British Columbia (BC), bound to the east by Alberta and its Rocky Mountains and to the west by the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, is Canada’s westernmost province. Comprising Vancouver Island, Okanagan Valley, Victoria, and many other tourist hot spots, the region attracts millions of tourists each year. Home to captivating cities, gorgeous stretches of coastline, beautiful mountains, and world-class ski resorts, British Columbia remains one of the most popular destinations in Canada.
Vancouver, one of Canada’s most ethnically diverse cities, is the first stop of BC visitors, wherewith less than a two-hour drive, tourists can reach the resort town and ski destinations of Whistler. Okanagan Valley’s lakes and beaches would be the perfect destinations for aquaphiles. Many have agreed that BC’s neighbor from the East, Alberta, although charming and picturesque with its sceneries, does not compete with it. This article presents the best places to visit when in British Columbia.
The Best Destinations In British Columbia For Mountain And Hiking Lovers
Whistler
Easily accessible, modern, and luxurious, Whistler, a town north of Vancouver, is home to Whistler Blackcomb, a world-class ski resort. The top ski destination gained international attention by hosting the Winter Olympic Games in 2010. One of the main attractions in Whistler is the Peak 2 Peak Gandola, joining the town to the Blackcomb mountains. The 11-minute ride to the peak offers magical views of the area.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a gorgeous area in the west of British Columbia and the go-to place for hikers and campers. What is quite interesting is that the parks are in desolate and inhabitable mountains regions, the Northern Selkirk Range of the Columbia Mountains. This particular feature makes those parks the perfect destination for anyone seeking a thrilling adventure. There are roughly 400 glaciers in and around the Glacier National Park (in geography, a glacier is defined as a persistent body of dense ice where the accumulation of snow dates for many years).
Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park can be found in southeastern British Columbia. It comprises 1,406m2 of Canadian Rockies. Mountains’ heights in the park reach more than 3,000 meters making it the perfect destination for hiking lovers as many hiking events are organized in those specific natural sites.
Mt. Robson Provincial
Mt. Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies reaching an altitude of 3,954 meters. The peak of the majestic mountain is capped with glaciers and torrential waterfalls. A very popular hiking trail is the 25-kilometer trail through the “Valley of the Thousand Falls,” leading to the magnificent turquoise lake at the foot of Mt. Robison. Besides hiking activities in magisterial and striking peaks and mountains, there are plenty of beautiful sites across British Columbia for long walks around magical lakes and impressive rivers.
Here Are British Columbia’s Most Beautiful Spots For Spectacular Rivers And Lakes
Nelson Lake
Welcome to Nelson! On the western arm of Kootenay Lake, in the region of Nova Scotia, Nelson is a city surrounded by the peak of the Selkirk Mountains. The town rapidly became a tourist hot-spot. Nelson Lake is considered one of the most beautiful resources of Canada and has an elevation of 850 meters. Around the lake, there is the Nelson Memorial Park comprising three large picnic areas with barbecue, camping spots, and an accessible washroom, making it the perfect destination for anyone wanting to take full advantage of a beautiful day off.
Salt Spring Island
To change the mood and disconnect from the hectic modern world, Salt Spring Island is the place to go. Between Victoria and Nanaimo, Salt Spring is diffusely populated and is tinted by a bohemian style. The picturesque island is the perfect getaway during which long walks can be enjoyed and some artisanal, authentic, and homemade products can be shopped for and devoured.
Haida Gwaii
One of Canada’s undiscovered gems would be Haida Gwaii, a protected nature reserve co-managed by Parks Canada and the Haida Nations. The breathtaking spots, previously known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, comprise more than 150 islands in the Pacific Ocean and the western edge of the continental shelf. The two main islands among those are Graham, nearer to the coast of British Columbia than Moresby, which is located 150 km off the coast. Haida people, the island’s natives, have inhabited the islands for at least 8,000 years and were known as proud and daring navigators.
Besides enjoying the beautiful sceneries, the top attraction for visitors is North Beach, which features several rental cabins and traditional activities. Whale watching during the spring is also an unmissable activity in addition to fishing some fresh salmons and halibuts. Finally, a visit to Haida Heritage Center and museums is a must.