DISCOVER THE PNW / BRITISH COLUMBIA
Discover British Columbia.
From Vancouver Island’s wild coastline to the Coast Mountains, beautiful lake country, vibrant cities, and remote northern wilderness, discover the remarkable contrasts that make British Columbia unforgettable.
CANADA’S PACIFIC COAST
One province. Endless possibilities.
British Columbia is a place of extraordinary contrasts. Walk Vancouver’s oceanfront neighborhoods, catch a ferry to Vancouver Island, explore ancient temperate rainforest, or follow the Sea-to-Sky Highway toward alpine peaks and mountain villages.
Head inland to discover the sunny Okanagan Valley, historic Kootenay towns, glacier-fed lakes, and mountain wilderness. Venture north for remote coastal scenery and wide-open landscapes. Whether this is your first trip or you call BC home, there is always another place worth exploring.
NATURAL WONDERS
Mountains & Rainforest
Coastal temperate rainforest, rugged mountain ranges, spectacular provincial parks, and unforgettable alpine scenery.
COASTAL ESCAPES
Islands & Pacific Shores
Wild Vancouver Island beaches, Gulf Islands retreats, whale watching, and secluded coastal communities.
MEMORABLE GETAWAYS
Mountain Towns & Wine
Explore Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Nelson, the Okanagan vineyards, and welcoming mountain communities.
BRITISH COLUMBIA HIGHLIGHTS
Discover your favorite side of BC.
Explore three very different sides of British Columbia, from urban waterfront adventures to rainforest-lined islands and sunny wine-country escapes.
CITY & COAST
Vancouver & the Coast
Explore Stanley Park, Granville Island, vibrant neighborhoods, North Shore trails, and unforgettable weekend escapes beyond the city.
ISLANDS & RAINFOREST
Vancouver Island
Discover Victoria, coastal villages, Tofino’s surf beaches, old-growth forest, whale watching, and the wild Pacific shoreline.
SUN & WINE COUNTRY
The Okanagan Valley
Enjoy warm lakes, orchard country, wine tasting, sandy beaches, and sunny escapes around Kelowna, Penticton, and Osoyoos.
EXPLORE BRITISH COLUMBIA BY REGION
Eight regions. Countless discoveries.
Explore eight distinctive regions, each with its own scenery, communities, and travel experiences. Use these regional introductions and guides to find your next BC adventure.
REGION 01
Vancouver & the Lower Mainland
Discover Vancouver’s Stanley Park, Granville Island, downtown neighborhoods, North Shore mountains, Fort Langley, and easy getaways to Bowen Island and Harrison Hot Springs.
REGION 02
Vancouver Island
Visit Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox, Tofino, and Ucluelet. Explore Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, forests, beaches, wildlife tours, and charming coastal communities.
REGION 03
The Okanagan Valley
Spend sunny days beside Okanagan and Skaha lakes, visit Kelowna and Penticton, tour vineyards around Naramata, and relax in Osoyoos and the South Okanagan.
REGION 04
The Kootenays
Explore Nelson, Fernie, Kimberley, lakes, hot springs, and Rocky Mountain communities. Expect distinctive downtowns, winter sports, hiking, and memorable driving routes.
REGION 05
Northern British Columbia
Experience Prince Rupert, Smithers, Haida Gwaii, and remote rainforest, coastal wilderness, Indigenous culture, and wildlife. Plan carefully for long distances and limited services.
REGION 06
The Interior & Cariboo
Follow historic routes through ranch country, forests, and lakes near Kamloops, Williams Lake, and Quesnel. Learn about the Cariboo Gold Rush and discover quieter inland adventures.
REGION 07
The Sea-to-Sky Corridor
Travel the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver through Squamish and Whistler toward Pemberton. Discover waterfalls, gondolas, mountain villages, and dramatic viewpoints.
REGION 08
The Gulf Islands
Slow down on Salt Spring, Galiano, and Pender islands. Browse artists’ studios, enjoy farm markets, coastal walks, kayaking, and peaceful ferry-accessible escapes.
FEATURED BRITISH COLUMBIA TRAVEL GUIDES
Ideas for your next BC getaway.
From oceanfront long weekends and sunny lake holidays to unforgettable drives through the mountains, these guides help turn inspiration into a great British Columbia trip.
VANCOUVER ISLAND / WEST COAST
Amazing Things to See in Tofino BC
Explore wild beaches, surfing, ancient rainforest, wildlife adventures, and the unforgettable Pacific Rim coastline around Tofino and Ucluelet.
OKANAGAN / LAKE GETAWAYS
25 Amazing Things to Do in Osoyoos BC
Plan a South Okanagan escape full of lakes, warm weather, wine tasting, mountain viewpoints, desert ecosystems, and unforgettable local experiences.
MOUNTAIN ESCAPES / ACCOMMODATIONS
Where to Stay in Whistler BC
Compare Whistler Village, Upper Village, Creekside, and mountain accommodations from romantic resorts to practical family and budget stays.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
British Columbia in every season.
British Columbia changes dramatically with the seasons. Plan around coastal weather, mountain snow, lake country sunshine, and the activities you want to enjoy.
Spring
Explore blooming coastal gardens, island towns, waterfalls, and quieter city breaks. Expect rain along the coast and lingering snow at elevation.
Summer
Enjoy long daylight hours, warm Okanagan lakes, alpine trails, island beaches, and festivals. Book ferries and popular accommodation well ahead.
Autumn
Experience Okanagan wine harvests, golden larches in the mountains, cooler hiking weather, and quiet Vancouver Island getaways.
Winter
Ski in Whistler or the Kootenays, unwind at hot springs, explore festive Victoria, or enjoy dramatic storm watching on the west coast.
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BEFORE YOU GO
A little planning goes a long way.
BC is beautiful but enormous. Mountain highways can have winter restrictions, ferries affect island trips, and popular destinations such as Whistler, Victoria, and Tofino can book up during peak periods.
Before traveling, check DriveBC for current road conditions, BC Ferries for sailing information, and Parks Canada or BC Parks for seasonal access and reservations. Leave time for unexpected viewpoints along the way.
British Columbia travel essentials
Getting around: A car helps for road trips and smaller destinations, while downtown Vancouver and Victoria are easier to explore without one.
Best time to visit: Summer works well for lakes, hiking, and island trips; winter is ideal for skiing and storm watching. Conditions vary enormously by region.
What to pack: Bring layers and rain gear for the coast, sun protection for the Okanagan, and warmer clothing for mountains in any season.
Planning ahead: Check ferries, mountain road conditions, park reservations, seasonal openings, and lodging availability before leaving.
DISCOVER MORE OF THE NORTHWEST
Your next adventure is waiting.
British Columbia is only one part of the adventure. Discover unforgettable places and experiences across Washington, Oregon, and the rest of the Pacific Northwest.