia’s very own gold rush or learn more about the culture of Canada’s indigenous peoples, known as the First Nation. If you’re into fine dining and a vibrant arts and cultural scene, British Columbia will not disappoint you.

17. Mount Robson Provincial Park

Adjacent to Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson Provincial Park is British Columbia’s second oldest provincial park.

Within the grounds of this majestic park is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson, which is a part of the Rainbow Range. The peak towers over the others nearby, making for an imposing yet powerful sight. The first-known and recorded European mountaineers climbed to the summit of Mount Robson in 1913, a great feat for taking on the climb of the mighty mountain.

The park features many scenically rewarding trails, including the world-famous Berg Lake trail. This trail is an overnight trip, crossing along the park with breathtaking views of glacial lakes, roaring waterfalls, and rugged mountains. Hikers can walk amongst the trails of Mount Robson Provincial Park, where fur traders, First Nations, and treasure seekers once walked centuries ago.

16. Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Island is one of the Gulf Islands located in the Strait of Georgia. It is found between the mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. The history of the island backtracks to the Salishan people. It was taken over in 1859 when immigrant pioneers settled on it, later renamed Admiral Island.

The island is notorious for many things, such as its natural beauty, but more so is the island’s sheep-rearing. There are more than 200 farms on Salt Spring Island, its rolling pastures sprawling endlessly as the eye can see, dotted with sheep as they graze.

For years the island has lured artists, a sanctuary for all, including one of the most well-known of them, Canadian painter and naturalist Robert Bateman.

The island’s allure has swiftly made it a tranquil getaway for friends, family, and lovers looking to reset in nature and the charming ambiance of Salt Spring Island. Travel around the island by bike, find the faerie doors while hiking up to Mount Erskine, or kayak along the waters for a therapeutic adventure.

15. Joffre Lakes

The famously stunning Joffre Lakes is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in British Columbia for its picturesque scenery. It takes a hike to reach the lakes, but it’s worth the trip with a reward waiting at the end that’ll take your breath away!

Located north of the small village of Pemberton, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park consists of three lakes by order of which they are reached on the hiking trail: Lower Lake, Middle Lake, and Upper Lake. The hiking trail to Joffre Lakes, all three of them, is an up-and-back trail that takes around four to six hours to complete. At the end of the hiking trail past Upper Lake is the campsite for those looking to stay the night and bask in the park’s beauty longer.

Along the route to Joffre Lakes are impeccable viewpoints of three notable glaciers: Tanzil Glacier, Matier Glacier, and Stonecrop Glacier. The scenery on the hiking trail is out of this world, with views of these glaciers, the valley, and the bright blue water of the lakes.

14. Butchart Gardens

Welcoming millions of visitors yearly, the Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay near Victoria on Vancouver Island is a National Historic Site of Canada. The expansive gardens are over a century old!

Cultivated by Jennie Butchart, the gardens remain in the family, privately owned and operated to maintain the cultivation that all started with one woman. The vision of Jennie Butchart was to create a haven of beautiful blooming flowers out of an old limestone quarry that was her backyard. It would soon become a canvas of vibrant colors and natural magnificence as Jennie designed a Rose Garden, Italian Garden, and Japanese Garden in the following years.

Her grandson, Ian Ross, was gifted the Gardens for his 21st birthday. Ian would succeed in transforming the Gardens into the world-famous Butchart Gardens we know today. Most notable are the famous outdoor concerts, the Magic of Christmas event for the winter, and dazzling summer night lighting.

13. Kootenay National Park

Comprising a big chunk of the Canadian Rockies, Kootenay National Park is well-known as the land of fire and ice for its contrasting natural wonders. Its impressive glaciers, dipping valleys, steamy hot springs, alpine lakes, and lush grasslands have made it one of the top places to visit in British Columbia.

One of the most popular attractions in the park is Marble Canyon. The hike to the canyon is short and easy, with opportunities to see breathtaking viewpoints of glacial waters, towering mountains, and roaring waterfalls. From the top of Marble Canyon are impeccable vistas with backdrops of Vermillion Peak, which was named after the rich scarlet pigment.

The Stanley Glacier Trail is one of the most popular hikes heading to an up-close view of the glacier of its namesake. The shale beds in the area were once the ocean floor, meaning if you have a good eye, you can find a prehistoric fossil. Head to Radium Hot Springs to get a good soak to end your Kootenay National Park trip perfectly!

12. Squamish

North of Vancouver , Squamish is a town encompassed by imposing mountains such as the granite monolith Stawamus Chief. The town is touted for its prosperous wildlife, mild year-round climate, rock climbing, and hiking trails. Its desirable proximity to the mountains, ocean, and rivers makes it a hot spot for outdoor recreational activities, with hiking, skiing, kite surfing, and kayaking opportunities.

Within the town is Shannon Falls Provincial Park, featuring two spectacular waterfalls sourced from Mount Sky Pilot and Mount Habrich. The waterfalls are the third highest in British Columbia. Not far from downtown Squamish is Brohm Lake, a popular swimming and summer hangout spot.

The lake is encompassed by an ancient old-growth rainforest called Brohm Lake Interpretive Forest, setting an impeccable scene for a rejuvenating getaway. Another popular attraction to visit is Howe Sound, a fjord named after a British Naval Officer. The fjord is speckled with hidden coves and islands, great for paddleboarding, kayaking, and sightseeing for local wildlife.

11. Glacier National Park

One of seven national parks in British Columbia, Glacier National Park was established in 1886 to become one of the first few in Canada. It encompasses part of the Selkirk Mountains, part of the Columbia Mountains, and the largest cave system in the country, Nakimu Caves.

The park has two main transportation routes, the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Trans-Canada Highway. These routes are the best way for visitors to Glacier National Park to witness the glorious vistas of the Columbia Mountain Range and the Canadian Rockies. There are also magnificent sightings of the tallest mountain in the park, Mount Dawson, and the most scenically stunning, Mount Sir Donald.

Sightseeing through Glacier National Park is incredibly popular for seeing local wildlife such as caribou, timber wolf, moose, and golden eagles. Along the established trail system are great opportunities for a spectacular experience of this scenic park.

10. Barkerville Historic Town

The Barkerville Historic Town is a National Historic Site of Canada and the largest living-history museum in Western North America.

When William “Billy” Barker failed to find success in the California gold rush, he headed north to central British Columbia. After he struck it to rich there in 1862, the town that grew up near his claim was named after him.

Today, you can relieve the glory days of British Columbia’s gold rush at Barkerville Historic Town. It’s now a historic park with 107 heritage buildings and 62 replicas, with activities for all ages. You can see women cooking over wood stoves, maybe even getting to sample the results; learn about gold field justice, visit museums and, of course, try your luck at panning for gold.

9. Okanagan Valley

Snow-covered mountains and sandy beaches meld like ham and eggs when it comes to Okanagan Valley, a year-round recreation destination in southern British Columbia. Despite mountains that offer great skiing, the Okanagan is one of the warmest regions in Canada and is frequently called the “Palm Springs of Canada.” Gorgeous scenery abounds, from Osoyoos on the U.S. border, north to Salmon Arm.

In-between you’ll find several lakes; Okanagan Lake is the largest, with Kelowna, the valley’s largest city, on its shores. Highway 97 is a springtime treat with thousands of blossoming fruit trees. The Okanagan has a growing wine industry, with 82 percent of BC’s grapes grown here.

A favorite summer escape for Canadians, the thriving valley is teeming with activities. Most popular is to experience the many wineries and tastings of locally-produced wines, such as Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. Its rich culture and art scene are showcased through its numerous art galleries and museums to tour.

8. Fraser Canyon

Arizona may have its Grand Canyon, but British Columbia’s Fraser Canyon is just as impressive in its own right. The views are stupendous from the highway, as the canyon rises 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) above the Fraser River. Fraser Canyon is actually a series of canyons, many of which have different names.

At Boston Bar, you can take an air tram down to the river at Hell’s Gate with its fish ladders. As you drive the highway, you’ll pass through seven tunnels, one of which is one of the longest in North America. Take time to explore Hope, where the original Rambo movie, First Blood, was filmed.

Fraser Canyon has become a white-rafting hub for locals and tourists to travel through the rugged landscape of rushing rivers and imposing mountains. Crossing over the Fraser River is the Alexandra Bridge, a stunning steel arch adjacent to the park of the same name.

A city in the Selkirk Mountains on the west side of Kootenay Lake, Nelson is a beloved travel destination full of hospitality and charm. Throughout the city are many historical buildings and architecture from the silver rush era that has clocked Nelson’s nickname as “The Queen City.”

The mountain backdrop of the city, the twinkling lights decorating the trees, and the flowers dotting the street welcome all for an undeniably impactful visit. During the summer, people flock to Nelson to adventure at Kootenay Lake and join in on one of the city’s famous festivals, such as the Shambhala Music Festival. In the winter, skiers and snowboards rush to Nelson to hit the snow at Whitewater Resort to experience world-renowned courses.

Nelson’s Baker Street was refreshed to its former charm. The overhaul was so successful, that Steve Martin filmed Roxanne here. Today, walking Baker Street through the historic district is a top tourist attraction.

One of the most popular things to do in Nelson for locals and tourists is hiking to Pulpit Rock. The short hike presents awe-inspiring vistas of the city and the river valley below for an enriching adventure.

6. Haida Gwaii

The Queen Charlotte Islands, more frequently known as Haida Gwaii, is an archipelago off the west coast of British Columbia.

Nicknamed the Canadian Galapagos, the islands are lush with endemic wildlife, like the Sitka deer, and are home to the Haida First Nations. The archipelago is untamed nature, the ultimate retreat for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those interested in learning about the ancestral home of the Haida Nation.

More than 500 archaeological sites dot Haida Gwaii, preserving the rich heritage of the islands. Along the Queen Charlotte Highway, formally known as Highway 16, Sitka deer graze along the meadows as eagles soar across the skies. The Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site feature thriving rainforests, ancient carved poles, and fallen longhouses.

5. Victoria

The capital of British Columbia, Victoria , is located on Vancouver Island’s southern side. This travel destination is an enigmatic step into the capital’s rich ancestral ties to British history. Visitors can experience this through its inspiring architecture, pristine gardens, and thriving food, culture, and arts scene.

Victoria is said to be one of the most picturesque cities in British Columbia. Horse-drawn carriages stroll down the streets sprinkled with tearooms, museums, and art galleries. The Royal BC Museum received the honor of the “Royal” title after approval from Queen Elizabeth II in 1987. The primary focus is on the people and land of coastal British Columbia, with world-famous exhibitions and artifacts from big names such as Leonardo da Vinci.

4. Whistler

North of Vancouver, Whistler is a frequently visited town thanks to its impeccable winter recreation sports. It is home to one of the largest ski resorts in North America, Whistler Blackcomb. The Guinness record-breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola connects the Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains with breathtaking panoramic views of the summits, ancient glaciers, and volcano peaks.

Another top attraction in Whistler is Olympic Park, one of the locations used during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. The park offers recreational opportunities for ski jumping, snowboarding, tobogganing, and more for an irrefutable magnificent attraction to visit for excitement and fun.

A Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center tour is a great way to connect with local culture and history. The First Nation’s People run the center, who have lived in the area of Whistler for hundreds of years. The center’s opening is a means to welcome and educate visitors of the ancestral land through songs, galleries, and exhibitions.

3. Pacific Rim National Park

Pacific Rim National Park is a good place to visit in British Colombia to enjoy nature: rugged coastlines and lush rainforests. About 700,000 people find their way to one of its three sections – Long Beach, Broken Group and West Coast Trail – annually. Long Beach is accessible by car, Broken Group only by boat or ferry, and the West Coast Trail by both.

The reserve is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The untainted land protected by the park is a sight for sore eyes with its lush temperate rainforests and long sandy beaches. The iconic West Coast Trail is the hike of a lifetime, an ancient path once used by the First Nations for travel and trade. Along the route are man-made bridges, ladders, beachside campsites, and the rich flora and fauna of Vancouver Island for an impeccably rewarding hike.

The Broken Group Islands inside the park are the perfect camping spot with plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities like kayaking and hiking. With over a hundred islands, there is more than enough adventure awaiting in the scenic vistas of sugar-sanded beaches, glassy waters, and a mountain-speckled backdrop.

The Long Beach Unit of Pacific Rim National Park features the longest beach on Vancouver Island. The swells on the beach are notoriously known amongst surfers, attracting them worldwide to head to the park to the paradise of waves.

2. Vancouver

The seaport city of Vancouver is British Columbia’s largest city and the third largest metro area in Canada. It’s a scenic cosmopolitan city where residents enjoy a high quality of life. Dine on ethnic cuisine in the international district, explore the very beautiful forested Stanley Park and walk across Capialano Suspension Bridge.

One of the most popular travel destinations in Canada, the city is overflowing with tourist attractions and activities that connect nature and city life. The Museum of Anthropology is a good place to learn about the First Nations, as Canada refers to its native peoples, and see giant totem poles carved and decorated by West Coast tribes. You can also take in the Granville Public Market or the Vancouver Aquarium.

See also: Where to Stay in Vancouver

There are three nearby mountains perfect for hiking and sightseeing: Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, and Mount Seymour. Cypress Mountain, a favorite for skiers and snowboarders, was part of the 2010 Winter Olympics. During summer, Vancouver is a hot spot for soaking in the sun’s ray beachside at its many beach locations, such as Jericho Beach and Kitsilano Beach.

1. Yoho National Park

Located in the Rocky Mountains of eastern British Columbia, Yoho National Park is nestled on the western slopes of the Great Divide. The world-tilting vistas of mountain peaks, glaciers, and roaring waterfalls make for an impactfully rewarding trip.

As one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia, it’s no wonder the park is a popular travel destination for those looking to hike and sightsee. The park’s name, “Yoho,” is derived from Cree terminology, translating to “awe,” a spot-on expectation of what visitors experience when visiting Yoho National Park.

Emerald Lake is an excellent example, one of the finest lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Its waters have a splendidly vibrant color that draws the eye that intertwines with the mountain and forest backdrop painting an out-of-this-world picture.

Unwind in nature at Yoho National Park on the expansive hiking trails available to experience the natural beauty of alpine lakes, towering mountain peaks, and rushing waterfalls!

Map of Places to Visit in British Columbia

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Don’t just read about Vancouver, experience it!

The top 21 tourist attractions in british columbia.

There are so many must-see tourist attractions in B.C.—from the Totem Poles in Stanley Park to Whistler Village there are history, charm, and stunning scenic views that you don’t want to miss. From Vancouver to North Shore, Victoria, and Whistler, these locations house the top 21 tourist attractions in BC, and we can’t wait for you to see them. 

Check out the Top Tourist Attractions or Points of Interest by Region

Points of interest in vancouver.

1. Totem Poles in Stanley Park

The Totem Poles in Stanley Park are one of the most visited tourist attractions in BC. Their original purpose was to pass on their stories to younger generations, as a written language did not exist for many Indigenous People until the late 20th century. Using the interpretive signs provided, travellers can uncover the tales behind these artifacts. You can see the Totem Poles in Stanley Park on both the Vancouver Highlights Tour and the Highlights + Vancouver Lookout & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour.

  2. Prospect Point in Stanley Park

On the northern side of Stanley Park, Prospect Point offers an opportunity to soak up a panoramic view of Burrard Inlet, marvel at the gorgeous mountains lining Vancouver’s North Shore, and admire the architecturally impressive Lions Gate Bridge. It’s a great place to grab a snack or a drink and just enjoy the view.

3. English Bay

Palm trees, sand, and endless dining options are what the locals love the most about English Bay. Being one of Vancouver’s most popular beaches, English Bay is all about relaxing and enjoying the simple things in life. You can walk along the beach and check out the two art installations, the ‘A-maze-ing Laughter’ statues and the stone Inukshuk or walk down Denman Street where mouthwatering treats from around the world await. You can gaze upon the English Bay on both the Vancouver Highlights Tour and the Vancouver City + Lookout & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour.

4. Granville Island

Granville Island is Vancouver’s premier market for crafts, food and interesting products. It boasts a focus on small, independent local businesses that specialize in artisan creations. With galleries, boutiques, and cafés, you might end up doing more shopping than you intended! 

If you are looking for a little bit of guidance and free time in Granville Island, both the Vancouver Highlights Tour and this extended tour that includes + Vancouver Lookout & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour are great options.

The rough, cobblestone streets of Gastown make it easily stand out amongst the city’s neighbourhoods. As Vancouver’s original downtown, this area was a booming center for the industry due to the port and trains. Today, you will find stores, tucked amongst bars, pubs, and various art galleries. Visit the statue of Gassy Jack, the infamous Saloon owner who the area is named after, and keep an ear out for the Westminster Chimes from the steam clock. 

You can pass through Gastown on both the Vancouver Highlights Tour and the Highlights + Vancouver Lookout & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour.

6. Yaletown

Marked by the historic red-brick warehouses, Yaletown is one of the chicest areas of Vancouver and attracts trendsetters and visionaries alike. Tucked along the narrow streets, you’ll find the perfect combination of shops and restaurants with plenty of outdoor patios for lounging and soaking up the Vancouver sunshine. Visit the Roundhouse Plaza to see Engine 375, showcasing Vancouver’s history with the railroad.

7. Chinatown

Once home to the Chinese immigrant population, Chinatown is now a booming area within the city of Vancouver with delicious food options, shops, and cultural attractions like the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens. To find this neighbourhood, look out for the Millenium Gates marking the entrance and the red lamp posts lining the streets. You can observe Chinatown from the comfort of a luxury bus on both the Vancouver Highlights Tour and the Highlights + Vancouver Lookout & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour . 

8. Canada Place

Canada Place, easily seen by its iconic five white sails, serves as Vancouver’s Cruise Ship Terminal. From here, you can watch as cruise ships glide under the Lions Gate Bridge against a backdrop of the coastal mountains. You can also wander over to the Olympic Cauldron, designed for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and meander your way down the Canadian Walking Trail to the Port Discovery Centre to learn about the ever-growing Port of Vancouver. Canada Place is the pickup destination for pre and post-cruise tours.

9. Vancouver Seawall

Designated as the longest-stretching, uninterrupted waterfront pathway in the world (that’s a mouthful), the Stanley Park Seawall spans the perimeter of Stanley Park and beyond. Originally designed to protect the shoreline against erosion, it has become a well-known tourist attraction in BC and a must-do Vancouver experience. You’ll see these stonewalls touch the water’s edge as you walk or cycle all around the city.

10. Sea to Sky Highway

The Sea to Sky Highway is easily one of the most scenic drives in Canada. Your journey along the BC-99 highway from Vancouver will feature a breathtaking view of Howe Sound, a glacier-made fjord filled with the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean and spotted with tiny islands. As you wind around the mountains, you’ll find yourself fully embracing the coastal life. The Whistler, Shannon Falls & Sea to Sky Gondola Tour will take you around each curve of the Sea to Sky Highway with a guide driving so that you can use every second to take in your beautiful surroundings.

11. Vancouver Lookout

A must-see in BC, the Vancouver Lookout Tower gives you a breathtaking view of the city and beyond. Standing at 168 metres (553 feet) tall, the Harbour Centre Tower offers visitors a 360-degree view of the city and its most prominent features. Admission to the Vancouver Lookout tour is included on the Highlights + Vancouver Lookout & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour .

Points of Interest in the North Shore

12. Horseshoe Bay

Horseshoe Bay is a quaint residential community only 30 minutes outside of Vancouver. Surrounded by mountains and the ocean, you’ll find coffee shops and cafes located right along the shoreline.

13. Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is well-known for its height of 1,250 metres (4,100 feet) and its Skyride that offers astonishing views as you are carried to the top of the mountain. As one of the top attractions in BC, it has gorgeous sights year-round and outdoor activities for every season–from hiking to dining to skiing, and so much more. Experience the majesty of Grouse Mountain and so much more on the North Shore Mountain Discovery Tour .

14. Capilano Salmon Hatchery

Located along the shore of the Capilano River, the Capilano Salmon Hatchery is a not-for-profit dedicated to the conservation efforts of Pacific Salmon, a species that has been vital to ecosystems of BC for hundreds of years. Depending on the season, you can see fish make their way up the river to the hatchery as this incredible species will swim thousands of miles to return to their place of birth to reproduce. Visit and learn more about the Capilano Salmon Hatchery on the North Shore Mountain Discovery Tour . 

15. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Another top tourist attraction in BC is the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park . Crossing this legendary suspension bridge is thrilling at 70 metres (230 feet.) high and 137 metres (450 feet) long. While in the area, you can venture through the tree canopies with the Treetop Adventures, and walk along the side of the granite cliff with the thrilling CliffWalk. You can see the bridge on the North Shore Mountain Discovery Tour is an amazing option.  

Points of Interest in Victoria

16. Victoria Inner Harbour

When you turn the corner and see Victoria’s Inner Harbour for the first time, you will experience a truly breathtaking sight. Surrounding the glimmering water are the magnificent BC Parliament Buildings, Fairmont Empress Hotel, and Royal BC Museum. Head up along Government Street and enjoy the colorful Victorian-era buildings which now serve as storefronts. Exploring the Inner Harbour is a must-do for any trip to Victoria. To explore Victoria with the perfect balance of free time and access to an experienced guide, book the Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour . 

17. Victoria Chinatown

Victoria’s Chinatown is the second oldest in North America. Here you’ll find the Gates of Harmonious Interest as a welcoming sight. As Canada’s narrowest commercial street, make sure you wander through Fan Tan Alley during your explorations. Tucked amongst the brick walls of this alley are tiny storefronts full of treasures. You can spot Victoria’s historic Chinatown on the Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour . 

18. Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in BC. Once the residence of the Butchart family, this property was purchased to extract limestone for a cement factory in 1904. After the quarry was exhausted, Jennie Butchart brought to life a vision she called the Sunken Garden. From that point on, this piece of industrial land has turned into 55 acres of gardens with over 50,000 bulbs and 900 plant species. Today, as a National Historic Site of Canada, the legacy of the Butchart family continues.

Adventure through the marvelous Butchart Garden with a guide that can open your eyes to the history and help you enjoy the beauty on the Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour or One-way Victoria to Vancouver with Butchart Gardens Tour.

19. Brentwood Bay

Many residents of Brentwood Bay enjoy magnificent views since the town is situated directly across from the gleaming ocean waters of the Brentwood Inlet. The peaceful ride between the Butchart Gardens and the BC Ferries terminal is a relaxing way to finish the day. In the summer months, you can see paddleboards and kayaks along the water as the sun begins to set.

Ride through the area on BC Ferries on the Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour , One-way Victoria to Vancouver with Butchart Gardens Tour, or the One-way Vancouver to Victoria Tour.   

Points of Interest in Whistler and Area

20. Whistler Village

Whistler Village, nestled at the base of the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, is the heart of the town of Whistler, where they “aprés-everything” (their words, not ours). Wind your way through the picturesque cobblestone paths, satisfy your sweet tooth by visiting the original Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory store, or indulge in the award-winning cuisine. Being a quintessential ski town, it has the perfect balance of world-class and homegrown. The Whistler, Shannon Falls & Sea to Sky Gondola Tour allow time to peruse the village and all its charm. 

21. Shannon Falls

The melting snow through the spring and summer adds to the magnificence of BC’s third-highest waterfall, Shannon Falls. The waterfall is technically in Squamish, and is found on the way to Whistler. This premiere attraction only requires a short, light hike to the viewing platform where you can feel the mist of the raging water and embrace the authentic, natural beauty of British Columbia. You can explore the stunning waterfall of Shannon Falls on the Whistler, Shannon Falls, & Sea to Sky Gondola Tour.

There's our point of view of the top 21 Tourist Attractions in British Columbia, including Vancouver, North Shore, Victoria, and Whistler. Now find out your top favourites. There are so many beautiful and fun places to visit and we love taking visitors and locals alike through the beauty that is BC. Check out our tours and let our experts guide you through the history and the sights. We can’t wait to see you here!  

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22 Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Vancouver, BC

Written by Chloë Ernst and Michael Law Updated Mar 21, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Michael Law has lived in Vancouver and returns frequently, usually adding on some time to ski at Whistler.

With its mountain backdrop and urban beaches, Vancouver has the rightly earned reputation of being one of the most beautiful cities in the world .

Downtown Vancouver is picturesquely situated on a peninsula in the Strait of Georgia, with the often snow-covered ranges of the Coast Mountains rising in behind. The setting is one of the city's main attractions.

With its extensive parks and agreeable climate keeping temperatures mild throughout the year, outdoor activities are high on the list of things to do in Vancouver. But it also boasts a busy cultural life, fantastic shopping, and incredible dining. This scenic city was showcased to the world when it hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, in conjunction with nearby Whistler .

Find your way around the city with our list of attractions and things to do in Vancouver.

1. Go for a Walk in Stanley Park

2. do some shopping on granville island, 3. see the brockton point totem poles, 4. ski grouse mountain, 5. visit the vancouver aquarium, 6. visit the museum of anthropology, 7. relax on kitsilano beach, 8. explore gastown, 9. tour canada place, 10. soak up some culture in chinatown, 11. go for a stroll in english bay, 12. walk across the capilano suspension bridge, 13. take a ride on the aquabus, 14. shop robson street, 15. learn about history at the museum of vancouver, 16. queen elizabeth park, 17. take the kids to science world, 18. enjoy the sights of richmond, 19. go whale watching, 20. vandusen botanical garden, 21. vancouver art gallery, 22. day trip to whistler or the gulf islands, where to stay in vancouver for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to vancouver, frequently asked questions, when is the best time to visit vancouver.

Stanley Park is a lush peninsula of huge trees adjacent to Downtown Vancouver. If you are looking to get outside and enjoy some nature, this is the best place to visit in Vancouver. A paved seawall path encircles the green space and is a wonderful place to explore on foot or by bicycle.

Inland, the park offers many things to do, and you can spend a full day exploring attractions like the totem poles at Brockton Point or the Vancouver Aquarium . Spectacular views are a standard throughout the park either back towards the city or out to the ocean.

Come spring, the park's gardens and shrubs burst into a rainbow of beautiful colors, led by the cherry trees and closely followed by the rhododendrons.

In the summer, an outdoor pool operates right at the edge of the ocean. This 80-meter pool is heated and is a popular spot for families because of its gently sloped entry.

Once mainly industrial, Granville Island is now a thriving center of activity with a relaxed and distinctive atmosphere. Artists and retailers have moved into converted warehouses alongside houseboats, theaters, galleries, and restaurants.

The Granville Island Public Market is one of the most popular attractions selling fruit and vegetables, seafood, and a great variety of other specialties as well as ready-to-eat items. Not truly an island, the arts hub is linked to residential areas by one road and footbridges to the south, and to the Downtown peninsula (across False Creek) by ferry.

Location: South of and underneath the Granville Street Bridge

The Brockton Point Totem Poles are a must-see when visiting Stanley Park. These intricately carved poles are one of the top attractions in British Columbia . The totem poles were first placed in the park at a different location in the 1920s, and over the years, the collection grew and was eventually moved to Brockton Point.

Today you'll find nine totem poles carved from red cedar in addition to three gateway portals. The colorful totem poles line a wide walkway and are set back against tall evergreen trees. Nearby is a visitor center that provides additional insight into First Nations history and the totem poles themselves.

In both winter and summer, Grouse Mountain offers an unmatched panorama in clear weather. That's especially so in the evenings when the city lights are on.

A gondola operates daily running from street level to the summit, where dining, activities, and wildlife await mountaintop explorers year-round.

Skiing: When the snow flies, Grouse Mountain is a winter wonderland offering outdoor skating, snowshoeing, and some of the best skiing and snowboarding near Vancouver . The ski runs are not particularly difficult, and Grouse Mountain is a fun family outing. It's also a great place to learn how to ski.

Hiking: Come summer, Grouse Mountain is a hiker's paradise with trails, including the famed Grouse Grind - affectionately called Mother Nature's StairMaster.

Day Trip Tour: If you are staying downtown, consider this tour: North Shore Day Trip from Vancouver: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Grouse Mountain . On this 6.5-hour tour, you'll hit two of the major attractions on the North Shore.

Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, British Columbia

A trip with the family to Stanley Park for most folks would be incomplete without visiting the Vancouver Aquarium . This wonderful facility teaches young and old about the wonders of the ocean and how we can protect it.

Experiences: Fun and entertaining experiences include a cold-water touch tank; a wildlife rescue area complete with a Burmese tortoise; Penguin Cove, full of cute creatures; and the non-stop action of the sea otters in their habitat. One thing not to miss is the 4D Theatre Experience with special seats, effects, and a large screen that make you feel you are part of what you are seeing.

Exhibits in the aquarium educate visitors on the unique habitats of the Amazon, the tropics, and BC's Wild Coast.

In the past, the aquarium used to have whale performances and belugas; however, the animals have since died and have not been replaced, or they have been relocated.

Address: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, British Columbia

Part of the University of British Columbia, the Museum of Anthropology deals with cultures from around the world, but places particular emphasis on British Columbia First Nations.

Exhibits display native art, including large totem poles in the Great Hall. Other presentations explore ethnographic and archaeological objects representing Asia, the South Pacific, the Americas, Africa, and Europe.

The interesting building was originally part of a WWII-era fort, and local architect Arthur Erickson transformed the spaces into this world-class museum.

Other attractions on the university campus include the clothing-optional shoreline of Wreck Beach, the natural-history-focused Beaty Biodiversity Museum, and the rambling UBC Botanical Garden with its many interesting plantings and delicate Nitobe Japanese Garden.

Address: 6393 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia

The sandy shoreline of Kitsilano Beach defines the laid-back, fun-loving Vancouver lifestyle. It's a place locals hang out with friends or take a dip in the outdoor heated seawater swimming pool . The wide beach here is popular with sun bathers in the summer.

Views from Kitsilano over the city center are wonderful. In addition to the beach and oceanfront, the area has a number of cafés and walking trails, and a vibrant shopping strip lies a few blocks south on West Fourth Avenue .

A short stroll to the east of Kitsilano is Vanier Park, where you'll find wide-open spaces and the Vancouver Maritime Museum . Catch a small Aquabus to downtown Vancouver or Granville Island from the docks located here.

Address: 2305 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia

• Read More: Best Beaches in Vancouver, BC

The oldest part of the city , Gastown is an area of restaurants, galleries, and shops set in carefully restored Victorian buildings. Heritage structures, cobblestone streets, and iron lampposts give the district its distinctive atmosphere. Gastown is a short walk from Canada Place.

Gastown came into existence in 1867 when a man called John Deighton arrived on the scene. Deighton had a habit of launching into lengthy stories and soon acquired the nickname "Gassy Jack." As a result, the vicinity became known as "Gassy's Town" or "Gastown."

A statue of the proprietor now watches over the neighborhood in Maple Tree Square. Tourists stop for photos with Gassy Jack, and also love to visit the nearby Steam Clock, which puffs steam-powered chimes every 15 minutes.

If you arrive in Vancouver on a cruise ship, Canada Place is where your trip begins. The unusual roof design creates the impression of a huge sailing vessel. The architecturally remarkable structure is part cruise ship terminal, part convention center and hotel, and part hub for sightseeing bus tours.

At the end of the pier are panoramic views and the Flyover Canada attraction - a flight simulator that assaults all your senses while giving you a Canadian geography lesson. Also nearby, Waterfront Station is a major transit hub with ferries departing for the public market at Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver .

If you exit the building and turn right, a scenic waterfront walk towards Stanley Park begins. Along the way, you'll see the seaplanes take off and land, and massive seagoing container ships heading out to sea.

Address: 999 Canada Place, Vancouver

Beyond the ornate Millennium Gate marking its entrance, Vancouver's exotic and interesting Chinatown features modern buildings amid many older ones dating from Victorian times.

Signs at shops and restaurants are often written in Chinese characters, particularly along East Pender, Keefer, and Main streets – the main shopping areas. Local attractions include the pretty walled Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden , modeled after a traditional garden from the Ming Dynasty.

Also worth seeing is the Sam Kee Building , which at barely two meters wide, claims to be the narrowest office building in the world. Every year, Chinese New Year is celebrated with an exuberant parade.

Oceanfront English Bay centers on one of the city's loveliest and busiest beaches . Part of the West End neighborhood, English Bay offers shopping and high-end restaurants, but is also a popular outdoor area where people come to walk, bike, rollerblade, or hang out with the public art installations.

English Bay is not far from Stanley Park , and a waterfront trail joins the two. The beach is strewn with large tree trunks, which make a perfect back rest for sunbathers.

One of the biggest events of the summer is Celebration of Light. Generally occurring around the last week of July, spectacular fireworks are set to music. Another popular event is the New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim, when hardy swimmers take a dip in the chilly Pacific waters.

Vancouver's first tourist attraction, the Capilano Suspension Bridge opened in 1889 and has been thrilling visitors with its swaying bridge over a plummeting canyon ever since. The footbridge spans a 70-meter deep river canyon leading to an activity park filled with forest trails and a treetop walk through old-growth giants. There's also a collection of totem poles and a transparent suspended platform known as the Cliffwalk.

If you are staying in Vancouver and looking for an easy way to visit the bridge and see some city highlights, the Vancouver City Tour including Capilano Suspension Bridge is a convenient option. This trip includes a half-day tour of Vancouver, a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and a cliff walk adventure.

Also along Capilano Road, Capilano Salmon Hatchery is worth a visit (in fall especially) to spot flashing salmon as they try to swim upstream. The fish ladder - a series of staggered pools - allows fish to bypass Cleveland Dam. Check out the underwater windows for a first-hand look at their efforts.

Address: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, British Columbia

One of the best views of Vancouver is fortunately one of the cheapest. Jump on the small Aquabus and bob your way across and around False Creek while soaking up the incredible views. It's easy to get on board – eight pickup points are strategically placed around the downtown waterfront.

You'll never have to wait long, one of the colorfully painted 13 Aquabuses will be by to pick you up every 15 minutes. The boats are pet friendly, bike friendly, and can accommodate wheelchairs. The Aquabus is particularly handy if you are walking around downtown and would like to grab lunch or do a bit of shopping at Granville Island.

Robson Street is best known for shopping. But international brand names aside, it's also the setting for many inventive Vancouver happenings.

The main hub of activity on Robson Street is centered between Burrard and Jarvis Streets . Over these three blocks, you'll find over 150 stores and restaurants. Take a stroll up and down the street, and see if you can snag a patio seat to engage in some serious people watching.

Robson Street is central to many of the city's top attractions, so a visit here is easily combined with a stop at the Vancouver Art Gallery or nearby Robson Square.

Location: Robson Street at Hornby Street, Vancouver, British Columbia

In Vanier Park near Burrard Bridge, the Museum of Vancouver is a large institution devoted to all things Vancouver. It covers the city history from the first Coast Salish communities to Japantown, Kitsilano hippie days, and urban development.

In the same building is the HR MacMillan Space Centre with its planetarium, an observatory, and the waterfront Maritime Museum , where splendid views capture English Bay with the North Shore mountains beyond.

If you are staying downtown, catch the Aquabus across False Creek to Vanier Park and get off at the Maritime Museum Ferry dock.

Address: 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, British Columbia

The center of Queen Elizabeth Park, Little Mountain, marks the highest point in Vancouver, and its elevated position affords excellent views of the city center and the mountains to the north.

Things to do in the park include pitch-and-putt golf, tennis, disc golf, and visiting the extensive outdoor arboretum. If the day is grey and cool, escape to the tropical environment of the Bloedel Conservatory .

Queen Elizabeth Park has an excellent restaurant called Seasons in the Park. Walk the park in the mid-morning, then stop in for lunch while you soak up the amazing views of downtown Vancouver.

The sunken Quarry Garden makes a lovely spot to stroll on a warm summer day. For more horticultural explorations, head a couple of blocks west to VanDusen Botanical Garden, where there is always something in bloom amid beds representing various regions and species.

Location: Cambie Street and West 33rd Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia

The futuristic sphere-like building of Science World is home to a child-friendly exploration center that explains phenomena through 12 hands-on exhibits and demonstrations. Themes include water, air, motion, and invention.

Visiting exhibits are often impressive and part of world tours. The building, which is an unmistakable waterfront landmark in Vancouver, was originally built for Expo 86, a World's Fair.

Address: 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, British Columbia

South of Vancouver, Richmond is Vancouver's second Chinatown, hence you'll see many shops with Chinese characters on their signs. If you crave authentic Chinese food, you are in the right spot. Hundreds of restaurants line the streets, serving delicious food.

Richmond is also packed with sightseeing attractions, from a renowned Buddhist temple to the picturesque former fishing village of Steveston where you'll find waterfront restaurants and shops in restored old boatsheds. Located in the latter, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site is one of the most historic settings in Richmond, and it relays the history of the West Coast fishing industry.

Once you've had your fill of tourist attractions, head to the malls to find imported Asian goods and much more. In the warmer weather, come down at night, when vibrant night markets take place and are similar in nature to ones you'd find in Hong Kong.

The waters off Vancouver's coastline, known as the Salish Sea, are an excellent place to see whales. Humpback and gray whales, along with smaller minke and orcas swim in these waters.

The main whale watching season runs from March through October. Options for seeing the whales range from aerial viewing from a float plane to Zodiac boats, or for those looking for a more stable platform, larger tour boats. If you are lucky, you might even spot a few whales from the BC ferries that transit between Vancouver and Victoria .

Strict regulations are in place that limit how close the boats can get to the whales. A popular option leaves from in front of the Westin Hotel in downtown Vancouver. The Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Vancouver takes you out on the Salish Sea Dream, an 80-foot double decker catamaran. Along the way, interesting commentary is provided. You'll have a good chance of sighting a whale from one of the multiple viewing decks.

The British Columbia climate is ideal for producing spectacular displays of flowers, and there's no better place to see them in their full glory than the VanDusen Botanical Garden . The garden is handily located a short distance from downtown on Oak Street near the aforementioned Queen Elizabeth Park.

The garden is a pleasant place to wander, and something is always in bloom no matter when you visit. To maximize your enjoyment, be sure to check out the bloom guide that the gardens put out on their website prior to each season.

Highlights of any visit include the cherry trees bursting into color in the spring followed by the rhododendrons and laburnums, then the roses and hydrangeas putting on their show in the summer. Come fall, the Japanese maples, ginkgo trees, and rudbeckia step up and do their part in impressing guests.

The Vancouver Art Gallery is the city's premier arts institution, located in Downtown Vancouver. The gallery presents innovative, world-class exhibitions year-round featuring the works of local and international artists on a rotating basis. The gallery's collection includes paintings by renowned BC artist Emily Carr (1871-1945), as well as contemporary works by Asia-Pacific and First Nations artists.

The façade of the building faces Robson Square , an interesting public space designed by Arthur Erickson, which includes a winter ice-skating rink and law courts.

The steps with their carved lions out front of the gallery are a popular meeting spot and demonstration site for whatever causes are in the news. The Vancouver Art Gallery is located on Hornby Street, not far from Robson Street, and a visit to both is easily accomplished.

One of the most popular day trips is a drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler . If you want to do some sightseeing along the way, stop in at Squamish and Shannon Falls. Then, spend the afternoon wandering around Whistler Village, where you'll find shops, restaurants, and beautiful scenery around every corner. If you are a skier and you're visiting in winter, plan on a day of skiing here.

Other popular day trips from Vancouver include visiting some of the Gulf Islands, like Salt Spring Island , or taking a ferry all the way to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Ferries run regularly and the trip to Victoria is only about 1.5 hours.

Read More: From Vancouver to Victoria: Best Ways to Get There

To experience the best of Vancouver, it's a good idea to stay right downtown. Vancouver has a vibrant and active city center, where people live, work, and play. Many of the top attractions, including Stanley Park, English Bay, Robson Street, Gastown, and Granville Island, are located in the city center, along with great shopping and dining. Below are some highly-rated hotels in convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• With a superb location, looking out over Vancouver Harbour, Stanley Park, and the North Shore Mountains, the Fairmont Pacific Rim is one of the city's finest hotels.
• Just off Robson Street near the famous Vancouver Public Library, the boutique L'Hermitage Hotel is a great luxury option for families or groups, with regular rooms and multi-room suites with kitchens.
• Near Robson Square, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia , first opened in 1927, is one of Vancouver's classic luxury hotels in the heart of downtown.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• True mid-range hotels are in scarce supply in the city center. At the top-end of mid-range, the centrally located Executive Hotel Le Soleil is a lovely boutique hotel with elegant suites.
• Near False Creek and Granville Island, the Residence Inn by Marriott Vancouver Downtown is an extended-stay hotel with studios, as well as suites with full kitchens.
• At the east end of downtown, close to Roger's Center, Science World, and Gastown, is the well-appointed Georgian Court Hotel, BW Premier Collection.

Budget Hotels :

• Located near Roger's Center, the non-profit YWCA Hotel Vancouver welcomes all travelers to their clean, modern, and comfortable rooms. All room revenue, less operating expenses, is put back towards social programs for women, children, and families.
• Near Gastown, is the Victorian Hotel , in a late 1800s Victorian-style building, with comfortable rooms and modern décor.
• In a very central location and within walking distance to the Vancouver Convention Center and the Olympic Cauldron is the basic but comfortable Days Inn by Wyndam Vancouver Downtown .
• Sightseeing : Vancouver is a big city, and it can be somewhat confusing with the water and bridges. A great way to see the attractions and get acquainted with the layout of the city is on a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour . The bus tour stops at 24 locations. Tickets are valid for either one or two days.
• Day Trips : Vancouver Island is one of Canada's most beautiful destinations, and it's less than two hours away by ferry from Vancouver. One of the easiest ways to see a bit of the island, including the beautiful provincial capital of Victoria, is on a Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour . This tour takes you by bus and scenic ferry ride through the Gulf Islands to Victoria, where you'll have time to explore the city and see the famous Butchart Gardens, located just outside the city. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip ferry, bus, and admission to the gardens.

Tourists tend to flock to Vancouver in the summer when the days are long and the sun is shining. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are less busy, but the weather is a little less predictable. Even the winter — known for being dark and damp — has something to offer.

Spring: Vancouver experiences spring much earlier than the rest of Canada, and it is arguably when the city is at its most beautiful . It doesn't take long for the daffodils to poke out of the earth and for the infamous cherry blossoms to make an appearance, covering the city in delicate pink petals.

Of course, it takes rain to make flowers grow — and early spring can be a rainy time in Vancouver. Luckily, the temperatures this time of year are relatively warm, meaning it is still very pleasant to take in the sights of the city — though you may prefer to do so from under an umbrella.

In late spring, the rainy days become fewer, and the days get longer, but the crowds tend to stay away until the end of June. The late May to mid-June period offers the optimal conditions for a perfect Vancouver visit: great weather, but not too busy.

Summer: If you'd rather skip out on experiencing the notorious rain, then the summer months are your best bet for a visit to Vancouver. While there are no guarantees, the odds are good that you'll be treated to plenty of clear, sunny days in July and August , which are traditionally the warmest and driest months in Vancouver.

In the summer, the entire city tends to head outdoors. Whether exploring Stanley Park by bike, hiking the surrounding mountains, or just lounging at one of Vancouver's many beaches , there's simply no better way to experience summer in Vancouver than by being outside.

The fact that summer in Vancouver is spectacular is, unfortunately, not a very well-kept secret. Expect to pay a premium to enjoy summer in Vancouver, and always aim to show up early if you want to beat the crowds.

Fall: Fall in Vancouver can be somewhat hit or miss. If you happen to catch it on a "hit" day, then you're in for a real treat: crisp air, leaves changing colors, and clear views of the North Shore mountains as they get their first dusting of snow up top.

Hiking this time of year can be phenomenal. The bugs are a non-issue, the weather stays comfortable throughout the entire day, and the crowds of summer are long gone. Be mindful of hiking at elevation, as trails on the mountains can get covered in snow in the fall months. Always keep your eye on the time: as the daylight hours shrink, you are left with less time for those longer hikes.

Winter: While winter in the rest of Canada conjures up images of ice, snow, and bitter cold, that couldn't be further from winter in Vancouver. You'll want to dress properly if you visit Vancouver in the winter, but you're more likely to need to protect yourself from the rain than from the cold. The average temperature in Vancouver in January is 7 degrees Celsius (about 45 degrees Fahrenheit) — but the average rainfall for the month is about 140 millimeters (5.5 inches)!

While the rest of Canada is hibernating from the cold, people in Vancouver are able to get out and about thanks to its mild winters . The holiday season in Vancouver is, in a word, magical , with the Festival of Lights in VanDusen Gardens, the German-inspired Vancouver Christmas Market, and the spectacular Bright Nights at Vancouver's famous Stanley Park.

Though you're likely to experience at least some rain in the winter months, you also might get lucky with a few bluebird days. It isn't unusual to see people out on the golf course, even in the middle of winter!

If you're caught in a rainy spell, simply hop on a shuttle and head up to Whistler . Just two hours north of Vancouver, this world-renowned ski resort is best enjoyed in the winter months. If it's raining in Vancouver, chances are good that Whistler is getting covered in snow.

More on Canada

British Columbia Tourism Information

Why visit british columbia.

British Columbia is the most-visited part of Canada, and tourism is the province’s second-biggest industry. Home to the country’s most ample concentration of stereotypical Canadian natural beauty as well as the thoroughly modern oceanside city of Vancouver , British Columbia has long been one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading vacation destinations.

Orientation

The vast majority of British Columbia’s most popular tourist destinations are found in or around the city of  Vancouver , which is located on a peninsula in the province’s southwestern corner, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean . From there, the cities of  Victoria and Whistler  are relatively easy to visit and leave within the same day. The rest of British Columbia, often called the interior , is largely rural, and is visited mostly by tourists interested in camping or other outdoor activities.

A view of Granville Island and False Creek. James Chen/Shutterstock

Downtown Vancouver’s most iconic tourist area is Historic Gastown , a street of modern shops and restaurants in a neighborhood that has been partially preserved and partially recreated to resemble a typical street from the late-19th century, when Vancouver was founded. The most iconic sight is the Gastown Clock , a large faux-Victorian timepiece that noisily vents bursts of steam every 15 minutes.

Vancouver Tourism

Vancouver is located on the tip of a peninsula that is fairly small geographically, but quite dense with buildings and people. The False Creek inlet and a couple of bridges separate the northern downtown core from the more residential south. The Lion’s Gate Bridge is attached to the peninsula’s north, and leads to North Vancouver , which is a completely separate city associated mostly with higher-end real estate and the waterfront  Lonsdale Quay Market .

Famed Vancouver landmarks include B.C. Place , a sports arena with a state-of-the-art retractable roof, the Vancouver Public Library , which was designed to resemble Rome’s famous coliseum, Canada Place , a convention centre and cruise ship port topped with a distinctive white sail roof, and the Harbour Centre building, which is one of those very tall buildings many large cities seem to have offering amazing panoramic views and a revolving restaurant at the top. There are a couple visible remnants of Vancouver’s stint hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics , most notably the giant snowflake-like Olympic Cauldron .

Stanley Park is one of the world’s biggest parks and is located on a peninsula on the edge of downtown. It’s home to a collection of totem poles and the large and modern Vancouver Aquarium . Circling the park’s perimeter on a route known as the Seawall is popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists.

A free downtown shuttle brings visitors to the expensive Capilano Suspension Bridge Park , a popular tourist attraction that centres around a 450-foot suspension bridge over the Capilano River as well as a newer glass bridge “cliffwalk” and other forest-themed attractions.

• Official Website, Tourism Vancouver
• The Top 10 Things to Do in Vancouver, TripAdvisor
• 10 Top Tourist Attractions in Vancouver, Touropia

Robson Street remains Vancouver’s most fashionable shopping area, though two enormous — and very pricy — department stores, Nordstrom and Holt Renfrew , offer strong competition. The two are conjoined by a small mall known as Pacific Center . The small and pretty marina-adjacent Granville Island Public Market is home to a lively marketplace of fresh fish, produce, baked goods, and candy, as well as some artisanal shops.

A half-hour drive from Vancouver brings you to Metropolis at Metrotown , the largest mall in British Columbia.

Granville Street is the city’s main bar and club district and contains Vancouver’s most popular live music venues. The area in and around the historic Gastown district (see above) is also home to several bars and clubs and becomes a hub of activity after dark. Davie Street is the gay area.

Aboriginal Art

Raven and First Man (1980), the masterpiece sculpture of Bill Reid (1920-1998), Canada's most famous aboriginal sculptor, on display at the Museum of Anthropology .

Museums and Galleries

The Vancouver Art Gallery sits in a refurbished downtown courthouse and is devoted primarily to traveling exhibits from around the world. It’s best known for containing a permanent collection of paintings by Emily Carr (1871-1945), British Columbia’s most famous landscape artist.

A half-hour drive outside the downtown core located on the sprawling, wooded campus of the University of British Columbia , the Museum of Anthropology is the city’s most famous museum, best known for its extensive collection of art and sculptures by the aboriginal peoples of North America’s west coast.

Telus World of Science is an iconic ball-shaped structure housing a mostly child-centric interactive museum of science, as well as an IMAX theatre.

Victoria's Inner Harbour with the B.C. Legislature looming in the background. GTS Productions/Shutterstock

Haida Gwaii 's moist and erratic island climate often features winters that are warmer than than summer.

B.C. Tourism Outside Vancouver

The city of Victoria is located on the confusingly-named Vancouver Island , which is actually nowhere near Vancouver proper (leading many tourists to call it “Victoria Island” instead). Only accessible as a day trip, getting there from downtown requires a long drive and ferry ride to reach the Island, followed by another long drive from the Island’s harbour to Victoria itself. The city has plenty of distinctive 19th century architecture, particularly the grand Empress Hotel and British Columbia Parliament Buildings . The Royal B.C. Museum is considered the province’s best. A half-hour drive north of Victoria are the Butchart Gardens , an enormous flower garden located in an abandoned quarry pit.

The west coast of the Island contains smaller communities known for natural beauty, beaches, and a laid-back way of life. The small coastal city of  Tofino is the most popular hotspot, and is a much-loved destination for surfers.

The Haidi Gwaii islands are located about 300 kilometres north of Vancouver Island, close to the Alaska Panhandle. Extremely remote, the “Galapagos of the North” can only be accessed by several hours of plane or ferry travel, but are home to more exotic nature, wildlife, and aboriginal ruins than anywhere else in the province.

• The Top 10 Things to do on Vancouver Island, TripAdvisor

B.C. Mountains

B.C. is known primarily to tourists for its mountains, though different ones offer different appeals. The province’s preeminent ski resort is based around the twin peaks of Whistler Blackcomb , with top-end hotels, restaurants, bars, nightlife, shopping, and — of course — some of the world’s best slopes. During the winter months it becomes a boisterous hive of young tourists from all over the world.

Cypress Mountain is a smaller resort located closer to Vancouver, and is a more family-friendly destination lacking the Whistler party scene. Grouse Mountain is even smaller, and is a particularly popular destination during the non-winter months thanks to various summer attractions, including ziplines and lumberjack competitions, and is popular with hikers who enjoy attempting the gruelling “ Grouse Grind .”

Resort hotels in Whistler Village. spa/Shutterstock

British columbia tourism resources.

• Official British Columbia Tourism Website
• British Columbia, Lonely Planet
• British Columbia Travel Guide, Fodor's

The Stanley Park Seawall is an iconic nine kilometre pathway running along the coastal perimeter of Vancouver's Stanley Park. A beautiful paved trail beloved by cyclists, joggers, or just those out for a leisurely stroll by the oceanside.

Granville Island , one of Vancouver's most iconic shopping areas, home to a wide variety of fresh and specialty foods, as well as souvenirs galore.

The iconic gondola bringing visitors to the peak of Grouse Mountain .

The beaches of Tofino , a mecca of surfing on Vancouver Island .

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Sustainable Nights

Cool & Unique Boutique Hotels

13 Unique Places to Visit in BC & Hidden Gems

British Columbia is home to some of the country’s most stunning landscapes and diverse cities.

The province boasts rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and pristine lakes, making it an ideal spot for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Meanwhile, BC’s bustling cities offer everything from cultural landmarks to interesting museums, diverse cuisine and cool neighbourhoods, ensuring there’s something for every type of traveller.

In this article, I highlight some of the most interesting and unique places to visit in BC.

These include hidden gems that you might not have discovered yet but offer many unforgettable experiences.

Unique Places to Visit in BC

Coastal region, interior region, cities and skiing, hidden gems in bc, responsible travel in bc.

1. Tofino and Ucluelet – These are popular beach towns located on the west coast of Vancouver Island and are known for their rugged natural beauty, pristine beaches and world-class surfing.

These towns are unique in their location on the edge of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Here, you’ll have the chance to experience a diverse range of ecosystems, including old-growth rainforests, rocky shorelines, and sandy beaches, as well as the area’s rich Indigenous history and culture.

The area is also known for their locally sourced seafood and farm-to-table cuisine, making them a haven for foodies looking to sample the best of Vancouver Island’s specialties.

2. Haida Gwaii – Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is a remote archipelago off the northern coast of BC that is known for its pristine wilderness, rugged beauty, and rich Indigenous history.

The islands are home to the Haida people, who have lived on the islands for thousands of years, and their culture and traditions are deeply ingrained in the land and sea.

Visitors to Haida Gwaii can explore the ancient rainforests, observe abundant wildlife, learn about Haida culture and art, and experience a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

The archipelago also boasts unique geological formations, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SG̲ang Gwaay, also known as Ninstints, a village of beautifully preserved Haida totem poles and longhouses.

3. The Sunshine Coast – For a laid-back getaway with stunning ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere, be sure to check out the Sunshine Coast, a picturesque string of coastal communities.

Located just a short ferry ride away from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver, you can unwind, relax, and soak up the natural beauty of BC’s rugged coastline.

Some of the popular coastal communities along the Sunshine Coast include Gibsons, Sechelt, Roberts Creek, Halfmoon Bay, Madeira Park, and Powell River.

4. Nanaimo – The second-largest city on Vancouver Island, has a picturesque harbour, abundant green spaces, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a balance of city amenities and natural beauty.

One of the unique features of Nanaimo is its world-famous Nanaimo Bar , a delicious no-bake dessert that consists of a chocolate and coconut base, a creamy custard filling, and a chocolate ganache topping, which is said to have originated in the city in the 1950s.

If you’re planning a visit to Vancouver Island, don’t miss my guide to the best places to stay in Nanaimo , showcasing a diverse range of accommodations that capture the city’s vibrant spirit and natural beauty.

5. Osoyoos – A unique desert town in the Okanagan Valley’s southern part. Known as Canada’s only true desert, it is characterised by warm, dry summers and mild winters, making it a popular destination if you’re seeking a sun-drenched holiday.

In addition to its arid climate, Osoyoos is also renowned for its exceptional wineries, many of which offer tastings and tours for visitors. The region is home to over 40 wineries, ranging from small family-run operations to larger, more established vineyards.

The town also boasts a number of picturesque lakes, including Osoyoos Lake, the warmest lake in Canada and perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing.

6. Kelowna – Located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, Kelowna is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of urban and natural experiences.

Its downtown core is alive with boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants, while its surrounding areas boast beautiful parks and outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing.

The city is also renowned for its vineyards and wineries, making it a great destination to mix the advantages of city life with wine tasting.

If you’re looking for unique and stylish accommodation options in the heart of BC’s beautiful Okanagan Valley, be sure to check out my guide to the best boutique hotels in Kelowna , featuring top-rated properties that cater to all kinds of travellers.

7. Hot Springs Cove – This unique destination is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island and is known for its natural hot springs that offer a relaxing and therapeutic experience.

The hot springs are only accessible by boat or seaplane, which makes the journey to this remote location all the more memorable.

8. Wells Gray Provincial Park – The park is a vast and rugged wilderness area located in east-central BC. This park is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Canada, including Helmcken Falls, which plummets 141 meters down into a deep canyon.

You can also enjoy scenic lakes, lush forests, and a network of hiking trails that wind through the park’s rugged terrain.

9. Tweedsmuir Provincial Park – One of the largest parks in British Columbia, its size and diverse landscapes make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

The park features towering mountains, sweeping glaciers, and ancient rainforests, providing visitors with a wide range of hiking and camping opportunities.

Tweedsmuir is also home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and bald eagles, making it a unique place to observe and appreciate the natural beauty of British Columbia.

10. Othello Tunnels – Located within Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, the Othello Tunnels are a unique and scenic spot that attracts visitors worldwide.

The tunnels and bridges, which were once part of the Kettle Valley Railway, now serve as a popular hiking trail that provides stunning views of the surrounding granite walls and the Coquihalla River below.

The trail is a great option for families or casual hikers, as it’s relatively flat and easy to navigate, and there are plenty of interpretive signs along the way that provide information about the area’s history and geology.

11. Vancouver – Vancouver is a bustling city on the west coast of Canada, and what makes it unique is its stunning natural setting, surrounded by mountains and the ocean.

When visiting Vancouver, you can take in panoramic views from atop Grouse Mountain, explore the lush Stanley Park, or stroll along the seawall to take in the city’s skyline.

Vancouver is also known for its vibrant culture, thriving arts and music scene, and diverse and multicultural population, contributing to a fusion of cuisines and flavours.

I enjoyed exploring Vancouver’s diverse inner-city neighbourhoods . You might like this if you’re interested in visiting cool bars, hipster cafes, independent boutiques and galleries.

If you’re looking for unique and luxurious accommodation, don’t miss my guide to the best boutique hotels in Vancouver , featuring hidden gems in neighborhoods like the West End and Yaletown.

12. Victoria – The capital of British Columbia is a charming city on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Victoria’s blend of British colonial history and modern Canadian culture makes it unique.

You can explore the grand architecture of the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the iconic Empress Hotel or stroll through the pretty streets of Old Town to discover boutique shops and restaurants.

One of the city’s most famous attractions is the Butchart Gardens, a sprawling floral display that has been attracting visitors for over 100 years.

Victoria is also a hub for outdoor activities, including whale watching, kayaking, and hiking in the nearby wilderness areas.

Interesting places of interest in Victoria include Craigdarroch Castle, the Royal BC Museum, and afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, one of the most unique places to stay in BC.

If you’re seeking an unforgettable stay in British Columbia’s capital city, check out my guide to the top boutique hotels in Victoria , featuring hand-picked accommodations that showcase the city’s unique charm and character.

13. Whistler – Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler is a world-famous resort town known for its exceptional skiing and snowboarding terrain.

However, Whistler is unique because of the incredible range of outdoor activities available year-round.

In the summer, you can go mountain biking, zip-lining, and hiking on some of the most scenic trails in North America. The town is also known for its vibrant après-ski scene, with a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to choose from.

Whistler is also committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including using renewable energy and a zero-waste policy .

Cool and unusual experiences in Whistler include the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the Scandinave Spa, and ziplining adventures. But there are many more!

For a truly unforgettable mountain getaway, take a look at my guide to the best boutique hotels in Whistler , highlighting cozy and luxurious accommodations in this iconic alpine destination.

Exploring hidden gems in BC offers a chance to escape the crowds and discover some of the province’s most stunning natural beauty and unique cultural experiences.

Discover secluded beaches with crystal-clear waters, hike scenic trails offering stunning views, explore quirky museums highlighting local history and culture, or get lost in the charming small towns that dot the province.

You can expect to uncover breathtaking scenery and immerse yourself in local communities and traditions by visiting lesser-known destinations.

The hidden gems of BC offer diverse experiences that I hope you’ll find engaging, charming, or different.

These unique and unforgettable experiences are sure to leave a lasting impression and will give you a true taste of the beauty and character of British Columbia.

If you’re interested in how to travel more sustainably and responsibly, here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Consider taking public transportation, cycling, or walking to reduce your carbon footprint when travelling between destinations.
• Opt for eco-friendly accommodations that prioritise sustainable practices, such as renewable energy sources and energy-efficient lighting.
• Stick to designated trails to avoid damaging sensitive ecosystems and wildlife habitats when exploring nature.
• Respect the natural environment by disposing of waste properly, avoiding the use of single-use plastics and minimising food waste.
• Shop and dine at locally-owned businesses to support the local economy and reduce carbon emissions from shipping and transportation. Look for restaurants that use locally-sourced, sustainably-produced ingredients and try to limit meat and dairy consumption.

By taking these steps, you can minimise your impact on the environment while enjoying all that BC has to offer and help ensure that these natural wonders will be preserved for generations to come.

Final Thoughts

When visiting this region, you’ll discover a range of unique destinations in BC, such as the remote archipelago of Haida Gwaii, the natural hot springs at Hot Springs Cove, the enchanting Othello Tunnels, and much more.

Don’t miss the chance to explore beyond the usual tourist spots and experience the province’s natural beauty and diversity.

British Columbia is known for its diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines and sandy beaches to towering mountains and expansive forests. Some popular destinations known for their natural beauty include Tofino, the Okanagan Valley, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Whistler. However, many other hidden gems and lesser-known areas may also be considered stunningly beautiful.

The best month to visit British Columbia can depend on the specific activities and sights you’re interested in, but generally, the summer months from June to August offer the warmest weather and the most opportunities for outdoor activities. However, other seasons such as spring and autumn can also offer unique experiences and stunning scenery, while winter is ideal for visiting ski resorts like Whistler.

British Columbia has a wide variety of special attractions, including natural wonders like the Rocky Mountains, Pacific coastline, and rainforests, as well as vibrant cities like Vancouver and Victoria, and unique cultural experiences like Indigenous art and traditions, wildlife watching, and outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and water sports.

Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research.

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The 9 Charming Towns In British Columbia I’ve Missed Visiting The Most

• British Columbia
• Destinations

I am so happy to know that the border between Canada and the United States has opened up for travel. Living in Washington State, I am only a few hours drive to the border with British Columbia (B.C.), so I have had the opportunity to explore the province over the past few years. It is vast, so for this article, I am focusing on towns in Eastern B.C. which I visited on an epic road trip with my son. 

We drove through the Okanagan region before connecting with the International Selkirk Loop . This loop is a 280-mile scenic drive that circles the Selkirk Mountains of Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia. These towns together make a great road trip crossing the border from Washington to Osoyoos and then returning over the border into Idaho near Bonners Ferry.

This rustic Canadian town sits amidst the Okanagan Desert, the only region like it in Canada. Osoyoos and the surrounding desert are known as the hottest place in Canada. The best place to explore this ecosystem is at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre where you will learn about the environment as well as the history and culture of the Okanagan people in this region. The interpretive center, which houses the indoor exhibits, is an ecological marvel constructed into a hillside to create a sustainable building with a variety of environmentally friendly features. Outdoors is a 1,600-acre desert conservation area stewarded by the Osoyoos Indian Band. Take a guided trail walk with an interpreter to learn about desert ecology and wildlife. Such a unique experience.

Oliver is considered the “Wine Capital of Canada” with 50 percent of all wine grapes in British Columbia are grown here. You’ll find a variety of options from small family farms to large sprawling estates with the foodie culture to go with it. A fun, family, friendly option is to visit Covert Farms, a fourth-generation, 650-acre regenerative organic farm, vineyard, and winery. 

Book a Hands On Harvest Tour . I took this tour on my visit and it was so interesting. You sit in the back of a cherry-red 1952 Mercury truck for a tour of the property. You’ll see the farm and vineyard amidst breathtaking scenery including the famous Okanagan landmark, McIntyre Bluff, as well as the unbelievably photogenic farm animals. At the end of the tour, sit on the outdoor patio and sip wines made from the grapes you sampled in the vineyards. Pair with local charcuterie and artisanal cheeses with farm-fresh veggies.

3. Peachland

Located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley on the west bank of Okanagan sits the charming town of Peachland . This is the stop to put a little adventure on your trip. Visit ZipZone Peachland to experience Canada’s highest freestyle zip lines which have six of the highest, longest, and fastest zip lines in Canada. You will cross back and forth over the stunning Deep Creek Gorge on 2.1 kilometers (6,750 feet) of zip lines. The views are gorgeous. This is a pretty physical activity that involves walking on uneven terrain between zip lines and then a short hike up out of the gorge at the end. After your adventure enjoy some time beach time at Swim Bay

This is the largest city in the area and Kelowna makes a perfect base. The Hotel Eldorado at Eldorado Resort is situated on the banks of Okanagan Lake. The hotel dates to 1926 and has a long history of timeless elegance, luxury, and hospitality. Its Old-World charm gives you the feel of the grand dame hotels of yesteryear. Make sure to dine at the restaurant lakeside dining to have an incredible meal while watching the stunning sunsets Okanagan Lake is known for.

Kelowna is a great location to venture out and about. There are over 40 wineries just a short drive away. Take a self-guided Farm To Table Tour which will take you all around the area exploring wineries, farms, distilleries, and farm-to-table restaurants. There are many museums worth visiting to learn the history of the area and that of the Okanagan’s First Nation People. No trip to the area is complete without exploring the Myra Canyon Trestles with a bike rental from Myra Bicycle Rental and Tours which is the only onsite rental company. This was one of my favorite experiences on my trip. A former rail line that seems to just cling to the canyon walls is now a hiking and biking trail. Roundtrip is 24 kilometers and will take you across 18 trestles and through two tunnels. There is very little change to the grade, so it is an easy ride for the over 50 crowd.

5. Christina Lake

This is one of those towns someone must tell you about or you would never know to visit. A year-round destination, Christina Lake is the jewel of the Kootenay Boundary area. It is ideally located to enjoy all the recreational opportunities in the area. Hiking is popular on a variety of trails including the Trans-Canada Trail. It is also known for its dark skies. On clear nights the stars are uninterrupted by city lights. There are no big luxury resorts or hotels, it is more where Canadians go to spend a week or two at the lake renting vacation houses. Think family trips or a weekend getaway. Stay at the Sunflower Inn B & B a lakefront log home that offers three rooms with private baths. Guests can use the private dock and firepit or rent a canoe, standup paddle board, or kayaks to enjoy the lake.

Surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains and overlooking the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, Nelson is a darling small town known as the “Queen City.” What a great combination of heritage and culture with year-round outdoor recreation. There are more than 350 preserved heritage buildings that house a vibrant downtown scene with arts and music most nights of the week. 

Baker Street is the main drag with shops, galleries, and restaurants, many with streetside dining. While the surrounding area is filled with outdoor recreation opportunities, you can rent kayaks right in town and head out to explore Kootenay Lake. The natural beauty of the surrounding area combined with the historic charm of downtown create a lovely place to get away for a night of two.

This cute, tiny town is so worth the detour. It wasn’t on my original itinerary but everywhere I went the locals kept mentioning that you need to check out Kaslo . The drive has mountains on one side and the Lake on the other side of the road and is just gorgeous. British Columbia magazine describes it as a vintage silver dollar. We drove up for lunch and explored the town. The views overlooking the lake and mountain are stunning. The town resembles something you’d see in a Western if it took place in a lusher environment. The SS Moyie National Historic Site has the oldest intact passenger sternwheeler in the world. The S.S. Moyie transported people on Kootenay Lake for 59 years. Worth a visit and there is a nice gift shop.

8. Ainsworth

The draw to this hamlet is the Ainsworth Hot Springs . Long revered by the Ktunaxa First Nations people who used the nupika wu’u (Spirit Water) that we know as hot mineral waters for healing and rejuvenating. Guests have visited since the 1930s and today the property is owned by the Yaqan Nukiy, the Lower Kootenay Band of Creston, BC. The hot springs consist of an outdoor pool filled with warm mineral water. You can also swim or walk through a horseshoe-shaped natural cave. The views of the lake and mountains from the pool are just incredible. This is a very relaxing experience. Visit as a day guest or stay overnight.

Pro Tip: I recommend staying overnight. Reservations include access to the hot springs which you can enjoy in the late afternoon or when they open in the morning to enjoy the less crowded times. The food at the Ktunaxa Grill is very good. Executive Chef Cory Chapman and teams create delectable meals using the freshest local ingredients that are non-GMO, and hormone and antibiotic-free. I stayed here a little over halfway through my road trip and it was such a nice break to just relax.

Balfour is the western terminal of the Kootenay Lake Ferry which traverses the lake to Kootenay Bay. This delightful community has lovely beaches and a variety of businesses, many located near the ferry terminal. The Kootenay Lake ferry is the longest free ferry ride in the world. The 35-minute ride is incredibly scenic and known for its stunning views. It is first-come, first-served, so arrive well before your departure time. Park your car in line and then visit some of the local businesses surrounding the ferry terminal.

The ferry will take you to Kootenay Bay and from there you can take Highway 3A on a scenic drive along the eastern shore of Kootenay Lake. You’ll pass by charming small towns and two provincial parks before coming into Creston which is also an up-and-coming wine region. Continue south to cross the border into the United States.

Check out these other charming Canadian small towns:

• 19 Of The Friendliest Small Towns To Visit In Canada In 2021
• 13 Of Canada’s Most Adorable Small Towns
• 8 Adorable Small Towns To Visit Along Canada’s Rideau Canal

She currently lives in the Pacific Northwest. Her work can be found in Northwest Travel & Life Magazine , 253 Lifestyle Magazine , and other regional publications. She is the author of 100 Things to Do in Tacoma Before You Die , Reedy Press, and a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). The name of her travel blog came about from her friends constantly asking her, "Peggy, Where Should I Go?"

10 Awesome Things To Do In Victoria, British Columbia

L ocated in British Columbia, on the southernmost point of Vancouver Island, Victoria offers an incredible blend of a rich past, breathtaking scenery, and a thriving metropolitan culture. It is well known for its lovely waterfront, Victorian architecture, and a wide range of fun activities that tourists can enjoy year-round.

Victoria provides a variety of experiences that will attract visitors, whether they are nature enthusiasts, history lovers, or art and culture enthusiasts. Here are the awesome things to do in Victoria, British Columbia.

Related: British Columbia Complete Travel Guide - Things To Do, Activities & Food

Explore The Royal BC Museum

The Royal BC Museum is one of Canada's best museums and top tourist destinations. Dating back to 1886, this museum collects artifacts, specimens, and documents of the human and natural history of Canada's British Columbia for the purpose of preserving them for future reference and sharing them with the public.

The museum's exhibits allow tourists to see the authentic, original records of BC's rich history and culture. Some of the exhibitions to catch include BC Archives on Display, Natural History Gallery, Dinosaurs of BC, and Scared Journey: Traveling Exhibit. This is a must-visit attraction for history lovers.

• Cost of entrance : $18 for adults, $11 for seniors, students (19+), and youth (6-18). It is free for kids (3-5).

Visit Mystic Beach

Nestled along the spectacular shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Mystic Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in British Columbia to visit in the summer . The beach is about a 30-minute walk from the parking lot along a trail through the trees.

One of the most beautiful features of this beach is a small stunning waterfall cascading from the rocky cliff. Vacationers will also enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Northwest coastline. Mystic Beach is one of the best places for visitors looking for relaxation in a secluded spot.

Related: Olympic Peninsula Or Vancouver Island: Which Has More To Offer Travelers?

Go Whale Watching

Victoria is one of the best places in Canada to go whale watching. Taking whale-watching tours in this city guarantees an experience that travelers are going to cherish forever.

Humpback whales and the orca are two of the most common whales that vacationers will find in Victoria. One can enjoy whale watching at any time of the year, but May through November is the best time for a perfect experience.

• Want to know everything to do on Vancouver Island on a weekend getaway ? Whale watching in Victoria should definitely top the bucket list!

Visit Rodd Hill National Historic Site

Dating back to the 19th century, Fort Rodd National Historic Site is an awesome hidden vacation spot for families . It is on the Esquimalt Habour, near the bustling city of Victoria. Exploring the gun batteries and artillery emplacements is a lot of fun for both kids and adults.

• The fort was initially constructed in the late 1890s as coast artillery to protect Victoria and the surrounding Esquimalt Naval Base from attacks by Russia.

History buffs will definitely enjoy taking audio tours that give an insight into the major historical events from the 1800s. Enjoy listening to the interesting tales of spies and soldiers who fought major wars in Canada.

Swim At Willows Beach

Willows Beach is one of the most impressive beaches for swimming in Victoria, and the fact that it features shallow and protected spots makes it a perfect option for families with children. Families looking to hold gatherings and some barbecues.

Even at the height of summer, the water temperatures remain cool. Wondering why summer is the best time to visit British Columbia? Willows Beach is one of the top reasons, as it’s brimming with fun activities, such as skimboarding and beach volleyball.

Being a favorite among locals and travelers alike, one can expect crowds, especially during weekends and holidays.

Spend Some Time At Chinatown, The Oldest In Canada

Looking for awesome things to do in Victoria, British Columbia? Its Chinatown, the oldest in Canada and North America's second oldest, is definitely a must-visit. The area is incredibly popular with tourists, who explore Fisgard Street, Fan Tan Alley, and the beautiful historic buildings.

Travelers can also see the Old Chinese School, theaters, delicious restaurants, and multiple shopping areas. Chinatown is one of the most striking features of downtown Victoria and is well worth visiting.

Stop by Kid Sister Ice Cream , and have some of the most delicious homemade ice creams.

Eat And Watch Sea Life At Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is one of the most striking tourist attractions in Victoria that boasts numerous beautiful colors on display. Vacationers will find multiple uniquely adorned floating homes and eateries. This facility is extremely awesome, and there are so many different colors on show.

Another attractive thing to catch at Fisherman’s Wharf is the local seals that sometimes swim to the pier to watch as travelers stroll through the place.

Don’t leave without trying some of the most delicious foods sold at the food kiosks that were once the floating homes at the Wharf.

Stroll Along Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill Park is one of the loveliest parks to explore in Victoria, BC. It is home to incredible trails that winds through some of the most magnificent gardens, lush forests, ponds, and farms.

The park has everything families need for a memorable family adventure, including sports fields and a kids' park, where children can spend happy and fun moments with other young ones.

• Some of the must-stops in Beacon Hill Park are Moss Lady, the Stone Bridge, and the Petting Zoo.

Take A Walking Food Tour

Taking walking food tours is one of the best things visitors can do, as it allows them to enjoy some of the best Canadian foods , including chocolate, meatballs, and pierogies. The tours also allow vacationers to have a taste of some of the best wines in Canada in Victoria's wineries and breweries.

By going on these tours, vacationers experience some of the city's award-winning restaurants, bakeries, and specialty gourmet shops, while passing by some of the most iconic landmarks. Many food-tasting tours pass through the Old Town, historic buildings in Chinatown, and the Inner Harbor.

Related: Beautiful British Columbia: 10 Pretty Towns To See On Canada's West Coast

Take A Day Trip To Butchart Gardens

Located only a short drive from Victoria, Butchart Gardens is one of the busiest tourist destinations on Vancouver Island. The gardens stretch over 55 acres of space and are divided into five distinct kinds.

It is also home to millions of bedding plants, available in more than 900 species. Without a doubt, visiting Victoria's Butchart Gardens should be on the tourist’s bucket list of things to do.

It's easy to spend hours wandering through all the various gardens, thanks to the beautiful colors and various scents of the plants.

• Summer event to catch : Saturday night fireworks show, running from June 30 through September 1

Though Butchart Gardens isn't exactly in Victoria, it's one of the best things to do in the greater Victoria area.

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The Best Things to Do in Canada

23 of the Best Things to Do in Victoria, BC

April 16, 2024 By Matthew G. Bailey 13 Comments

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Things to Do in Victoria – Last updated: April 21, 2024

When it comes to beautiful Canadian cities, Victoria is definitely high on the list. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is British Columbia’s capital and one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. A British settlement since 1843 and named after Queen Victoria, the city is home to a variety of historic buildings, including the beautiful parliament buildings and the world-famous Empress Hotel. The city is also home to the oldest Chinatown in Canada, vibrant First Nations communities who have called this place home long before European settlement, and is widely known as “The Garden City” thanks to its mild weather and almost year-round gardens.

Victoria is also ranked as one of the top 20 cities worldwide for its quality of life and is relatively snow-free in the winter months, something rather unusual for a Canadian city. Another benefit of visiting Victoria is the city’s surroundings, which include a stunning Pacific coastline, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountains. It’s also conveniently located near both Vancouver, BC, and Seattle, Washington.

If you’re looking to visit a beautiful laid-back city surrounded by outdoor adventure and nature, Victoria should definitely be on your bucket list. In this Victoria BC Travel Guide, we’ll share with you some of the best things to do in Victoria while also sharing some tips on saving money, how to get around, where to stay, and much more.

Planning your trip to Victoria last minute?

Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more! Don’t forget to plan ahead when considering the top things to do in Victoria!

🇨🇦 Top Activities and Tours in Victoria:

• Best Whale-Watching Tour : If there’s one activity in Victoria that you shouldn’t miss, it’s a whale-watching tour. This is one of the best places in the world to see Orca Whales!
• Best Walking Food Tour : With more than 1,000 5-star reviews, this is your best chance to explore Victoria’s history and culinary scene on a walking food tour.
• Best Seaplane Flightseeing Tour : If you’re looking to get some incredible views of Victoria and the surrounding area, you’ll want to take a seaplane flightseeing tour.
• Best Comprehensive Tour from Vancouver to Victoria : If you’re in Vancouver and short on time, this 13-hour tour from Vancouver to Victoria will give you an excellent taste of British Columbia’s capital city.

🛌 Top Hotels in Victoria:

• Fairmont Empress (luxury)
• Inn at Laurel Point (mid-range)
• Red Lion Inn & Suites (budget)

🚗 Visiting Victoria independently?   Be sure to book your Victoria rental car ahead of time to ensure availability!

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Victoria BC

Victoria is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, which creates loads of attractions, activities, and other things to do. Below is a list of some of the best things to do when visiting Victoria.

Get Stunning Views from Malahat Skywalk

The Malahat Skywalk , one of the newest attractions in Victoria, offers a unique and captivating experience that stands out as one of the top things to do in Victoria. Perched on the southern end of Vancouver Island, this awe-inspiring structure provides visitors with a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding natural beauty—from the deep blue waters of the Saanich Inlet to the distant, snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains. The adventure begins with a scenic walk through a lush Arbutus forest, leading up to an exhilarating ascent of the spiralling, 10-story wooden tower. At the summit, guests can either soak in the breathtaking views or opt for a thrilling descent via the 20-meter spiral slide. The combination of stunning landscapes, innovative design, and adventurous elements makes the Malahat Skywalk a must-visit destination, appealing to nature lovers, photographers, and thrill-seekers alike.

Smell the Roses at the Butchart Gardens

Visited by more than one million people each year, the Butchart Gardens has become an icon of Victoria, as well as a National Historic Site of Canada. This breathtaking 55-acre garden is home to 900 bedding plant varieties, 26 greenhouses, and 50 full-time gardeners! Whether you’re travelling solo, with your family, or on a romantic date with your partner, the Butchart Gardens is a must-do when visiting Victoria. It’s just a stunning place to walk around. However, they also have a Saturday fireworks show, boat tours, evening entertainment, and a lovely gift shop. Roses, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and Japanese maples are just some of the magnificent flora you might see in this world-famous garden.

Prefer a tour? Click here to learn more about a popular tour from Vancouver that includes the Butchart Gardens and downtown Victoria.

Visit the Royal BC Museum

Founded in 1886, the Royal British Columbia Museum is a great place to learn about BC’s natural and human history. There are three permanent galleries inside, including Natural History, Becoming BC, and the First Peoples Gallery. The natural history collection alone has more than 750,000 records of specimens that are almost exclusively from the province. The Royal BC Museum is also home to touring exhibitions, such as the Titanic, Egyptian artifacts, and the Vikings. You can also watch educational films and commercial films at the IMAX Victoria theatre. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance from the Empress Hotel and the inner harbour.

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Not far from Victoria’s Inner Harbour is the lovely floating neighbourhood of Fishermans Wharf. This hidden treasure is a great place to eat food, shop at unique stores, and go on eco-tours. This place was busy with people eating fresh seafood when we visited, but our favourite part was touring the floating homes and just imagining what it would be like to live in a house that moved with the water. I believe we even saw some guesthouses if you want a really cool experience in Victoria.

Travel Idea: Click Here for the Victoria Harbour Smartphone Audio Walking Tour .

Go for a Stroll at Beacon Hill Park

If you’re looking for a beautiful park to stroll around for the afternoon, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one better than Beacon Hill Park , which is conveniently located in downtown Victoria. Simply walk up Belleville Street past the Museum of Natural History and the Imax Theatre to Douglas Street, take a right, and then climb a short hill until you reach the top. Beautiful inner-city nature awaits you. However, do note that the park is a whopping 200 acres in size, so plan your visit accordingly.

Explore the Inner Harbour and Victoria Pier

One of the best things to do in Victoria is to simply stroll along the inner harbour, which is one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. This is where you’ll find many historic streets and buildings, as well as a variety of festivals and shows throughout the summer. It’s also home to an international ferry terminal, float planes, and many ecotourism businesses.

Take a Walking Food Tour

One of the great things about taking a walking tour is that you’ll actually learn about the place you’re visiting. You’ll learn about the street you’re walking on or the neighbourhood you’re walking through, helping to make the city truly come alive for you. However, taking a 3-hour food tour with A Taste of Victoria Food Tours will add the experience of trying a variety of delicious food from local restaurants and bakeries. This was one of our favourite ways of exploring Victoria as we got to learn some history while sampling things like Italian baked goods, perogies, homemade ice cream, balsamic vinegar and olive oils, and some delicious meatballs.

Click Here to Book Your Food Tour!

Visit the Victoria Parliament Buildings

Right next to the Inner Harbour is the impossible-to-miss British Columbia parliament buildings . Overlooking stunning Victoria Harbour, these beautiful historical buildings are as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. Visitors are able to do self-guided tours of the buildings or can go on a regularly scheduled 35-minute guided tour, which occurs seven days a week during the summer months. The Parliamentary Dining Room and Gift Shop are also open to the public year-round.

Go inside Craigdarroch Castle

For a Victorian experience and a real-life example of a “bonanza castle” – massive homes built for wealthy entrepreneurs during the industrial age – you’ll want to visit the Craigdarroch Castle . Built between 1887 and 1890 on a hill offering impressive views of the area, you’ll find four floors of exquisite stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork and fabulous Victorian-era furnishings.

Tour Alert: Click here to visit the castle as part of a private tour from Vancouver .

Go Whale Watching

One of the top things to do in the warmer months is whale watching . Thanks to an abundance of orcas (killer whales), the areas around Victoria and Vancouver Island are some of the best places in the world for these majestic marine animals. While we haven’t gone whale watching directly from Victoria, we have done it a few hours north in Port Renfrew, which was the best whale-watching tour we’ve ever done. We’ve also experienced Vancouver whale watching on the mainland and it was also very good. Highly recommended!

• Orca Spirit Adventures : This is the company we were with just off the coast of Port Renfrew. Despite being the last day of the year for tours in Port Renfrew, we saw dozens of Humpback whales and orcas, making it the wildest whale-watching tour of our lives.

Click here to book a VERY POPULAR half-day whale-watching tour!

Go Small at Miniature World

Honey, I shrunk the kids! Remember that movie? Now you can somewhat experience that at one of Victoria’s top tourist attractions – Miniature World . This little world features more than 85 miniature dioramas and displays, including the world’s smallest operational sawmill, the Great Canadian Railway, one of the world’s largest model railways, and even two of the world’s largest Doll Houses circa 1880 complete with over 50 furnished rooms! Talk about attention to detail!

Abkhazi Garden

This is yet another reason why Victoria is nicknamed “The Garden City”. Complete with an exquisite heritage home, the beautiful Abkhazi garden was created in 1946 by Prince and Princess Abkhazi. It’s only one acre in size but features dramatic glaciated rocky slopes, magnificent native Garry oaks and gorgeous vistas, Japanese maples and rhododendrons, carpets of naturalized bulbs, and much more. It might be small in size but it’s the overall design that leaves the greatest impression upon visitors.

Visit the Victoria Bug Zoo

First, a miniature world and now a miniature zoo? What’s with Victoria and the little things in life? For those interested in insects and spiders, this is the place to be! this is a great opportunity to view and experience multi-legged creatures from around the world in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. You’ll find approximately 50 species, including Canada’s largest ant colony, giant walking stick bugs, alien-eyes praying mantids, and even glow-in-the-dark scorpions. Whether you’re with kids or not, bring your camera for an unforgettable experience at the Victoria Bug Zoo !

Stop by the Empress Hotel

The Fairmont has done it again. This hotel is not only one of the top tourist attractions in the city but also one of the most historic buildings as well. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time to the days of the British Empire. Admiring the flora crawling up the building from the outside is just stunning. This iconic Canadian Pacific Railway hotel was built between 1904 and 1908 and has become one of the world’s most famous hotels. But even if you don’t want to shell out the dollars to spend the night at the Empress Hotel , you can just visit the hotel or even partake in afternoon tea, which is served in the lobby to more than 800 visitors per day.

Tour Idea: Click here for a Victoria Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour .

Explore Chinatown

It’s quite amazing how many cities around the world are home to Chinatown . But Victoria’s is unique in that it’s the second oldest Chinatown in all of North America, second only to the one in San Francisco. Created by Chinese immigrants more than 150 years ago, Chinatown has become a testament to the resiliency of the culture and traditions brought overseas long ago. From the Gate of Harmonious Interest to the bold colours of lucky red and gold throughout the neighbourhood, Chinatown is simply a place you shouldn’t miss when visiting Victoria. While there, don’t miss meandering down Fan Tan Alley as well, which is one of the narrowest streets in Canada.

Go Kayaking

Regardless if this is your first kayaking adventure or if you consider yourself a pro, Victoria is an awesome place to paddle and is the gateway to world-class paddling destinations around Vancouver Island. It’s a wonderful way to get some exercise while getting unique views of the harbour and the city, while also having the opportunity to spot local marine wildlife. Being surrounded by water, Victoria offers a huge variety of paddle sports experiences from the serenity of a calm lake, or the joy of an urban paddle on the inner harbour, all the way up to the excitement of a quick-moving current. It’s not just kayaking either. Paddle-boarding is also popular, as are canoeing and other water vessels. The best time for kayaking in Victoria is April through October, but thanks to the city’s mild climate, it’s possible to paddle all year long. There are many companies offering rentals and tours .

As you might imagine, with so much water surrounding the city, sailing is another popular activity in Victoria, BC. Whether you want to learn how to sail or just go for a scenic tour around the harbour, this is a great place to do it.

Get Amazing Views from the Malahat Skywalk

If you’re looking to get incredible views of the surrounding islands and sea, check out the Malahat Skywalk, which is only 30 minutes from Victoria. This new incredible lookout attraction rises up to 250m above sea level, offering a sweeping panorama view of Mt. Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, and islands in two countries. While you’re up there, walk out onto their sturdy 84 ㎡ Adventure Net and be suspended above the centre of the tower with uninterrupted views of the lush arbutus forest and the spiralling structure beneath your feet. Even better? Choose to take the ramp back down or go even faster on their 20-metre Spiral Slide, all the way to the bottom.

With so much nature surrounding the city, Victoria is an awesome base for stunning hiking opportunities. Whether you hike in the city or outside the city, there is no shortage of trails and natural sites, including waterfalls, mountaintops, historic sites, and coastal treks. Most trails are only 30 minutes outside of downtown but will make you feel like you’ve gone deep into the backcountry, except with more people. Trailheads are well signposted, usually with maps, and trails are very well maintained. Most hiking trails are open year-round and are dog-friendly as long as they are on a leash. Some popular options include Coast Trail in Sooke, Mount Work Hiking Trail, Thetis Lake Hiking Trail, and the Trestle Bridge Hiking Trail in Goldstream Provincial Park, just to name a few.

See the Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Who doesn’t love butterflies? Well, now you can step into an indoor tropical rainforest filled with thousands of butterflies fluttering about the place. There are over 70 species of these magical creatures to see, as well as koi fish, turtles, poison dart frogs, parrots, flamingos, and many tropical flowers.

Click here to purchase your ticket to the Butterfly Gardens .

Get a View from the lookout

If you’re looking for one of the best views of the city, head on over to the downtown Harbour Centre’s observation deck for panoramic views over Victoria, as well as the neighbouring mountains and ocean. Click here to see ticket prices.

Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site

If you’re looking for a Parks Canada National Historic Site , this 19th-century coastal artillery fort is bound to satisfy. Tour through secret bunkers, military command posts and original 19th-century buildings while also having the opportunity to camp overnight in group-friendly oTENTik’s. There’s also the adjacent Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site, which is home to Canada’s west coast’s first lighthouse.

Day Trips to the Smaller Islands

While Vancouver Island is quite big , there are actually hundreds of smaller Gulf Islands and inlets in the Georgia Strait around Victoria, BC. These make for excellent day trips. You could rent a boat, arrange a tour, or even take the ferry to popular islands such as Gabriola, Saltspring, and/or Thetis. Once on the little islands, you can simply relax in nature, go biking or hiking, visit local artisans and eateries, or find yourself a nice beach to whisk the day away. Ferry rates are about $10 CAD ($7 USD).

Explore Vancouver Island

While some certainly visit Victoria just for Victoria, we highly recommend taking another week or more and exploring more of Vancouver Island . It’s truly a special place and one of the most beautiful areas in the country. You’ll find gorgeous rainforest treks, mystical coastal beaches, jaw-dropping waterfalls, lovely little island towns, and the best surfing in Canada out by Tofino. There are also whale watching and wildlife tours all over the island, the opportunity to go snorkelling with salmon around Campbell River, and some of the best multi-day hikes in North America. Where will you go?

Tips for Saving Money in Victoria

With a little effort, you can turn Vancouver Island into an affordable travel destination. Most of the outdoor stuff is free so if you stick to that and cook your own food, you can keep your costs pretty low! Here are some of my ways to save money when you travel to Vancouver Island:

Couchsurf: Although Couchsurfing requires quite a bit of upfront work, it can be a great way to meet locals while saving mega dollars on accommodation.

Camping: Vancouver Island is home to a plethora of camping opportunities for those well-equipped. Use the DiscoverCamping.ca website to find potential campsites around the island. Expect to pay around $20 CAD or more per campsite.

Happy Hours: When looking for pubs and restaurants, find out if they have a happy hour. This is a great way to save money on food and drinks, while still enjoying the dining scene of each place.

Go Car-Free: If you’re only planning on visiting one city, such as Victoria or Nanaimo, consider leaving behind your vehicle and taking the ferry as a single person. You’ll save more than $50.

Go Biking: Vancouver Island is one of the top places in the country for mountain biking, so if you have the experience, you can save a lot of money by biking from destination to destination.

Hitchhike: Considering its popularity, there are many opportunities to try hitchhiking. Obviously, you’ll want to check with the local laws beforehand, but this can be a great way to save money. This should only be considered if you have lots of time.

Where to Stay in Victoria

Victoria is home to a plethora of accommodations, ranging from budget hostels to super high-end hotels and everything in between. We’ve listed some good options below but for all the best options, check out our guide to the best hotels in Victoria .

Fairmont Empress: If budget is of no concern, it’s hard to beat the famous Fairmont Empress, which offers a spectacular location and a wide variety of amenities such as a spa, pool, restaurants, and more. Click here to see reviews and availability .

Abigail’s Hotel: With almost all 5-star reviews, this beautiful hotel offers a wide variety of amenities such as free delicious breakfast, free parking, and even a small library to relax in. Guests rave about the comfortable beds as well. Click here to see reviews and availability .

Helm’s Inn: Located just outside of popular Beacon Hill Park. this all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations, free WiFi, a refrigerator, a microwave, and very high reviews. They also have some kitchenettes available and have a coin-operated laundry facility on-site. Click here for reviews and availability .

Marketa’s Bed & Breakfast: This is where we stayed during our 150-day road trip across Canada. The breakfast alone is worth the stay, including home-baked scones or muffins, Montreal-style bagels, French toast, and more. This heritage home showcases Edwardian décor, has four-poster beds, and is very centrally located and within walking distance of many popular sights. Click here for reviews and availability .

Where to Eat in Victoria

There’s no shortage of places to chow down in Victoria.

Spinnakers : This is definitely the coolest place we ate at during our visit to Victoria. Not only is it a fancy pub but it’s also a brewery. From Kale Caeser to Shrimp Flatbread and Wild Pacific Halibut Fettacunni, Spinnakers is a great place for any meal of the day. But what makes it more special, aside from the views and ambience, is that they also brew their own beer. There are lots of options so we ended up having their beer and chocolate pairing flight, which included four house beer tasters and four handcrafted house-made TCHO Chocolate Truffles by Chocolatier Crystal Duck. We can’t wait to go back!

Getting to Victoria BC

If you’re a visitor looking for different ways of getting to Victoria, here’s some practical advice on how to get there.

Getting to Victoria by Plane

If you’re flying into Victoria, you’ll most likely be flying into Victoria International Airport (YYJ). Although there are other smaller airports around the island, this is the one that gets used by most visitors. It’s located just 25 minutes from downtown, is the 3rd busiest airport in British Columbia and offers easy access to downtown Victoria, including by public bus or taxi. The public bus costs $5 CAD but space for baggage is limited.

Getting to Victoria by Car and Ferry

Victoria is also a great place to visit by car, especially if you plan on exploring more of Vancouver Island. If you’re driving to Victoria, you will need to take a ferry from the mainland to either Victoria or to Nanaimo. Most people would be either driving west from interior BC and Vancouver or potentially south from Washington. The crossing time is approximately 1.5 hours. The BC ferries leave from Vancouver’s Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (Victoria). The other option is to take the ferry to Nanaimo, and then drive 2-hours to Victoria. The cost for a car and driver is approximately $75 CAD for a one-way trip. However, it’s much better to get a rental car and have all the freedom you need. Depending on timing, you want to arrive 1-2 hours earlier than the ferry departure as it can be very busy. Upon arrival, you will be in Sidney, BC, which is 32 km (20 miles) north of Victoria, taking approximately 30 minutes by car to reach downtown Victoria. You could also take a ferry to Nanaimo and travel to Victoria from there.

Connecting to the Ferry from YVR: Tsawwassen is the closest ferry terminal to Vancouver Airport for those looking to take the ferry to Victoria, BC. For more information on how to take the bus from Vancouver Airport to the Victoria ferry. You can take public transportation from the airport to the ferry, or if you rent a car, just drive to the ferry terminal.

Seattle to Victoria Ferry: Another really cool feature about Victoria BC is that you can actually take a ferry right from downtown Seattle to downtown Victoria, sailing through some really beautiful coastal scenery. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and starts at around $110 USD.

Getting to Victoria by Bus

Just like driving to Victoria, the only way to get to Vancouver Island is to take the ferry. There is no bus that takes you all the way to Victoria from Vancouver. However, you can take a bus to the ferry, and then another bus from the ferry to Victoria. This entire route will take approximately 4 hours. Basically, you need to take the Canada Line and ride the SkyTrain to Bridgeport Station and then take bus 620 from bay 11 to Tsawwassen ferry terminal (45 minutes or more). Jump on the ferry and take it to Swartz Bay (1.5 hours). Once on Vancouver Island, catch the 70 express bus or 72 bus to downtown Victoria (1 hour +). The total cost, including the ferry, will cost around $30.

Getting to Victoria by Tour

Another option for exploring Victoria and Vancouver is a tour from Vancouver that includes the ferry .

How to Get Around Victoria

Victoria is not a huge city, and thus, there is no subway train system. There is, however, a pretty good public bus network, as well as taxis to get you around. You could also rent a car, or if not going too far, Victoria is also a great place to walk or bike.

Bus: Public bus will take you almost anywhere you need to go within Victoria, as well as to the airport and the ferry terminal. Check the BC Transit schedule and also NextRide, which provides real-time bus arrival. Another option is to take the Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus, which takes you to all the popular tourist sites, allowing you to get on and off as you please.

Taxi: Like most of Canada, taxis are not cheap but they can be convenient. Prices start around $3.50 CAD and go up by $1.89 CAD per kilometre after.

Bicycle: Victoria is a wonderful city to traverse by bike. There are a variety of options for renting a bike, including electric bikes as well. Another option is the u-bike , which you just grab and go across the city. The only thing you’ll need in advance is an account. The cost is approximately $1 for 30 minutes.

Walk: If you’re only going to be exploring downtown Victoria, walking is the best way to do it. There are even self-guided walking tours and paid tours you could partake in.

Carshare: Another way to get around is by carshare, which is currently operated by both Modo and Zipcar.

Harbour Ferry: For inner-city travel, the Harbour Ferry is a great way to get around and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. It runs from mid-February until the end of October (weather permitting).

Weather for Victoria Travel (Best Time to Visit)

Victoria is one of the mildest cities in Canada, receiving very little snowfall and rarely dipping below 0°C. It does, however, get quite a bit of rain during the winter months.

March-May: The spring months are actually a great time to visit Victoria, as this is when many flowers being to bloom and the weather warms up. The average temperature is about 10°C – 18°C (50-65 degrees F).

June-August: Like most of Canada, the summer months are the busiest and costliest time to visit. However, this is when the weather is at its warmest. With maximum warmth and minimum rain, this is the best time for getting outdoors and going walking, biking or hiking. It’s also a better time to go whale watching. You’ll want to consider booking accommodation weeks or even months in advance. The average temperature is around 22°C (73 degrees F).

September-November: The fall is also a great time to visit the island, though you should expect more rain. However, we explored the island in September and had beautiful weather for weeks. We also went whale watching on the last day of the season and had the best whale-watching tour of our lives. You just never know. Just pack a sweater and a rain jacket and umbrella and you’ll be fine. The average temperature is 15°C – 20°C (55-68 degrees F).

December-February: These months represent the winter and is known as the offseason in Victoria. If you don’t mind colder weather and rain, this is the best time to save money on accommodation as well as avoid crowds. There is also skiing on Vancouver Island if you’re looking to go skiing or snowboarding. The average temperature is 9°C (47 degrees F).

Fun Things to Do on Vancouver Island and Beyond

Another great part about Victoria is that there are so many things to do outside of the city as well. From going hiking in the rainforest to camping on a beach to driving up to Tofino to go surfing, Vancouver Island is a place you could spend weeks exploring. You could also head over to Vancouver and continue exploring mainland Canada. The options are seemingly endless.

For more on what to do outside of Victoria, check out these articles below:

• Things to Do in British Columbia
• Best Hotels in Victoria
• Two-Day Victoria Itinerary
• Things to Do in Vancouver
• Driving from Vancouver to Calgary
• Canada Road Trip Ideas

About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

April 5, 2021 at 7:18 pm

This looks so amazing! Thanks for all this information!

April 7, 2021 at 12:56 pm

What a great article, highlighting so many of Victoria’s attractions. Reading this has made me what to revisit many of them.

April 28, 2021 at 2:06 pm

Articles really make me want to see all of this for myself.

May 10, 2021 at 7:27 pm

When visiting Butchart Gardens – leave your selfie sticks at home, they’re not allowed in the gardens. Yay – finally banned!

May 12, 2021 at 8:50 am

I love Victoria!

May 13, 2021 at 2:52 pm

The gardens are so beautiful at Butchart Gardens, this is definitely on my bucket list.

May 18, 2021 at 8:23 am

Looking forward to getting out to Victoria again. I love it out there!

May 26, 2021 at 6:45 pm

I’ve always wanted to go explore Victoria

January 8, 2022 at 12:38 pm

Great website, each spot is beautifully articulated!

Being new to Canada, this was a great way to learn about incredible and historical places. Hope the situation gets better to get my boots out soon, and plan for my most awaited AB and BC adventure trip this summer.

January 8, 2022 at 1:17 pm

Thank you so much. Yes, we really hope it becomes easier too. Have you seen our Youtube channel?

June 6, 2022 at 10:08 pm

There’s a few things in here I didn’t know about. Happy to find new places to explore.

March 9, 2023 at 11:20 am

We missed you at Haunted Manor Mini Golf! See you next time hopefully?!

March 9, 2023 at 11:58 am

That would be awesome! Not sure when we’ll be back but hopefully not long

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12 Best Places In British Columbia To Visit

Canada is an incredible country to explore. From cities like Toronto and Edmonton to gorgeous spots such as Jasper and the rest of Alberta . Canada is as diverse as a country could possibly be, with the best places in British Columbia being some stunning spots you can’t miss. 

I have a deep and probably overly zealous love of everything Canadian… and I mean everything (well, maybe I’m not as fond on Justin Bieber but you get the picture).

And you know what, this is why I knew I’d love British Columbia during our last visit . 🗻

For instance, Vancouver has a reputation for being one of the best places in British Columbia and the most livable cities in the world.

Plus, elsewhere in British Columbia, there are totally gorgeous cities, such as Victoria or the picturesque town of Gibson. But, what makes British Columbia even more special is its beautiful nature that seems to hug the whole province.

Honestly, you can experience the best places in British Columbia right from the southern tip of the province, up until the higher peaks in the northwest. 

With its coastline, dramatic mountains and temperate forests being amongst the most beautiful in the world. I’ve no doubt that you’ll fall head over heels in love with some of the best places in British Columbia.

Take a look at some of the very best places in British Columbia to visit on your next trip. 

Best places in British Columbia

1. explore the neighbourhoods of vancouver.

Vancouver is one of my favourite cities and easily rivals my home town of London as one of the best in the world (shhh, don’t tell the others).

Oh, and one of the things I love most about this city is its diversity. There really are so many things to do in Vancouver .

Make sure you visit Stanley Park and take a tour with Cycle City to explore the neighbourhoods by bike. It’s so much fun, especially when you head through the trails. 

Don’t forget to visit some of Vancouver’s amazing neighbourhoods like; Gastown and Chinatown, too.

If you fancy doing something that takes you away from the great outdoors and into the heart of ‘foody’ Vancouver, Granville Island is tough to beat.

Both a peninsula and a shopping district it features a large market, art galleries, cafes, a shopping centre and an extensive marina where I promise you’ll eat your weight in delicious food.

Also, for a great bite to eat, head over to  Savio Volpe  or  Market by Jean Georges who both create the most delicious food in the city.

Finally, if you fancy some dumplings, head over to enjoy Richmond’s Dumpling Trail that’s close to the airport. 

Read more: Best things to do in Vancouver

2.) Head on a First Nations trek in Squamish

Around an hour, or so drive from Vancouver is the little town of Squamish.

Head across to the Shannon Falls (which is the third-highest in the province) and also visit Summit Lodge via the Sea to Sky Gondola .

You’ll get some incredible views of the Howe Sound and be able to trek Stawamus Chief Provincial Park. It really is one of the most accessible best places in British Columbia to explore.

Make sure to organise a guided tour with a First Nations resident who will take you around this incredible summit and teach you more about the culture of this beautiful region (you can book this through Sea to Sky Gondola too).

Read more: Best things to do in Alberta

3.) Visit Helmcken Falls, Wells Gray Provincial Park

British Columbia has a huge array of natural sites to see and it can be hard to pin which ones you’ll prioritise.

If you’re heading east towards Alberta , make sure to stop off at  Helmcken Falls within Wells Gray National Park which is three times as high as Niagra Falls in the east (not that it’s a competition). 🤣

If you want to visit Helmcken Falls, be prepared for a moderate 8 km hike, so take plenty of water, supplies and comfy hiking boots. It really is one of the best places in British Columbia to explore. 

Read more: Best things to do in Victoria

4.) Walk the cliffs at Capilano Suspension Bridge

It might be only 30 minutes from the centre of Vancouver but it feels like a million miles! Capilano Suspension Bridge has some epic views (whatever the weather).

Make sure to head on the Cliff Walk, stroll across the wobbly suspension bridge and head into the treetops for a walk in the forest.

It’s a great place to see the stunning nature right on the doorstep of Vancouver . It’s one of the best places in British Columbia if you haven’t got time to venture too far from the city.

Read more: How to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge

5.) See Lake McArthur

A few miles from the border with Alberta, Lake McArthur is an incredible place to visit if you’re already in Banff (Alberta) or Yoho National Park in British Columbia.

It’s the perfect place to visit in Summer or Winter, just expect possible road closures in the winter months, especially if heavy snow is predicted.

Read more: Best things to do in Toronto

6.) Witness the beauty of Garibaldi Provincial Park

Garibaldi Provincial Park is too stunning to miss. Especially if you want to see some of the incredible nature of British Columbia during your visit to Vancouver.

We headed across on an amazing tour with the Shangri-La Vancouver hotel who organise a flyover on their day trip itinerary that they run for guests at the hotel. It really was very special.

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for Diamon Head, Black Tusk, Rubble Creek and Garibaldi Itself. 

It’s so stunning to see and easily up there as one of the best places in British Columbia to see. 

Read more: Best things to do in Whistler

7.) Wander around Inner Harbour, Victoria

Victoria has gradually been catching up with Vancouver as “the” place to live in British Columbia.

Inner Harbour is, arguably, one of the most beautiful harbours around and the centre of Victoria’s historic city.

This means one important thing, you can soak up the culture of the place, gorge at some of the local restaurants that are dotted around and evening enjoy a whale-watching cruise too.

Make sure to look out for the old Parliament Building too.

8.) Ski, canoe and hike in Whistler

Whistler is world-renowned for its skiing and amazing slopes but there’s so much more to the area than just that.

In the summer months, the slopes turn into hiking and biking trails that are some of the best in the world. If biking isn’t your thing, head out onto the glacial waters of the River of Golden Dreams.

It’s a perfect 2-hour canoe tour that is just too incredible to miss, especially on a gorgeous and sunny day.

Don’t forget, Whistler is also home to Peak 2 Peak , a tri-cable gondola lift that connects Whistler Mountain’s Roundhouse Lodge with Blackcomb Mountain’s Rendezvous Lodge.

It currently holds the world records (yes that’s plural!) for being the longest free span ropeway tower and highest point above the ground. The majestic view of the surrounding mountains is the stuff of legends.

9.) Discover Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay

Located just north of Victoria, Butchart Gardens is a stunning creation and gardens that are beautiful in bloom. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada.

Make sure to visit Ross Fountain, see the Italian Garden and hop over to the Japanese Garden too; you’ll cross continents in minutes! 🤣

10.) Explore the beauty of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is as beautiful as it sounds. It is comprised of three separate regions: Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands and the West Coast Trail. Covering 511km of land and ocean, the rugged coasts and lush Pacific rainforests.

Imagine unspoilt natural beauty that any nature buff will love. Don’t forget, if you fancy catching some waves, this is one of the best places in British Columbia to go surfing. What are ya waiting for?

11.) Watch the sunset at Elfin Lakes

Around 20 miles or so from Whistler, Elfin Lakes is a gorgeous place to visit, especially around sunset.

If you’re planning a visit, make sure you don’t follow Google Maps but rather a Topographical map 92-G-14 & 15. 1:50,000 (as recommended by the government ).

Elfin Lakes is around 11 km or so from the closest road so it’s best to prepare for an overnight stay. Near the lakes is the Elfin Shelter that has sleeping facilities for up to 33 people.

If you fancy camping, you’ll want to head to  Rampart Ponds Campground.

12.) Visit Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

Perched right on the border of Alberta, Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is filled with some of the prettiest lakes, scenery, glaciers and trails in all of Canada. Make sure to spend a good few days planning the routes you want to focus on (and the glaciers you want to see).

Being part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain UNESCO World Heritage Site means that the environment and geology of this gorgeous place are heavily protected.

If you’re planning a visit, always make sure to check out their  website first , during certain times of the year the park has to be closed or sectioned off due to risks of wildfires and/or dangers with snow. No one likes being disappointed, so always check first.

Read more: Best things to do in and around Vancouver

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