Beautiful BC 28 Must-see Places In Our Province Beautiful BC 28 Must-See Places In Our Province |

PHOTO: Mark Mackay / Tourism Whistler

Whistler is the No. 1 ski destination in North America, but there’s more fun to be had in Whistler than just on the slopes. Whatever your speed, from bobsledding on the world’s fastest track to lounging in an outdoor spa, everyone can enjoy Whistler, including youngsters and the family dog. Hop on the three-kilometre Peak 2 Peak gondola, which is the longest unsupported gondola line in the world. One of the trams, the silver special, has a glass floor that increases your chances of wildlife spotting. Grab a bevy by the Olympic Rings and do a little people watching. One non-skier advantage is nabbing the best spot on one of Whistler’s mountainside patios near a heat lamp with a great view—before everyone comes down from the mountain. And indoors, the Audain Art Museum’s 55,000-square-foot building is a work of art unto itself. Although numerous lodgings in Whistler come with full kitchens, nightlife could include visiting (but not for long) an ice-cold and blue-hued vodka room before splurging on haute cuisine. — Jane Mundy

Sunny with a chance of storm watching

PHOTO: Brian Caissie, Destination Canada

No need to check the weather forecast: you surf and stroll sandy beaches, eat and drink, rain or shine, year-round. Or watch surfers and waves. Although storm watching begins in November, sunny days aren’t uncommon so pack rubber boots and sneakers, rain gear and sunscreen and explore Tofino’s great outdoors, from the shore or from the water. Consider a whale-watching tour and kayaking Clayoquot Sound: Guided tours stop off on nearby Meares Island for a romp through the rainforest. And bring the dog—most everywhere is pet-friendly, especially the beaches. Tofino has become a foodie destination over the last several years. Award-winning restaurants showcase the freshest, local seafood. As for accommodations, you’re spoilt for choice, with numerous resorts offering cabins complete with full kitchens (a gourmet grocery store is now open in town) where you are a few steps away from the beach, which forever beckons. — Jane Mundy

Islands at the edge of the world

This sea-swept archipelago off B.C.’s northern coast is renowned for its natural beauty, abundant marine life, and unique First Nations culture and artistry. Called Xhaaidlagha Gwaa- yaai, the “Islands at the Edge of the World” in the language of its early inhabitants, the western most point in Canada should be high on any adventurous traveller’s bucket list. Often compared to the Galapagos Islands for its evolutionary unique flora and fauna, remote Haida Gwaii is home to millions of sea birds, a distinct species of black bear and lush rainforests thick with giant Sitka spruce and red cedar, from which master Haida carvers fashioned their world-famous totem poles. Orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins patrol the waters off its coastlines, and enormous colonies of sea mammals and migrating populations of salmon and halibut thrive just offshore, making these islands a world-class sport-fishing destination. For thousands of years, Haida fishers launched their enormous dugout canoes into Haida Gwaii’s storm-pummelled waters, providing food for their clans who occupied coastal bays and inlets. Their descendants have made determined efforts to preserve, respect and renew their homeland and millennia-old culture and traditions. Today they invite visitors to respectfully experience the still hidden world of the Eagle and Raven clans. — Mark Sissons

Separated from the rest of B.C. by the towering Columbia Mountains and winding interior roads that full stop at the shore of slender lakes, the remoteness of the West Kootenays is part of its appeal. It’s easy to physical distance while stand-up paddle boarding on Kootenay Lake, cycling part of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, or hiking up to Pulpit Rock for mountain and lake views. In the middle of it all is the charming town of Nelson, where hundreds of heritage buildings now house boutique hotels, craft breweries and farm-to-fork eateries that serve kombucha spritzes. It’s fair to say Nelson’s hippie vibe of last century has changed its frequency to decidedly hipster. But you can still get your granola on by signing up for a halotherapy session at the Himalayan Salt Cave (where salt particles are said to help detox the body and clean the sinuses and lungs), or by joining a tour of Cody Cave to see an underground world of crystalline stalactites and stalagmites. And don’t miss the displays of public art around town, which stand as a testament to the creative expression alive and well in this hip town. — Lisa Kadane

Yoho and Kootenay national parks: all the wow with a fraction of the tourists

At the base of Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s highest waterfalls at 373 metres, mist from the surge of water off the Daly Glacier is so thick you need a raincoat. Takakkaw means “wonderful” in Cree, and it’s an apt name for one of the top sights in Yoho National Park (whose name Yoho, is another Cree expression meaning “awe”). Emerald Lake, with a glassy surface the colour of the green jewel, also evokes wonder. So do the mountains themselves. Here, gray limestone pinnacles that cachet hanging glaciers tower impossibly over the landscape. Yoho and its neighbour national park, Kootenay, are located on the western slope of the Canadian Rockies. They share a border with Banff National Park, and boast just as many turquoise lakes, alpine hikes and impressive wildlife including moose, bighorn sheep and grizzly bears. But they are far less crowded. In 2019, Banff clocked more than four million visitors; Kootenay just more than 500,000. — Lisa Kadane

Après adventure in the land of hoodoos

Cutting across southcentral B.C., the semi-arid Thompson Valley promises a backpack full of outdoor pursuits – and plenty of places to wind down after. In and around the main hub of Kamloops, where the North and South Thompson Rivers meet, hike or bike the rolling grasslands of the Kenna Cartwright Nature Park, paddle forest-fringed Heffley Lake or golf Tobiano atop bluffs overlooking Kamloops Lake. Then hit the Kamloops Wine Trail — raise a glass of sparkling chardonnay on the Harper’s Trail patio with vineyard and hoodoo views, or savour a local meat and cheese plate paired with a marquette rosé at Monte Creek Winery’s open-air Terrace Restaurant. Prefer a scratch-kitchen burger and beer? Head downtown to the Noble Pig, one of four local craft breweries on the B.C. Ale Trail. More golf and gourmet fare await in Chase to the east, home to the First Nations-owned Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Restort. — Sheila Hansen

Home of the elusive spirit bear

Named for the grizzlies, American black bears and Kermode or Spirit bears (a black bear born with a recessive gene that produces cream-coloured fur) that inhabit its thickly forested islands and inlets, the world’s largest coastal temperate rainforest stretches from the northern tip of Vancouver Island to the Alaska border. Twice the size of Africa’s Serengeti, the Great Bear Rainforest is also home to countless species of birds, marine life and other mammals, including sea wolves that hunt salmon from streams and swim like sea otters. Environmentalists first coined the name “Great Bear Rainforest” in the 1990s, partly to draw attention to their efforts to preserve its old-growth forests from industrial logging. In 2006, an agreement between the B.C. government and a coalition of conservationists, loggers, hunters and First Nations established a 400-kilometre-long protected coastal area. Today, you can explore this magnificent coastline from an eco-lodge or by boat, cruising up thickly forested fjords lined with snow-capped peaks and visiting isolated First Nations communities. While whales, sea wolves, dolphins and grizzlies are plentiful, the elusive Spirit bear — estimated to now only number around 400 individuals — only emerges from the forests of Princess Royal and Gribble Islands during fall salmon spawning season. — Mark Sissons

A chef’s playground –a foodie’s delight

PHOTO: Courtesy Big White Ski Resort

Standing in an open meadow at Myra Canyon Ranch in Kelowna, Paisley Notebook chef Aman Dosanj introduced her food philosophy to guests seated at her first pop-up dinner of the season. She showcased “international flavours created with local ingredients” including nettle gyoza with mustard flowers, kale pakoras wrapped in hosta leaves, and fingerling potatoes served aside tender, Indian-style, spiced beef from a local ranch. Dosanj sets the bar high for dining in Kelowna, but the recent influx of renowned chefs into town is helping to keep the food scene elevated. At the new Home Block restaurant at Cedar Creek Estate Winery, Neil Taylor creates simple, rustic dishes that nod to Spain and Italy, and use the best of the valley’s bounty. Andrea Callan forages for ingredients ranging from sage to Saskatoon berries for her Indigenous-inspired menu at Red Fox Club. And Brian Skinner shows just how hearty vegetarian eating can be at his wildly popular Frankie We Salute You, which sources the produce for its plant-based menu from local growers. Combine the dining frontier with downtown Kelowna’s revitalized main street with expanded patio dining, a visitor information centre right on the waterfront, and plans for a UBCO Downtown Campus — and you won’t recognize the interior’s largest city. — Lisa Kadane

Challenge Hell’s Gate and outdoor adventure

An expansive region that encompasses the province’s agricultural heartland, the Fraser Valley is home to historic communities and thrilling outdoor adventures. Travel back in time to the 19th century Fort Langley National Historic Site, the ‘birthplace of British Columbia.’ This former Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading hub features costumed interpreters and live demonstrations of blacksmithing and oak-barrel makin. In Abbotsford’s revitalizing downtown, visitors can enjoy steaming lattes at Oldhand Café or nibble on unicorn cakes and sip high tea at Tracycakes. Birders will enjoy a peaceful walk through Willband Creek while on the lookout for some 230 different bird species, including herons, hawks, and eagles, that frequent the wetland. The abundant farmland of Chilliwack yields super-sweet corn, fresh berries and pumpkins ripe for picking into the fall, as well as fresh-air adventures along hiking trails at Cheam Peak or walks in Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park. A detour north off of Highway 1 towards Agassiz and Harrison Mills reveals the Kilby Historic Site, a museum of rural life with early 20th century buildings. Up the Fraser Canyon, the Hell’s Gate Airtram crosses the 110-foot gorge and is one of the steepest fully-suspended trams in North America. — Claudia Laroye

Carved by glaciers and sheltered by mountains

PHOTO: Courtesy Alberni Valley Tourism

Annette Clement gets amped every time she speaks about the Alberni Valley. “We have it all,” says the member of the Alberni Valley Tourism board. “Our hiking, fishing, lakes, waterfalls, mountains, provincial parks, mountain biking and Alberni Harbour Quay are all amazing.” The Alberni Valley, and its main community of Port Alberni (population: 18,000) is located at the head of Alberni Inlet, the longest inlet on Vancouver Island, which connects to Barkley Sound and the Pacific Ocean. As such it has incredible salmon fishing. In fact, Port Alberni has adopted The Ultimate Fishing Town moniker and is home to numerous fishing outfitters, guides and tour companies. The region is home to Southern Vancouver Island's highest peak, 1,819-metre Mount Arrowsmith, which is also a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve. The area is also home to Sproat and Cameron lakes and the Mount Arrowsmith, Cathedral Grove, MacMillan, Taylor Arm, Fossli and Stamp Falls provincial parks. Besides being a gateway to the inlet and ocean, Alberni Harbour Quay is also packed with colourful shops, restaurants and art galleries. — Steve MacNaull

Dive deeper into the valley’s Indigenous history

Trails outside the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre pass through a landscape of cacti and sage and reveal a reconstructed pit house and sweat lodge that help tell the story of the Osoyoos Indian Band. At midday, the heat curls from the ground in hot waves, and in the distance Osoyoos Lake shimmers like a mirage. Osoyoos is located in Canada’s only true desert, a dry valley carpeted with sage, antelope brush and ponderosa pine. The Osoyoos Indian Band used desert plants for food, medicine and building materials, and thrived in what can be an inhospitable climate. Now, their descendants are prospering in Osoyoos’ new tourism climate, where there’s a heightened interest in Indigenous culture, enterprise and food. Nk’Mip Cellars is the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America and its award-winning wines express the desert terroir and reflect the importance of land stewardship. At Spirit Ridge Resort, The Bear, The Fish, The Root and The Berry is a restaurant that incorporates the four food chiefs—bear, salmon, bitterroot and Saskatoon berry—into its Indigenous-inspired menu. And no trip to Osoyoos is complete without nabbing an Instagram snap of Spotted Lake from the Hwy. 3 viewpoint. — Lisa Kadane

The Garden City with a spectacular Inner Harbour

Savvy travellers prefer the autumn when summer crowds have gone, and the temperature is ideal for strolling its many gardens and Beacon Hill Park — Victoria is ‘The Garden City’ after all. Sure it's touristy, but Butchart Gardens never disappoints. Take a crisp morning stroll along the loop: Start at the Inner Harbour, wind around James Bay to Dallas Road and the breakwater, take a left on Cook Street and stop for a coffee in Cook Street Village. Short-cut back through Beacon Hill Park or keep going along Cook to Fort Street and culinary stores. Later, browse the historic warehouse district, pop into the iconic Capital Iron that has been selling everything forever, and sidle up to the bar at one of several craft breweries. And the shopping — many local designers showcase their wares, from clothing to crafts to fine art. Thrift shops abound on Lower Johnson, affectionately called LoJo, and there is a huge Value Village on Store Street. The food scene is nothing short of amazing. In the not-so-distant past, a posh meal in Victoria usually meant French or Italian — and imported wine — from only a few decent restaurants. Now eateries are competing with each other to serve the best farm- and forest-to-table cuisine focusing on everything local. Victoria is steeped in history, and for a crash course, sign up for one of several guided walking tours to delve into the past or visit heritage neighbourhoods such as James Bay with an architecture focus. — Jane Mundy

Ready for two-wheel trails (and ales)?

With hundreds of kilometres of mountain biking trails and two separate rail-trail systems, B.C.’s sunniest city is fast becoming a popular destination for those whose preferred mode of transportation involves pedalling. In Cranbrook Community Forest, a maze of technical and flow trails wind through a protected area of grasslands, lakes, and stands of Douglas fir, larch and pine. Those favouring distance over adrenalin can cycle the NorthStar Rails to Trails, a 28-kilometre paved path that connects Cranbrook to Kimberley and showcases mountain views during much of the ride. For a longer trip, the Chief Isadore Trail covers 43 kilometres of packed gravel on its way to the village of Wardner, nestled on the west bank of the Kootenay River. If you’re looking to change up cycling with walking, Cranbrook also makes a good base for exploring some of the Kootenay’s classic day hikes, including TeePee Mountain and Fisher Peak, the highest point in the southern Canadian Rockies. No matter your outdoor adventure, craft beer awaits at Fisher Peak Brewing in Cranbrook (order the Blonde Ale), or Over Time Beer Works in Kimberley. — Lisa Kadane

PHOTO: Reuben Krabbe, Destination BC

If you love nature, astonishing scenery, arts, and a friendly, laid-back vibe, come to the islands. Situated between Vancouver Island and B.C.’s mainland are the Southern Gulf Islands, where spring comes earlier than anywhere else in Canada. You can get there by B.C. Ferries with a vehicle or walk-on (and enjoy the mini scenic cruise) but for many intrepid travelers, the best way is to island-hop by boat or kayak. By letting tides, weather and currents dictate your course you can tuck into pristine bays and land at remote beaches. Many islands support rural communities and welcome visitors. The most popular and accessible are Salt Spring (the best known, with more than 10,000 residents), Mayne, Galiano, Gabriola, and Pender Islands. They have much in common: villages, and almost Mediterranean, beaches. They offer plenty of “soft activities” and you’ll soon be in on “island time.” Turn off the cell phone – unplug and rewind. Each island is unique, so if you can swing it, visit a few. — Jane Mundy

The Napa of the North

In 1990, there were just 17 wineries in the entire province. That number has grown to nearly 300 today, with the majority located between Osoyoos and Vernon. Even during the pandemic new wineries opened, including Black Swift Vineyards and Priest Creek Family Estate Winery in Kelowna. So if it’s been awhile since you’ve sampled the Okanagan Valley’s vintages, prepare to be wowed. Cool climate varietals (Riesling, Gewürztraminer) do well in the valley’s northern reaches, while big reds (Merlot, Cabernet Franc) flourish in the south, where summer daytime highs routinely reach 35C but cool night temps let grapes maintain their natural acidity. The Napa of the North doesn’t do stuffy wine tasting, either. Winemakers here are eager to share and educate, and are happy to pour to your palate. Some wineries even make the experience family friendly – Off the Grid Organic Winery in West Kelowna keeps goats and chickens to help with vineyard weed and bug patrol. Kids love to watch the animals while parents learn about organic winemaking and how the valley’s dry climate is suited for sustainable farming. — Lisa Kadane

Hike wide-open spaces. Golf award-winning courses. Bike un-crowded trails. Paddle on 100 lakes. Trophy fish on still waters. This is Tourism Kamloops' top-five list of things to do in the city affectionately known as The Loops. But that is by no means the end of the list. Kamloops, the city of 115,000, located where the North and South Thompson rivers meet in B.C.'s Southern Interior, also has wineries, breweries, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, boating, beaches, horseback riding and rock climbing. “Our geography really sets us apart,” says Monica Dickinson of Tourism Kamloops. “We're located mid-province, perfect for a driving B.C. staycation, and we offer great value for everything we offer.” If winter is more your thing, then Sun Peaks Resort near Kamloops is the largest-downhill ski area in B.C.'s Interior. SunPeaks is also open in the summer for hiking, biking, dining and overnight stays at a range of hotels and lodges. — Steve MacNaull

Highway 99 highlights coastal B.C

The Sea-to-Sky Highway runs from Vancouver past Howe Sound, through Whistler and onto Pemberton. There is sea, plenty of sky and seemingly endless mountain peaks. This 163-kilometre route is one of the most spectacular drives in Canada. You won’t want to rush it. Start with a walk along the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver. At Britannia Beach, drop by the Britannia Mine Museum National Historic Site to learn what life was like underground at a once giant copper mine. Outdoor adventurers flock to Squamish at the top of Howe Sound. Try the Sea to Sky Gondola for a bird's-eye-view of Howe Sound, and the surrounding mountains. Eagles flock to Brackendale for salmon in the winter and birdwatchers follow to the gathering of these majestic birds of prey. At the year-round playground of Whistler take in the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and do not miss the spectacular Audain Art Museum. After a few more gorgeous twists and turns, the highway brings you to yet another outdoor mecca, Pemberton. — Jennifer Allford

Dubbed the “Cote d'Or of Canada”, the bucolic Cowichan Valley claims Canada’s only maritime Mediterranean climate. Filled with vineyards and farms, it’s become a destination for gourmet travellers. Just an hour’s drive up the Island Highway to Victoria, a road trip comprises many stops at a number of wineries, include exceptional eateries and accommodations. The area produces award-winning pinot noirs and pinot grises, along with ciders and balsamic vinegars. Part of the fun is following the wine route signs along winding country roads. And bring the kids: tubing the Cowichan River is a blast. — Jane Mundy

B.C.’s mountain-biking capital

PHOTO: Destination BC Dave Heath

Rossland doesn't mean to brag, but it is the mountain biking capital of Canada. It's also a hiking and trail running mecca. The hiking and trail running is on 200 kilometres of easy-to-extreme maintained and marked trails. The alpine golf is excellent and there's sophisticated and casual dining, boutique shopping and spas. And, oh yes, it's the hometown of Red Mountain Resort, which touts the best powder downhill skiing in B.C. The mountain, which dominates the view from Rossland, really does shimmer red in the sunshine. Built in the crater of an extinct volcano, Rossland, population 4,000, is surrounded by the Monashee Mountains in the West Kootenay Rocky Mountain region. The aforementioned best-in-Canada mountain biking is not just on Red Mountain, but kilometre after kilometre of old railway beds, whisky-running routes and miners' trails. And speaking of miners, the town is named after Ross Thompson, who staked a gold rush claim nearby in 1892. The town's main street, Thompson Avenue, is also named after him. — Steve MacNaull

Whale watching and wildlife tours

Few destinations can boast having more wildlife than people, but northern Vancouver Island is one of them. Bears, cougars, whales and wolves are some of the creatures you’ll find in this largely undeveloped region with fewer than 150,000 residents. But the people who do live here are often just as fascinating as the animals, from hardy loggers living off the evergreen forests, to self-reliant types who don’t miss urban amenities, to Indigenous people eager to share their rich culture. Whether it’s going on a wildlife tour with an Indigenous guide from Sea Wolf Cultural Adventures, admiring masks and other artifacts at the U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay, or searching for sea otters with the newest business in the area – Coastal Rainforest Safaris – experiencing First Nations culture is an unforgettable highlight. Nature lovers will want to hike into Cape Scott Provincial Park to camp on a sandy beach at the edge of the rainforest. Those seeking more First Nations culture will enjoy The Kwa’lilas Hotel in Port Hardy. And for hedonists, nothing beats Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort. — Suzanne Morphet

PHOTO: Destination Canada Brian Caissie

Years ago, Ucluelet — pronounced U-clue-let or Ukee (You-key) as residents say — got a bad rap. It was known as Tofino’s “ugly stepsister” or “poor cousin.” Not anymore. From “Ukee” walk the Wild Pacific Trail, a 6.5-kilometre path through old-growth forest, skirting the rugged shoreline to viewing platforms where hikers might see kayakers heading to Barkley Sound and the annual gray whale migration. It’s hiker heaven: If you’re okay walking on rocks and uneven ground, a local guide can accompany you to the “Blow Hole” for that ‘Wow’ moment. You can feel the vibrations from the blowhole before seeing nature at her finest. For something more relaxing and peaceful, hike to one of the best tidal pools on the coast. If it’s a dark night in Ucluelet harbor, take a bioluminescence (night paddle) to see a light show starring millions of tiny creatures called dinoflagellates—it’s quite a performance. The town boasts a fantastic craft brewery and big-name chefs have moved here and opened world-class restaurants. — Jane Mundy

With more than 300 kilometres of trails spanning across 83,671 hectares, E.C. Manning Park is a year-round playground for outdoor lovers. Enthusiastic hikers carrying heavy backpacks either start or end their journey on the world-famous Pacific Crest Trail, where Manning Park is the northern terminus. Those who don’t feel like hiking 4,265 kilometres from Mexico to Canada can find several other hikes ranging from a 15-mintue walk to multi-day excursions through the jagged snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows of the northern Cascades. During the fall, Manning Park Resort takes advantage of the parks limited light pollution by hosting astronomy weekends with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Beginner telescope rentals are available year-round. Once the snow falls, a new playground emerges for outdoor lovers at Manning Park Ski Resort, which is known to have some of the best powder in B.C. One of the best experiences in the park is a simple one: listening to the sounds of nature. Sitting next to a calm lake surrounded by a chorus of chirping birds is an excellent way to clear your mind and melt away stress. — Pamela Roth

See the cycle of a species renewal

View the power of nature in action at the spectacular annual Adams River Run in the Shuswap Lake area west of Salmon Arm. Located in the traditional territory of the Secwépemc people, the Adams River is one of the most important sockeye salmon breeding areas in North America, and represents both the end and the beginning of the four-year life cycle of this valuable species. Millions of Fraser River sockeye return to their spawning grounds in the Adams River every year. They retrace their route from the Pacific Ocean up the Fraser, through the rapids and fish ladders of the Fraser Canyon, completing a round trip of more than 400 kilometres. As the salmon return, they take on their distinctive red hue. The shallow river is filled with thousands of splashing scarlet salmon in an incredible and colourful cycle of species renewal. After spawning, the exhausted salmon die and become food for the birds, wildlife and forest. Visitors can view this spectacular natural phenomenon from platforms in Tsútswecw Provincial Park or on walking trails along the river. The Adams River Run occurs every year from September to October. — Claudia Laroye

Trails for days (or weeks)

PHOTO: Courtesy West Coast Wilderness Lodge

Yes the 180-kilometre stretch of coastline is indeed sunnier and warmer than the Lower Mainland. A 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay will transport you to incredible scenery, a slower pace and boundless opportunities to connect with nature. It’s hiker heaven. The 45-minute trail up to Soames Hill in Gibsons rewards with stunning views. Multiple trails pass creeks and waterfalls in Roberts Creek’s Cliff Gilker Park. The Sunshine Coast Trail, also 180-kilometres long, meanders through old-growth forest, by salmon streams, pristine lakes and waterfalls. Hike it, bike it or dawdle — the Trail welcomes everyone. With many access points, you can spend an afternoon on a small section of trail. Kids love the Trinket Trail: It’s like a treasure hunt. Another short ferry ride — and stunning views—to the Upper Coast opens a world of even less-explored beauty. At Lund is the “Mile 0” marker, which either begins or ends 15,202 kilometres south in Chile, making Highway 101 one of the longest highways in the world. With more than 400 heritage buildings, Powell River (fondly known as Powell Riviera) is drenched in history and designated a National Historic District of Canada. — Jane Mundy

Yes, you can have a beach vacation on the shores of Lake Harrison, two hours outside Vancouver. The Sts’ailes were called to these traditional “healing waters” long before “St. Alice’s Well” enticed settlers in the 1880s. The hot springs still draw families to the village’s shallow sandy beaches and mountain scenery, gelato shops and playground sets. Try easy hikes to nearby Bridal Falls, beach picnics, and soaking in open-air mineral pools at charming Harrison Hot Springs Resort. It was the nicest, quietest stay our family has ever had. Or go for the water sports: kayaking, swimming, boat tours, and fishing. Heading home, don’t forget to stop roadside for corn, field-fresh berries, fruits, eggs and cut flowers. Finish up at The Farm House Natural Cheeses in Agassiz, with ice cream for kids and artisan goat cheese for you (the Provencal chèvre's a soft cloud) — before hitting the highway for home, sand still in your toes. — Elaine O’Connor

Home to one of the most extensive exhibits of dinosaur footprints in Canada, Northern BC's Tumbler Ridge has etched its reputation in stone. Thanks to a dedicated team of local experts, this tiny community northeast of Prince George is now home to the first UNESCO Global Geopark in western North America. Designated areas of international geological significance, Global Geoparks promote the sustainable development of local communities within their vicinities through conservation, education and geotourism initiatives. For a deep dive into the distant past, visit Tumbler Ridge’s renowned Peace Region Palaeontology Research Centre, which features education and guided-tour programs, as well as museum exhibits in the Dinosaur Discovery Gallery and the Community Centre. Then head out to explore the area’s wealth of protected geographical wonders, including waterfalls, rock formations, alpine summits, caves and more. Visitors can also explore metallurgical-coal mines, giant renewable-energy wind turbines and plenty of rugged ATV and snowmobile terrain. Hiking and cross-country skiing, rock and ice climbing are also popular. With a unique combination of diverse ecosystems, ground-breaking archaeology and fascinating First Nations history and culture, set in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Tumbler Ridge is as unique as those ancient trackways and fossils that make it the undisputed dinosaur capital of B.C. — Mark Sissons

Where rainforest meets the sea

About 45 minutes west of Victoria, Sooke is perfect for lightweight adventurers and gourmands. Rent a fast and stable foot-powered Hobie kayak and zip past Sooke Harbour and Whiffen Spit through kelp gardens, and water so clear you see purple and pink sea stars and a world of marine life far below. Bike the famous 56 kilometre "Galloping Goose" converted railway trail. (You can rent e-bikes, easy peasy.) Hiking at Sooke Potholes Provincial Park is not to be missed — even on a gloomy day. Well-maintained trails lead down to pools and potholes naturally carved into the bedrock of the Sooke River with crystal clear water. Sooke offers good restaurants (the Little Vienna Bakery and Wild Mountain Restaurant are fantastic), many artists' workshops and galleries and dozens of B&Bs and small inns, including spectacular cottages at SookePoint Ocean Resort. Although the resort is about 45 minutes from ‘downtown’ Sooke, below your deck is “Orca Alley” – whale watching in comfort! — Jane Mundy

B.C.’s Wild West frontier

Stretching from the Fraser River to the Coast Mountain Range, the Chilcotin’s broad plateaus and grasslands, shimmering glaciers and cobalt lakes form some of the most spectacular scenery in British Columbia. This is authentic cowboy country; still, home to sprawling ranch lands and rolling hay fields, where horseback riding is as popular as hiking, and wild-life viewing draws visitors from around the world. Whether you’re staying in a 5-star dude ranch or a First Nations-owned grizzly bear safari lodge, you’ll appreciate why the still largely untamed Chilcotin has been called B.C.’s Wild-West frontier. Here in one of the largest expanses of wilderness found anywhere in North America, roads less travelled and rugged trails slice through breathtaking backcountry. The Chilcotin’s original inhabitants, the Tsilhqot’in (Chilcotin) and St’at’imc (Lillooet) First Nations, called this region the “Skumakun” or “Land of Plenty” for its abundance of fish and wildlife. Grizzly & black bears, moose, wolverine, wolf, coyote, deer and bighorn sheep still roam free, as do eagles, owls, herons and dozens more species of birds. From grizzly viewing at Tweedsmuir Provincial Park and fishing on pristine lakes to white-water rafting, trekking, snowmobiling and heliskiing, the Chilcotin is a year-round magnet for outdoor adventurers. — Mark Sissons

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If you love nature, astonishing scenery, arts, and a friendly, laid-back vibe, come to the islands. Situated between Vancouver Island and B.C.’s mainland are the Southern Gulf Islands, where spring comes earlier than anywhere else in Canada. You can get there by B.C. Ferries with a vehicle or walk-on (and enjoy the mini scenic cruise) but for many intrepid travelers, the best way is to island-hop by boat or kayak. By letting tides, weather and currents dictate your course you can tuck into pristine bays and land at remote beaches. Many islands support rural communities and welcome visitors. The most popular and accessible are Salt Spring (the best known, with more than 10,000 residents), Mayne, Galiano, Gabriola, and Pender Islands. They have much in common: villages, and almost Mediterranean beaches. They offer plenty of “soft activities” and you’ll soon be in on “island time.” Turn off the cell phone – unplug and rewind. Each island is unique, so if you can swing it, visit a few. — Jane Mundy

An expansive region that encompasses the province’s agricultural heartland, the Fraser Valley is home to historic communities and thrilling outdoor adventures. Travel back in time to the 19th century Fort Langley National Historic Site, the ‘birthplace of British Columbia.’ This former Hudson’s Bay Company fur-trading hub, features costumed interpreters and live demonstrations of blacksmithing and oak-barrel makin. In Abbotsford’s revitalizing downtown, visitors can enjoy steaming lattes at Oldhand Café or nibble on unicorn cakes and sip high tea at Tracycakes. Birders will enjoy a peaceful walk through Willband Creek while on the lookout for some 230 different bird species, including herons, hawks, and eagles, that frequent the wetland. The abundant farmland of Chilliwack yields super-sweet corn, fresh berries and pumpkins ripe for picking into the fall, as well as fresh-air adventures along hiking trails at Cheam Peak or walks in Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park. A detour north off of Highway 1 towards Agassiz and Harrison Mills reveals the Kilby Historic Site, a museum of rural life with early 20th century buildings. Up the Fraser Canyon, the Hell’s Gate Airtram crosses the 110-foot gorge and is one of the steepest fully-suspended trams in North America. — Claudia Laroye

Islands at the edge of the world

This sea-swept archipelago off B.C.’s northern coast is renowned for its natural beauty, abundant marine life, and unique First Nations culture and artistry. Called Xhaaidlagha Gwaa- yaai, the “Islands at the Edge of the World” in the language of its early inhabitants, the western most point in Canada should be high on any adventurous traveller’s bucket list. Often compared to the Galapagos Islands for its evolutionary unique flora and fauna, remote Haida Gwaii is home to millions of sea birds, a distinct species of black bear and lush rainforests thick with giant Sitka spruce and red cedar, from which master Haida carvers fashioned their world-famous totem poles. Orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins patrol the waters off its coastlines, and enormous colonies of sea mammals and migrating populations of salmon and halibut thrive just offshore, making these islands a world-class sport-fishing destination. For thousands of years, Haida fishers launched their enormous dugout canoes into Haida Gwaii’s storm-pummelled waters, providing food for their clans who occupied coastal bays and inlets. Their descendants have made determined efforts to preserve, respect and renew their homeland and millennia-old culture and traditions.Today they invite visitors to respectfully experience the still hidden world of the Eagle and Raven Clans. — Mark Sissons

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