Things to Do in British Columbia

Squamish's Stawamus Chief Provincial Park is home to one of British Columbia's most iconic landmarks: The Chief. The popular rock­-climbing and hiking destination towers 2,300 feet (700 meters) above Squamish and is the second­-largest granite monolith (freestanding piece of rock) in the world. Though it might be hard to believe from looking at the steep rock face, hiking to the top is a relatively moderate, two­-hour hike. The Chief doesn't get as much snow during the winter as the other nearby mountains and so enjoys a fairly long hiking season. The summit is usually clear of snow in the early spring, making The Chief a great warm­up hike for the summer months ahead. There are three peaks, each accessible from the single trailhead. You can hike up each one individually, or summit all three if you're feeling ambitious. Hikers should be prepared with sturdy footwear, clothing, food and water.

In addition to being a popular hiking destination, Stawamus Chief Provincial Park is a rock-climber's paradise. There are hundreds of granite walls and multi-­pitch crack climbing routes, the most well­-known being The Apron and The Grand Wall. Even the most advanced rock climbers come from all over the world to be challenged during the busy summer season by these routes.

The seaside village of Horseshoe Bay is the departure point for ferries to Vancouver Island and the starting point for the Sea to Sky Highway, which connects Vancouver to Whistler. Though many travelers rush through here, the picturesque town has plenty to offer, with pretty parks, hiking trails, and quaint cafes and restaurants.

Many visitors arrive in Horseshoe Bay while en route to either Vancouver Island or Whistler, traveling independently, as part of day tours from Vancouver, or as part of multi-day tours through British Columbia. Vancouver Island"“ and Bowen Island"“bound ferries depart regularly from Horseshoe Bay terminal, while the Sea to Sky Highway extends north from the town all the way to Whistler. 

If you have time to spare in Horseshoe Bay, pause to enjoy the views from the waterfront, take a boat trip out on Howe Sound, or go swimming at Whytecliff Park, just west of town. 

Horseshoe Bay is in West Vancouver on the North Shore. The best time to visit is between May and October, when warm weather allows for outdoor activities. If you plan on getting the ferry and are on a tight schedule, it's best to reserve in advance, particularly during the busy summer months. 

Horseshoe Bay is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. To get there by public transit, take bus 250 from downtown Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay. 

Extending from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Squamish and Whistler farther north, the Sea to Sky Highway"”also known as Highway 99"”is one of the most scenic driving routes in British Columbia. Hugging the cliffs near Howe Sound and offering unforgettable mountain vistas, the road passes by some of the province's biggest attractions and most epic displays of nature, from the Sea-to-Sky Gondola in Squamish to the rugged peaks of Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Fisherman's Wharf is an eclectic combination of tourist shops and residential float homes. Although the fishing heyday has passed, at which time when a fishing vessel was tied to every slip at the Fisherman's Wharf except the two "live aboard" docks, the atmosphere hasn't changed much. Colorful characters still roam the docks, but now often rub shoulders with passing tourists rather than sea-hardened fishermen.

The live aboard homes have been transformed into beautiful float houses, each as eclectic as the last and proudly carrying its own decor and charm.

Seals are a near constant at the dock and they receive more than their share of bait from the local fish stores that aim to keep tourists happy and registers ringing. The small collection of shops includes an ice cream shop, BBQ grill, fish and chips stand, and a coffee house, alongside an excellent Fish Market and Crab Sales. There's also some outgoing tourism, as whale watching and sea kayaking tours kick off from Fisherman's Wharf and head out to sea through the harbor.

British Columbia's Okanagan Valley is the hub for western Canada's growing wine industry, with nearly 200 vineyards and wineries dotting its sun-baked hills. Kelowna, the region's largest city, sprawls along the shores of Okanagan Lake and offers all the services you need for a wine-touring holiday. 

In downtown Kelowna, a good place to start your explorations is at the Laurel Packinghouse Building, which houses two museums. At the British Columbia Wine Museum "“ part exhibition space and part wine store "“ you can learn about the Okanagan wineries and the types of wines you'll sample as you visit local producers. The Okanagan has long been BC's main fruit-growing region, too, a history that's on view at the British Columbia Orchard Industry Museum. The Kelowna Art Gallery, a small contemporary art museum nearby, is also worth a visit.

Kelowna's wineries surround the city on both sides of Okanagan Lake. Mission Hill and Quails' Gate are among the largest winemakers on the west side of the lake, while Cedar Creek, Summerhill Pyramid Winery, and Tantalus Vineyards draw visitors to its eastern bank. The Kelowna area is home to craft brewers and micro-distilleries that welcome visitors as well.