British Columbia Tourism Information
Why visit british columbia.
British Columbia is the most-visited part of Canada, and tourism is the province’s second-biggest industry. Home to the country’s most ample concentration of stereotypical Canadian natural beauty as well as the thoroughly modern oceanside city of Vancouver , British Columbia has long been one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading vacation destinations.
Orientation
The vast majority of British Columbia’s most popular tourist destinations are found in or around the city of Vancouver , which is located on a peninsula in the province’s southwestern corner, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean . From there, the cities of Victoria and Whistler are relatively easy to visit and leave within the same day. The rest of British Columbia, often called the interior , is largely rural, and is visited mostly by tourists interested in camping or other outdoor activities.
A view of Granville Island and False Creek. James Chen/Shutterstock
Downtown Vancouver’s most iconic tourist area is Historic Gastown , a street of modern shops and restaurants in a neighborhood that has been partially preserved and partially recreated to resemble a typical street from the late-19th century, when Vancouver was founded. The most iconic sight is the Gastown Clock , a large faux-Victorian timepiece that noisily vents bursts of steam every 15 minutes.
Vancouver Tourism
Vancouver is located on the tip of a peninsula that is fairly small geographically, but quite dense with buildings and people. The False Creek inlet and a couple of bridges separate the northern downtown core from the more residential south. The Lion’s Gate Bridge is attached to the peninsula’s north, and leads to North Vancouver , which is a completely separate city associated mostly with higher-end real estate and the waterfront Lonsdale Quay Market .
Famed Vancouver landmarks include B.C. Place , a sports arena with a state-of-the-art retractable roof, the Vancouver Public Library , which was designed to resemble Rome’s famous coliseum, Canada Place , a convention centre and cruise ship port topped with a distinctive white sail roof, and the Harbour Centre building, which is one of those very tall buildings many large cities seem to have offering amazing panoramic views and a revolving restaurant at the top. There are a couple visible remnants of Vancouver’s stint hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics , most notably the giant snowflake-like Olympic Cauldron .
Stanley Park is one of the world’s biggest parks and is located on a peninsula on the edge of downtown. It’s home to a collection of totem poles and the large and modern Vancouver Aquarium . Circling the park’s perimeter on a route known as the Seawall is popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists.
A free downtown shuttle brings visitors to the expensive Capilano Suspension Bridge Park , a popular tourist attraction that centres around a 450-foot suspension bridge over the Capilano River as well as a newer glass bridge “cliffwalk” and other forest-themed attractions.
- Official Website, Tourism Vancouver
- The Top 10 Things to Do in Vancouver, TripAdvisor
- 10 Top Tourist Attractions in Vancouver, Touropia
Robson Street remains Vancouver’s most fashionable shopping area, though two enormous — and very pricy — department stores, Nordstrom and Holt Renfrew , offer strong competition. The two are conjoined by a small mall known as Pacific Center . The small and pretty marina-adjacent Granville Island Public Market is home to a lively marketplace of fresh fish, produce, baked goods, and candy, as well as some artisanal shops.
A half-hour drive from Vancouver brings you to Metropolis at Metrotown , the largest mall in British Columbia.
Granville Street is the city’s main bar and club district and contains Vancouver’s most popular live music venues. The area in and around the historic Gastown district (see above) is also home to several bars and clubs and becomes a hub of activity after dark. Davie Street is the gay area.
Aboriginal Art
Raven and First Man (1980), the masterpiece sculpture of Bill Reid (1920-1998), Canada's most famous aboriginal sculptor, on display at the Museum of Anthropology .
Museums and Galleries
The Vancouver Art Gallery sits in a refurbished downtown courthouse and is devoted primarily to traveling exhibits from around the world. It’s best known for containing a permanent collection of paintings by Emily Carr (1871-1945), British Columbia’s most famous landscape artist.
A half-hour drive outside the downtown core located on the sprawling, wooded campus of the University of British Columbia , the Museum of Anthropology is the city’s most famous museum, best known for its extensive collection of art and sculptures by the aboriginal peoples of North America’s west coast.
Telus World of Science is an iconic ball-shaped structure housing a mostly child-centric interactive museum of science, as well as an IMAX theatre.
Victoria's Inner Harbour with the B.C. Legislature looming in the background. GTS Productions/Shutterstock
Haida Gwaii 's moist and erratic island climate often features winters that are warmer than than summer.
B.C. Tourism Outside Vancouver
The city of Victoria is located on the confusingly-named Vancouver Island , which is actually nowhere near Vancouver proper (leading many tourists to call it “Victoria Island” instead). Only accessible as a day trip, getting there from downtown requires a long drive and ferry ride to reach the Island, followed by another long drive from the Island’s harbour to Victoria itself. The city has plenty of distinctive 19th century architecture, particularly the grand Empress Hotel and British Columbia Parliament Buildings . The Royal B.C. Museum is considered the province’s best. A half-hour drive north of Victoria are the Butchart Gardens , an enormous flower garden located in an abandoned quarry pit.
The west coast of the Island contains smaller communities known for natural beauty, beaches, and a laid-back way of life. The small coastal city of Tofino is the most popular hotspot, and is a much-loved destination for surfers.
The Haidi Gwaii islands are located about 300 kilometres north of Vancouver Island, close to the Alaska Panhandle. Extremely remote, the “Galapagos of the North” can only be accessed by several hours of plane or ferry travel, but are home to more exotic nature, wildlife, and aboriginal ruins than anywhere else in the province.
- The Top 10 Things to do on Vancouver Island, TripAdvisor
B.C. Mountains
B.C. is known primarily to tourists for its mountains, though different ones offer different appeals. The province’s preeminent ski resort is based around the twin peaks of Whistler Blackcomb , with top-end hotels, restaurants, bars, nightlife, shopping, and — of course — some of the world’s best slopes. During the winter months it becomes a boisterous hive of young tourists from all over the world.
Cypress Mountain is a smaller resort located closer to Vancouver, and is a more family-friendly destination lacking the Whistler party scene. Grouse Mountain is even smaller, and is a particularly popular destination during the non-winter months thanks to various summer attractions, including ziplines and lumberjack competitions, and is popular with hikers who enjoy attempting the gruelling “ Grouse Grind .”
Resort hotels in Whistler Village. spa/Shutterstock
British columbia tourism resources.
- Official British Columbia Tourism Website
- British Columbia, Lonely Planet
- British Columbia Travel Guide, Fodor's
The Stanley Park Seawall is an iconic nine kilometre pathway running along the coastal perimeter of Vancouver's Stanley Park. A beautiful paved trail beloved by cyclists, joggers, or just those out for a leisurely stroll by the oceanside.
Granville Island , one of Vancouver's most iconic shopping areas, home to a wide variety of fresh and specialty foods, as well as souvenirs galore.
The iconic gondola bringing visitors to the peak of Grouse Mountain .
The beaches of Tofino , a mecca of surfing on Vancouver Island .
- Visitor Services
Whistler | Blake Jorgenson
- Destination Management
The traditional method of communicating to visitors through distinct “marketing” or “visitor services” channels has disappeared. Now, it is important to identify what our visitors needs are and then try to resolve them, regardless of their stage in the planning journey or location, recognizing that different people will want varying levels of information and assistance.
Kootenay Rockies | Dave Heath
The success of any tourism destination rests heavily on the quality of the visitor experience. Today’s visitor services are about ensuring information is available when and where visitors need it.
There are 132 community-owned Visitor Centres throughout British Columbia that make up the Visitor Services Network Program. In 2022, the community Visitor Centres served approximately 2 million visitors face- to- face at their physical locations and around their community, and through email, over social media and on the phone.
Customer service expectations are rapidly rising, and we need to keep pace with the convenience, speed, and channel availability expected by our visitors, and deliver it in an exemplary way.
Destination BC works with the entire tourism industry to expand the delivery of services. This includes creating more contemporary and innovative ways to connect with travellers online, and out and about in communities, providing the same level of exceptional service that people experience in visitor centres. Destination BC is also committed to featuring compelling tourism product information on HelloBC.com through the Listings Program to inspire visitors and help them find businesses that support their travelling dreams.
In addition, Visitor Services manages Product Presentations from BC tourism businesses, Destination Marketing/Management Organizations (DMOs) and Experience Sector associations. Please note – Product Presentations are delivered on Zoom.
To learn more about the HelloBC Listings Program, visit the Tourism Business Portal or email [email protected] .
To learn more about the Visitor Services Network, email [email protected] .
To find a Visitor Centre in or near your BC community visit HelloBC.com .
BC Visitor Services Network Statistics Program
As members of the Visitor Services Network Program, Visitor Centres record visitation statistics using Destination BC’s statistics website. To view “Year over Year” reports visit Destination BC’s Visitor Services Statistics Program Portal. As context is important when reviewing statistics, please contact [email protected] with any questions regarding statistics.
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Travelling in B.C.
Learn about b.c..
Thinking about visiting British Columbia? You won't be disappointed. B.C.'s culture and history is as diverse as its landscapes and geography. The food is excellent, nature is abundant, cities are vibrant, and there's warmth and hospitality to welcome all visitors. There's really so much to see and do in B.C.
Before you visit, learn about B.C.’s:
- Climate and weather
- Culture and history
- Winter driving
- Visa and passport requirements
- Visitor Centres
Plan Your B.C. Vacation
If you want to plan a trip to B.C., visit Destination British Columbia's official tourism and travel website www.HelloBC.com . Here you can book your accommodations and travel excursions in advance and get ideas on things to do, and places to go. #Explore BC.
Provincial Parks
B.C. is known for its spectacular national and provincial parks. The breathtaking scenery and inspiring natural surroundings in our parks provide the perfect setting for tuning into nature, learning about it, appreciating it and respecting it.
- BC Parks offer campsites, day-use areas, and thousands of kilometres of trails.
- Parks Canada offers campsites, day-use areas, and hiking including the famous multi-day west coast trail.
- Recreation sites and trails offers a backcountry experience like no other, with simple, rustic camping, generally located in remote areas and accessed by gravel forestry roads.
Getting Around B.C.
Whether travelling by land, water, air or rail, B.C.'s transportation network provides safe and reliable service.
- Travel by Air
- Travel by Train
- Travel by Water
- Bus / coach / shuttle travel
- Campers / RV travel
- Car / truck / motorcycle travel
- Limo / taxi travel
- See road events, driving conditions and plan your driving route
- BC Transit provides public transportation for Victoria, Kelowna, Whistler, and dozens of other communities in B.C.
- TransLink is Metro Vancouver's public transportation system
- Find maps of B.C.
Check out www.HelloBC.com , Destination BC's consumer website providing travel information and trip planning ideas.
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Get the latest info on border delays, inland ferries, road conditions and so much more.
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Visitor Centres
There are four Visitor Centres on the Sunshine Coast, where friendly staff provide a range of visitor services including professional visitor counselling, helpful travel information and literature, and assistance with activity and accommodation reservations. These Visitor Centres are members of British Columbia’s Visitor Centre Network and can be identified by their distinctive blue-and-yellow logos.
The Gibsons , Sechelt , and Powell River Visitor Centres operate year-round, and the Pender Harbour Info Booth operates seasonally. Each centre offers free maps, brochures, and WiFi.
Stop by for up-to-date information on:
- Attractions
- Restaurants
- Outdoor adventure
- Accommodations
- Transportation
Tip: If you’re looking for souvenirs, the Gibsons, Sechelt, and Powell River Visitor Centres carry a variety of t-shirts, postcards, stickers, and more!
Gibsons Visitor Centre
- 494 South Fletcher Road, Suite 101
- 604.886.2374
Pender Harbour Visitor Info Booth
- 12992 Madeira Park Road
- 604.883.2561
Powell River Visitor Centre
- 4760 Joyce Avenue
- 604.485.4701
Sechelt Visitor Centre
- 5790 Teredo Street
- 604.885.1036
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- Whistler Visitor Centre
Welcome to Whistler! Whether you are in town for a day trip or an extended vacation, drop in and speak to one of our friendly and professional team members for up-to-date information on what's happening around town. We can assist with everything from accommodation and bus schedules to directions and activity information – just ask!
Important Information
The Whistler Visitor Centre is currently closed due to the non-essential travel advisory in British Columbia. Guests can call 1.800.944.7853 or use the Ask Whistler mobile chat service to speak with a Whistler.com agent who can answer questions and provide resort information.
The Whistler Visitor Centre is Whistler’s official resource for all in-resort information (activities, dining, accommodation and transportation). The Visitor Centre offers a range of products and provides quick, accurate and friendly service.
- Brochures, maps, guide books
- PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Sightseeing tickets and Cultural Passes
- Accommodation and Activity Bookings
- Information on local events, activities, dining options, shops, sightseeing and more
- Whistler Transit bus schedules and tickets
- Bear bells and safety whistles
- Phonebox pre-paid and monthly cell phone plans, eSIMS available
- Calling cards
Mobile Live Chat Service
Ask Whistler is a mobile live chat service ready to help you uncover everything Whistler has to offer, from getting insider tips on things to do, to deciding where to go for dinner, or even helping you find your way. Think of it as your own personal concierge at your fingertips. Live agents are available seven days a week.
BC Travel Planning
As well as up-to-date information on everything Whistler has to offer, the Whistler Visitor Centre is the first point of reference for tourists to gather information about other communities in the beautiful province of British Columbia. Guests are welcome to come in and explore a wide range of information on accommodation, tours, events, recreational opportunities, parks and other provincial destinations. The staff are both knowledgeable and resourceful, ready to assist visitors and community members alike with their travel planning.
Drop in for advice, or if you prefer, Whistler Visitor Centre agents are also availabe to answer questions by phone and email .
Contact Details
Drop in for advice, use our mobile live chat, or we can answer your questions by phone and email:
Contact us at 1.800.944.7853 after Visitor Centre hours to reach our main Reservation Centre.
Where is the Whistler Visitor Centre?
The Whistler Visitor Centre is located at 4230 Gateway Drive Whistler, adjacent to the bus and taxi loop. Parking is available outside the Centre for 15 minutes, or you can park in the Day Lots located on Blackcomb Way.
View Map of Whistler Visitor Centre
Health & safety at the whistler visitor centre.
The Whistler Visitor Centre is committed to providing staff and guests with a safe environment that adheres to Work BC’s Occupational Health & Safety Regulations. While plexi-glass barriers remain in place, frequent cleaning and sanitizing of high-traffic touch surfaces continues to be a priority for our team.
Aligned with that, Tourism Whistler is required by section 21 (2)(c) of the Workers Compensation Act to establish occupational health and safety policies in accordance with Occupational Health & Safety Regulation, and have been directed by WorkSafe BC to develop a Communicable Disease Prevention Plan that outlines the guidelines, policies, and protocols in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.