British Columbia – 15 Remarkable Places to Visit!

Canada is a lovely country to visit, and it has a lot to offer. One of its ten provinces is British Columbia, which you should not miss. You’re in for a real treat in British Columbia.

Being the westernmost province in Canada, it lies between the scenic beauty of the pacific ocean and mountain ranges. And it offers you the best places to visit, be it a family trip or a fun outing with your friends.

You can explore some fantastic spots, spread across the province right from the southern tip, up to the peaks in the northwest.

You can witness nature as it is home to beautiful towns, provincial parks, natural resources, and wineries. And not just that, there are gorgeous cities from Vancouver, which is the liveliest city to Victoria, known internationally as the city of gardens.

Yet, nothing can beat the beautiful nature that holds the country together. Not even the coastline, mountain ranges, islands, attractive towns, or rainforests are considered the most beautiful in the world.

The province offers you a vast array of activities and sites. Each corner of British Columbia has breathtaking views and places to visit.

Some areas are destined for adventure junkies. You can experience a lot of outdoor activities such as trekking, world-class skiing, and more.

At the same time, other destinations hold cultural and historical significance. There are some tourist spots as well, with a fantastic field of vision. 

To know more about British Columbia, click here!

British Columbia: 15 Remarkable Places to Visit

Here is a list of some of the best places in British Columbia to visit.

1. Old Charm Victoria

Explore the Old Charm of Victoria’s Neighbourhood, and reconnect your soul with nature.

Victoria is a great place to explore over a weekend. Everything is right across the beautiful streets and, best of all, within your walking reach.

The streets lift a lovely feeling, with all the colorful Victorian buildings, impressive architecture, and floral baskets hanging everywhere.

Well, from being internationally known as the city of gardens, it is also British Columbia’s pub capital.

It is a must-visit attraction because of the floating homes. Just a few blocks away from the city center, Fisherman’s Wharf offers you stunning, colorful floating homes with dining choices.

Not to forget, you can visit one of the world’s best gardens in Victoria. Butchart Gardens, Victoria’s National Historic Site, and one of the top attractions.

Butchart Gardens is a must-see oasis that surrounds you with colorful blooms. And during the winter, it gives you Christmas vibes with thousands of sparkling lights and seasonal decorations.

In addition to this, on the inside, you can discover Sunken, Rose, Italian, Japanese and Mediterranean Gardens.

2.  Take a walk: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Capilano Suspension Bridge, crossing the Capilano River in North Vancouver, is one of the top attractions.

It is a simple suspension bridge crossing the Capilano River, hence the name Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Take a walk through Capilano Suspension Bridge; it bridges your way back to nature. The Park uniquely displays its history and culture. The whole experience gives you thrills.

There’s a Cliff Walk, the newest thrilling activity that takes you through a journey of the rainforest vegetation by high and narrow walkways.

You can also go around the Treetop adventure, as it takes the visitors into the mid-story of a coastal rainforest via seven suspension bridges anchored to the old trees.

3. Great Bear Rainforest

The Great Bear Rainforest is the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest. It’s stretched over 21 million acres of wilderness and sometimes is known as the Amazon of the North.

It is home to 3 species of bears and abundant other wildlife, including coastal grey wolves, grizzly bears, cougars, mountain goats, sea lions, salmon, orca, and humpback whales the most admired member; is the rare Kermode bear.

There is also access to wildlife viewing and safari. And don’t forget to look out for the “Tweedsmuir Provincial Park,” which is often known as the “Gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest.”

It is one of the biggest parks in British Columbia.

4. Vancouver Island

It is located in the northeastern Pacific Ocean and is the largest island on the west coast of America.

Vancouver Island has dramatic coastal scenery, mountains, lakes, and everything beautiful your eyes desire to see.

It is the homeland of many indigenous people for thousands of years, with its colorful and quirky communities.

The Island is enclosed with absolute beauty, and it is a treat to the eyes. The southern and eastern portions of the island are a delight for nature lovers as it is home to massive flora, such as Douglas fir, Garry oak, Western red cedar, etc.

Take some time out, and explore Vancouver Island over a weekend.

5. Unravel the Haida Gwaii

Haida Gwaii, “Islands of the Haida people,” is an island group of more than 150 islands off the northwestern pacific coast of Canada.

Haida Gwaii consists of two main islands, Graham Island and Moresby Island, known as the islands of beauty. These islands promote cultural heritage and their nature’s beauty. Haida people have lived there for over 13,000 years.

Haida Gwaii is a treasure yet to be discovered by many. It’s very peaceful out there, with no fancy stores or hotels but with a lively environment.

And to top of that, it’s your ideal destination to explore and experience the remote wilderness that British Columbia offers to its visitors.

The wild beauty of Haida Gwaii is what impresses and attracts visitors.

6. Off to Squamish

Squamish is known as the “adventure capital” of Canada.

It is a town in southwestern British Columbia and is the ideal destination for outdoor adventures.  It offers you a wide range of activities to do and explore the city through.

A list of these are:

• Sightseeing by flight:

You can explore everything in a day, with the Squamish Explorer sightseeing flight. It offers visitors to ride in a plane and explore the natural wonders from above the ground.

It is, without any doubt, the best way to explore and experience the vast wilderness.

• Hike your way into Stawamus Chief:

Stawamus Chief is the town’s most renowned landmark and the most popular hike in Squamish.

The chief has three peaks that take you up to incredible views of the whole area surrounding Squamish. Soaring nearly about 2000 feet above Squamish, the hike gives you the most thrilling experience.

• Sea to Sky Gondola:

Sea to sky gondola is one of the best things to try out in Squamish. You are offered a 10-minute gondola ride, with spectacular views overlooking the waters of Howe Sound, to a place where you are open to various activities of your interest.

7. Get the Chills at Whistler

Whistler is a small town on the spectacular coasts and mountains of British Columbia, just to the north of Vancouver.

Whistler is known worldwide for being the biggest winter sports area in Canada. You can enjoy your winters at the finest ski resort.

Other than skiing, Whistler has activities like snowshoeing, ziplining, bungee jumping, and more. Whistler has sites to offer to every kind of visitor. The town doesn’t just provide adventure activities.

In addition to that, one of the major attractions is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, a record-breaking lift system, which connects the two mountains; Whistler and Blackcomb.

8. Visit Stanley Park

Stanley Park, one of Vancouver’s top attractions, is the third-largest park in North America. Unlike other urban parks, this park is not a created landscape; instead, it is a natural evolution of urban forest space.

As the 3rd largest park, there’s a lot to do and explore within and around the Park. Here’s a listing of a few you shouldn’t miss at any chance:

• Walk or bike the Seawall:

The Stanley Park Seawall is a famous lane for walking, running, or cycling. There are different paths for both cyclists and pedestrians. You can take a guided Stanley Park bike tour and move around with a small group of riders.

• Vancouver aquarium:

The Vancouver aquarium is the largest in Canada, currently housing a wide variety of marine life, including 300 species of fish, 30 000 invertebrates, around 56 species of amphibians, and reptiles. Other than marine life, it is also home to approximately 60 mammals and birds.

There are different galleries for you to visit, such as the Pacific Canada Pavilion, Penguin point, Treasures of the BC coast, Amazon Rainforest, and many others galleries.

The aquarium arranges over 20 shows every day, including sea lions, penguins, and more.

• Second Beach Pool:

Second Beach in Stanley Park is loved by all and is the favorite spot of the Park.

The pool is a heated, freshwater outdoor pool near the beach and forest of Stanley Park. The pool has views of the English Bay, which is why it is mostly visited.

9. Look for the Hatley Castle 

Hatley Castle is located in Colwood, British Columbia, and is a must-see National Historic Site.

Explore the history of Hatley Castle, on the Royal Roads University Campus. The Castle is a must-see attraction in Greater Victoria.

In 1995, it was designated as a National Historic Site. The castle is surrounded by lovely Japanese, Italian, and Rose gardens, making it look all the more stunning.

Around the castle, there are beautiful small shops.

10. Take a trip down Barkerville Historic Town and Park

British Columbia welcomes you to its most rich historic town: Barkerville

The Barkerville Town and Park is a National Historic Site of Canada. The city is an everyday attraction for its unique and authentic heritage experience.

The town got its name Barkerville in honor of William Billy Barker, the man who discovered gold back in 1862 and helped shape British Columbia.

Barkerville is most visited for its 107 heritage buildings introducing authentic displays of the golden days, satellite museums, and shops. The town attracts mostly around 60,000 visitors per year.

11. Okanagan Valley Wineries

Okanagan Valley is a region in British Columbia, which is most known for its wineries and fruit orchards.

Okanagan Valley is British Columbia’s premier grape-growing region. The ambiance at the wineries is lovely.

Okanagan Valley has some of the most known wineries including, the River Stone Estate Winery, The Vibrant Vine, Silver Sage Winery, and more. Along with learning how to make wine, visitors can try wine tasting too.

12. Yoho National Park

Just as fancy as the name sounds, Yoho National Park is home to British Columbia’s most beautiful mountain terrain.

It lies within the rocky mountains of British Columbia.

Many people visit this place during the summers due to the fascinating Lake O’Hara, waterfalls, and rivers. The Park offers a variety of activities such as cycling, camping, and trekking.

The most spectacular activity is backpacking, which begins in the Yoho valley.

13. Have fun at the Miniature World

The miniature world is one of the most visited spaces in downtown Victoria. The museum displays miniature items, from real-world models to children’s fantasy and fiction land. It displays historical times. Visitors of every age group enjoy the small show.

14. Into the Othello Tunnels

The Othello Tunnels is an ideal hiking destination for you.

It is a part of the famous Kettle Valley railway and is a series of old train tunnels built through a granite mountain. The tunnels are a lively place to go hiking and bike riding. But, going on foot through all tunnels is a different experience.

15. Science World

Science World is a science center in Vancouver.

Home for science enthusiasts, Science World, features interactive exhibits, displays, and galleries throughout the year. The geodesic dome lights up the entire Vancouver and is the sole reason for attention.

The building was initially built as an expo center. The museum now, however, runs a variety of outreach programs all over British Columbia. To keep visitors entertained, it features live science shows, illusions, and more.

Conclusion

British Columbia has endless unique places for you to visit,  so plan well. And if visiting isn’t enough, try settling in Canada through the provincial nominee program.

Have you ever visited any of these places in British Columbia? If yes, then share your experience with us in the comment section below!

Last Updated on April 7, 2024 by Sanjana