Overview

British Columbia (BC) is Canada’s westernmost province and one of its most scenic — where mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, and vibrant cities blend with lush forests, beaches, and alpine wilderness. From the coastal charm of Vancouver and Victoria to the ski slopes of Whistler, vineyards of the Okanagan, and rainforests of Vancouver Island, BC offers endless adventure, culture, and natural beauty.

  • Capital: Victoria
  • Largest City: Vancouver
  • Other Major Cities: Kelowna, Surrey, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Prince George
  • Population: ~5.5 million (2024 est.)
  • Time Zones: Pacific Standard Time (UTC−8) / PDT (Daylight Saving), Mountain Time in some northeastern areas
  • Climate: Coastal areas are mild and wet; interior regions are dry and seasonal; mountainous areas are snowy in winter

Top Destinations in British Columbia

Vancouver

A vibrant west coast city surrounded by ocean and mountains, known for its multicultural energy, top-notch dining, and outdoor lifestyle.

Victoria

BC’s picturesque capital city on Vancouver Island, filled with historic architecture, gardens, and a laid-back coastal vibe.

Whistler

A world-famous mountain resort for skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and alpine village life.

Okanagan Valley

Home to BC’s wine country, warm lakes, sandy beaches, and orchards — centered around Kelowna and Penticton.

Tofino & Ucluelet

Rugged surf towns on Vancouver Island’s west coast — perfect for storm-watching, beach walks, and rainforest hikes.

Must-See Attractions

  • Stanley Park (Vancouver) – Forested trails, beaches, and the scenic Seawall
  • Capilano Suspension Bridge – Walk high above a lush canyon near Vancouver
  • Butchart Gardens (Victoria) – Stunning floral displays year-round
  • Sea to Sky Highway – A breathtaking drive from Vancouver to Whistler
  • Pacific Rim National Park Reserve – Rainforests, beaches, and Indigenous culture

Things to Do

  • Go whale watching from Vancouver, Victoria, or Tofino
  • Explore Indigenous art and history at museums and cultural centers
  • Ski or snowboard at Whistler Blackcomb or Big White in winter
  • Tour wineries and orchards in the Okanagan Valley
  • Hike and kayak in BC’s many provincial and national parks

Getting There & Around

Airports

  • Vancouver International (YVR), Victoria International (YYJ), Kelowna (YLW), and regional airports throughout the province

Transport

  • BC Ferries connect mainland and island destinations
  • SkyTrain, buses, and rideshares in Metro Vancouver
  • Car rentals are ideal for exploring rural and remote areas
  • Scenic trains and buses available for long-distance travel

Best Time to Visit

  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Ideal for hiking, beaches, wine tours, and festivals
  • Fall (Sep–Nov): Harvest season in wine country, stunning foliage, fewer crowds
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Best for snow sports in the mountains and storm-watching on the coast
  • Spring (Mar–May): Wildflowers, cherry blossoms, and mild outdoor adventures

Local Food & Culture

  • Cuisine: BC is a food lover’s paradise — Pacific seafood, farm-to-table restaurants, and international flavors
  • Specialties: Salmon, Dungeness crab, spot prawns, wild berries, BC wine, craft beer
  • Markets: Granville Island Public Market (Vancouver), Victoria Public Market, Kelowna Farmers’ Market
  • Events:
    • Celebration of Light (Vancouver) – International fireworks competition
    • Victoria’s Symphony Splash
    • Whistler Film Festival
    • Okanagan Wine Festivals
    • Powell Street Festival – Celebrating Japanese-Canadian culture

Souvenirs from British Columbia

  • Indigenous artwork and carvings
  • BC wines and craft spirits
  • Smoked salmon and local honey
  • Handcrafted jewelry and ceramics
  • Maple syrup and west coast-themed apparel

Fun Facts

  • BC has more than 25,000 kilometers of coastline
  • Vancouver is consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the world
  • British Columbia is home to over 200 Indigenous nations and communities
  • The Sea to Sky Gondola offers sweeping views of fjords and peaks
  • Tofino is one of the top cold-water surf destinations in the world

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day Vancouver City & Nature Getaway

  • Day 1: Explore Gastown, Granville Island, and English Bay
  • Day 2: Bike around Stanley Park + visit Capilano Suspension Bridge
  • Day 3: Day trip to Whistler or ferry to Victoria

5-Day Coastal & Mountain Adventure

  • Day 1: Vancouver city tour
  • Day 2: Drive Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler – gondola + alpine hike
  • Day 3: Explore Whistler or zipline/ski
  • Day 4: Ferry to Vancouver Island – visit Tofino or Victoria
  • Day 5: Whale watching + relax by the beach

Cities

  • Vancouver