What to do in British Columbia

Experience all things British Columbia, with its bright coastal beaches, calm vineyards, and towering mountain peaks. This province has something for everyone of all ages.

Thank you Hellobc.com for all the great information! Go check out their web page for all things British Columbia!!

Are you an adventure seeker? or do you prefer laying on a beach and relaxing? Well either way British Columbia has both and much more available for any traveler that finds themselves in Vancouver, Kelowna, Whistler, Victoria, and many more destinations.

“ British Columbia’s untamed nature speaks to the soul. Our vast landscape inspires introspective personal journeys and unbridled adventures. Our people connect explorers with unexpected moments that renew the human spirit. Our cities, set on the doorstep of the wild, make it easy to step further into nature and explore the endless possibilities of the outdoors. ” (Hello BC)

Outdoors and Adventure

I hope you like nature and the outdoors... If so here is what you can do in British Columbia:

Adrenaline sports

'Climb, descend, traverse, leap, and glide your way through adrenaline-fuelled activities in every region. Got a need for speed? Go ziplining in the Kootenay Rockies, bungee jumping in Whistler, or kite surfing in Tofino. Up for a challenge? Go rock climbing in Tumbler Ridge, caving on Vancouver Island, or climb a via ferrata route in the Kootenay Rockies. Paragliding and skydiving offer sweeping views of BC’s spectacular landscapes.'

Golf

'Around the province, you can drink in the mountain, ocean, forest, and desert views while staying comfortable on the course. BC’s temperate climate allows for golfing year-round, whether that’s summer in Whistler, winter on Vancouver Island, or spring in the Okanagan. Each region offers different benefits. BC boasts over 300 courses; marquee designers such as Stanley Thompson, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Doug Carrick, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player have all left their mark here.'

Hiking

'Hiking trails in British Columbia are world-renowned, from well-marked nature walks to physically demanding and remote multi-day hiking trips. The landscapes are as varied as the trails: choose from coastline, glaciers, grasslands, rivers, and more. Virtually all of BC’s national and provincial parks have trail networks.'

Horseback Riding

'Saddle up and explore British Columbia’s cowboy country on horseback.'

Paddling

'Paddling is a popular pastime in British Columbia and a culturally significant activity for Indigenous communities. Kayaks, canoes, dragon boats, and stand-up paddle boards are just some of the self-propelled craft you’ll see out on the waterways.'

Surfing

'Pull on a wetsuit and venture into British Columbia’s cool, clear waters to be rewarded with amazing surf breaks. On Vancouver Island, Tofino is British Columbia’s surfing epicentre, with 35 kilometres of beaches and an exposed coast for year-round surfing. Surf shops in the laid-back town offer lessons and rentals.'

Biking

'From energising road rides to thrilling cross-country and lift-accessed mountain biking, British Columbia has cycling routes for all tastes.'

Boating

'Self-charter a boat or opt for a skippered vessel. Sail Desolation Sound Marine Park or the Gulf Islands, venture to the outer reaches of Haida Gwaii, or journey through the famed Inside Passage to Alaska. Inland, explore Okanagan Lake or hop on a houseboat at Shuswap Lake. BC’s diverse fishing—both fresh and saltwater—is another reason to get out on the water.'

Camping

'Crackling bonfires, lake dips, fishing, and wildlife viewing await when camping in British Columbia. There’s an experience for all comfort levels, ranging from multi-day backcountry expeditions to upscale glamping in furnished yurts.  Camping options in British Columbia include a vast network of provincial and national parks, privately operated campgrounds and RV parks, and recreation sites and trails.'

Diving

'What can you see in BC? Giant Pacific octopuses, wolf eels, six-gill sharks, soft corals, huge cloud sponges, and immense red sea fans. There are plenty of shore-accessed dive sites in places such as Victoria and the Sunshine Coast.'

Fishing

'The diversity of fishing options is what sets British Columbia apart. Take your pick from lake, river, or ocean fishing—everywhere you go, the scenery rivals the catch.'

Nature

Nature is a large part of what BC has to offer. No matter where you are, you are surrounded by it. Whether you are in the middle of a forest, on top of a mountain, at the bottom of the mountain or along the ocean coast.

BC has the opportunity for bird, whale or storm watching, wildlife tours, parks and wilderness areas and the relaxing hot springs.

Arts and Heritage

Are you into visiting more classical or historical places? Well lucky cause BC has that too!

• Museums and Heritage Sites

• Art Galleries

• Theatre and Performing arts

Attractions and Site-seeing

Want to shop until you drop? Or walk 100's of feet above the ground? BC has both!

'Attractions like enjoying the bird’s-eye view on Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge, explore The Butchart Gardens in Victoria, or stroll through the historic gold rush towns of Wells and Barkerville.'

Or maybe you are more of a city traveler and just want to shop!

'Check out the province’s largest urban centres of Victoria and Vancouver boast an eclectic mix of major retailers, hip boutiques, luxury shops, malls, and vintage stores selling everything from runway fashion to local designers. Wander through market stalls and high streets to discover made-in-BC souvenirs, wine, cheeses, art, and stunning Indigenous carvings.'

BC also has a lot of culture and history. From Indigenous history to the Gold Rush days.

'Explore the culture, nature, and wildlife of British Columbia with experienced guides who can dig deep into the history of a location and provide insider tips and facts difficult to unearth on a self-guided adventure.'

'Towering totems, ceremonial regalia, salmon feasts, and contemporary art—these are all part of the province’s Indigenous heritage. With more than 200 distinct First Nations, British Columbia is the most diverse province in Canada for Indigenous Peoples. Throughout BC, galleries, studios, cultural centres, and First Nations-run hotels and resorts offer insights into these ancient cultures. Wildlife viewing tours and cultural experiences led by Indigenous knowledge keepers are among the most exciting activities. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, the Haida Heritage Centre in Haida Gwaii, and Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver are popular attractions.'

Winter Activities

Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, winter as most know is the longest season in Canada. Which means we have found a few activities for people to take part in.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Back Country Skiing

Cross Country Skiing

Dog Sledding

Heli-skiing and Cat Skiing

Snowmobiling

Snow shoeing

I hope you enjoyed this blog about What to do in British Columbia.

Many thanks,

Sarah