Planning a Trip to British Columbia (By Locals Who Know)

Planning a trip to British Columbia? Let’s just say… You’re about to fall hard for this place.

It’s one of Canada’s most beautiful corners.

You can spot whales off the coast one day, sip your way through Okanagan wineries the next and wander ancient rainforests in between. Think big landscapes, small towns, laid-back cities and outdoor adventures – all wrapped into one unforgettable trip.

After years of living in British Columbia (first in Vancouver, now in Victoria), we know what’s truly worth your time – and what’s not.

In this guide, we share our favorite places (from must-see highlights to lesser-known gems), plus where to stay, what to do and practical tips to help you plan your trip with ease.

Where is British Columbia?

Canada’s westernmost province, British Columbia sits smack-dab against the Pacific Ocean to the east.

The Alaskan Panhandle and Yukon and the Northwest Territories lie to the north. Alberta is to the west.

Across the southern border is the United States (Washington, Idaho and Montana).

July and August are peak season, with warm sunshine and bluebird skies (but also more visitors and higher hotel prices).

• Victoria and Vancouver – On the Pacific Coast, they’re blessed with a moderate climate. Average daytime temps in summer range roughly from 68 to 85 F (roughly 20 to 28 C).
• Interior (e.g., Okanagan Valley) – This is the hottest part of the province in summer. Temps often hit 85 F (30 C) to 95 F (35 C), sometimes even higher. All the better for swimming in Okanagan Lake!

Early September is an ideal time to visit. The weather is usually sunny, warm and dry (with maybe some crisp mornings later in the month), and the peak tourist season has eased off.

Of course, there are always exceptions.

You could head to the wild west coast of Vancouver Island for winter storm watching in Tofino. That said, when we went once in February, we were unexpectedly blessed with sunshine and 60 F (16 C) temps! It almost felt like summer – so no storm watching for us. We didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

March and April bring beautiful spring blossoms to Vancouver and Victoria.

Just be sure to pack a rain coat – you should expect some showers.

BC is big, like really big. At almost 365,000 square miles (944,735 sq. km) in size, it’s larger than Washington, Oregon and California combined.

And it packs in a lot – magnificent mountain ranges (hello, Canadian Rockies!), epic national parks, sandy beaches, thousands of lakes and ancient temperate rainforest hugging much of the rugged coastline.

To explore the best of BC, you’ll probably want to rent a car. It’s by far the easiest way to experience these natural wonders. Rental cars are available at the Vancouver, Kelowna and Victoria airports.

For example, you could drive up Vancouver Island from Victoria (at the southern tip) all the way to Telegraph Cove and Port Hardy in the north.

We’ve done this trip. It’s a fantastic itinerary, blending city sightseeing in Victoria with outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking, whale watching and even grizzly bear viewing.

Getting around without a car

Now, it is possible to travel in British Columbia without a car if you stick to the main hubs. Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler are your best bets.

• Vancouver and Victoria – They’re very walkable if you stay downtown. Taxis are easy to find too, and Uber operates in both cities.
• Whistler – The village is pedestrian-only, so you won’t need a car at all here.

Taking the ferry in BC

BC Ferries operates an extensive network of car ferries linking the mainland with Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and other offshore gems along the coast.

From Vancouver, the trip takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes (from the Tsawwassen terminal). And on a nice day, we make a point of going outside, breathing in the fresh sea air and watching the scenery glide by. It’s almost like a mini-cruise!

Most trips to BC kick off in Vancouver.

With direct flights from around the world into Vancouver International Airport (YVR), it’s the main gateway to the province.

It’s a big, buzzy city too. Population?

• Vancouver – The city itself has about 756,000 residents.
• Greater Vancouver (or Metro Vancouver) – When you add in the surrounding suburbs, the population exceeds three million residents.

Regularly ranked among the world’s most beautiful cities, Vancouver dazzles with ocean views, a mountain backdrop, fresh local seafood and neighborhoods you’ll actually want to linger in. It’s also wonderfully outdoorsy – with bicycling, hiking, skiing and kayaking, all right on the city’s doorstep.

(And just to clear things up – Vancouver is not on Vancouver Island. It’s on the mainland.)

Best things to do in Vancouver

Hang out in Stanley Park

For the mother of all urban parks, head to Stanley Park!

Rent a bicycle and pedal around the seawall – it’s ridiculously scenic and hands-down one of our favorite things to do in the city.

Be sure you see the moody landscapes by Emily Carr, painted between 1913 and 1942.

Probably Canada’s best-known artist, her paintings are all about Pacific Northwest coastal forests and the First Nation tribes that lived here.

Visit the Museum of Anthropology

For an understanding of the region’s First Nations culture, tour the acclaimed Museum of Anthropology at the University of BC.

See carved totem poles, cedar sculptures, contemporary native art, indigenous masks, bentwood boxes and other fascinating exhibits.

More fun things to do

• Wander the cobbled streets of Gastown – Vancouver’s oldest (and maybe trendiest?) neighborhood is perfect for boutique browsing, coffee stops and a peek at its famous steam clock.
• Catch a show at an Arts Club theater – From musicals to contemporary plays, it’s always a fun night out (we’ve seen some great performances here).
• Hike in Lighthouse Park – An easy wander in this West Vancouver park through towering Douglas Fir trees leads to rocky viewpoints with gob-smacking ocean views.

Cruising from Vancouver

Vancouver is a major gateway for Alaska cruises. Sailing out past the mountains is pretty magical!

That said, we always hear the same thing from travelers who only stay one night before their cruise: “We wish we’d given Vancouver more time!”

Visit the Royal BC Museum

The Royal BC Museum is one of Canada’s best.

Founded in 1886, it brings the province’s human and natural history to life through immersive exhibits.

One of the most photographed is a life-size mammoth (dubbed “Woolly”), complete with giant curving tusks and long muskox hair to simulate real mammoth fur.

More fun things to do

• Enjoy a free tour of the BC Parliament Buildings – Afterward, snap selfies outside that grand neo-Baroque façade.
• Go whale watching – We’ve recently done this whale watching adventure twice and loved it both times. (We picked the smaller open boat option for a more thrilling ride and up-close experience.)
• Stretch your legs on a scenic walk – These easy Victoria walks serve up leafy neighborhoods and ocean views.
• Indulge in afternoon tea at the Empress – It’s a Victoria classic. Think tiered trays and dainty treats.
• Cool off at a lake or beach – On hot summer days, we love relaxing by the water.
• Hop on a water taxi – Cruise the Gorge waterway on a fun pickle boat ride with Victoria Harbour Ferry.

Where to eat in Victoria

Victoria has a foodie-worthy dining scene, with a focus on farm-to-table cuisine. You’ll find oodles of great restaurants in Victoria, ranging from Italian trattorias to take-out and delivery places offering excellent Indian food.

Some of our go-to faves?

• Café Brio – For fine dining, we love the half-portion plates served here (so you can try more dishes). 
• Pagliacci’s – Craving big bowls of pasta, lively vibes and reasonable prices? This is your place.
• Spinnakers – A casual waterfront eatery, it’s known for its tummy-satisfying pub classics and craft beer.
• Nubo – This award-winning resto teases the tastebuds with quality Japanese fusion cuisine.
• Nohra Thai Kitchen – For an upscale Thai dining experience, it’s worth the short drive from downtown (about 15 minutes) to charming Oak Bay, home to this spot.

Whistler in winter

The resort is home to two legendary mountains – Whistler and Blackcomb – offering terrain for every level.

How do you choose between Whistler or Blackcomb?

Whistler has more green runs, making it a great choice for beginners. But you can’t beat Blackcomb’s groomed slopes on Seventh Heaven on a sunny bluebird day!

There’s no question the skiing in Whistler is world-class. But Whistler is just as fun in summer (arguably even better, if you ask us).

What to do?

• Golfing – Tee off on the Whistler Golf Course, designed by Arnold Palmer.
• Bear viewing – If you want to see Whistler’s famous black bears in the wild, bear viewing tours are offered from April/May to September/October.
• Canoeing and kayaking – Paddle Whistler’s dreamy River of Golden Dreams. It’s as good as it sounds.
• Biking the Valley Trail – Cycle up to 25 miles (40 km) of paved paths winding past forests, lakes and golf courses.
• White water rafting – Tackle Class II and III rapids on the Green River (exciting, but beginner-friendly too!).
• Hiking – Take on the stunning Joffre Lakes hike (to three turquoise lakes). Or opt for an easy forest stroll in Brandywine Falls Park.
• Lake swimming – Cool off with a dip in Lost Lake or Alta Lake on a warm day.

British Columbia gems

Southern Gulf Islands

Want to hike through forests dotted with fairy houses? Or go bioluminescent kayaking at night?

Magical Salt Spring Island delivers both.

Nearby Galiano Island is equally idyllic but quieter, perfect for days filled with kayaking, hiking, beachcombing – or doing absolutely nothing but relaxing.

Sniff, swirl and sip your way through 200+ Okanagan wineries!

Many have seriously good vineyard restaurants overlooking Okanagan Lake, serving organic food with local ingredients. (Don’t miss Naramata for standout dining.)

With more than 50 lakes, this sunny region is also a favorite spot for families to go for a summer vacation in British Columbia.

Stunning Okanagan Lake, a deep lake stretching for 84 miles (135 km), is a fan favorite for swimming, boating, fishing and other water sports.

Haida Gwaii

Wild and hauntingly beautiful, Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands) feels worlds away. It’s a remote wildlife-rich archipelago off BC’s northwest coast.

The lower third is protected by the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve.

Explore mossy rainforests and ancient Indigenous sites with towering totem poles on misty islands – where orcas frolic and the world’s largest subspecies of black bears roam free.

Parksville and Qualicum Beach

Hey, you can see goats on the roof on a store in Coombs, splash about in warm shallow waters and explore Horne Lake Caves.

They’re just some of the crazy fun activities you can enjoy in Parksville and Qualicum Beach.

Telegraph Cove

Kayaking with orcas? Viewing grizzly bears? You bet!

It’s all possible from Telegraph Cove at the top of Vancouver Island.

The setting is unique – this historic boardwalk village is one of the last of its kind in North America.

The most likely place to see bears is from your car in parks and in wilderness areas.

If you do spot one, play it safe (for you and the bear):

• Stay in your vehicle – Pull over safely and give the bear plenty of space.
• Don’t approach – No getting close for a photograph, no matter how tempting!
• Know before you go – Brush up on wildlife and bear safety tips if you’re hiking.
• Carry bear spray – It’s a good precaution in remote areas (though rarely needed).

Local currency

The official currency in British Columbia is the Canadian dollar.

U.S. dollars are generally accepted. But it’s better to use Canadian dollars if you can, as you won’t have to figure out the conversion – and you’ll generally get a better deal.

Credit cards are widely accepted; Visa and Mastercard are the most common. But you’ll still want some cash for tips and such.

What to pack for a visit to BC

In summer, pack a sweater or jacket – evenings can be cool. You may also want to bring comfortable travel sandals for city sightseeing and outdoor activities.

A brollie is always useful in case it rains, especially in winter. (The west coast, home to Vancouver, is nicknamed the “rain coast.”)

Tipping in BC

In British Columbia, tipping is a nod to good service and part of the service culture here:

• Restaurants – 15% to 20% is customary
• Cafés, taxis and Uber – 10 to 15% is a good gratitude gesture
• Hotel maids – $2 to $5 per night is a nice way of saying “thanks” (though it’s not mandatory)