Top Things to do in British Columbia
Countries
What to do and see in British Columbia, British Columbia: The Best Outdoor Activities
Discover the best top things to do in British Columbia, British Columbia including Wild Pacific Trail, Pacific Rim National Park, Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Chesterman Beach, Okanagan Rail Trail, Sea to Sky Highway, Kamloops Wildlife Park, Fernie Alpine Resort, Whistler Blackcomb, Whitewater Ski Resort.
Restaurants in British Columbia
1. Wild Pacific Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,689 reviews
The Wild Pacific Trail is located in Ucluelet and is a seven phase trail system skirting the rugged cliffs and shoreline of the west coast of Vancouver Island. Overlooking Barkley Sound and the Broken Group Islands to the east and the open Pacific Ocean to the south and west, it offers spectacular shoreline panoramas and seaward vistas through ancient cedar and spruce-framed viewing platforms constructed on the best headlands along the route.
Reviewed By 369PeterR - Toronto, Canada
We did the Wild Pacific Trail in two parts. On two mornings, by 7 AM my spouse and I did the 2.5 km light house loop portion of the trail. It took us about 50 minutes, including a few stops to take photos. It is an easy walk with a little bit of up and down. One day in the afternoon we also walked the segment of the trail from Brown’s Beach as far as it would go. This was about 8 km round-trip. It was a beautiful walk, sometimes through rainforest and sometimes along cliffs overlooking the ocean. The trail is very well-maintained and almost entirely a gravel path. We love it. Despite walking the trail on a holiday long weekend, it was not busy at all.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. Okanagan Rail Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By 498bobp - North Vancouver, Canada
This is an old railway line so the grade is flat or with a minimal hill. The trail is wide and well packed gravel. It runs along the lake the entire way to Oyama.
6. Sea to Sky Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,492 reviews
A two-lane scenic highway passes both the Pacific Ocean and rugged mountain peaks.
Reviewed By TravelinSuz - Chandler, United States
What a gorgeous scenic drive! There’s waterfalls, trials to hikes, and cold water corals for scuba divers! So worth the time.
7. Kamloops Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 722 reviews
The BC Wildlife Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue & rehabilitation of injured wildlife. Discover some of British Columbia's iconic wildlife and view nearly 200 animals and 65 animal species, including bears, elk, bobcats, arctic wolves, and cougars. The majority of the Park’s animals are rescued, including Clover, the only Kermode Bear in human care in the world. Book an interactive VIP Wildlife Experience or Wildlife Encounter, or enjoy seasonal activities such as feed talks, animal encounters, Bird of Prey flight demonstrations, splash park, playground, Wildlife Express miniature train, and more. For more detailed information, check out the daily activity schedule online.
Reviewed By 630lauraleen
I recently went on the VIP Experience at the BC Wildlife Park. My sister and I loved going around the bobcat and wolves enclosures to hide the food, and got some great pictures of the animals in action. We did not get up close interactions with the animals, but we did get to go into their enclosure. My grandparents use a walker, and were able to walk around the park with relative ease, and even got to ride on the train. The only thing I would have wanted was more information on the animals at their enclosures. I would highly suggest going through the VIP Experience and asking lots of questions.
8. Fernie Alpine Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
Deep in the snow, high up on the Powder Highway, lies Fernie Alpine Resort. With 37 feet of perfect powder, stunning scenery, 5 huge alpine bowls and endless downhill thigh burning runs. Don't miss an opportunity to fall in love with Fernie, start in the large Learning Area at the base of the mountain serviced by its own t-bar lift, once comfortable you have a huge resort full of secret powder pockets and hidden mountain spots to keep you occupied throughout your skiing/riding career! Find out why Fernie has been named as a Top 25 Ski Town in the World, Best Winter Trip and Coolest Town in North America in recent years.
Reviewed By RainerLorenz - Merimbula, Australia
We're a couple of 'Motoring/Travel Journalists', catering for German and Australian media. As you would expect we ski every year around the world (for 26 years) and usually only make repeat visits if we really like a place. Fernie is listed in our top 6 in the world and our number one in Canada, although we have another couple of places we like, namely Apex and Revelstoke. Yes, we like the steep and deep, but Fernie is a resort able to cater for all tastes and all skiing abilities. This year was our 8th visit to this mountain and again, we where not disappointed. Although we had little new snow for the 5 days, all groom-able runs where perfectly prepared, even some of the steeper ones. Here and there we could find some untracked runs of about 30cm new white bliss, especially close to trees. This year the emphasis was on speed and carving, which was so much fun and a whole lot different from what we experienced days earlier at Revelstoke. Why do we like Fernie? It offers a lot of skiing variety including some magnificent ski-in, ski-out facilities, like for instance the Lizard Creek Lodge with a chair-lift only 40m from the front door. As mentioned earlier, Fernie has something for every standard of skiing. A lot of runs are protected by trees, great when the weather gets nasty and visibility bad. The drive to the town of Fernie takes only 15 Minutes and on offer are great eateries, shops, drinking holes and entertainment. Fernie is well worth a visit with the possibility to fall into love with the place and . . .
9. Whistler Blackcomb
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,230 reviews
Whistler Blackcomb is a four-season resort located in Canada’s Coast Mountains north of Vancouver. Proudly holding the title of the largest ski resort in North America, Whistler Blackcomb offers 8171 acres of terrain for skiers and riders of all ability levels. With an average annual snowfall of over 10 metres, the resort enjoys a long winter season that stretches into late May. Glacier skiing on the upper reaches of Blackcomb Mountain is even possible during summer months! A true four-season resort, guests enjoy some of the world’s best mountain biking & alpine hiking during summer months. Events such as the Crankworx mountain biking festival and activities such as ziplining and wildlife tours make a summer visit to the resort a must. At Whistler Blackcomb, passion for the outdoors runs year-round.
Reviewed By Ozkesk - London, United Kingdom
A must see! From downtown Burrard, we got onto a shuttle bus with Whistler rides for roughly £25 each return ...approx 2 hour journey. Times can be arranged via the schedule offered. Breathtaking views throughout the journey there and the views from the mountains on this very famous ski resort leave you in awe. A must see!
10. Whitewater Ski Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
Whitewater Ski Resort, quietly legendary, is hard to describe to those who have not had the privilege to experience its true authenticity and abundance of snow. Over 12 meters (40 feet) of snow falls each season on 2044 vertical feet of uncrowded slopes of family-friendly groomers and bumps, remarkable steeps, top of the line tree-skiing, and endless backcountry. Some come for the legendary skiing, and some come for the legendary food. Whitewater serves up proper Kootenay hospitality with its internationally acclaimed menu that has inspired four National Best Selling cookbooks. Whitewater. Pure, simple and real…DEEP
Reviewed By 417deboraht - Vancouver, Canada
We loved skiing Whitewater over the holidays. We felt safe and well taken care off. The snow conditions were great and everything was well organized. All services ran very smoothly including the lift line ups. Staff and guests followed all the Covid protocols that were in place. The resort's website explains everything really well: what to expect this season, how to book your lift tickets, how to reserve a table to have lunch, etc. Whitewater ski resort should be commended for a job well done!!
