Top Things to do in British Columbia
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10 Nature & Parks in British Columbia That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in British Columbia, British Columbia including Pacific Rim National Park, Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Chesterman Beach, Myra Canyon Park, Skaha Lake Park, Lost Lake, Emerald Lake, Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Grouse Mountain.
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1. Pacific Rim National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,337 reviews
Unique park composed of three sections - Long Beach, the West Coast Trail and the Broken Group of Islands - that feature sandy beaches, island archipelagos, temperate rainforests and important archaeological sites.
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve consists of 3 units stretching from Tofino, the northern end, to Port Renfrew at the southern end, on Vancouver Island. These 3 units are: 1) The Long Beach Unit located between the beach towns of Tofino and Ucluelet, 2) The Broken Group Islands located in Barkley Sound and accessible only by boat, and 3) The West Coast Trail stretching for 75 km from Pachena Bay to Port Renfrew. Only experienced trekkers should attempt this trail. We got to explore the Broken Group of Islands when we joined one of the Whale Watching tour operators in Ucluelet. We were taken across the small islands in Barkley Sound, towards the south-east of Ucluelet, and saw the spectacular views of these islands covered by a small forest of trees, and rocks with a lot of kelp floating around. Finally the captain of the motorised boat spotted a humpback whale which we followed for quite a while as it kept spouting and breaking the surface of the water every few minutes. We even saw a group of grunting and squabbling sea lions on a rocky island, a sea otter floating on it’s back in the water, and some sea eagles perched up on tall trees of some of the islands. Likewise, a walk along the Long Beach near Tofino and along the West Coast Trail must be as mesmerizing for the incredible coastline scenery with the temperate rain-forests of the islands meeting the ever turbulent waters of the Pacific Ocean. Keep your eyes open to spot some of the wonderful aquatic and terrestrial fauna like whales, orcas, dolphins, wolves, bears, cougars, and myriads of smaller creatures along the shore.
2. Whistler Mountain Bike Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 588 reviews
Whistler Mountain Bike Park has something for every level of rider. Gentle, banked cruisers through the Coastal forest. Tight and twisty single track - perfect for intermediate riders. For the armour clad, full face wearing, 50lb. bike group there are steep rock faces, gnarly, root strewn lines, drop offs of all descriptions and more.
Reviewed By oko42 - Havant, United Kingdom
Excellent organisation of the lifts, very smooth operation. Brilliant variety of graded trails which you can work your way through. Good for experienced cyclists, but challenging for the absolute beginner. Worth hiring protective gear if you haven't taken yours. Check when the season starts and finishes before you go. Although it looked busy from the bottom, once on the hill you meet very few people. Worth checking out the various bike hire places for the best deals and booking in advance. Plenty of good bars and restaurants nearby too.
3. Chesterman Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,522 reviews
Reviewed By Departure683118 - Wardner, Canada
We visited this beach more than any of the others during our stay on the coast. Not only was it smaller than some of the others, but it seemed more sheltered. The rocky outcrops, and a number of close, small islands, however, really made the crashing waves that much more spectacular. The sand was hard...easy walking...and there seemed to be more “treasures” to be found. We loved exploring here, and watching the many surfers who practiced their craft here. And as an added bonus, the sunsets were beautiful. This will definitely be our go-to beach when we return!
4. Myra Canyon Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,649 reviews
Reviewed By NatalieR629
Such a fun activity to do when visiting Kelowna! My husband and I rented bikes from Myra Canyon bike rental and spent the morning exploring the paths that take you around the canyon, through caves and over old bridges that were previously used for trains. Would highly recommend!
5. Skaha Lake Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 389 reviews
Reviewed By funtravels4me - British Columbia, Canada
People come from many places to enjoy this beautiful park, beach and amenities. I'm fortunate to live here and be within walking distance of the beach. My friends and I have a picnic at Skaha Park every week during the summer. It is beautiful, refreshing and relaxing. Pay it a visit and enjoy the huge beach, beautiful lake set in a picturesque area.
6. Lost Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,777 reviews
A 15-minute shuttle ride from Whistler, this lake is perfect for those who want to take a break from the slopes and jog, walk or picnic by its peaceful shores.
Reviewed By liketOtravel00742 - London, United Kingdom
A pretty little lake that is close to Whistler Village and easily accessible on foot, by bike or using the municipality's free summer shuttle, which runs from the Gateway Loop by the Whistler gondola every 15 minutes. There's a beach, a doggie beach further along, a dock around the far side of the lake, and an easy to walk loop of a couple of kilometres. There are toilets, a place to top up a water bottle, and sometimes a food truck in on site. On a hot day, it does get very busy. So be warned. And the water really isn't all that warm. That's it! Enjoy.
7. Emerald Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,286 reviews
Peaceful lake nestled in the mountains and surrounded by lush, green forest.
Reviewed By RAEF715
Before our trip, without really knowing about the beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies, by 13 year old mentioned having a dream about being out on a beautiful lake with mountains around, and he wanted to do that, so a canoe trip here was a top goal on our trip. After hitting some construction traffic on the way, we got in the lot just a couple minutes before the deadline- he and my wife ran in and got the last canoe, while my other son and i just enjoyed the late afternoon light hitting the lake. Just a memorable time, and quite the contrast to the white water rafting we had completed earlier in the day. Louise and Moraine are incredibly beautiful, but loved our time at Emerald Lake.
8. Stanley Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28,724 reviews
North America's third-largest park draws eight million visitors per year, many of whom may skate or walk past you on the Seawall, a scenic, 5.5-mile path running along the water on the park's perimeter. It's just one of many trails among the park's 1,000 acres, which also house an aquarium, nature center and other recreational facilities.
Reviewed By nycshine1
Rented bikes from Spokes and spent 6-7 hours here. Thoroughly enjoyed it all, including biking along the seawall/causeway and interior paths, exploring the woods, visiting the Aquarium, and having a leisurely meal at Prospect Point with its great views of Lions Gate Bridge. Signage in the park is not always clear. Sometimes it is difficult to discern whether a path/trail is open to bicycles, and finding certain points of interest isn't always straightforward. I had to backtrack on various occasions, but that is part of the fun of exploring. I highly recommend spending several hours to enjoy and uncover the various sites and scenes.
9. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,955 reviews
Only 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, allow 2 - 3 hours for your visit to Vancouver's iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge, hanging 450 feet (137m) across and 230 feet (70m) above Capilano River. The park offers more than just the bridge. Its surrounding 27 acres celebrate nature, history and culture in unique and thrilling ways. No more so than with the newest attraction, CLIFFWALK. Cliffwalk hangs for 213m (700ft) and reaches 91m (300ft) high, hugging the granite cliffside and offering a panoramic view of the thriving rainforest and canyon far below. On Treetops Adventure venture from one magnificent old growth Douglas-fir to another on a series of seven elevated suspension bridges, reaching as high as 110 feet (33m), for a squirrel's eye view of the forest. Guides, signage and interactive exhibits throughout the park help you in your understanding of rainforest ecosystems and their sustainability.
Reviewed By 553steved - St Helens, United Kingdom
This place is so spectacular the suspension bridge is awesome the treetop walk is awesome the grounds are awesome you must do this and finish off on the cliff walk fantastic trip
10. Grouse Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,197 reviews
Just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain attracts locals and tourists alike. During the summer, guests enjoy hiking, Zip Line Adventures, paragliding, sightseeing, lumberjack shows and more. In winter, we have skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sleigh rides among many other activities. Grouse Mountain also features several different dining venues, from café style at Lupins to casual dining at Altitudes and fine dining as a guest at The Observatory. We also have a refuge for endangered wildlife.
Reviewed By rsymonds2266 - England, United Kingdom
Had a wonderful trip to Grouse mountain, the cable car was fabulous and I don’t like heights , the views from the top are amazing and the air is so clean and fresh, the snow was perfect , had a lovely walk in the snow
