Things to do in Beautiful British Columbia

British Columbia’s big backyard inspires introspective personal journeys and unbridled adventures. Our cities, set on the doorstep of the wild, make it easy to step further into nature and explore the endless possibilities of the outdoors. Our people connect explorers with unexpected moments that renew the human spirit.

Adventure and Outdoors

Beautiful British Columbia’s wide landscapes welcome a sense of adventure and exploration.

The province’s wilderness offers unparalleled experiences that leave indelible memories. Explorers can helicopter over a waterfall at Tumbler Ridge’s UNESCO Global Geopark, launch their rafts down a wild river in the Kootenay Rockies, or ride down single-track trail on Vancouver Island. For a ranch experience, the mountain plateaus of the Cariboo Chilcotin beckon, while golfers can follow their passion to over 300 courses in BC.

Adventure is found on both land and water

Ten beautiful mountain ranges provide unparalleled opportunities for hiking and mountaineering, while skiing takes precedence in the winter months. A diverse ecosystem allows for remarkable wildlife viewing excursions, while thrill-seekers can find plenty of options for an adrenalin rush.

Both freshwater and saltwater anglers find solitude on lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Scuba divers discover a new world through shore-accessed dives and a circuit of shipwreck sites, and surfers can catch a wave in Tofino. From Vancouver’s False Creek to the remote Bowron Lakes, paddling is a popular activity across the province.

From hiking the Berg Lake Trail to sailing through Desolation Sound, BC boasts some of the world’s greatest outdoor adventures. Discover some of BC’s most iconic adventures, and decide which one suits your style.

Nature and Wildlife

Choose an adventure that feeds your soul, whether that’s hiking and camping in a provincial or national park, soaking in a hot spring, or strolling through an interpretive forest on Vancouver’s North Shore. BC’s cities are perched on the edge of wilderness, so you don’t need to go far to reap the rejuvenating benefits of nature. Or, go remote and be rewarded with a vista all to yourself.

Connect with Indigenous Cultures

Find connections to the land, the people, and to something bigger than yourself. Explore ancient coastal villages with an Indigenous guide, learn about traditional plant medicines and healing techniques in nature, and more.

Arts and Heritage

While beautiful British Columbia may be revered for its scenery, you’ll also find places that highlight the province’s arts and history, including museums, art galleries, and heritage sites.

Art exhibits and galleries are everywhere, from Vancouver’s busy streets to small artist studios tucked in unexpected corners. An impressive range of museums and heritage sites offer a glimpse into BC’s history, while culture is celebrated throughout the seasons in Indigenous communities around the province.

Attractions and Sightseeing

British Columbia is rich with interesting stops, from the art galleries and gardens of Vancouver and Victoria to the Gold Rush Trail communities of the Cariboo. 

Enjoy museums and interpretive centres or take a guided sightseeing tour focused on nature, wildlife, culinary experiences, or cultural journeys.

Winter Activities

Skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, dogsledding, and heli-skiing: British Columbians know the excitement and adventures that can be found in the winter months.

For some of the world’s best powder and second-to-none heli-skiing, head to the mountains. Both cat-skiing and heli-skiing were pioneered here, and the province is home to some unforgettable snowmobiling terrain. BC is home to more than 50 Nordic ski areas, many offering lit trails for night skiing.  But there’s plenty to do besides skiing. Other popular winter pursuits in BC include snowshoeing, storm watching, and ice climbing.