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BRITISH COLUMBIA

British Columbia

Explore British Columbia, where rugged nature meets vibrant culture. From vast wilderness to almighty mountains, British Columbia dishes up the jaw-dropping vistas like it's no big deal. A hiker's dream landscape, the terrain ranges from forest to river to coastline. Do you want to see wildlife that will leave you astounded, if not a little jittery? Welcome to grizzly bear territory, along with moose, birdlife, and if you time it right, breath-taking killer whales. Then there’s cosmopolitan Vancouver where you can load up on poutine and consider your next adventure into the white slides of Whistler. British Columbia’s the adventure capital for powder hounds, its slopes providing the ultimate paradise for snow lovers.



OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO EXPLORE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA


Whistler
Whistler

Whistler and Blackcomb mountains have more than 200 marked skiing and snowboarding trails between them, however, this village is a destination for all seasons. When the snow has gone, out come the mountainbikers to tackle the adrenaline pumping rides in North America’s largest bike park and golfers head for scenic championship courses. Whistler Village boasts a vast array of restaurants and boutiques, some specialising in First Nation art and jewellery.

Victoria
Victoria

On the southern tip of Vancouver Island, an elegant reminder of the British Empire lives on. Victoria, with its iconic Provincial Legislature buildings and Empress Hotel, provides a remarkable contrast to the untamed landscapes that surround it. The Inner Harbour is the best place to begin enjoying the city’s charms. Once a bustling port of fur traders and dealers in legal opium sales, the old town brings the history of Victoria’s past alive.

Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island

The Island stretches from the colonial capital of Victoria in the south to Cape Scott’s windswept beaches and rocky headlands in the north. This rugged paradise combines old-growth forests, snowcapped mountains, and untamed shorelines. Experience world-class whale watching, birding, and fishing, or just let your worries drift away in the waves of the Pacific.

Thompson Okanagan
Thompson Okanagan

The Thompson Okanagan offers a world-class wine region and is home to the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Canada’s only desert and sprawling lakes. Vast grasslands, towering waterfalls, and lush valleys set the stage for a vibrant agricultural and culinary scene. Spend the summer hiking and biking through the rolling hills, or fishing in its glacier-fed lakes. When winter rolls around, head to the mountains for fresh powder.

 
Great Bear Rainforest
Great Bear Rainforest

This area is one of the best places in the world to observe grizzly bears and other wildlife such as wolves, black bears, otters, pine martins, mink and bald eagles. From May through to October, stay at Great Bear Nature Lodge to experience world-class wildlife viewing excursions. And a maximum of sixteen guests ensures a personalised wilderness adventure in this special area.

Knight Inlet
Knight Inlet

This 100-kilometre-long fjord has been carved by glaciers in the coastal mountains. This pristine wilderness is the native habitat of the grizzly bear. Every spring when the bears come out of hibernation they can be seen on the banks of Glendale Cove. For the best bear viewing experiences stay at the floating Knight Inlet Lodge where you can begin your bear spotting adventure.

Farewell Harbour Lodge
Farewell Harbour Lodge

Located on Berry Island, Farewell Harbour Lodge is in a marine park and beautiful forested area of the famed inside passage route to Alaska. Take a sea kayaking excursion, guided interpretive rainforest hike and enjoy full day excursions to the grizzly bear viewing areas. There is always plenty of marine and wildlife to discover in the region.

Spirit Bear
Klemtu Rainforest

The Klemtu Rainforest offers access to some of the best grizzly and spirit bear viewing in the region as it’s nestled in a remote archipelago of small islands and protected from the wild Pacific Ocean. Spirit Bear Lodge pays homage to the traditional long house built for thousands of years by West Coast First Nations and is the best place to base yourself in your quest for the elusive Spirit Bear.



SOME THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN BRITISH COLUMBIA



Peak 2 Peak PEAK 2 PEAK GONDOLA, WHISTLER

Take a ride up Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and hop on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. The journey between the two provides a 360-degree window into Whistler Blackcomb’s alpine environment but sightseeing is just the start of your adventure with many hiking trails and more to explore.
Squamish SQUAMISH LIL' WAT CULTURAL CENTRE, WHISTLER
 

This centre is dedicated to the history and culture of local First Nation people, showcasing traditional singers and dancers. Spend a day here watching the artists weaving and carving, explore nature on the Cultural Forest Walk, and taste indigenous food at the café.!
Zip Trek ZIP TREK BEAR TOUR, WHISTLER
 

Experience an incredible journey on a series of five ziplines joined by a network of suspension bridges, boardwalks and trails. Explore the hidden beauty of Fitzsimmons Creek and the picturesque forest valley between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
Butchart Gardens BUTCHART GARDENS, VICTORIA
 
A designated National Historic Site, Butchart Gardens has over 50 acres of magnificent gardens to explore. The gardens were established in 1904 and are in the style of the grand estates of the period, retaining the original design and producing outstanding floral displays.
Whale Watching WHALE WATCHING, VICTORIA
 

Take an exhilarating round trip of 50 to 80 kilometres in search of orcas, minke whales, gray whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife.
Dining DINING, VICTORIA

With the second highest number of restaurants per capita in North America, Victoria is a culinary paradise. Many of the city’s top chefs focus their menus on products grown on Vancouver Island.



BRITISH COLUMBIA ACCOMMODATION


Here's a taste of some of our favourite hotels and lodges in British Columbia.
Come in-store or send us an enquiry to help us find the best accommodation option for you.

Aava Whistler
AAVA WHISTLER
★★★half star

Only a few minutes’ walk to Whistler Village, where you will be captivated by the buzzing atmosphere of this beautiful spot year round. Blackcomb and Whistler mountains are at your doorstep so you are close to all that’s on offer. Hop on one of the complimentary bikes and explore the surrounding area and alpine lakes.
Chateau Victoria
CHATEAU VICTORIA HOTEL & SUITES
 ★★★
This is a great place to stay in an excellent location in the heart of downtown Victoria. You are close to the inner harbour and only five minutes walk to parliament buildings and great shopping. After a day of exploring you’ll be grateful to relax back in the heated indoor swimming pool and whirlpool. On-site, ‘Vista 18’ is Victoria’s only rooftop restaurant and lounge where you can dine on organic, local produce while admiring magnificent views of the mountains, inner harbour and ocean.
Delta Whistler
DELTA WHISTLER VILLAGE SUITES
 ★★★

If you want more than just a hotel room, this is the place to stay. Offering not just full service hotel rooms but also one and two bedroom suites that have kitchen facilities, ideal for that longer break. Step outside this large alpine village style property and you are only a few minutes’ walk from the shops and activities.
Inn at Laurel Point
INN AT LAUREL POINT, VICTORIA
 ★★★★

Located on a six acre peninsular on Victoria Harbour you feel like you are a world away, but in fact you are only a 10 minute stroll to the Royal British Columbia Museum and shops of downtown Victoria. Views of the ocean follow you from check-in to your hotel room, plus the Japanese gardens and chef’s own herb garden provide a variety of tranquil spots to relax in.





INSPIRE ME
British Columbia holiday planning articles


Are you planning your next trip to British Columbia? Want to learn more about this destination? Or looking for ideas and inspiration for your next holiday? Here is where you can find our featured articles on British Columbia.

 




WE'RE HERE TO GUIDE YOU ALONG THE WAY



This is just a taste of the information and advice we have available through our House of Travel consultants.
Enquire below or pop in-store and talk to one of our travel experts today.

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