Destination Attractions: Things To Do In British Columbia

The province of British Columbia is the perfect vacation destination. Here is some advice on making your trip to BC absolutely perfect.

From pristine lakes and snowcapped mountains to the hustle of big city life British Columbia has a multitude of attractions and how to do them all will be the challenge.

Maple Leaf Adventures, Sidney, British Columbia offers cruises aboard a classic tall ship ranging in length from 5 to 12 days. Your journey will have you sailing alongside dolphins and whales and visiting coastal fjords with glorious waterfalls. You can take a walk into an ancient forest and learn about the cultures that lived in the area for a thousand years.

The Park on the mountain located in Cathedral Provincial Park in Southwest BC is a campground with a lodge that is open from June to October. It is closed during the winter because of snow dangers. It is quite a distance to the top peaking out at 6800 feet but very beautiful. This pristine area offers a very scenic view of the land and wildlife of British Columbia.

Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Columbia offers over 27 miles of hiking trails and over 1000 acres. Stanley Park is right downtown Vancouver with skyscrapers just a short distance away. They have a free shuttle bus with a tour guide. Some of the things to see while at the park are the totem poles, Rose Gardens, Vancouver Museum, a children's water park, miniature railroad, the Aquarium, miniature golf, and of course, the hiking trails.

Panorama Mountain Village, Panorama, British Columbia offers hiking, cross-country skiing, heli-skiing, snow tubing, a heated pool, hot springs, and plenty of places to eat and drink. The area is very scenic and well worth the visit.

Royal B. C. Museum located in Victoria, British Columbia is a historical museum with excitement for all ages. The kids will enjoy the IMAX Theater and everyone will enjoy the whales, totem poles, and native exhibits.



The Gulf Islands National Park is located in the Strait of Georgia covering 50 islands and reefs. A group of reefs, islets, and islands make up the Southern Gulf Islands, which are home to the National Park that has a Mediterranean climate. The park was created to protect endangered species and the spectacular the ecosystem of the area. Of the many species living in the area there 10 threatened, 13 of great concern, and 15 endangered. The different species in these groups are killer whales, shellfish, butterflies, and ferns.

Dawson Creek, British Columbia is "Mile 0" of the famed Alaska Highway. Dawson Creek has an Art Gallery, the Station Museum featuring artifacts and much more. The Walter Wright Pioneer Village gives a look at Dawson Creek a small town of around 600 people before the construction of the Highway began. Many other attractions are located in the area.

Tumbler Ridge located at the base of the Rocky Mountains is a beautiful place to visit especially if you like wildlife and dinosaurs. Cast against the scenic Rockies you will see many birds, deer, elk, moose, cougars, and grizzly bears. There are many trails for both biking and hiking that will take you to caves, waterfalls, and many other areas. Tumbler Ridge is also known for its dinosaur fossils, footprints, and more.

Vancouver Island has the largest population black bears and grizzly bears in all of Canada. Vancouver Island claims over half of Canada's grizzlies and around one-fourth of the black bears. There are tours available for you to see these bears in their natural habitat. Another spectacular sight to see happens between summer and fall when over 200 killer whales, Orcas, come in search of salmon and other fish.

There are many Ferries and cruise ships along the coast of British Columbia all offering tours to remote villages, explorations of natural wildlife, sea life, and fishing. Many of the ferries allow you to drive your vehicle on board also.

When one thinks of Canada most often they think of cold, snow, ice, and glaciers and Yaho National Park near the British Columbia/Alberta border is home to valleys, mountains, and glacial lakes. Yahoo got its name from the Cree Indians meaning wonder. Yaho is located along the western slopes of the Continental Divide. The Takakkaw Falls is one of the greatest attractions. Takakkaw Falls is the second highest falls in Canada. It takes a 415 yard drop (over the length of four football fields) into the Yoho River. Other falls worth seeing are the Angel's Staircase, Point Lace Falls, Twin Falls, and Laughing Falls all located in the park. Other attractions are the Kicking Horse River, Burgess Shale, and a Natural Bridge carved out of rock. As you get higher up the landscape changes to a more barren look and many glaciers can be seen.

Glacier National Park of Canada is home to sheer, jagged mountains, and plant and wildlife. Much of the plant life and some of the wildlife are endangered or threatened. Rogers Pass National Historic site is located in the park also.

The Salmon Glacier near the historic towns of Steward and Hyder is the fifth largest glacier in North America. It is a panoramic massive ocean of ice. Not only will you be able to view one of nature's most beautiful wonders but you might even see bears fishing for salmon. There are many old gold mines in the area and even a ghost town.

British Columbia is a vacation that demands more than just a few days!

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