British Columbia Overview
Often referred to by its initials BC, British Columbia is Canada’s western-most province. Stretching from its rugged coast and Pacific Islands in the west to the soaring peaks of the Canadian Rockies in the east, you’ll find mountains, valleys, wildlife-rich forests and vast empty spaces.
British Columbia has a lot to offer every type of traveller. From the cosmopolitan cities of Vancouver and Victoria, the mountain town of Whistler, the Canadian Rockies, Coast Mountains, the Great Bear Rainforest on the Pacific coast and Vancouver Island.
For many, the big draw to British Columbia is its wildlife, with bear watching and whale watching the prime attractions in a region which features bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose and caribou.
British Columbia is home to half of the grizzly bears in Canada, as well as plentiful black bears and the legendary Kermode (Spirit) bear which reside in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest. Although it’s not uncommon to spot a bear whilst travelling in Canada, it doesn’t compare with the thrilling up-close encounters you get when you stay for a few nights at a specialist bear watching wilderness retreat.
Often lodge-based in remote, British Columbia locations, only accessible by floatplane or boat, properties such as Knight Inlet Lodge, Great Bear Lodge, Tweedsmuir Park Lodge and Farewell Harbour Lodge each offer unforgettable bear viewing as well as the chance to see a variety of other wildlife. You will get to head out into the wilds of Canada accompanied by knowledgeable guides, and view bears from a safe distance in boats, from hides and on foot as they forage, hunt and swim.
For those wishing to see one of the rarest animals in the world – the elusive Spirit bear, you will need to head to the Great Bear Rainforest and head to specialist properties like Spirit Bear Lodge. Spirit bears are rare white-coated black bears that get their striking colour from an uncommon recessive genetic trait that affects 1 in 10 black bears.
We offer all types of holidays in British Columbia, which can be tailor-made to suit your interests, timeframe and budget. Whether your interest is in bear-watching at a specialist bear watching wilderness retreat, enjoying the mountains, valleys and wildlife-rich forests on an independent self-drive, hiking the epic landscapes on a guided walking holiday, sitting back and relaxing on an escorted tour or marvelling at the spectacular scenery on the world famous Rocky Mountaineer train, we can help you experience British Columbia in a way that suits you.
British Columbia Highlights
Great Bear Rainforest
The Great Bear Rainforest is an attraction that’s a little more difficult to reach, but the rewards are worth the travel. Firstly, it’s the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest, and it’s commonly referred to as the Amazon of the North. Secondly, it’s where you will find the rare kermode (spirit) bear, which is a black bear subspecies. To increase your chances of seeing a grizzly, black or spirit bear, why not incorporate a stay at a remote fly or sail in bear watching lodge. Ask you Discover North America Travel Specialist for more details.
Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park is a must-visit in British Columbia, as it is a part of the beautiful Canadian Rockies. It has over 258 miles of trails, including the Iceline Trail. Other things to see in the national park include Emerald Lake, Lake O’Hara, Takakkaw Falls, and Wapta Falls.
Wells Gray Park & Clearwater
Imagine a place where the Clearwater, Thompson and Murtle Rivers roar and wildlife sightings are as common as sunrise and sunset. A place where it’s easy to get off the beaten path, and away from the crowds, immersing yourself in real and wild nature. The place you imagine is Wells Gray Country, the mountain communities centered around Clearwater and Wells Gray Provincial Park. 1.3 million acres of alpine wilderness, borne from volcanoes and carved by glaciers. It’s one of the most unique landscapes in all of B.C., where your days are measured in your steps hiked, wildlife sightings, and the number of waterfalls shot on your camera.
Whistler
Set against stunning mountain backdrops, Whistler is as popular during the summer months as it is during the winter. Hiking, biking, rafting and adrenaline-fuelled activities can be found in abundance, and a friendly welcome from the locals is assured.
Vancouver Island
On Canada’s far western coast, Vancouver Island is home to some spectacular coastal scenery, mountains, lakes, and other natural attractions, as well as lovely small towns and the provincial capital of Victoria. Coastal beaches provide year-round surfing, particularly near the popular tourist town of Tofino and nearby Pacific Rim National Park. Relax, restore and recharge yourself in the region’s cosmopolitan centres, small towns and snug harbours. That’s Vancouver Island.
Haida Gwaii
Haida Gwaii is one of Canada’s undiscovered treasures. These remote islands provide a wealth of culture and natural beauty, but are often overlooked by tourists. Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is an isolated group of more than 150 islands in the Pacific Ocean at the western edge of the continental shelf.
Vancouver
Vancouver Canada is a young, vibrant coastal city surrounded by magnificent mountain backdrops, a beautiful coastline and lush evergreen forests. Vancouver is the first port of call for many tourists taking an Alaska Cruise to the ice sheeted waters of Alaska’s famous national park, Glacier Bay. These cruises are highly recommended as they voyage to some of the world’s most isolated and picturesque locations; some of which are so out of reach they’re completely inaccessible by land.
Best Time To Visit British Columbia
April to October is an ideal time to visit British Columbia with June through August seeing the highest concentration of visitors to the area. For those with an interest in bear watching, you may wish to visit in the months of May to June (known as the ‘Spring bear viewing season’) or the peak grizzly bear viewing season in late August through to early to mid-October, which is affectionately know as the ’salmon run’.