Add these top ten tourist attractions to your BC travel plans | canada.com - Canada.com

Posted: 16 Jul 2019 09:01 AM PDT

A province wealthy with outdoor activities and cultural heritage, British Columbia is nothing short of spectacular. With vast mountain ranges, sprawling beaches and coastlines, nature, wildlife, and urban centres in between – there's much to see and discover in Canada's most westerly province. Looking to narrow your list? Let us guide your BC exploration with ten must-see attractions to check out on your visit.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge

Walk through a forest of evergreens on a treetop trekking adventure at the

Capilano Bridge

. Observe a bird's eye view, as you stand suspended 230 feet above the Capilano River on the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Trek the Cliffwalk way above the Capilano Canyon through the high and narrow suspended walkways. The viewing platforms stationed along the Treetops Adventure provide an unsurpassed view of the surrounding forest. Breathtaking views paired with educational activities makes the Capilano Bridge a top BC tourist destination.

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Whistler/Blackcomb

Whether you prefer strolling the village, or hitting the slopes,

Whistler

is one of British Columbia's prime tourist destinations. Home of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Whistler/Blackcomb is renowned for its unparalleled ski and snowboard conditions. More than just a winter resort, you'll find golf, hiking, beaches, shopping, spas, world class dining and so much more. Ride the peak to peak gondola for unparalleled views of the mountain and surrounding vistas.

Stanley Park

Vancouver's iconic, urban park,

Stanley Park

is a must visit for anyone touring the south of British Columbia. A nature oasis, nestled within the hustle and bustle of downtown Vancouver, it's packed with pools, trains, restaurants and more. Stanley Park is also home to the

Vancouver Aquarium

, the largest aquarium in Canada which houses over 50,000 aquatic animals. In addition to the aquatic sanctuary, be sure to visit the park's landmarks such as the Lost Lagoon, Siwash rock, Hollow Tree and Brockton Point Lighthouse, to name a few.

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Granville Island

While visiting Vancouver, take a ferry to

Granville Island

to explore food, shopping, art and outdoor leisure. Shop the Granville Island Public Market for fresh produce, baked treats, gourmet snacks and quality seafood. Spend the day at the waterpark or stroll the seawall to take in the sights. From the street musicians to the resident artisans the island is a cultural hub that boasts venues such as theatres and art galleries.

Okanagan Valley

Known for its wineries and orchards,

Okanagan Valley

is the idyllic escape on your British Columbia vacation. Breathtaking vistas are comprised by mountain ranges, trees, lakes, beaches, orchards and vineyards. Embark on a wine tour to visit several of the region's top vineyards, relax at the Okanagan Lavender Farm, or explore one of Okanagan's several surrounding provincial parks.

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Sea to Sky Gondola

Head south of Squamish to Highway 99 to take the

Sea to Sky Gondola

885m above sea level. Let the ten-minute gondola trip take you to new heights as you ascend to Summit Lodge. Once at the top, partake in one or many of the several activities available including hiking trails, viewing platforms and rock climbing. Test your fear of heights on the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, with a 360-degree view of the surrounding stellar sights.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

The

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

is host to plenty of outdoor activities ranging from surfing at Long Beach near Tofino, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, and fishing. Rich with Indigenous culture, take a guided tour of the park to witness the carved posts, listen to the stories of the Nuu-chah-nulth elders and shop local Indigenous artisans at the gift shop.

Haida Gwaii

Appease your inner adventure seeker with a visit to

Haida Gwaii

on your BC vacation. Made up of over 150 islands and previously referred to as the Queen Charlotte Islands, surround yourself with the raw beauty of Haida Gwaii. The land is rich with Indigenous history and culture and offers visitors a plethora of outdoor adventures to embark upon. Explore the numerous heritage sites, relax on the beach, or set sail on a fishing adventure, all in your trip to Haida Gwaii.

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Vancouver Island

Bursting with culture, wildlife, golf, gardens and spas,

Vancouver Island

is flush with entertainment and activities for everyone. Indulge in world class dining of fresh local foods, paired with spirits from local wineries, breweries, distilleries or cideries. If the ocean is calling, head out onto open waters for a whale watching experience unlike any other. You're sure to witness an array of Orcas, Humpbacks and/or Pacific Gray whales that inhabit the region.

Great Bear Rainforest

Stretching 400 kilometres along the central and northern coast of British Columbia, the

Great Bear Rainforest

, is a one-of-a-kind destination in Canada. Embark on your adventure with

Bella Coola Grizzly Tours

, or take a dip in a natural hot spring. This "Rainforest of the North" is home to an abundance of wildlife, from sea to land. Keep your eyes peeled for the Kermode bear, (or spirit bear), one of the rarest bears in the world that can be found almost exclusively in the Great Bear Rainforest. Relax and recuperate after a full day of exploration at the

Spirit Bear Lodge

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Search This Blog

BC Tourism