There’s a lot — and we mean a lot — to see in British Columbia. The western-most province of Canada is one of the most diverse landscapes in the country, including glacial vistas, rainforests, and vibrant cities, full of history and rich culture. One of the area’s biggest draws is its many outdoor activities. Though it’s hard to narrow down your options, here are five outdoor activities in British Columbia you won’t want to miss the next time you visit.
Don’t let California and Hawaii tell you they’re the only place to surf. Island life and surf culture are thriving in British Columbia. The Tofino area on the west side of Vancouver Island has more than 35 kilometers of sandy, surf-perfect beaches to ride. Shhhh… Tofino is a year-round destination for locals and tourists alike. While gnarly waves and chilly weather will be a deterrent for many beginners, more experienced and adventurous surfers will find epic conditions. Explore Cox Bay and Long Beach to ride some of the best waves that Canada has to offer.
The Okanagan Valley has a mix of natural biomes, ranging from deserts to rolling forested hills. This natural variety, and booming selection of nearly 200 wineries, makes for a diverse tour for every wine enthusiast, from weekend sippers to sommeliers. Kelowna makes for the perfect home base for your tour, with smaller stops like Vernon and Penticton as worthy inclusions.
British Columbia’s west coast is one of the best spots in the world for whale watching — from March through October every year, thousands of whales migrate through the waters near Vancouver and Vancouver Island. And the city offers up numerous boat tours that’ll take you around the Gulf and the San Juan Islands, where you can spot humpbacks, orcas, gray whales, and more. Don’t forget your binoculars!
Avid hikers and runners will love the Grouse Grind, a steep hike up Grouse Mountain along Vancouver’s north shore. How steep? Over about 3 kilometers, the hike ascends roughly 853.44 meters. (There are stairs, but it’ll still take your breath away.) If that sounds too intense, don’t worry: Vancouver has plenty of milder hikes, like those at Stanley Park and Pacific Spirit Regional Park. A ride on the Skyride gondola will give relaxed visitors a scenic, peaceful trip to the top where they can snap a few pics and even sit down for dinner with a view.
British Columbia is a bucket list mountain biking destination, not just in Canada, but worldwide. Every year, pedal-pushers from around the globe land in British Columbia with helmet in hand, ready for another adventure in the epic landscape. Although Vancouver and Whistler have historically gotten the headlines, destinations like Kelowna, Kamloops, Nelson, Revelstoke, and northern cities like Prince George have stolen the spotlight with growing trail systems that are receiving unanimous praise. Trailforks.com credits British Columbia with more than 14,000 trails to explore. Mountain bikers of all levels should add these interior cities to this year’s travel plans.
To help you explore every rugged and refined corner of this amazing province. We have locations for all types of travelers. That way, you can book your stay at whatever budget works best. There’s so much to see and do in British Columbia, but the place you rest your head should be beautiful, too — that’s where we come in. Come see how we can make your next visit one you’ll never forget!
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