Top 24 Must-Visit Destinations in British Columbia

British Columbia is Canada’s four-season playground. With mild winters and balmy summers, BC is filled with beautiful places to visit, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast. It has an endless supply of outdoor adventures, world-class vineyards, and breathtaking scenery. If you are planning a trip to Canada’s West Coast, these are the best places to visit in British Columbia to add to your travel bucket list.

Having lived in British Columbia, we make a point of returning regularly. In fact, since moving away, we find ourselves traveling there even more. We have explored all corners of the province, and these insights will inspire your wanderlust to explore Canada’s West Coast.

Places to Visit in British Columbia

1. Vancouver

Vancouver stands out as one of the best cities in Canada, offering the perfect blend of urban and outdoor adventures. When planning your travels to British Columbia, it is likely that you will begin in Vancouver. This vibrant city has everything you want in an urban center, yet it is surrounded by a plethora of outdoor activities. Stanley Park features the famous seawall, ideal for cycling and hiking, alongside the Vancouver Aquarium, a top attraction, and many walking trails, marinas, and the Stanley Park Totem Poles.

Don’t miss Granville Island, packed with art galleries, restaurants, and cafes, nestled on a bustling island in the heart of the city.

2. Whistler

A world-renowned winter destination, Whistler also shines in the summer. Make your way to Whistler Village to enjoy the great outdoors of the coastal mountains. As the host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Whistler is a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring World Cup ski hills, a bobsleigh track, and endless cross-country ski trails.

In summer, fantastic hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing await, making Whistler Village a year-round retreat filled with dining options and activities.

3. Squamish

Nestled between Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish is often overlooked on the Sea to Sky highway road trip, but this talented rock climbing destination warrants a visit. Adventurers flock to conquer the iconic Squamish Chief (Stawamus Chief Mountain), while the Britannia Mine Museum outlines the region’s historical significance.

Marvel at the waterfalls, hiking trails, and whitewater rafting opportunities around Squamish. If climbing isn’t for you, take the Sea to Sky Gondola up for stunning views of Howe Sound and brave the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. enjoy excellent dining, and keep an eye out for bald eagles, as Squamish is one of the best places in British Columbia to spot them.

4. Sunshine Coast

This drive along the rugged and remote stretch of the BC coast is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. The Sunshine Coast lies north of Vancouver along the Strait of Georgia. Despite being on the mainland, access to the Sunshine Coast typically requires a ferry, helicopter, or plane. Catching the ferry from Horseshoe Bay leads to one of BC’s most stunning coastlines.

As you travel north, you’ll arrive in Gibsons Landing, famed as the filming location for the Canadian TV Show, The Beachcombers, before continuing on to Lund for excursions to Desolation Sound. The Sunshine Coast is also known for exceptional mountain biking opportunities.

5. Desolation Sound

Lund serves as the gateway to Desolation Sound, where you can easily arrange tours from local resorts or adventure companies. From here, explore Hernando and Savary Islands, often referred to as the “Hawaii of the North” for its sandy beaches and the Major Rock, home to a colony of sea lions and several bird species.

Water taxi services are available for island excursions around Desolation Sound, with prices starting at $12 per person one way. Adventurous visitors can hike the Sunshine Coast Trail to reach Desolation Sound.

If staying in Lund, consider the Lund Resort at Klah a Men, a boutique resort recognized for outstanding Indigenous accommodation.

6. Okanagan Valley

The Okanagan Valley stands as one of Canada’s premier wine-producing regions. Nestled in Southern British Columbia, this year-round vacation hotspot is also a sought-after retirement destination. Kelowna, Penticton, and Vernon grace this expansive 200-kilometer-long and 20-kilometer-wide valley, where Okanagan Lake takes center stage.

Known as the fruit basket of British Columbia, the region boasts vineyards and farms cultivating cherries, plums, pears, peaches, and apples.

7. Kelowna

One of the highlights in the Okanagan Valley is Kelowna. This city combines a thriving wine scene with a vibrant food culture, distilleries, and numerous outdoor activities. A favorite local experience includes hiking or cycling the Kettle Valley Railway trail at Myra Canyon.

The trestle bridges here create some of the most stunning views in British Columbia. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail stretches from Hope to Castlegar, covering 650 kilometers, but the most impressive scenery lies just outside Kelowna in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park.

With plenty of summer watersports available, you can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis to explore the captivating views along the beach in downtown Kelowna.

8. Penticton

Penticton is another key city in the Okanagan Valley worth adding to your itinerary. Surrounded by mountains and located between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, this charming city offers lakeside promenades, beaches, hiking trails, and skiing at nearby Apex Mountain.

In addition to its natural beauty, Penticton is part of the vibrant wine country, inviting visitors to explore the local vineyards and orchards. Be sure to admire the breathtaking scenery from the sky, perhaps capturing views over the stunning countryside.

9. Kamloops

When considering places to visit in British Columbia, Kamloops may not be the first destination that comes to mind, yet it is a popular stop on the Rocky Mountaineer train. Like many surrounding areas, Kamloops features ample outdoor activities and should certainly be on your list.

As a haven for nature enthusiasts, Kamloops offers hiking through its desert-like valleys, showcasing unique geological formations such as hoodoos and sandstone canyons. Discover over 100 nearby lakes, endless trails, and the local Wildlife Park dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating local wildlife.

10. Revelstoke

Revelstoke is often overshadowed by Whistler, but this mountain town is a fantastic alternative for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The Revelstoke Mountain Resort boasts North America’s longest vertical descent and receives an impressive average of over 10 meters of snow each winter.

Beyond its winter offerings, Revelstoke is equally delightful in summer, featuring activities such as downhill mountain biking, hiking, an aerial adventure park, and a mountain coaster. Downtown Revelstoke is bustling with dining, shopping, and outdoor adventures in Mount Revelstoke National Park.

11. Glacier National Park

Canada is home to its own Glacier National Park, located just 35 minutes from Revelstoke. This year-round adventure playground offers visitors a chance to hike along the historic Canadian Pacific Railway Line. Don’t miss the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre, a national historic site featuring exhibits that delve into the area’s history and wildlife.

12. Yoho National Park

British Columbia boasts numerous stunning parks, and Yoho National Park is another exceptional destination. Situated in the Canadian Rockies, it offers remarkable hiking and breathtaking scenery filled with crystal-clear lakes and snow-capped peaks. Yoho forms a magnificent mountain triangle with Kootenay National Park to the south and Banff National Park to the east.

Key attractions include the Natural Bridge, Emerald Lake, Wapta Falls, and the Burgess Shale Fossil Site. Adventurous souls can secure permits at Parks Canada for backcountry camping. Don’t miss the opportunity to join a guided fossil hiking tour to discover ancient fossil remains.

13. Kootenay National Park

Nearby Kootenay National Park, alongside Yoho National Park and Banff National Park, comprises a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled near Radium, this area is famous for its abundance of hot springs, including the luxurious Radium Hot Springs.

A highlight of Kootenay is Marble Canyon, offering a captivating hike through a narrow gorge while enjoying the splendor of nature.

14. Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park

Don’t overlook British Columbia’s provincial parks, and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park is one of the region’s oldest. Located in the Selkirk Mountains, it features two glaciers feeding into 30 stunning lakes.

Be prepared for dynamic weather conditions at this high-elevation park and base yourself in Nelson, where you can marvel at the Kokanee Glacier peaks from downtown.

15. Fraser Canyon – Hells Gate

While riding the Rocky Mountaineer, we marveled at the scenery along the Fraser River through Fraser Canyon. Hells Gate, located in the heart of Gold Rush country, can be accessed via a gondola offering breathtaking views of the narrows and its remarkable rapids.

Observation decks, a cafe, and a gift shop are available on-site, making this a fantastic stop during your journey.

16. Hope

Hope is well-known as the filming location for “First Blood,” but its star attraction is the Othello Tunnels. This engineering marvel features a series of trestle bridges cutting through magnificent mountains, a feat accomplished in 1914. The short, scenic 3.5 km round trip is a worthwhile detour.

17. Tofino

Tofino has become a magical destination, famed for its surf culture nestled within the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. With its biodiverse ecosystem, Tofino’s stunning coastal beaches draw sun-worshippers, surfers, and storm watchers alike.

Located just north of the Pacific Rim National Park, Tofino’s beaches are complemented by boardwalks winding through ancient rainforests. Experiences such as kayaking trips to Clayoquot Sound, surfing lessons, and whale watching adventures await visitors eager to see gray whales, humpback whales, and orcas, as well as abundant wildlife.

18. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

The Pacific Rim National Park is a veritable playground for adventurers. Home to numerous sheltered islets and the famous 75-kilometer multi-day West Coast Trail, outdoor enthusiasts will find ample opportunities for camping, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Tofino and Ucluelet serve as excellent bases for exploring this vibrant park.

19. West Coast Trail

Few trails can match the iconic nature of British Columbia’s West Coast Trail, a must-visit for avid hikers. This 75-kilometer backcountry trail presents both rigorous challenges and breathtaking landscapes. Hikers should prepare to carry all essentials while navigating steep climbs and flowing rivers. Reservations are a requirement at Parks Canada for those seeking the ultimate hiking experience.

20. Victoria

The capital city of British Columbia, Victoria, is located on Vancouver Island. Named after Queen Victoria, the city is characterized by Tudor-style buildings lining the picturesque waterfront, offering a small-town charm within a provincial capital of fewer than 100,000 residents.

Victoria’s mild climate has made it a favored retirement locale. Rich in history, it features the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the historic parliament buildings, Canada’s oldest Chinatown, and the narrowest street in Canada.

21. Vancouver Island

Despite its name, Vancouver Island is a two-hour ferry ride from the city and ranks as one of the best places to visit in British Columbia. The journey offers picturesque views as you approach North America’s largest Pacific Coast island. Must-visit spots include Victoria, the Pacific Rim National Park in Tofino, and the stunning Butchart Gardens.

22. Barkerville Historic Town

Barkerville Historic Town transports visitors back to the 1800s, featuring 125 heritage buildings within this captivating Canadian National Historic Site, sprawled over 1000 acres. Actors and performers clad in period costumes bring history to life through storytelling and presentations, offering an engaging experience for all ages.

23. Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands)

Located off the coast of British Columbia, Haida Gwaii was formerly referred to as the Queen Charlotte Islands. After the 2010 Haida Gwaii Reconciliation Act, the islands returned to their traditional name, honoring the indigenous people who’ve called the area home for 2000 years.

Haida Gwaii comprises a unique collection of 150 remote islands, making it an exceptional destination for those seeking adventure. Often dubbed the “Galapagos of the North,” they offer unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, including whale watching and indigenous experiences.

24. Great Bear Rainforest

British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest encompasses a vast stretch of land along the Pacific Ocean. This area is renowned for grizzly bear safaris, with the best viewing opportunities coinciding with the annual salmon run from August to September. Numerous local companies provide guided adventures from Bella Bella, Klemtu, and Prince Rupert, ensuring a memorable experience amidst an abundance of wildlife, including orcas and bald eagles.