British Columbia is the perfect destination for nature and adventure lovers, as this region is known for its untamed beauty and rugged landscapes that stretch between the Pacific Ocean and the Canadian Rockies. After months of staying in quarantine and at home, as soon as it’s safe to travel this wide-open space will be calling!
10 must-visit places in British Columbia
- Vancouver
- Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Williston Lake
- The ALCAN
- Hot Springs Circle Route
- Garibaldi Provincial Park
- Peak 2 Peak Gondola
- Haida Gwaii Islands
- Fraser Canyon
- Helmcken Falls
1. Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the most visited places in Canada and one of the most livable cities in the world. There is so much to do in the city, including your usual city activities such as going out to eat or exploring neighborhoods such as Gastown and Chinatown, but you also get to be around a lot of nature while in the city. Stanley Park is in city proper, located just 20 minutes outside Metro Vancouver is Grouse Mountain, and walking along the Vancouver Seawall is a must to be by the water.
2. Capilano Suspension Bridge
Located just 30 minutes from the city center of Vancouver is the Capilano Suspension Bridge, where you feel like you are in a different world. Get out of your comfort zone here and go for the Cliff Walk amidst the tops of the trees along the suspension bridge.
3. Williston Lake
Willston Lake is the largest lake in the province of British Columbia, located in the foothills of the Northern Rocky Mountains. This manmade lake was created when the W.A.C. Bennett Dam, one of the biggest dams in the world, was built. You can go boating here, enjoy the water, and also go fishing for Lake Trout, Rainbout, Kokanee and more.
4. A scenic drive on the ALCAN
The ALCAN, Alaska-Canadian Highway, is a scenic drive in British Columbia that gives you a gorgeous look into the beauty and nature that this region of Canada has to offer. Some favorite spots along the way are: Stone Mountain Provincial Park, Muncho Lake Provincial Park, and Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park.
5. Hot Springs Circle Route
The Hot Springs Circle Route is a must if you love to be outside, spend time in a natural hot spring, and relax. The Hot Springs Circle Route, located west of Banff National Park and north of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, includes 13 natural hot springs that are known for their therapeutic benefits.
6. Garibaldi Provincial Park
A stunning place that is a must to visit in British Columbia is Garibaldi Provincial Park. Named after its 2,678 metre peak, Mount Garibaldi, Garibaldi Provincial Park spans over 1,950 square kilometres and offers visitors incredible open space where you can camp, hike, fish, kayak, do winter sports and more.
7. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola
The Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are a go-to spot for nature lovers in the British Columbia area. To experience both you can ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, a 4.4-kilometre and 11-minute gondola ride.
8. The Haida Gwaii Islands
Located off the north coast of British Columbia you’ll find the Haida Gwaii Islands, an archipelago made up of over 150 islands. The main islands are Graham and Moresby, where the untouched beauty of nature here is incredibly powerful. You won’t find chain stores and restaurants here, but you will find a gorgeous place to experience the connected community that makes its home here and the rugged nature that the British Columbia region is known for.
9. Fraser Canyon
What’s been considered Canada’s green version of the Grand Canyon, the Fraser Canyon rises 3,300 feet above the Fraser River. You can drive along this area that features many different canyons with different names. Along your road trip, you can explore a small area called Hope, where First Blood, the original Rambo movie was filmed!
10. Helmcken Falls
If you are heading towards Alberta to see what they’ve got to offer, make sure you make time to stop at Wells Grey National Park and visit Helmcken Falls! These falls are actually 3x the height of famous Niagra Falls, but since this area is less visited by tourists, it’s more beautiful and you can have it to yourself! This visit however, is only for the faint of heart. Be prepared for a 8 kilometers hike, but the views are just so worth it!
Final thoughts
These are only 10 out of so many must-visit places in British Columbia, there are just so many more parks and lakes and outdoor activities than the ones listed here.
If you decide you are falling in love with British Colombia, continue on and see the rest of Canada! There’s so much beauty out there that’s untouched by the rest of the world!
Have you ever been to British Columbia? What would you add to this list? Please feel free to share suggestions in the comments.
What’s missing on this list is anything on Vancouver Island. The city of Victoria is a wonderful city that reminds one of England in many ways. Outside of Victoria is Butchart Gardens, one of the most amazing gardens to visit. Of course to get to the island one needs to take a ferry, that experience alone is a great experience in BC.