33 BEST Places to Visit in BC (British Columbia)
British Columbia is not only one of the most beautiful places in Canada but also the entire world. There are so many beautiful places to visit in BC that it would be impossible for any visitor to feel fulfilled after just one trip.
From roaring waterfalls, colossal peaks, pristine coastline, and bright blue lakes, there are plenty of amazing places to go in BC. Let’s dig into just a few to get you started with your travel planning!
The Best Places to Visit in BC
Joffre Lakes
When you visit Joffre Lakes, you’re not visiting one or two lakes but three incredibly beautiful glacier-fed lakes with turquoise waters and stunning surroundings. The lakes are situated in a provincial park and the hiking trail that leads to them is one of the best in the entire country.
The first lake you’ll reach is called Lower Joffre Lake. Keep hiking and you’ll reach Middle Joffre Lake and finally, you’ll reach Upper Joffre Lake. The entire hike is about 9.4 kilometers and along the trail, you’ll see snow-capped mountains, rushing streams and perhaps some wildlife.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in BC. Situated on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is home to the country’s temperate rainforest and a land of unspoiled beauty. Sandy beaches, rugged coastline, mountains, and beautiful hiking trails, such as the West Coast Trail, make up the landscape, but you also get a taste of history and vibrant culture.
Take an interpretive walk with a local guide, watch for wildlife, or embark on an overnight adventure to the Broken Group Islands.
Tofino
If you’ve heard of Tofino, you’ve likely heard about how it’s a popular surfing destination, but this small coastal town on Vancouver Island is so much more! The area surrounding Tofino features incredible scenery consisting of lakes, rainforests, sandy beaches, and rugged inlets.
Whether you love catching waves, hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, camping, whale watching, fishing, indulging in the vibrant foodie scene (the oysters are to die for), or just spending time in nature, there’s something for everyone. There are also many attractions including the Naa’Waya’Sum Gardens and the Roy Henry Vickers Gallery to also enjoy between all the adventures in Tofino.
Victoria
Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, and it’s easy to see why. With its lovely coastal scenery, Victorian architecture, and so many gardens and parks that it has earned the nickname Canada’s Garden City, this city is more than meets the eye.
Besides its good looks, it’s known for incredible restaurants serving fresh, local food and for being an outdoor lover’s paradise. Many hiking, kayaking and camping adventures await on the outskirts of the city!
While venturing around the city you can enjoy world-class attractions such as the Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Miniature World, Victoria Bug Zoo, and The Maritime Museum of British Columbia.
Sunshine Coast
Jagged coastline, beautiful beaches, towering mountains, sparkling lakes, sprawling green spaces and plenty of sunshine are some things the Sunshine Coast is known for. Within this 180-kilometer expanse of rainforest, you’ll enjoy a range of activities including hiking, biking, and kayaking.
Because the Sunshine Coast is only accessible by boat or plane, this place feels like it’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver. When you want access to modern amenities, stop at Noosa, where you’ll find a variety of eateries, shops, and accommodations.
Several provincial parks are in the area, including Mount Richardson, Tetrahedron, and Spipiyus, which are wonderful to visit in the summer.
Garibaldi Provincial Park
Mount Garibaldi is the prominent feature in Garibaldi Provincial Park near the small city of Squamish, but it’s also known for its distinct vegetation, wildlife, scenery, and outdoor activities. Garibaldi Provincial Park is an outdoor lovers dream with plenty of fishing, kayaking, climbing, biking, snowshoeing opportunities and more than 90 kilometers of hiking trails.
One of the best things to do in British Columbia is tackle the steep climb to Garibaldi Lake and see where turquoise-coloured water is nestled between alpine mountains and a spectacular glacier as the backdrop.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Easily one of British Columbia’s top attractions at 430 feet across, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is the longest bridge of its type in the world and is located in Vancouver.
It hangs 230 feet above a raging river, thrilling visitors as they cross to the other side and enjoying views of the surrounding rainforest. Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk are the two other thrilling experiences available at this attraction.
Wells Gray Provincial Park
Located in Clearwater, Wells Gray Provincial Park is nicknamed Canada’s Waterfall Park due to the 41 BC waterfalls within its borders, including the spectacular 141-meter-tall Helmcken Falls.
Lakes, snow-capped mountain peaks, sprawling meadows, canyons and many wildlife species are some of the sights you’ll enjoy as you explore this huge wilderness area. While you’re there, enjoy hiking, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, river rafting, fishing, and exploring the abandoned Ray Farm Trail.
Squamish
Squamish is an amazing mix of history, culture and outdoor adventure and one of BC’s best places to visit. With many trails and a location close to mountains, ocean and rivers, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to go hiking, biking, climbing, kayaking and river rafting in this small BC city.
Some of the best things to do include an exploration of Shannon Falls, and marveling under Stawamus Chief, a granite dome that you cannot miss. If you’re an avid mountain biker or climber you are spoilt for choice here as this is a world class climbing and biking destination.
Malahat Skywalk
At the Malahat Skywalk, you’ll have the opportunity to climb to a 600-meter walkway that overlooks the treetops, mountains, and fjords and out over the Cowichan Valley, Finlayson Arm, Saanich Peninsula, the Gulf Islands, and the state of Washington. You can also go out onto the Adventure Net to feel suspended over the forest.
Barkerville
You’ve likely heard stories of the Wild West during the Gold Rush Days, and in the small town of Barkerville, you can experience what it was like in those times with a stroll through this restored town that’s now a National Historic Site.
It’s the biggest living-history museum in Western North America, but it was once the main center during the Cariboo Gold Rush. It looks much like it did back then and through research, each of the 125 buildings was refurbished to be just as they were.
Period displays, fascinating exhibits, restaurants and shops are some of the things you’ll see during your visit and during the winter, you can head over to the Shamrock Tube Run for some cold-weather thrills.
Tribune Bay
They don’t call Tribune Bay “Little Hawaii” for nothing! This tropical-like park area on Hornby Island features white sandy stretches lined with unique rock formations. The clear, turquoise ocean water is said to be the warmest in the province. Hiking and fishing are other popular outdoor pursuits and if you visit in the spring, you’ll enjoy a lovely wildflower bloom.
Sun Peaks
If you love downhill skiing, you’ll love Sun Peaks, the country’s second-largest ski area, and one of our favorite Canadian ski resorts! It features 137 runs and 13 lifts with skiing suitable for all levels. There are also 40 kilometers of cross-country ski trails and a tubing area if you don’t want to downhill ski.
In the warmer months, enjoy access to a mountain bike park and golf course. No matter what season it is, the village of Sun Peaks and its European ski resort charm features a variety of accommodation options, restaurants and shops.
Haida Gwaii
If any place in British Columbia could be described as magical, it would be Haida Gwaii. This group of remote islands is rich with wildlife, scenery, history, culture, and mystique.
During your travels around the region, you’ll see ancient totem poles, beaches, rainforest areas and fascinating archaeological sites. Hiking and kayaking are popular activities on the islands but many people go there simply to be one with nature.
Great Bear Rainforest
It’s where the ocean meets the land and the valleys seem to always be shrouded in a light mist. Where spectacular fjords, pristine rainforests and a wide variety of wildlife species share space in a vast wide-open space.
This is the Great Bear Rainforest, part of the biggest coastal temperate rainforest on earth and one of the best places to visit in British Columbia. Admire incredible scenery, embark on guided experiences with local Indigenous guides, watch for whales offshore, go fishing for salmon in the raging rivers, kayak along the coast, and hike the many trails.
There are so many ways to enjoy this spectacular place that is virtually untouched by the modern world.
Osoyoos Desert
Most people would never dream of finding a desert in Canada, but deep in the Okanagan region in the town of Osoyoos lies the country’s only desert! This arid desert is actually part of the Sonoran Desert that runs from Mexico all the way to Osoyoos.
If you’re seeking a truly unique landscape featuring a different kind of beauty than the coastal and mountain areas of British Columbia, this is the place to head! Head to the Osoyoos Desert Center and take a stroll along the boardwalk where you’ll see native plants and interpretive displays. Be sure to keep an eye out for the rare animal species that make their home in this desert land.
Glacier National Park
Yes – there is a Glacier National Park in Canada, not to be confused with the one in Montana! Glacier National Park is a pristine wilderness areas where rare species thrive in the mountains, valleys, and meadows. It’s home to the only inland cedar rainforest on earth and even the remnants of a luxury alpine resort in the Illecillewaet Valley area.
There are many hiking trails in Glacier National Park. One of our favorites is the Asulkan Valley Trail about 50 minutes away from Revelstoke. Here you can hike amongst waterfalls and glaciers. An easy trail for everyone in Glacier is the Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail where you can walk amount the cedars. If you don’t have much time, stop for a quick info season and learn more about the history of Rogers Pass at the Rogers Pass Discovery Center.
Prince Rupert
As a port city, Prince Rupert offers beautiful ocean views. Visitors can also experience nearby wilderness areas, including the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary bear habitat. That’s the best thing about this city—its fantastic combination of urban and rural attractions. You can shop and hang out in cozy cafes and then go fishing, kayaking, hiking, or whale watching a little while later.
Valemount
If the great outdoors is calling your name, that call may very well be coming from Valemount. This town is known for being one of the top outdoor adventure destinations in the province but its most famous attraction is Mount Robson nearby, which is the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
Fishing, mountain biking and white-river rafting are also popular activities and as you explore the area, you’ll enjoy views of snow-capped peaks, lakes, rivers and valleys. Valemount is also under 1.5 hours to Jasper National Park, one of the most famous national parks in Canada, so it’s a great addition if you’re visiting Jasper.
Nelson
Friendly, quaint and charming. These are some words that suit Nelson quite well. You could also say it’s an urban town with a very rural feel. However you want to describe it, its history, culture, and Kootenay Lake activities lure many visitors from all over. There are over 300 heritage buildings in this small area and the arts are alive and well!
Take a ride on the historic streetcar, immerse in the mountain biking culture the town is known for, or go hiking along the Pulpit Rock Trail. Cottonwood Falls Park, Nelson Museum and Viewpoint Gallery are popular attractions. If visiting in the winter, a day at Whitewater Ski Resort is a must!
Invermere
While many people use Invermere as a base for their adventures at nearby Windermere Lake, it has so much more to offer in all seasons! The town is centrally located to Panorama, one of Western Canada’s top ski areas and the longest skating trail in the world is on the outskirts of town.
In summer, kayaking, golfing and soaking in rejuvenating hot springs are popular activities. This scenic area is also home to many attractions including James Chabot Provincial Park, Windermere Valley Museum and Artym Gallery.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
No matter what adventures you choose to embark on along the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, you’ll always have that stunning scenery consisting of forest, mountain peaks, plains and fjords to admire in the background. Fishing, horseback riding and following in the steps of those who once traveled through here during the Gold Rush are popular activities.
Visit Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, go canoeing on Bowron Lake, or head to the little town of Quesnel and check out the galleries.
Alaska Highway
Many of the best places in BC that we’ve listed are in the southern part of the province, but not the Alaska Highway! When it comes to epic road trips in Canada, the Alaska Highway is high on the list! The highway runs 1,520 miles through Northern British Columbia, The Yukon and Alaska.
Along the way, you’ll pass through some of North America’s most untouched and wildest places, remote villages, provincial parks with abundant wildlife and places where the scenery is almost otherworldly.
Kelowna
Situated on the shores of Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is an amazing mix of urban sprawl and wilderness. The downtown district is home to beautiful parks and cultural attractions while not too far away, you can escape into an area with orchards, beaches, mountains and forest.
Kelowna is well-known for its vineyards and there are plenty of Kelowna wineries to embark on wine tours. That’s right – if you’re a wine lover you don’t have to go all the way to Napa Valley – as you’ll find one of the best places to visit in BC for wine production around the Okanagan.
Sea to Sky Drive
The Sea to Sky Highway quite literally travels from sea to sky, from the lowlands of Vancouver to the peaks of Whistler. Along the 120 kilometer drive, you’ll enjoy beautiful scenery featuring lush forests, water views, and mountains. You’ll also find many attractions, including West Coast Heritage Park, Nairn Falls, Sea to Sky Gondola, Cypress Provincial Park, and Britannia Mine Museum.
If you plan to tackle this drive, carve out at least 4 hours for all the beautiful stops, but you could easily spend a whole day enjoying he scenery on this road.
Revelstoke
Situated on the banks of the Columbia River, south of the Revelstoke Dam, Revelstoke is a small town nestled between the Selkirk Mountains and Glacier National Park in southeastern BC.
While Kamloops and Kelowna are the nearest cities, many road-trippers on the ultimate Western Canada road trip between Calgary and Vancouver make a stop in Revelstoke.
Founded in the 1880s during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), Revelstoke was initially reliant on mining. The town’s mining town roots are still evident while strolling through it today.
Despite its origins in mining and railway, Revelstoke is now renowned for its epic powder dumps at Revelstoke Mountain Resort during winter and wonderful mountain biking in the summer.
Golden
Located in southeastern British Columbia, Golden is a small town situated around the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse Rivers and is surrounded by the Purcell and Rocky Mountains.
Golden is an ideal location near Yoho, Banff, Jasper, Glacier, and Kootenay National Park. Being located right off Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway), it’s an excellent stop on any Western Canada road trip, especially when connecting Vancouver to Calgary.
Due to its accessibility to Yoho National Park, it’s a popular spot for summer tourists. With the rise of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, it’s gradually becoming a world-renowned ski destination, though the resort needs to invest in a few more lifts before that happens! However, they do host the famous Free Ride World Tour every winter, which is where the best skiiers and snowboarders head to take on extremely challenging terrain.
Like Revelstoke, Golden’s history is closely tied to the Canadian Pacific Railway and the logging industry, and remnants of its past as an old railway town can still be seen today. However, the town now primarily thrives on outdoor adventure and tourism. Just recently, they unveiled the Golden Skybridge, one of the most popular attractions in the mountains!
Whistler
Whistler is a charming ski town, and considered one of Canada’s top destinations, attracting tourists from all over the world. It can be reached in less than two hours by car from Vancouver via the Sea to Sky Highway mentioned above. Known globally as a leading skiing destination, Whistler is also North America’s largest ski area and one of the largest in the entire world.
Although it is highly popular among domestic and international travelers in winter, Whistler is also an ideal adventure destination during summer when the whole town turns into a mountain biking mecca.
Pemberton
Located just 45 minutes north of Whistler is the picturesque mountain village of Pemberton at the foot of Mt. Currie. Despite its small size, Pemberton offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and hiking trails to discover in the summer. Visitors can enjoy activities such as visiting North Arm Farm or taking a horseback ride through the valley with Copper Cayuse Outfitters.
For those seeking more affordable accommodation options than Whistler, Pemberton is an excellent choice as it offers many BC cabins with lower rates than its more popular and well known neighbor.
Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park, spanning 1,406 square kilometers, is a stunning natural wonder that borders Banff National Park in Alberta. Some travelers may even unknowingly cross into a new park when driving along the Banff-Windermere Highway.
The ideal way to explore this picturesque park is to take a leisurely drive on Hwy 93S, which connects Banff and Radium Hot Springs, and plan a day of scenic stops at Marble Canyon, Numa Falls, and the Paint Pots.
With every turn, the road offers breathtaking views of mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and dense Douglas Fir forests. Adventurous hikers need not fret as the park also boasts plenty of hiking trails and one of our personal favorite lakes in BC – Floe Lake.
Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park, nestled in the Canadian Rockies, is a personal favorite of mine due to the variety of activities it offers visitors. It’s a short drive away from the famous Lake Louise, making it an easy extension to any Banff trip. Yoho is well known around British Columbia, and all of Canada for that matter, as this is where you can find Lake O Hara and beautiful Emerald Lake!
Mount Assiniboine
Standing tall and majestic, Mount Assiniboine is an iconic peak in the Canadian Rockies, and embarking on a journey to its base is a truly unforgettable experience. The region boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies, with a pristine wilderness of wildflowers, bears, and towering peaks.
Often referred to as the “Matterhorn of the Rockies,” the peak’s pyramidal shape is a sight to behold. Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and the surrounding mountains have been a magnet for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in its serene beauty for over a century.
There are no roads leading into the park, so visitors have to hike, take a horse, or fly in on a chartered helicopter, but we promise it’s well worth the effort!
Fernie
Fernie is another fantastic mountain town that has gained a reputation in the skiing world for its incredible powder dumps during the winter months. During the summer season, it attracts many mountain bikers and hikers who come to explore the beautiful terrain.
No one would suggest otherwise that Fernie is one of the top destinations in British Columbia for ski enthusiasts. Its abundance of fluffy white powder and steep terrain make it a paradise for powder hounds.
In the summer, visitors can unwind and soak up the scenery by spending their days lounging by the many lakes or hiking through ancient black cottonwood trees.
Best Places to Visit in BC Map
Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- Recommended Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommendation is the Banff Gondola – a must do experience! Want to get up close and personal with a glacier? We cannot recommend this Icewalks tour enough!
- Planning your visit to Moraine Lake and don’t want to deal with the Parks shuttles? We recommend using Moraine Lake Bus Company or booking this Radventures tour!
- Transport to Banff: If you don’t want to drive to Banff, we totally get it. To avoid this book with the Banff Airporter.
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. For a campervan trip, you can check prices and compare on Outdoorsy.
- We can help you plan your 2025 trip to Western Canada! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by planning we can assist! We’ll PERSONALLY go over your itinerary, hop on a 1 on 1 phone call, or create a bespoke itinerary just for you! See our services here.
