Things to do in British Columbia
Welcome to British Columbia
Coastlines, mountains, and forests abound in British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province. Amid these striking natural landscapes lies cosmopolitan Vancouver, the capital city of Victoria, Whistler—arguably the world's best all-season resort—and a host of smaller towns and cities. Make Vancouver your launch pad in order to watch whales in the Atlantic Ocean, cross the exhilarating Capilano Suspension Bridge, stroll through Butchart Gardens, and see the snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. In March and April, visitors might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights illuminating the sky over Whitehorse's arctic wilderness.
Top 15 attractions in British Columbia
Stanley Park
Downtown Vancouver
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains
Granville Island
Gastown
Lions Gate Bridge
Canada Place
Vancouver Lookout
Butchart Gardens
Stawamus Chief Provincial Park
Vancouver Chinatown
English Bay
Grouse Mountain
Shannon Falls
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All about British Columbia
When to visit
With temperate winters, BC’s coast stays mild year-round; inland is where you’ll find chilly winters and warm summers. For budget travelers, shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) may be the best time to visit British Columbia, while those visiting the province’s mountainous national parks may wish to stick to June–August. Long winters—like at the Olympic hot spot Whistler Blackcomb—shine whitest December–March for the snowhounds.
Getting around
Road trips are a classic way to see the massive province—RV, rental car, or otherwise. Most visitors base themselves out of Vancouver, which has an excellent public transit system, including a superb ferry network that goes to spots such as Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the Sunshine Coast. VIA Rail and the Rocky Mountaineer chug, chug, chug visitors to the Canadian Rockies, too.
Traveler tips
Have you heard of storm watching? The popular activity on Vancouver Island—specifically its west coast—involves simply watching the weather rage outside your window in fall and winter. Of course, if you’re brave enough, put on those rain boots and a weatherproof jacket and brave the elements until they stir your soul or send you back inside for warmth and cover.