Canada from Coast to Coast – British Columbia

I wrote these posts a few years ago, but with my new website, I wanted to share them again, as Canada is a pretty spectacular place.  My plan is to share some highlights province by province, starting with BC (British Columbia).  As this is home for me, and I'm pretty biased!

For as long as I can remember our slogan has been/was Beautiful British Columbia, but they decided to change it to Super, Natural Columbia a few years ago.  I think it's safe to say that any long time resident when asked would automatically say “Beautiful British Columbia”. And frankly it is beautiful.  From the wild open Pacific, to the Coastal rainforest, the arid almost desert like terrain of the Okanogan, the wildness of the mountains to the plains of cattle/farm country in the interior of the province. 

It’s as if BC was designed for the outdoor enthusiast with a desire to eat fabulous food following their day outdoors! I’m serious, there is literally no outdoor sport that can’t be done here, from mountain climbing, swimming in lakes, rivers and the Pacific ocean to surfing on Vancouver Islands West Coast to camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and while we don’t have the big 5 like Africa does, we have black bears, cougars, elk and of course grizzlies, plus orcas, dolphins and all kinds of whales. So those are what I’d call our big 5. Admittedly you aren’t likely to see the bears or cougars, and that’s probably a good thing! And when you’ve been there, and done that, pretty much every town you go to will have at least a couple of amazing eateries.  

Now I know you aren’t all interested in those hardcore outdoor activities, I know I’m not as a general rule, though I’ll never say not to a day out on the water if invited! So for the rest of us, there are, as mentioned amazing eateries, and coffee places, a bike-ride through town or paddleboarding or even riding the little ferries in either Vancouver or Victoria harbours, then there’s always the spa to sooth your tired feet after a day of shopping. Obviously our major cities Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops and Whistler have the best shopping as they’re the biggest, but sometimes I prefer our smaller towns, with handmade items and art, pieces that you take home and remember your trip with. 

For something completely unique you can always charter a private plane to fly over the Gulf Islands, or helicopter that will fly you over glaciers and mountain tops. And if that doesn’t appeal, then there’s the whole winery tour thing! Whether you’re on Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland (Greater Vancouver) or the Okanagan Valley.

Speaking of wineries, I would say that the ultimate destination for award winning wines can be found in the Thompson-Okanagan, the seem to have the absolutely perfect growing conditions for hugely successful wineries. I’ve done a tour over in Naramata and not only was it fun, but you truly get to see how beautiful the Okanagan is, while of course tasting terrific wines along the way!

Then there’s the Cariboo/Chilcotin Coast, with ranches and farms that stretch for miles. So, if you’re looking for a horseback pack trip or wildlife-viewing ride, this is your kind of a place.

Since we’re known for it, let’s not forget to talk about skiing, snowboarding, cross-country, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, basically any and all snow sports. You can find amazing skiing at one of 14 major resorts throughout the province, with an additional 3 in North and West Vancouver, allowing for a day on the slopes or an evening of night skiing while enjoying the city.

Oh and Golf, I almost forgot my favourite sport! Don’t ask how that almost happened, hahaha. So where can you golf? Pretty much everywhere. And the beauty of the coast is that you can golf year round. The only time the courses close are if it rains too much and the greens are at risk or if it snows (which isn’t often, nor does it last). The rest of BC definitely has their own golf seasons, so if you’re planning on golfing in the winter, you’re confined to Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. From private to public courses there are about 300 courses throughout the province, which means no matter where you go, you’ll be able to play a round. Check out Golf BC.

As you can see British Columbia is not only varied, but also vast. With 6 very different regions. I’m listing them below to give you a sense of things.

Vancouver Island – this includes the following areas – Victoria, Cowichan and Southern Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim, Central and Northern Island and the Gulf Islands. This isn’t a day trip either, to drive from one end to the other without traffic and stopping you’re looking at about 5 1/2 hours! Add a few more if you want to do a side trip to Cathedral Grove and Long Beach on the West Coast.

The Island stretches for 460 kilometres, from our provincial capital of Victoria in the south to Cape Scott’s windswept beaches and rocky headlands at its northern tip. Along with the Gulf Islands, this rugged paradise combines old-growth forests, snow-capped mountains, and untamed shorelines to create one of the planet’s most diverse ecosystems.

Vancouver, the Coast and Mountains – this includes the following areas – Sea-to-Sky, Fraser Valley & Fraser Canyon, Vancouver, (Lower Mainland which includes North and West Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Langley, Surrey), Sunshine Coast and Whistler.

Vancouver, where you can ride, skate or walk the seawall (10k if you just walk Stanley Park), eat a meal in one of hundreds of restaurants offering every cuisine you can imagine, to hiking the local ski hills in summer or skiing/snowboarding them in winter. Before checking into any number of beautiful hotels. With our world class ski resort Whistler less than 2 hours away from the city.

Thompson Okanagan – this area includes – Thompson Valley, Similkamen Valley, Okanagan Valley, Boundary Country, Shuswap, Wells Grey and Mount Robson, Kamloops & Kelowna. The below video is specifically for Kelowna, but it gives you a genuine sense of the entire region!

Home to the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Canada’s only desert, and sprawling lakes, the Thompson Okanagan’s natural wonders. Vast grasslands, towering waterfalls, and verdant valleys set the stage for a vibrant agricultural and culinary scene. Water sports and house boating, wine tasting and camping, there’s something to appeal to everyone in your group.

Kootneay’s & Canadian Rockies – Giant snow-covered peaks, thunderous waterfalls, and crystal clear rivers and lakes characterize this mountain playground in southeastern British Columbia. With four of the province’s seven national parks, it’s perfect for backcountry adventures like helicat – downhill skiing, mountain biking or hiking. Cap off a long day of outdoor endeavors with a dip in mineral hot springs or a stay at one of the many incredible lodges.

The Kootenay Rockies region encompasses four mountain ranges—the Rockies, Purcells, Selkirks, and Monashees. Within these ranges, seven national and provincial parks are UNESCO designated, “Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Sites.” Four national and more than 75 provincial parks of the Kootenay Rockies region feature mountains, lakes, ancient fossil fields, old-growth rainforests, and alpine meadows.

Northern British Columbia – includes the Northern Rockies & Alaska Hwy, Stewart-Cassiar & Hwy 16 and Haida Gwaii Island

Larger than California, Northern British Columbia extends up to the Yukon/Alaska border with sweeping glaciated valleys, volcanic rock formations, towering mountain ranges and mist-shrouded coast.

Haida Gwaii’s – This storm battered archipelago of 150 rocky islands off British Columbia’s West Coast is Haida territory and tricky to access, only adding to its allure. The area is nicknamed Canada’s Galapagos for its diverse plant and animal life, and the totem pole and longhouse remains are some of the oldest authentic examples of coastal First Nations villages.

Map: Tourism BCC

Cariboo, Chilcotin and Great Bear Rainforest –

The Cariboo boasts the Gold Rush Trail, following the path of prospectors who came in search of adventure and wealth. Today, the Barkerville Historic Town recounts the past in a recreated 1860s boomtown. Throughout the area, spirit of adventure remains, and outdoor adventure activities abound. 

The Chilcotin is at heart BC’s Wild West. If you’re looking for a horseback pack trip or wildlife-viewing ride, this is your place. Hiking the backcountry of west-central British Columbia is just as popular, as is fishing the isolated lakes, heli-skiing, whitewater rafting and grizzly viewing at Tweedsmuir Provincial Park.

Canada’s most Western Province stretches some 730 miles (1,180 km) from north to south and 640 miles (1,030 km) from east to west at its widest point, by way of the crow! So when planning your holiday pick a region or two at best. If you try to see more, you will just end up driving and driving and did I mention driving!?! Pick one or two regions and really spend time getting to know them, you’ll be glad you did!

I hope that you’re now inspired to see more than just Vancouver when you come to British Columbia!

Looking to book? Remember, I’m here for all your luxury travel needs! Just drop me an email. 

And because each share truly helps me out, please consider sharing and pinning!
Thanks – Maria

Looking for more inspiration follow me on Instagram & Pinterest.

*NOTE – the regional information posted is from hellobc.com (why re-create the wheel, this is after all about inspiring you to come to BC)