Top things to see in BC

From mountains to ocean and rainforests to fertile farming lands, British Columbia certainly lives up to its motto of “Splendour without diminishment”. It isn’t just a sense of adventure that brings visitors to Canada’s most western province — BC’s rich cultural heritage and variety of activities are sure to captivate any traveller.

Planning to go west this year? Here are some top places to inspire your journey.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Want to see a little of everything? The park is actually three units — each with its own unique experiences. There’s Long Beach (known for its sandy beaches and rainforest trails), the West Coast Trail (a 75 km hiking route with sandstone cliffs and waterfalls) and the Broken Group Islands (over 100 islands and islets perfect for kayaking). Stay in nearby Tofino, Ucluelet or Bamfield, or bring your RV and camp onsite.

It’s also a top spot to spy some wildlife including not just birds but sea lions and whales as well. In the fall, you’ll actually welcome the change in the weather as the park offers some stunning ocean views for storm watchers. (For more information, visit Parks Canada and HelloBC.com.)

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site

Meaning “Islands of Beauty” in the Haida language, Gwaii Haanas preserves not just the lush West Coast rainforest and its unusual species but also the Haida culture and heritage. Among the rainforest you’ll still find monumental carved poles and Haida settlements — now guarded by a modern day version of the Haida Watchmen whose goal is to protect and educate.

Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, the wider Gwaii Haanas area offers something for the adventurer as well as the cultural enthusiast. Try your hand at fishing or kayaking, or take a tour of the arts communities to see how Haida culture continues to thrive among the islands. (For more information, visit Parks Canada and GoHaidaGwaii.ca.)

Grouse Mountain, Vancouver

Mountain zip lines, helicopter tours, paragliding, a spectacular view from atop a wind turbine… need we say more? There’s also a wide selection of snow sports during the winter to fuel your love of adventure, not to mention a trail so challenging it’s known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”. Of course, to get to Grouse Mountain you’ll have to take a scenic trip on the rail Skyride, and you can also hop a scenic chairlift ride year round for some fantastic photo ops.

However, Grouse Mountain is more than just outdoor action, it’s also a Refuge for Endangered Wildlife. The area is home to a grey wolf habitat as well as a 5 acre reserve for a pair of orphaned grizzly bears — and you can get the inside scoop on their animal behaviour with a Ranger Talk. For more information visit www.grousemountain.com.

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Capilano Suspension Bridge

One of the best ways to see BC’s rainforest: from the treetops, of course! The park’s namesake suspension bridge — which stretches 230 feet (70m) above the Capilano River — and the Tree Tops Adventure offer some unique vantage points along with learning opportunities. For those who don’t like heights, there’s plenty to do on the ground: like the gardens, Totem Park and Kia’palano, the park’s First Nations’ Cultural Centre.

Been there, done that? Check out the latest addition to the park in 2011: the Cliffwalk. As the name suggests, this cliff-side journey goes through parts of the rainforest not seen before via a series of cantilevered and suspended walkways. Beware: some of them are made of glass, allowing you to see straight down if you dare. (For more information, visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge website.)

The Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island

With the large variety of foliage in its 55 acres of gardens and 26 greenhouses, there’s something to enjoy anytime of year at this renowned historic site. Round out your visit with an afternoon tea or meal in one of the restaurants onsite, or stick around for dancing and live entertainment under the stars. The gardens are also family-friendly with a special pavilion for children (complete with an old-fashioned carousel), and it’s one of the few garden hotspots where pets are allowed. (Visit the Butchart Gardens website for more information.)

While you’re in town, find out why Victoria is known as the “City of Gardens” with a visit to other notable sites like the Pacific Undersea Gardens, Milner Gardens & Woodlands and the Victoria Butterfly Gardens (to name a few).

Royal BC Museum, Victoria

Located in the heart of downtown Victoria, it’s the perfect place to learn about all things BC. The permanent collections cover a wide range of interests from the province’s First Nations culture and European roots to its natural history and geography. This year’s special features include the family-friendly “Behind the Scenes” interactive exhibit and “The Other Emily”, a look at the province’s most iconic artist.

You’ll want to tour outside the museum as well. The RCBM’s Cultural Precinct includes the BC Archives, Helmcken House, St. Ann’s Schoolhouse, the Netherlands Carillon, Mungo Martin House and Thunderbird Park, an area set up to capture and share traditional First Nations carvings. (For more information, see the Royal BC Museum website.)

Fraser Valley

It’s a foodie’s paradise: between the arms of the Fraser River lie rich agricultural areas teeming with fresh produce and local specialities like artisan breads, honey, meats, wine and beer and handmade cheeses. It’s a lot of ground to cover, but a series of self-guided “Circle Farm” tours take you from farm visits to shopping at farmers’ markets around areas like Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Langley.

Shopping and sampling aren’t the only activities you’ll enjoy: many places also offer demonstrations and give you a chance to get your hands dirty. Want to make a getaway out of it? Many farms also offer accommodations like heritage guest houses onsite. (Details and maps can be found on HelloBC.com.)

Okanagan Wine Country

Always famous for its agriculture, the Okanagan Valley also receives international acclaim for a particular speciality: wine. With over 120 wineries, there’s a little something to suit every taste, including Canada’s famous ice wines. Again, it’s a large area to cover — stretching from Kelowna and Osoyoos — but there are many ways to enjoy your favourite areas such as driving and cycling tours (both guided or self-guided).

Tours aren’t just about the tasting, however. There are many opportunities to learn about the craft, not to mention some beautiful views along the way and at least one wine festival each season. (For more information and maps, visit Okanagan Wines and Okanagan.com.)

Kootenay Rockies Hot Springs

There’s no shortage of luxurious spas in British Columbia’s cities, but nature provides a chance to unwind as well. The Kootenay Rockies’ mineral-rich hot springs are thought to have healing benefits, but there’s nothing quite so soothing as a long soak surrounded by natural beauty. For instance, you’ll find Radium Hot Springs set in breathtaking Kootenay National Park, and Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort features a unique, horseshoe-shaped cave for some cozy lounging. Many of the spring pools are part of a resort — where other amenities like fine dining are part of the experience — but you’ll also find many accommodation options like private cabins and campsites.

One way to take in the sites and springs is the Hot Springs Circle Route, which combines scenic drives with some serious R&R. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to enjoy some outdoor adventures or learn about the local history and culture — like the area’s railway history.

Rocky Mountaineer

It not so much about the destination as it is the journey, and these popular rail routes offer views you’ll only see from the train. There are a variety of packages covering different regions of British Columbia and Alberta, and while the Rocky Mountains are the main attraction, you’ll want to have the camera ready as you go by the national parks, rainforests and waterfalls. The journeys can also include stops in the provinces’ major cities, and can even be combined with an Alaskan cruise. The trips can last anywhere from overnight to 17 days.

Looking for a shorter trip? The three and a half hour Whistler Sea to Sky Climb route from North Vancouver to Whistler offers many scenic vistas, plus it’s short enough for a day trip or a stopover. For prices and packages, visit the Rocky Mountaineer website.

Of course, this is just a small sampling of the many things to see and do in British Columbia. There’s no shortage of activities to fill any itinerary, no matter what your interests, abilities or budget.

Do you know of a favourite place to share with our readers? Help grow this list in the comments.

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