World · 27 Places · Best Year-round
British Columbia is Canada's westernmost province, celebrated for its dramatic landscapes ranging from the temperate rainforests of the coast to the rugged Rocky Mountains in the east, the semi-arid Okanagan valley in the south, and the vast boreal forests of the north. Home to world-class ski resorts, vibrant multicultural cities, ancient First Nations cultures, and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, BC offers an unparalleled range of travel experiences.
British Columbia stretches from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Rocky Mountains in the east, encompassing an extraordinary variety of terrain and climate zones. The Lower Mainland around Vancouver is one of Canada's most densely populated and ethnically diverse regions. Vancouver Island, connected by BC Ferries, is home to the provincial capital Victoria and the wild surf beaches of Tofino. The Interior plateau contains the Okanagan wine country, Thompson River canyon, and the high desert landscapes around Kamloops. The mountainous northwest includes the spectacular Stikine region and the port city of Prince Rupert. BC's economy is driven by technology, natural resources, tourism, film production, and trade through the Port of Vancouver, the largest port in Canada.
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The 27 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
One of North America's largest urban parks at 405 hectares, Stanley Park is Vancouver's green heart. The park features the famous Seawall (a 9km paved path around the park's perimeter), beaches, totem poles at Brockton Point, the Vancouver Aquarium, Beaver Lake, ancient forest trails, and sweeping views of the North Shore mountains and downtown skyline. A must-see for every visitor to Vancouver.
A 137-metre long and 70-metre high suspension bridge spanning the Capilano River, one of Vancouver's most iconic attractions. The park also features the Cliffwalk (a cantilevered walkway along granite cliffs), Treetops Adventure (seven suspension bridges through Douglas fir forest canopy), and Raptor Ridge featuring birds of prey. The bridge has been in operation since 1889.
North America's premier ski resort and one of the world's top mountain destinations year-round. Whistler Blackcomb features over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain across two mountains, connected by the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. In summer, Whistler transforms into a mountain biking and hiking mecca. The vibrant pedestrian village at the base offers world-class dining, shopping, and accommodation.
A stunning 22-hectare display garden located 21km north of Victoria, developed from a former limestone quarry in 1904 by Jennie Butchart. The gardens contain over one million plants from 700 varieties. Key sections include the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Italian Garden. Saturday night fireworks in summer and illumination displays make it magical after dark.
A spectacular national park on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island encompassing three units: Long Beach (the most accessible, with magnificent surf beaches), the Broken Group Islands (a maze of islands and islets in Barkley Sound), and the West Coast Trail (one of the world's most challenging and rewarding multi-day hikes). The park protects old-growth rainforests, diverse marine life, and rich First Nations heritage.
Known as 'The Peak of Vancouver,' Grouse Mountain is a year-round destination accessible by gondola (or via the Grouse Grind trail) just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Winter activities include skiing and snowboarding. Summer features a refuge for orphaned grizzly bears, lumberjack shows, an eye of the wind turbine tour, zip lines, alpine hiking, and a mountaintop restaurant with panoramic city views.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Vancouver's most prestigious hotel, the Fairmont Pacific Rim sits in the Coal Harbour waterfront district with sweeping views of the mountains and harbour. The hotel features the award-winning Giovane Café, the Willow Stream Spa with an outdoor pool, and the NOTCH8 Restaurant & Bar. Rooms are appointed with floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms, and exceptional service. Walking distance to the seawall, Stanley Park, and Gastown.
Check rates on Booking.comA longtime icon of Vancouver luxury hospitality, the Four Seasons occupies prime downtown real estate connected to the Pacific Centre mall. The hotel is known for its impeccable service, the YEW seafood + bar restaurant serving local Pacific seafood, an indoor/outdoor pool, and spacious rooms with mountain or city views. Preferred by business travellers and celebrities alike.
Check rates on Booking.comPerched on a rocky promontory above Chesterman Beach, the Wickaninnish Inn is widely regarded as one of Canada's finest resorts and one of the world's great boutique hotels. 'The Wick' is renowned for its storm-watching packages in winter, when guests watch Pacific storms from the warmth of their ocean-view suites. The Pointe Restaurant serves outstanding Pacific Northwest cuisine. Every room faces the ocean.
Check rates on Booking.comThe grande dame of Victoria's Inner Harbour, the Fairmont Empress has been an iconic landmark since 1908. The castle-like ivy-covered building is one of Canada's most photographed hotels. The Empress is famous for its traditional Afternoon Tea (a Victoria institution), the Q Bar, and the sophisticated 1908 Restaurant. The hotel underwent a $60 million restoration in 2017, blending heritage elegance with modern luxury.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Chef David Hawksworth's flagship restaurant is consistently ranked among the best in Canada. Set in the grand Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Hawksworth features precise, elegant contemporary Canadian cuisine with exceptional BC ingredients. The restaurant is celebrated for its charcuterie, impeccable service, and award-winning wine list heavy with BC and Burgundy selections.
One of Victoria's most celebrated restaurants, Olo focuses entirely on Vancouver Island and BC ingredients in a warm, intimate 50-seat room. Chef Brad Holmes creates refined and seasonal menus that shift constantly with local harvests. The wine list is outstanding with a focus on BC and minimal-intervention producers.
Whistler's most celebrated dining room, Araxi has been at the centre of the resort's dining scene for decades. Located in Whistler Village Square, the restaurant is renowned for its use of BC and Pacific Northwest ingredients, comprehensive raw bar and oyster selection, and one of the finest wine lists in Canada. The lively après-ski crowd and refined dinner menu make it equally popular at both ends of the day.
A Vancouver institution since 1990, CinCin is a warm, wood-fired Italian restaurant on Robson Street with a beautiful second-floor terrace. The kitchen centres on a custom wood-burning oven and rotisserie, producing outstanding pasta, pizza, and grilled proteins. The wine list covers BC and Italy comprehensively.
The flagship restaurant at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, Botanist draws inspiration from the natural world with a stunning plant-filled interior designed by Ste. Marie Studio. The kitchen produces highly seasonal contemporary Canadian cuisine, and the bar programme is centred on house-made botanical spirits and fermented products. The weekend brunch is among the best in the city.
Perched on a rocky headland at the Wickaninnish Inn with 240-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, The Pointe is one of BC's most romantically situated fine dining rooms. The kitchen showcases the finest local and regional ingredients including Tofino Inlet seafood, Vancouver Island farms, and foraged coastal plants, complemented by a deep wine list.
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British Columbia has a diverse transportation network suited to its varied geography. The Lower Mainland is served by an excellent rapid transit and bus system. Between the mainland and Vancouver Island, BC Ferries operates an extensive fleet. The province's interior and north are best explored by car or a combination of regional airports and bus services. Scenic rail experiences (Rocky Mountaineer) attract premium travellers.
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15-40 | $50-120 | $150+ |
| Food (per day) | $10-25 | $30-60 | $80+ |
| Transportation | $5-15 | $20-50 | $75+ |
| Activities | $5-15 | $20-50 | $75+ |
| Daily total | $50-100 | $100-200 | $300+ |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Canada.
Entry to British Columbia follows Canadian federal requirements. Citizens of the United States do not need a visa but must carry a valid passport or NEXUS card. Citizens of many other countries may enter Canada visa-free for up to six months or may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for air travel. Some nationalities require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Always check current requirements with the Government of Canada immigration website before travel. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in British Columbia is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in British Columbia: English, French. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
