10 Must-Have Experiences in British Columbia

By Caitlin Etherton, National Geographic

From Victoria and Vancouver to the Northern Rocky Mountains, British Columbia encompasses 148 ecological reserves, over 1,030 provincial parks, and over 10,000 years of First Nations history and tradition.

[post_ads]Traveling through Canada’s westernmost province provides the opportunity to see an overwhelming abundance of flora and fauna, including the Kermode “Spirit Bear,” the enigmatic marbled murrelet, and the Vancouver Island marmot, one of the rarest mammals on the planet.

There are rainforest hot springs and front row-seats to ocean squalls that will have the kid in you squealing in awe and surprise. Ski the backcountry. Catch some cool Canadian surf. Try a taste of delicate sea urchin (that First Nations people have dined on for centuries). And experience British Columbia the best way you can–outside.

Shop at Vancouver’s Granville Market:

Rudy Sulgan, Getty Images

Vancouver’s Granville Island Public Market is a mecca of foodie treats and souvenirs like local, organic caviar, Okanagan cherries, fresh local cheese curds, maple pecan ganache, and spicy mango chutney macarons. Venture just outside the market for First Nations art galleries, an artisan sake tasting and local ceramic studios. Then travel via water taxi back to downtown.


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Soar Over Mountains:

Photograph Courtesy Tourism Whistler / Mike Crane

The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is the highest of its kind in the world, connecting the alpine terrain of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Each trip travels 2.7 miles and reveals 360-degree views of rainforests, glaciers and ancient volcanic peaks. Hop off at Whistler Mountain's Round House Lodge for live music on summer weekends. Other worthy stops include open-air chairlift rides, a network of hiking and walking trails and free snow-tubing and a snow wall labyrinth.

Bike on the Sun Peaks:

Photograph Courtesy Jason Nixon / Sun Peaks Resort

Sun Peaks Resort, northeast of Kamloops, offers 4,270 acres of backcountry alpine glades, family-friendly green slopes, dog-friendly Nordic trails, and beyond. During the winter, visitors can give snow biking a go. During the warmer seasons, opt for mountain biking and outdoor concerts in the summer.

Soak up the Hot Springs:

Witold Skrypczak, Alamy Stock Photo

[post_ads]The 530-mile Hot Springs Circle Route in the Kootenay Rockies connects eight of British Columbia’s most scenic hot springs. Book a stay in a cedar chalet at Nakusp Hot Springs. Enjoy the restorative waters of Halcyon Hot Springs. Pool hop in Lussier’s gravel-bottom springs before a cleansing plunge into the adjacent river. Then end at Ainsworth, where guests swim to a mineral water cave pool through a horse-shoe-shaped tunnel.

Adventure into Bear Country:

Paul Nicklen, National Geographic Creative

Often mistaken to be albino, the Kermode bear—which resides exclusively in British Columbia—is a common black bear with a recessive gene that results in white fur. The Great Bear Rainforest is home to many of these elusive “Spirit bears,” as well as grizzlies, whales, sea otters and sea lions. Book a tour with a biologist to visit the best bear-watching spots.

Drive the Alaska Highway:

Ron Erwin, Getty Images

The Alaska Highway, constructed for U.S. protection during World War II, celebrates its 75th Anniversary in 2017. The 1,523-mile-long route first begins at Dawson Creek, passes by Sikanni Chief Falls, then crosses the safari-wilderness of British Columbia: Muskwa-Kechika, a protected region that is home to about 2,000 grizzlies, 22,000 moose, 7,000 Stone’s sheep and several species of bison.


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Eat Your Way Through the Dumpling Trail:

Al Seib/Los Angeles Times, Getty Images

There are 20 restaurants along Richmond’s Dumpling Trail offering everything from traditional wontons to taro-stuffed wu gok, salmon-roe siu mai, and lotus and sesame jian dui. While many are available all day, some dumplings are only available during dim sum lunch hours. In the evening, stroll through Richmond Night Market which boasts over 500 food choices from around the world.

Explore First Nations Sites:

John E Marriott, Getty Images

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, located in the lush rainforest of the Haida Gwaii archipelago, teaches the traditions of the Haida Nation, one of two hundred different nations within British Columbia. Visitors can see authentic cedar long houses, memorial poles, contemporary villages, and tree carving in progress.


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Catch a Wave in Tofino:

Michael Wheatley, Alamy Stock Photo

Wet suits are a must when surfing the chilly 50°F waters off of Tofino. Bring your own board or join one of the many surf schools in the area that offer professional lessons for students of all ages and abilities. Noteworthy surf spots include Chesterman Beach, Cox Bay, and Long Beach (part of Pacific Rim National Park Preserve).




Watch the Storms Come In:

Michael Wheatley, Alamy Stock Photo

November through February is the best time for winter storm-watching on Vancouver Island’s West Coast. At the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, guests can use hotel-provided rain gear to storm-watch from the beach, stay dry beside the ocean view fireplace in the Lookout Library, or watch the wild waves during a seaweed body polish at Ancient Cedars Spa.