Things to Do in British Columbia

British Columbia’s Gulf Islands include both the major populated islands and hundreds of small islands in the archipelago at the southern end of the Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and the BC Mainland. The Strait of Georgia is part of the larger Salish Sea, which owes its name to the islands’ original inhabitants: the Coast Salish First Nations.

The region, known for its stunning combination of unique culture and beautiful coastlines, are most popular throughout the warm BC summer. The climate is sub-Mediterranean, which means warm and dry summers with plenty of sunshine. This also makes the region rich in agriculture; so organic farms, hobby fromageries, and wineries are all common sights along the rolling terrain of the islands.

While it is possible to tour one, and sometimes two, islands in a single day, many visitors opt to spend a weekend or more hopping between different islands. The communities are renowned for their eclectic lifestyles of artists, musicians, and retirees; however, each of the major islands – Galiano, Mayne, North and South Pender, Saltspring, and Gabriola - has its own unique personality.

The summit of Grouse Mountain features some of the best views in all of British Columbia—from Vancouver’s downtown towers to the green expanse of Stanley Park and the entirety of Fraser Valley. Visitors can ride the Skyride aerial tram or hike up to the 3,642-foot (1,110-meter) peak for panoramic vistas and a variety of outdoor activities.

There are several ways to access Grouse Mountain with a tour guide. Whether you opt for a small-group, private, or luxury tour, or simply buy an admission ticket to explore on your own, booking in advance is recommended. Grouse is a veritable outdoor playground, with everything from a wind tunnel, a glass-pod observation area, and a theater to ziplining, paragliding, disc golf, and skiing and ice skating as the seasons permit. The 1.8-mile (2.8-kilometer) Grouse Grind hiking trail runs up the face of the mountain, and is popular with locals and visitors alike.

Grouse Mountain is located in North Vancouver, across the Burrard Inlet and Vancouver Harbour from downtown. To get there by car, take Highway 99 north across the Lions Gate Bridge, exit in North Vancouver to Marine Drive, then turn left up Capilano Road. A complimentary shuttle runs from downtown Vancouver, as does the SeaBus and bus No. 236. Once there, you can ride the Grouse Mountain Skyride or hike the Grouse Grind to the summit.

The mountain is open year-round and the park is open daily from 9am to 10pm, with seasonal availability for different activities. In summer the mountain park offers lumberjack shows, alpine hiking trails, and a grizzly bear and endangered animal refuge. During winter there are 26 ski and snowboard runs, an outdoor ice-skating rink, and lots of festive fun for the holidays, including night skiing. The Grouse Grind is generally open only during daylight hours, between May and October. On clear days, it’s possible to see across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island from the summit.

Grouse Mountain is part of the North Shore Mountains. Outside of summiting the mountain, the nearby Lions Gate Bridge is another place to take in the surrounding views. For adrenaline seekers, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers even more mountain escapades with its canopy walkway above the trees and a 300-foot (91-meter) Cliffwalk of suspended footpaths. All three are a short driving distance from one another and make for an adventurous day in the mountains.

The FireRock Lounge, located in Whistler Westin Resort, uses all sorts of unexpected furnishings such as hickory sticks, river rocks and raw logs to create an intimate atmosphere right at the base of North America’s largest ski resort. And just as its name suggests, there is a massive stone fireplace right at the heart of the restaurant.

Whether it’s kobe beef sliders or a charcuterie and cheese platter, the menu choices bring the lounge’s intimate atmosphere right onto the table; more than half of the food items are recommended to share. Traditional menu items like burgers are given a gourmet twist, with choices like the West Coast, line-caught Coho salmon burger and the more unexpected Korean barbecue sauce-laden Brisket burger. 

Even with its focus on creating a cozy atmosphere, the FireRock Lounge doesn't ignore the visiting sports fan. TV screens around the bar show everything from the latest happenings on the NHL ice (this is Canada, after all) to the ESPN X-Games.

Running through the heart of Downtown Victoria, Government Street is home to plenty of shopping and local history. Along the Victoria Harbour front, the British Columbia Legislature Buildings and the Fairmont Empress are important historical landmarks, both designed by the untrained British architect Francis Rattenbury. His design for the BC Legislature Buildings, which uses white marble, a massive central dome, and lengthy façade to create an architecturally impressive home for the provincial government, was his first project. This early success led him to be awarded the contract to design the Empress Hotel, which is now one of the oldest hotels in Victoria. Between these two buildings lies the Royal British Columbia Museum, which houses a natural and human history museum and the British Columbia provincial archives.

Heading north from the Empress Hotel, Government Street soon becomes an iconic shopping street. Native artwork, high fashion, and a variety of specialty stores holding everything from handcrafted jewelry to handmade chocolate take up the storefronts. More shopping is found just off Government Street, too, including Trounce Alley, known for its European fashion stores; Bastion Square, where local artisans sell handmade arts and crafts; and Johnson Street, which is a local’s favorite for exclusive design boutiques.

The corner of Government Street and Fisgard runs beneath the Gate of Harmonious Interest and the entrance to Victoria’s Chinatown. Founded in 1858, it’s the oldest Chinatown in Canada and second only to San Francisco in North America.

From historic architecture to contemporary museums, Victoria if filled with plenty for travelers to do, see and experience. But for visitors looking to comb through halls of rare antiques, explore finds at tiny auction houses and finger through Canadian oddities, there’s no place better than the famous Front Street. 

This picturesque street is lined with quiet cafes, Asian restaurants, used bookstores and a well-known chocolate shop. A colorful mural of Emily Carr, located on the side of Island Blue Print and Art Supplies pays homage to the city’s most famous female. And Craigdarroch Castle and the Greater Victoria Art Gallery are both within walking distance from Fort Street. 

Fitzsimmons Creek flows in the valley that separates Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. It also runs between Whistler and Blackcomb villages, but most people spot it from above. The Peak-to-Peak Gondola, which spans a record-breaking 2.7 miles (4.4 km) from Whistler’s Roundhouse to Blackcomb’s Rendezvous day lodges in only 11 minutes, soars 1,400 feet (436 m) above Fitzsimmons Creek.

Close to town, the creek creates a natural green space, and Rebagliati Park, named after 1998 Olympic snowboarding gold medalist Ross Rebagliati, sits smack dab in the center of it on a small island. The Valley Trail creates a loop, which follows both sides of Fitzsimmons Creek, while a nearby BMX park with dirt jumps rounds out the recreation options found within a few minutes walk of town. 

Fitzsimmons Creek also flows into Whistler Village at the trailhead for several backcountry hikes. The Singing Pass trail (7 miles/11.5 km, one way) takes a full day to complete; however, the pass is really just the gateway for multi-day trips in Garibaldi Provincial Park that bring hikers closer to Fitzsimmons Glacier and the eye-popping scenery of the Garibaldi Ranges.

With sheer cliffs carved by glaciers, dozens of waterfalls and creeks, and thick, old-growth forests, this fjord is one of southern British Columbia’s wildest back-to-nature escapes. Though it’s only about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Vancouver, its limited road access keeps it remote and unspoiled. 

There are several ways to explore Indian Arm, whose shores are part of the protected Say Nuth Khaw Yum Provincial Park—Indian Arm Park, as it’s also known. Launch a kayak or canoe from Deep Cove in North Vancouver or from Belcarra Regional Park on the eastern edge of Indian Arm and paddle north into the fjord. Boat tours also venture into the fjord, allowing passengers to admire the scenery and look for local wildlife like bald eagles, seals, and black bears. 

Indian Arm fjord extends north from the Burrard Inlet. Paved road access is limited, so the best way to get to the fjord is by boat. Some sightseeing boats depart from downtown Vancouver, while kayaks and canoes can be launched from Deep Cove in North Vancouver, about a 30-minute drive from downtown.

Arrange paddling trips for between April and October, when conditions are calmest. This is also the best time for wildlife-viewing, with bald eagles and bears occasionally visible.

Among the scenic highlights of Indian Arm are the two waterfalls that crash down from the cliffs on either side of the fjord. On the eastern shore of the waterway, about 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Deep Cove, is the impressive Granite Falls, which tumbles down from a height of 150 feet (46 meters). Silver Falls, meanwhile, is hidden away in a steep-sided recess on the west shore, about a 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) paddle from Deep Cove. 

The Lions Gate Bridge spans Burrard Inlet, connecting North and West Vancouver with the City Centre, via Stanley Park. Originally opened in 1938, the bridge isn’t just a major transportation hub for Vancouver, but it’s also a National Historic Site of Canada.

Even the impressive stats—the bridge is about a mile (1.5 km) long, its two suspension towers are 365 feet (111 meters) tall and the bridge deck sits 200 feet (61 m) above the water—barely do the bridge justice. From Ambleside Park, in West Vancouver, the view of Lions Gate Bridge against a backdrop of downtown Vancouver truly shows its immense scale. It’s even more spectacular at night, as the entire bridge is covered in decorative LED lighting.

Walking from Ambleside Park to Stanley Park takes about one hour, and it’s a worthy stroll because of the fantastic views of downtown Vancouver from the bridge deck. Once in Stanley Park, a huge variety of attractions await, including the stunning 5.5-mile (8.8-km) seawall trail that is popular with cyclists, walkers and inline skaters. Also located within walking distance of Lions Gate Bridge are the Vancouver Aquarium, Lost Lagoon, Beaver Lake and more than 16 miles (27 km) of walking trails that wind through old growth coastal forest. 

This simulated ride takes participants on an exhilarating virtual journey across the country’s most majestic landscapes, from the remote Arctic north to the Rocky Mountains, Niagara Falls, and Canada’s Eastern Seaboard. FlyOver Canada also uses wind, mist, and scents to enhance the sensation of flight.

 

FlyOver Canada is a fun and exhilarating way for Vancouver-based tourists to see more of this expansive country without leaving the city. Tickets can be booked in advance and include access to an immersive preshow. The ride itself surrounds participants with a large spherical screen that displays 3-D vistas of snowcapped mountains, forests, rushing rivers, and glittering cities.

  

 

FlyOver Canada is situated at Canada Place in downtown Vancouver. Ride the SkyTrain to Waterfront Station, and make the 5-minute walk from there.

 

FlyOver Canada is open from 10am to 9pm daily. Rides take place every 15 to 20 minutes. Save yourself time by purchasing tickets in advance, and then arrive at opening time to get in ahead of the crowds.

 

FlyOver Canada showcases the country’s most spectacular terrain. Vistas include dawn in the freezing north near Hudson’s Bay, the floating chunks of white and aquamarine ice of Iceberg Alley in Newfoundland, Toronto’s cityscape at night, the vineyards of Okanagan and the heli-skiers near Bella Coola in British Columbia, kayakers on Quebec’s Rivière-Rouge, and many other epic displays of adventure and raw nature. 

Known locally as Kits Beach, this broad stretch of sand is a popular summer hangout and brims with joggers, tanners, and families. Views of downtown Vancouver skyscrapers, the Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore Mountains are a big draw, as is Kitsilano Pool, a huge heated outdoor saltwater pool that spans 451 feet (137 meters) in length. 

Kitsilano is one of Vancouver’s most beloved beaches and is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the city’s urban beach culture. It is often visited as part of city highlights tours, as well as on kayaking tours and cruises around the Burrard Inlet and False Creek. 

Visitors will find a wide range of things to do at the beach. Play tennis, volleyball, or basketball on outdoor courts; bring the kids to the playground; or go swimming in the saltwater pool, which has a dedicated children’s area for younger swimmers. 

Kitsilano Beach is situated in the Kitsilano neighborhood, about a 10-minute drive southwest of downtown Vancouver. Take the ferry from Granville Island to Vanier Park, and stroll for 5–10 minutes along the waterfront path. Alternatively, ride bus 2, 4, or 7 from downtown Vancouver. 

As expected, Kitsilano Beach is busiest in summer. It’s a picturesque place to watch the sunset, though if you want to experience it at its most tranquil, come for an early morning winter walk.  

Kitsilano Beach is one of several stretches of sand situated within the city limits of Vancouver. Beach lovers can also visit Second Beach in Stanley Park, which also has an outdoor pool, or English Bay Beach, another summer hot spot where crowds gather to play volleyball, throw a Frisbee, and socialize. For a more off-the-beaten-track option, try clothing-optional Wreck Beach, near the University of British Columbia campus. 

Stretching out over an entire city block (and centered of course, around the city library,) Library Square is one of the most visually interesting areas in Vancouver. The iconic circular structure slightly resembles the Coliseum of Rome, with inventive design that seamlessly integrates the interior and exterior. The rooftop garden designed by a local landscape architect furthers this aesthetic.

Library Square consists of the central branch of the Vancouver Public Library, a high-rise office building, and various shops and restaurants on the ground level. Perhaps its most unique design element is the free-standing colonnaded  elliptical wall, reached by bridges from its pavilion. The area contains several public reading and study sections flooded with natural light, alongside nine floors and over one million books and other reference materials. The entire square is a bustling public landmark and community gathering spot beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Overflowing with art studios, theaters, restaurants, and kid-friendly activities, Vancouver’s Granville Island is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. The “island”—really a small peninsula—is an ideal getaway from the bustle of city life, with waterfront views, scenic alleyways, and a thriving food and art culture.

The Granville Island Public Market is a definite highlight, with its deli-style stalls and artisan stands full of local specialties. Foodies can discover the freshest and most unique offerings on a walking tour of the market, which includes tastings of homemade culinary delights such as maple-cured salmon, artisanal chocolates, and Canadian cheeses. Beer aficionados can tour the Granville Island Brewing Company, which also offers excellent pub-style lunches, while nature enthusiasts can take to the water on a kayak tour. Art lovers can admire work from up-and-coming artists at the Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design and attend shows at the island’s three local theaters, which host afternoon and evening performances year-round. At the Kids Market, families with children can peruse stores full of toys, magic tricks, crafts, candy, and more. Visit on a full-day sightseeing tour of Vancouver to see Granville Island and other city highlights such as Stanley Park, Chinatown, and Gastown. 

Since Granville Island is really a peninsula, it’s easy to access by road, as well as on foot. Parking can be limited during peak hours, especially on weekends and during the summer months, when it’s best to use public transportation. You can get to Granville Island via the public bus system and the False Creek ferry (also known as the aquabus). The ferry leaves from several points in downtown Vancouver, and the trip to Granville Island takes only a few minutes. 

The best time of year to visit Granville Island is during Vancouver’s brief, yet glorious, summer. Late July and August are especially popular times for families with kids, as these months provide the perfect weather for boat tours, strolling through market stalls, and enjoying local parks. During September, the hugely popular Vancouver International Fringe Festival stages numerous performances in Granville Island’s theater venues.

Granville Island is centrally located in Vancouver, making it an ideal jumping-off point for visiting other city highlights. There are several attractions nearby: Kitsilano, with its beaches and trendy shops, is a 5-minute drive from Granville Island; Stanley Park is just on the other side of English Bay, a short ferry ride away; and the Museum of Vancouver, located on Kitts Point, is just 10 minutes away by road. To see nearby sights without suffering through rush hour traffic, private tours or boat rentals are both great ways to explore.

Situated on Grouse Mountain, this wildlife sanctuary has a pair of very famous residents: two orphaned grizzly bears named Grinder and Coola. Additionally, the refuge also houses birds of prey, including resident owls, plus a hummingbird feeding station, where researchers monitor the tiny feathered fliers in spring.

The Basics

You’ll need an admission ticket to Grouse Mountain; you can buy one in advance that includes round-trip shuttle transportation from downtown Vancouver, the Skyride aerial tram, the Peak Chairlift (summer only), and a 45-minute lumberjack show, as well as access to the wildlife refuge, where ranger talks are held regularly in summer. For a special experience, book Breakfast with the Bears, which includes early access to the refuge, a ranger talk, and breakfast at the Grizzly Lookout Cafe. 

The refuge can also be visited as part of North Shore day tours from Vancouver, which typically combine Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife is located in North Vancouver, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. Shuttle buses, free with a Grouse Mountain admission ticket, run from Canada Place in summer. 

The best time to visit is between May and October when the bears are usually out of their den, and when rangers give talks. In winter, the bears go into hibernation and can’t be observed in-person, though you can watch them slumbering via a live webcam. 

Known as the Peak of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is an outdoor playground for nature-loving urbanites. Fit visitors can attempt the steep hike up the Grouse Grind, where they can check out all the mountain facilities, before taking the Skyride back down. In addition to lumberjack shows and the refuge, Grouse Mountain offers ziplining in summer and skiing and snowboarding in winter.

Perched on a rocky promontory off the southeast coast of Vancouver Island, the red and white tower of the Fisgard Lighthouse is immediately noticeable from the water and makes a popular photo opportunity for visitors cruising the coast from nearby Victoria. The Lighthouse is more than just a navigational landmark, though – Fisgard has been guiding ships into Victoria harbor since 1860, making it Canada's oldest West Coast lighthouse and now an important national historic site. 

Looming behind the lighthouse, Fort Rodd Hill is another significant site, dotted with the remains of the 19th and 20th century coastal defenses that once protected Victoria and the neighboring Esquimalt Naval Base. Visitors can explore three artillery batteries, plus the command posts, guardhouses, underground magazines and barracks, where multi-media displays and interactive exhibitions bring the historic site to life.  

A popular destination for residents and tourists alike, Mt Tolmie Park is widely recognized as the best place for panoramic views of the city of Victoria. Viewpoints from the summit (approximately 120 meters above sea level) offer 360-degree vistas of the Gulf Islands, Saanich, and the city of Victoria across to the Olympic mountain range and even Mount Baker in the distance on a clear day. Mt Tolmie is located near the University of Victoria, making it an often-visited stop along the Beach Drive coastal route.

Located about a 15-minute drive from downtown Victoria, the park features numerous trails for visitors to walk on. Alternatively, travelers can drive up the windy road to the summit for a fast track to the views. Plenty of picnic tables and places for drivers to pull over offer different viewing areas, and about a mile’s worth (more than 1,500 meters) of trails within the park lead hikers through meadows and up rocky slopes, with many of them going directly to the summit. The adventurous traveler can follow the trails to numerous secluded natural areas and various bird-watching outlooks.

Encompassing 15 islands, scattered around the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands National Park is one of Canada’s most recently established National Parks and among the top attractions of British Columbia’s Gulf Islands. 

Reachable only by boat, the larger islands of Mayne, Saturna and Pender serve as the main basecamps for holidaymakers, but it’s easy to hop between the islands by boat or kayak, and there are ample opportunities for hiking and cycling. Highlights include the sandy beaches of Sidney Island, the historic Mahoi House on Russel Island and the abundance of Orca whales, sea lions and waterfowl that can be spotted around the coast, while adventurous types can enjoy climbing the summit of Mount Norman on Pender Island or exploring the hidden coves of Portland Island.

One of Vancouver’s oldest and buzziest districts, Gastown is packed with Victorian architecture and cobbled streets. Named after John “Gassy Jack” Deighton, an English mariner who opened a saloon in the area in the 19th century, the district is filled with heritage buildings now hosting boutiques, coffee shops, hip restaurants, and bars.

 

Because of its rich history and attractive architecture, Gastown is a big draw for visitors to Vancouver. The neighborhood is explored on many walking tours, during which guides explain its Wild West origins and point out key sights, such as the 1910-built Dominion Building, Vancouver’s first high-rise, and the Gassy Jack Statue.

 

The district’s historic buildings and neon signs make it a go-to on photography tours of Vancouver, while its thriving restaurant scene ensures its inclusion on many food tours. Gastown’s long and checkered history also makes it a common stomping ground for ghost tour groups and guides focusing on Vancouver’s illicit prohibition-era past. Many walking tours cover ground in both Gastown and neighboring Chinatown.

 

 

Gastown is located on the northeast edge of Downtown Vancouver, just southeast of Canada Place. The nearest transit station is Waterfront, which is served by the SkyTrain (Expo and Canada lines), the SeaBus passenger ferry, and the West Coast Express commuter rail service. Or, arrive as part of a tour that includes transportation.

 

Gastown is a busy downtown district and is most crowded in the evenings and on weekends. If you want to experience Gastown at its calmest, try coming midmorning midweek or in early morning on the weekend. One of the best times to visit is at night, when the district’s many craft beer bars and cocktail dens come alive.

 

Gastown’s must-see sights are historic in nature. At Water Street, see Byrnes Block, a former luxury hotel. One of Vancouver’s oldest brick building, it was constructed in the late 19th century shortly after the 1886 Great Fire destroyed much of the city. At the corner of Water and Powell streets is another former hotel, the 6-story flatiron-style Hotel Europe. Also on Water Street is Gastown’s frequently photographed steam clock, which chimes every 15 minutes.

Garibaldi Park is a wilderness area located just north of Vancouver, between the outdoor-minded towns of Squamish and Whistler, British Columbia. The most famous image of the entire BC provincial park is Black Tusk, a stunning pinnacle of volcanic rock that juts skyward and is easily seen from the top of Whistler’s Peak Chairlift, but there are plenty of other beautiful locations worth exploring within the park.

The 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) hike to Elfin Lakes, which begins just north of Squamish at the park’s southern boundary, is considered a must-do overnight by locals because of the stunning views of Mt Garibaldi and the unbelievably scenic campsite at the lakes themselves. Closer to Whistler, both the Cheakamus Lakes and Singing Pass areas are home to hikes that explore the stunning yet rugged coastal mountain landscapes. For ambitious hikers looking to put in a long day, rather than an overnight, it’s possible to ride Whistler’s Gondola and Peak Chair to the summit of Whistler Mountain and access the Singing Pass trail via an Alpine Route before descending along Fitzsimmons Creek to Whistler Village.

The park’s northernmost access point, the Wedgemont Lakes area, requires a 4x4 vehicle due to its location at the tail end of an un-maintained forestry road. Visitors with the proper vehicle and a sense of adventure will most likely have this area to themselves; it’s the least frequented part of Garibaldi Park. 

An inlet dividing downtown Vancouver from the rest of the city, False Creek borders some of Vancouver’s busiest shoreside neighborhoods, from chic Yaletown to Granville Island. The inlet hums with the activity of ferries, kayaks, and other boats, while the water’s edge is lined with scenic paths.

 

Many travelers cross False Creek via the Burrard Street, Granville, or Cambie Street bridges on the way downtown. Some bike tours follow routes along the edge of False Creek, while select cruises and kayaking tours depart from Granville Island and venture out into the inlet. Water-based tours offer a unique view of shoreside urban landmarks, including Science World and BC Place stadium, and provide a chance to spot wildlife, such as harbor seals and cormorants.

 

 

False Creek faces downtown Vancouver and is easily accessible via public transport. Take the SkyTrain to Stadium-Chinatown (Expo line), Main Street-Science World (Expo line), Yaletown-Roundhouse (Canada line), or Olympic Village (Canada line).

 

False Creek is quietest in early morning and evening. For a memorable experience, opt for a nighttime cruise or kayak tour, so you can see Vancouver sparkle.

 

Extending along the north and south edges of False Creek are pedestrian and cycle-friendly promenades. Follow the wide, paved False Creek seawall, which offers excellent views of the downtown skyline and mountain peaks looming behind the skyscrapers. The route leads past Granville Island Market, waterfront parks, and the Olympic Village, which hosted athletes during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

No fine-weather visit to Vancouver is complete without a walk around Stanley Park’s seawall, and starting or finishing a seawall stroll from the Lost Lagoon Nature House just makes sense. Known for its photo-worthy views, large fountain, and sometimes even a few swans, Lost Lagoon is Stanley Park’s largest body of water and one of Vancouver’s most recognizable landmarks. At the edge of the lagoon, tucked away in a former boathouse, is the Lost Lagoon Nature House. Operated by the Stanley Park Ecological Society, it is packed with interesting things to do and see.

From beavers to bats, interpretive displays of every species found in Stanley Park help make the learning at the Lost Lagoon Nature House fun and interactive. Whether you want to know about a particular bird species that lives in Stanley Park or you’d like to learn more about the park’s multiple restoration projects, the friendly staff members are almost always on hand to answer any questions you may have. Insider’s tip: sometimes the staff members at the Nature House lead bird-watching excursions for the public, and you’ll get to check out some of the park’s more special (and secret!) places if you join in.