6 Reasons why you should visit British Columbia

Do you dream of picture-perfect snowy mountain scenes, idyllic crystal blue lakes, fairytale mountain forests, and rugged coastal beaches? It’s hard to believe that a place that’s home to all the above and more exists, but it does. 

If you haven’t got Canada’s westernmost province British Columbia on your bucket list, you may want to rethink that… Whether you’re planning to tour the length and breadth of Canada (check out Contiki’s Ultimate Canada trip to find out more), or want to visit and don’t know where to start, here’s the top reasons why you should visit British Columbia.

1. There’s no end to the breathtaking views

We’re not exaggerating when we say that British Columbia boasts some pretty exceptional views. From the snow-capped Fitzsimmons mountains of Whistler, to the sparkling turquoise water of its many glacial lakes, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard at every turn. There are plenty of ways you can enjoy these vistas, whether it’s walking through the treetops at Capilano Suspension Bridge or exploring from the air in the famous Vancouver seaplanes. 

We’d definitely recommend riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola in Whistler, which offers 360-degree views of mountains, lakes, forests and glaciers, suspended between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. If you’re feeling extra daring, you can even fly through the air on the Zipline Eagle Tour on our Canada and the Rockies trip! However you choose to visit British Columbia, these views will take your breath away at every turn (and fill up your camera roll – don’t say we didn’t warn you!) 

2. It’s an outdoor-lover’s paradise

Looking to get stuck into the beautiful landscape? British Columbia is overflowing with activities and days out for all you adventure-seekers. With seven national parks and thousands of trails to explore, you can get stuck into all that B.C. has to offer easily by foot. Choose from easy beginner trails, to multiple-day hard hikes that span lakes, mountains, forests, waterfalls and all the best views and wonders of nature you can imagine.

If you’re more of a thrill seeker, Whistler is known for its adrenaline raising activities all year long. Watch the mountains turn into a winter wonderland and enjoy some of the finest powder in the world for skiing and snowboarding. After a long day on the slopes, there is no better place for après-ski than the cosy, glimmering village of Whistler. Sounds like your idea of fun? Check out our Ski Canada trip and experience the perfect winter adventure.

Visiting in the summer? B.C. boasts a thriving mountain biking community throughout the sunny months, with many of the mountains’ slopes turning into trails, jumps, and high altitude descents. There’s no end to the amount of activities you can plan on your trip and you’ll never be short of things to do, whatever time of year (check out 12 of our favourites). 

3. Scene highways = the ULTIMATE road trip

Whether you’re joining a coach tour (maybe on Contiki’s Canada & The Rockies trip?), hiring a car, or embarking on a camper road trip, you’re in for a treat. Forget dull, grey motorways; expect mountain-lined roads, stunning rivers, and even the odd mountain goat. With something new to admire around every corner, you won’t be counting down the hours of this journey.

A particular standout in B.C. is the famous Sea to Sky Highway, stretching from Vancouver to Pemberton, past Squamish and Whistler, in addition to beaches, golf courses, the Sea to Sky Gondola, and many must-see viewpoints. We recommend leaving more time than you think you’ll need for this journey; we guarantee you’ll want to stop more than once before you get to the end point at Mount Currie. Further north, experience the wild wonder of the Alaska Highway, passing multiple provincial parks, hot springs, and amazing Canadian wilderness. British Columbia is made for road trip adventures.  

4. The beautiful blue water cannot be missed

Remember that turquoise water we mentioned? There’s plenty of ways to enjoy the sparkling blue in B.C. There are many natural lakes and swimming spots around British Columbia to enjoy the crystal clear water and cool off in the summer heat. From the coastal beaches of Vancouver, to the mountain-lined lakes of Whistler, you could spend the whole summer season just exploring the province by water! 

If you fancy exploring the surrounding waters of Whistler the authentic Canadian way, join a canoeing trip along the River of Golden Dreams (part of our Canada and The Rockies trip) and experience the area’s natural beauty from the water’s surface. For any of the beach bums reading, why not try cold-water surfing on Tofino’s sandy shores (Vancouver Island). The world-famous surf spots are not to be missed.

You don’t have to be visiting in the summer to enjoy the water! If you visit British Columbia in the cold winter months, make the most of the warm healing power of one of B.C.’s many natural hot springs. From full resort experiences, to secluded spots off the beaten track, relax in the steaming natural pools in your very own winter wonderland. 

Top tip: Make sure to do your research before taking a dip! Some lakes may not be suitable for swimming, and you’ll definitely not want to take a plunge into glacial waters! There are plenty of areas which are safe, and you can easily find local spots that aren’t too crowded.

5. You’ll be blown away by the wildlife

British Columbia is teeming with extraordinary wildlife throughout the year, and you’ll be sure to cross some off your checklist by the end of your trip. Black bears and Grizzly bears are out of hibernation from Spring, and can make appearances on trails, roads and even in downtown areas! 

With rivers, mountains, forests and coasts, the varied landscape of British Columbia makes it a hubbub for elk, deer, moose, mountain sheep and many more animals. For the birdwatchers amongst you, expect eagles, herons, ospreys and hundreds more to spot across the province. Take a guided tour, or explore the wildlife for yourself in national parks and trails (remember to always respect the local wildlife and keep your distance.) 

6. It’s home to Vancouver

Vancouver… so special it deserves its own shoutout. Surrounded by mountains, beaches and provincial parks, Vancouver and its surrounding areas are well worth the time if you choose to visit British Columbia, and there’s so much to do here. Although the city is easy to explore by foot, one of the best ways to take in the views is by cycling Stanley Park’s famous Seawall. One of the largest urban parks in North America, Stanley Park has an easy one-way cycle path which boasts exceptional views ranging from beautiful beaches, the Siwash Rock, and the Lion’s Gate Bridge. While you’re there, we definitely recommend taking a peek at the famous Totem Poles and learning about the First Nations history of the area.

By now, you’ll have noticed that British Columbia isn’t short of natural beauty, and Vancouver is no exception! Although the word ‘rainforest’ may conjure up images of hot, tropical scenes, Vancouver is home to an incredible coastal rainforest – not many cities can say that, hey?! Experience the wonder of this natural beauty up close at Capilano Suspension Bridge: explore the rainforest canopy from the treetops, walk above the canyon itself, and of course, conquer the famous Suspension Bridge (it’s well worth it – even if you’re not one for heights!). 

Vancouver Island is so vast and full of beauty that it needs its own article, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention it here! From world-famous surfing spots, to whale watching, skiing on Mount Washington and more, Vancouver Island showcases all the best things that British Columbia has to offer, and could be an entire trip in its own right! Don’t have time to visit? Why not take a famous Vancouver seaplane tour, and admire the island views from above, soaking up all the beauty of Vancouver from the air. 

We could write a mountain-high list of reasons to visit British Columbia, but if this small snapshot sounds up your street, then check out Contiki’s trips to Canada and B.C. that you’ll definitely want to be adding to your bucket list. Explore with your Contiki trip crew and make memories you’ll never forget. BRB – booking my seat now!