British Columbia Destinations

So many ways to explore beautiful British Columbia

For a variety of experiences, the province of British Columbia defies comparison.

It is a remarkable destination where breathtaking beauty and sophistication go hand-in-hand.

If you are a nature buff, endless opportunities await you (and your camera).

For instance, an exploration of Wells Gray Park will reveal B.C. at its most pristine.

Visit the easily accessible Helmcken Falls, a spectacular natural wonder three times higher than Niagara Falls! Here the Murtle River plunges 465 feet over a lava cliff. You will be treated to amazing panoramas if you drive to the summit of Green Mountain. Clearwater Lake is also worth a look. Alternatively, you might choose to spend a week in the southerly Kootenay region, where the long, narrow Arrow lakes slice neatly through the glacier-graced Columbia Mountain range, and there are towns such as Kaslo and Nelson that are rife with history and artistry.

Or, how about exploring the island’s storm-sculpted West Coast, including Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park.

Touring the upper and lower Sunshine Coast will suit those with a lust for saltwater. Travel on the coast involves always-enjoyable ferry hopping. Sunshine Coast experiences could include visits to Molly's Reach Restaurant of The Beachcombers fame, the historic town of Powell River, and starkly beautiful Desolation Sound.

Always worthwhile is a journey to the Queen Charlotte Islands, where the focus is on the sophisticated Haida culture, history and landscape. Graham Island, Agate Beach, the Balanced Rock and the Haida Gwaii Museum are among the attractions. Colourful Prince Rupert, nearby on the mainland, is also worth a look.

In the northwestern part of the province, you could also do one of the top 10 scenic drives in North America, up the spectacular Skeena River Valley to Prince Rupert and on to Hyder, Alaska.

In the Okanagan, autumn is a special time, as the apples ripen and vintners prepare to pick, ferment and bottle the fruit of their labours.

Perhaps you’d like to head to Nancy Greene's Cahilty Lodge at Sun Peaks Resort near Kamloops, and settle in for some leisurely golf, hot-tubbing, village strolling, country dancing, dining and casino-going.

Vancouver is the place to be for the Celebration of Light fireworks finale in early August. There are also outings that include a visit with orphaned grizzly bears on Grouse Mountain. The tour wraps up with a live stage-musical performance at Three Valley Gap in the Monashee Mountains. If you have trouble choosing where to go and what to do, it is because British Columbia offers a little of everything.