British Columbia Holidays

Vancouver 

Vancouver is the province’s largest city as well as the nation’s third largest after Toronto and Montreal. The skyscrapers of the downtown area give the city a business feel, but it is the city’s natural setting and surroundings that will seduce you. Nestled between the sea and the mountains, Vancouver has managed to grow and prosper while preserving its many green spaces nurtured by the mild ocean climate. Stanley Park, located next to downtown, is recognised as one of the great urban parks of the world with its 1,000 acres of greenery, walking trails, lagoons, statues and monuments.  There are quiet areas, bike routes and a miniature railway; a world away from the world. 

You can best appreciate Vancouver’s ideal location between the water and the mountains by taking a stroll on the trails along the ocean coastline and the edge of the bay. The city also offers a number of architectural points of interest, museums and unique neighbourhoods, such as Yaletown, a trendy and upscale renovated warehouse district.  

Vancouver Island and Victoria

From nearby Tsawwassen, you can take a 90-minute ferry ride to reach Vancouver Island and discover beautiful Victoria, the largest city on the island and also the capital of British Columbia. There is a distinctly European feel and atmosphere to Victoria. Her renowned Inner Harbour is dominated by the Empress Hotel, the city’s iconic symbol and also a designated National Historic Site of Canada , and by the Legislature Buildings . Victoria’s main visitor sights are based on seafaring and the Maritime Museum of British Columbia offers an insight into Pacific maritime history and culture, ocean exploration, the shipbuilding industry and a collection of seafaring vessels.   

The prime shopping area is around Government Street and Market Square. Just behind the square is Canada's oldest Chinatown. About eight miles north of downtown Victoria is Mount Douglas Park. From the summit, the 360º lookout offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and of Victoria. And if beautiful houses with a Victorian flavour attract you, don’t miss a trip along Dallas Road just south of downtown along the water’s edge.

Equally unmissable, 20 minutes north of central Victoria, are Butchart Gardens. These world-renowned botanical gardens covering 55 acres bring a wonderland of floral displays, gardens from around the world and gorgeous vistas at every turn.  

Rocky Mountains and National Parks

Returning to the mainland and to the Rocky Mountains, North America’s major mountain range whose peaks reach almost 13,000 feet. This region of nearly 14,000 sq. miles is located across the three provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Yukon and is renowned for its breathtaking panoramas. The flora and fauna are protected in a number of national parks such as those of Mount Robson, Yoho and Glacier.

Bordering Jasper National Park in Alberta, Mount Robson Provincial Park has the highest point in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson. Whilst in Mt. Revelstoke National Park, you can climb the only mountain in the national park system that you can summit with just a short walk from the car park.

Amongst the most beautiful hikes is the one around Kinney Lake at the foot of Mount Robson. Yoho National Park owes its great beauty to Emerald Lake with its cascades and stunning rock formation. Finally, Glacier National Park, to the west of Yoho, covers over 500 sq. miles. The 420 glaciers in the park are an impressive and unforgettable sight.

Whistler

Other British Columbia highlights include Whistler, located at the foot of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, a mountain resort town known for alpine skiing. In summer there are many outdoor activities such as mountain biking, golf and trail hiking. The village boasts superb hotels as well as the Village Stroll, a stone, pedestrian-only causeway lined with shops and restaurants. Much further to the east, along the Thompson River you’ll find the city of Kamloops, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery.

Sunshine Coast

Don't forget the Sunshine Coast, one of BC's hidden gems. Just north of Vancouver, it's a pacific paradise of quirky waterfront shops, friendly people and an easygoing lifestyle. From strolling the endless miles of windswept seashore to sailing up Princess Louisa Inlet, you'll find it hard to shake the inescapable feeling that they're in on a secret the rest of the travelling world has yet to discover.

Bear Viewing in BC

British Columbia is prime bear viewing territory and home to half of Canada's grizzly bears, a quarter of the country's black bears and the elusive White Kermode Bear, known as the Spirit Bear. So naturally, the province offers a wide choice of wilderness and wildlife resorts, many of which are located in the Great Bear Rainforest. Here you can choose to stay in peaceful hideaways, small retreats or impressive floating lodges all surrounded by the most spectacular scenery. All of this accommodation is accessed by boat rides, or short scenic float planes trips, making getting there part of the overall adventure! for further details click here.