Top Things to do in British Columbia
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What to do and see in British Columbia, British Columbia: The Best Architectural Buildings
Discover the best top things to do in British Columbia, British Columbia including Slocan District Visitor Centre, Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Craigdarroch Castle, Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens, International Buddhist Society (Buddhist Temple), Bloedel Conservatory, Empress Hotel National Historic Site of Canada, Marine Building, Britannia Mine Museum, Hatley Castle.
Restaurants in British Columbia
1. Slocan District Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Slocan Lake Visitor Center in New Denver is the hub of local information for travellers, adventure seekers, and those wanting to experience the local Kootenay lifestyle. Housed in the historic Bank of Montreal building, built in 1867, the Visitors Center is shared with the Silvery Slocan Museum. Take a stroll though our 100 year old history, or stay in the now with Free Wifi access. We are excited to be a part of your New Denver experience.
2. Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,095 reviews
Welcome to the Parliament Buildings. Home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, visitors are welcome for free guided tours year-round. Please note, the buildings are currently closed to the public due to the ongoing health crisis.
Reviewed By l0lee123 - Vancouver, Canada
Adrienne was a wonderful tour guide on our free one-hour tour. We went during the COVID-19 pandemic so the tour only covered the outside of the building. We were also lucky in that only the two of us signed up for that time so we basically had a private tour! Adrienne was bubbly, knowledgeable - and really loves the history of not just the Legislative Building, but also other areas of Victoria too. Her passion and enthusiasm rubs off and she's a wonderful storyteller. Highly recommend this free tour of the Legislative Building - it'll add some interesting facts, stories, and context to your visit.
3. Craigdarroch Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,294 reviews
Completed in 1890, Craigdarroch is a stately home built by the pioneering couple Robert and Joan Dunsmuir, who at the time of its construction were the wealthiest people in British Columbia. Called a 'castle' due to its imposing exterior, the luxurious interior has been restored to look as though the visitor is a guest of Mrs. Dunsmuir during the 1890s. It features beautiful woodwork, unique Victorian artifacts, and an impressive collection of original stained glass, all within a pleasant walk from downtown Victoria.
Reviewed By 970wandak - Kelowna, Canada
The history of this house is fascinating, full of luxury, opulence and wealth. The Dunsmuir family was very wealthy from coal finds in Nanaimo, and James Dunsmuir wanted to flaunt his wealth and importance to Victoria and the world, by building the most luxurious mansion on the highest point of the city. The family was full of relationship drama, Dad died before the house was finished and Mom moved in with her 5 daughters, one of the girls was issued a "Certificate of Lunancy", Alexander died of Alcoholism, son James who became lieutenant governor of BC was sued by Mom for money and left out of her will entirely. The mansion transformed itself into a military hospital, a college, a music conservatory, and school district office before finally being a historical treasure for all to enjoy. It is mostly restored but still a work in progress, Well worth a tour!
4. Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Victoria's Historic House Museum Imagine a house full of everything you, your siblings, your parents, and your grandparents ever owned. What could this building and these objects tell you about your family, your life, or your community? In 1975, John and Inez O’Reilly sold their family home, Point Ellice House, to the Province of British Columbia. Taking only a few personal items, they turned the house over, complete with 108 years of family possessions: Furniture, dishes, luggage, letters, pictures, paintings, musical instruments, clothing, and a lot more. Built in 1861-2, Point Ellice House is one of Victoria's oldest homes - it is both a National and Provincial Historic Site. Today, the site offers self-guided tours of the house, special events, and changing exhibits that connect the house and its occupants to the rich history of Victoria and British Columbia.
Reviewed By Mobile771033 - Victoria, Canada
A perfect spot to step back into time and see how people lived in the early 20th Century. Everything left as if the just stepped out for a moment. and Have yourself a cuppa in the restaurant,after visiting the beautiful well kept home..
5. International Buddhist Society (Buddhist Temple)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
The International Buddhist Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in North America, housing the largest Buddhist statue on the continent and the largest Buddhist mural in the world.
Reviewed By creneacet - Irving, United States
Simply peaceful, informative, full of beauty and nature. I enjoyed my tour of the Buddhist temple in Vancouver. It was free to enter, just leave a slight donation. Once you walk in, think positive thoughts, pray, become uplifted with spirituality and beauty.
6. Bloedel Conservatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 818 reviews
NOTICE: Tickets are only available online for designated time slots so we can best manage a safe capacity. Visit www.bloedelconservatory.ca to book your time slot! Experience Bloedel Conservatory, a fun, family-friendly indoor attraction located at the peak of Vancouver in Queen Elizabeth Park. Discover 120 exotic birds and over 500 kinds of tropical plants inside the dome and then explore the fountains, gardens and sculptures around Queen Elizabeth Park.
Reviewed By Betterthanboating - Vancouver, Canada
Great place on a rainy day...full season lots of lovely paths, florals & views. Our 5 year old grandson was smitten and still talking about & reviewing the bird pictures he took home. Take time, sit wander slowly & enjoy! Also good value cost for seniors & children ♥️
7. Empress Hotel National Historic Site of Canada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,276 reviews
Reviewed By BFRay - Bellows Falls, United States
If you want to put a real shine on your stay in Victoria, choose the Empress Hotel. It is pricey, but the accommodations are truly 5 star, world-class. From the exceptionally gracious and receptive front desk personnel to the bell captains to the doormen [no doorwomen in sight during our visit] to the entire staff we encountered, it felt warmly welcoming. Even Winston, the house dog, was friendly. We were a family of three generations, and felt like part of the family there. Look up at the 250,000 hand-cut Czech crystals, 4000 pound "cloud" chandelier for your first "Wow!" moment. The furniture and furnishings, the interior architecture, lighting, window treatments, etc. are all exquisite. High Tea is an absolute must, of course. We dressed for the occasion, but there is no formal dress code. My 9 year old grandson, himself a world traveler, was impressed and drank almost his entire pot of tea. The personal attention makes you feel like royalty for an hour or two. The Q, the Bengal Lounge are both excellent dining experiences. Be sure to try the PNW oysters and the signature Empress Blue Gin & Tonic. The Empress is on the harbor, and a 12 minute walk from the Victoria Clipper, our transportation from Seattle. It makes a great headquarters for all Victoria has to offer.
8. Marine Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 458 reviews
Reviewed By APP06 - Cambridge, United Kingdom
With so many new highrise buildings going up in Downtown Vancouver you could be forgiven for missing this architectural gem. In fact we nearly did but we were drawn by the impressive entrance (see photo) containing such intricate detail. Once there we read the informative plaque and then went inside to be greeted by a most impressive Art Deco interior. Completed just before major recession hit there is so much impressive detail inside the building including the airy windows and the lifts. We spent a pleasant 20 minutes or so looking around and there is no charge so why not have a look? A pleasant oasis of Old Vancouver amidst so much of the new!
9. Britannia Mine Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 505 reviews
Rumble aboard The Underground train as it rolls through an historic mining haulage tunnel. Push up your sleeves at our Gold Panning Pavilion and keep what you find! Immerse yourself in the live-action, multi-sensory experience of BOOM! Learn about minerals, the copper extraction process and what life was like back in the day as the mill building is brought back to life. Britannia Mine Museum opens up a little-seen world that fascinates all ages, offering awe-inspiring sights and memorable family experiences. Take a step back in time at this award-winning attraction and National Historic Site. Located along the beautiful Sea to Sky corridor between Squamish and Vancouver. Advanced booking recommended due to limited daily tours. Covid-19 Protocols BC Government and WorkSafeBC recommended safety protocols have been implemented onsite including, Increased Site Sanitization Social Distancing Indicators and Restricted Tour Times
Reviewed By vicwed9 - Campbell River, Canada
It was advertised on Global News and so glad it was! We would've missed this gem. The ride up was gorgeous. The museum was well laid out with many activities and so much information. The movie "Boom!" was well done and took place in the Concentrator which was very cool. We would do it again. It's great for all ages. It includes the movie, gold panning, an underground train ride and many buildings to browse through. Wow!
10. Hatley Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 253 reviews
And you thought your mother-in-law was bad: a mysterious old woman has been haunting this stately castle for years.
Reviewed By nicoledR3545CY - Woodstock, Canada
From the manicured shrubs and beautiful flowers to the impressive design of the castle itself, Hatley Castle is a must see. I especially like the way they sculptured the X-men logo on the property.
