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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 .

British Columbia Itinerary – 7 days or 2 weeks

Last Updated on March 1, 2024

British Columbia is one of the most gorgeous places to visit in North America, with its towering mountains, flowing fjords, ancient forests, wine country and energetic cities. British Columbia is also massive, it can take several days to drive across it from north to south! Because of it’s size and geographic diversity, planning a trip can be a bit daunting. This article will help you prioritize and see as much as you can with either a 7 day or 2 week British Columbia Itinerary.

Can I visit British Columbia without a car?

When is the best time to travel to british columbia.

• 7 day British Columbia itinerary without a car
• 2 week British Columbia Road trip itinerary
• What to do if you have more time
• What to pack for British Columbia

Yes! However, it depends on what you want to do on your British Columbia itinerary.

Vancouver and Victoria are both very walkable and even if you have a car I recommend parking it and walking and making use of the fantastic public transportation. It will be a lot less frustrating!

Whistler is also easy to get to and around without a car. You can take a bus from Vancouver and then take the Whistler shuttle anywhere you want to go.

Rural areas of British Columbia are difficult to access without a car, so if you’re traveling car free I recommend sticking with Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler.

You can also take the train from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies which has a stop in Kamloops in Interior BC. This is a gorgeous train ride although it is expensive.

British Columbia is a wonderful year round destination! Depending on what you want to do should determine the best time for your trip.

Summer is the busiest and most popular travel time. Most of British Columbia has long, sunny days, though it’s important to be prepared for rain any time of year, especially in Vancouver, Whistler and Vancouver Island. Expect crowds and lots of people out hiking, paddling and camping.

Fall is a beautiful time of year with less crowds, except in the Canadian Rockies where it’s very crowded through October. Expect freezing temperatures at night in the mountains and the interior. Coastal areas and cooler and rainier, but not as wet as winter.

Winter is a popular time to visit and travel British Columbia. The mountains have incredible skiing (both downhill and cross country) and there are lots of other winter sports to enjoy. Driving is much slower and involves winter driving conditions. Roads are well maintained but can be treacherous at times or closed during storms. Winter is wet and gray in Vancouver and Victoria, though it rarely snows.

Spring is another good way to avoid crowds and is a bit less wet than winter in coastal areas. Spring can still be VERY wet so be prepared. Ski season usually wraps up in late March or early April and high country areas continue to have deep snow through the spring. Keep this in mind if you’re a hiker, since spring is not ideal for mountains hikes in BC.

7 Day British Columbia Itinerary without a car

This 7 day itinerary is designed for those who don’t want to deal with getting a rental car or driving on their British Columbia Itinerary. This whole trip can be done without a car! If you do have a car, this still makes for a wonderful trip (except for parking in Vancouver and the expense of taking the ferry, which you could skip if you’re driving and stick with the mainland). This chart is a summary, the details are below. If you do drive this route, give yourself plenty of time for all the stops along the Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler.

Day 1 – Arrive in Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver and stretch your legs after your journey in Stanley Park. Find a delicious dinner and catch the sunset before calling it a day. I recommend staying near Stanley Park or Canada Place for this short, car free visit to Vancouver.

Related : Best things to do in Vancouver

Day 2 – Exploring Vancouver

There are so many wonderful things to do in Vancouver! I recommend starting the day in Chinatown for Dim Sum, which is a meal eaten around brunch time and involves lots of small plates to enjoy and share.

After that, take the bus to the University of British Columbia campus and check out the wonderful Museum of Anthropology. The museum is an ideal place to learn about the First Nations people of what is today called British Columbia, both past and present.

Next, take the bus to Granville Island and explore the many shops, eateries and amazing food! Make sure to take the ferry around false creek. The ferry is not only fun, scenic and very Vancouver, but it can also quickly whisk you back to downtown.

Day 3 – Travel to Victoria on Vancouver Island (4 hours)

Today you’re heading to Victoria on Vancouver Island and British Columbia makes it really easy to do this car free! The ferry terminal is a ways outside of town (on both sides) but you can take a bus that takes you from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria without having to navigate lots of different busses on both sides (which is also an option, though it takes longer and is more complicated).

Head over here for all the scheduling and booking details for the bus and ferry trip to Victoria. The trip takes about 4 hours (including the very scenic ferry ride).

Depending on what time you arrive in Victoria, you will likely have time to wander around town and check out the inner harbor. For a longer walk with expansive views head out Dallas Road along the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

I recommend staying in Victoria’s inner harbor, which puts you in the middle of everything and is very walkable. It’s also easy access to transit.

Related : Best things to do in Victoria

Day 4 – Exploring Victoria

Today is your day to explore the delightful and charming town of Victoria, which is also the capital of British Columbia.

In the morning, walk around town and down the shopping area of Government Street and take in one of Victoria’s excellent museums. I recommend the Maritime Museum or the Royal BC Museum.

In the afternoon, you need to have afternoon tea! This is an institution for generations in Victoria. I recommend skipping the very tourist oriented (and overpriced) tea at the Empress Hotel and instead have tea at Butchart Gardens. In my opinion, this is the best afternoon tea in Victoria . This also gives you the chance to explore world famous Butchart Gardens, which is really beautiful all year.

To get out to Butchart Gardens, you can take the city bus from downtown and it takes about 45 minutes. There are also tour buses you can take to get there which are a bit more expensive but get you there a little faster.

In the evening, make sure to stroll by the British Columbia parliament buildings, which have really beautiful white lights at night all year round.

Day 5 – Travel to Whistler

Today you’re heading from the harbors of Victoria to the towering mountains of Whistler . First, you’ll take the ferry/bus combo back to downtown Vancouver and then take the bus to Whistler. Learn all about the bus service to Whistler here . You will need to take the bus or Sky train a short distance from Pacific Central Station to Burrard to catch your Whistler bus. Plan on the journey taking most of the day.

Not only are you seeing the amazing islands and mountains of the Salish Sea from the ferry on your return trip, you’ll also be traveling up one of Canada’s most beautiful roads on the way to Whistler.

I recommend staying in Whistler Village which is very walkable and you can also take the shuttle around the Whistler area.

Day 6 – Exploring Whistler

Today you get to explore the stunning mountain town of Whistler! Make sure to enjoy some of Whistler’s incredible restaurants, no matter what time of year it is.

I recommend riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which you can ride year round. If it’s not a clear day, I would skip this since the view is what makes it really amazing. If you’re a hiker, don’t miss out on the amazing hiking options here .

Whistler is also a wonderful place to take a hike or a walk, there are lots of places to explore close by. Alta Lake has kayak rentals if you want to explore the water in summer and you can snowshoe around it in winter.

If it’s winter, Whistler is a great place to ski! If you’re not a skier, you can enjoy the snowy wonderland on snowshoes too.

Day 7 – Return to Vancouver

Today you’ll take the bus back to Vancouver, which takes about two hours. Depending on the schedule the day you’re traveling, you might have more time to explore Whistler before you depart or Vancouver when you arrive.

Spend the rest of the day doing anything else you missed at the beginning of your trip in Vancouver before heading home.

Ultimate British Columbia Road Trip Itinerary – 2 weeks

If you’re looking for an epic two week road trip adventure in British Columbia, here it is! You’ll want to park and take public transportation in Vancouver and Victoria, which are very walkable and have excellent transit. If you want to stay away from towns altogether, you can spend more time on the open road (driving around Vancouver Island instead of exploring Victoria for example). The chart provides a summary, with details below

Arrive in Vancouver and stretch your legs after your journey in Stanley Park. Find a delicious dinner and catch the sunset before calling it a day. I recommend staying near Stanley Park or Canada Place and leaving your car parked. It’s easy to get around Vancouver without driving! If you choose to drive, know that parking in many locations can be a challenge.

After that, take the bus (or drive) to the University of British Columbia campus and check out the wonderful Museum of Anthropology. The museum is an ideal place to learn about the First Nations people of what is today called British Columbia, both past and present.

Next, take the bus (or drive) to Granville Island and explore the many shops, eateries and amazing food! Make sure to take the ferry around false creek. The ferry is not only fun, scenic and very Vancouver, but it can also quickly whisk you back to downtown. Parking can be a challenge on weekends at Granville Island. Leave the car at your lodging if possible.

Day 3 – Travel to Victoria on Vancouver Island (3 hours – not including ferry wait)

Today you’ll get up and drive to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. While not technically required, I highly recommend getting a reservation for the ferry in advance if you’re bringing a car ( schedules and booking here ). It could take up to an hour to get there depending on traffic. Make sure to arrive 30-60 minutes before your ferry is scheduled to sail.

The ferry ride is just over an hour and a half, with beautiful views of the mountains and islands of the Salish Sea around you.

Once you arrive at the Schwartz Bay Terminal on Vancouver Island, it’s about a 45 minute drive to Victoria.

I recommend staying in the inner harbor so you can walk to most things in town.

To get out to Butchart Gardens it’s about a half hour drive from the Inner Harbor. You can take the city bus from downtown and it takes about 45 minutes if you don’t want to deal with parking.

Day 5 – Victoria to Tofino (5 hours)

This morning you’ll get up and do some scenic driving on Vancouver Island to the town of Tofino , which faces the open Pacific Ocean. It’s a slow drive but absolutely beautiful and fully worth it to see the stunning surf of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the rocks or exploring the beaches at low tide.

There are plenty of forest walks, waterfalls and beaches to stop at along the way to stretch your legs. Once you pass the town of Parksville, you’ll begin driving across Vancouver Island, going over a pass in the middle. You’ll pass the town of Port Alberni at the head of a long fjord.

When you are almost to Tofino, you’ll be near the town of Ucluelet which is another option for a place to stay on the west coast of Vancouver Island a slightly shorter drive.

Related : Best things to do in Ucluelet and Tofino

Day 6 – Tofino to Whistler (7 hours – not including ferry wait)

Today you’ll enjoy breakfast in Tofino (or Ucluelet) and perhaps fit in another beach stroll before starting your journey to Whistler. First off, you’ll retrace your journey back as far as Nanaimo (about 3 hours).

In Nanaimo, you’ll board a different BC ferry that will take you to the Horseshoe Bay terminal on the north side of Vancouver. Once again, you’ll want to have a reservation and arrive 30-60 minutes early. If you have enough time to explore the city of Nanaimo, make sure to get a Nanaimo bar!

It’s another scenic ferry ride across to the mainland that lasts about an hour and forty minutes.

When you arrive in Horseshoe Bay, you’ll be driving the almost unbearably beautiful Sea to Sky Highway for 100 km (60 miles to Whistler). While the drive is only an hour and a half, there are so many wonderful places to stop along this highway it is likely to take you much longer! At a minimum make sure to stop at Porteau Cove and Shannon Falls.

Related : 17 fun stops on the Vancouver to Whistler drive

Day 7 – Exploring Whistler

Today you get to explore the beautiful town of Whistler! Whistler is world famous for it’s skiing (the Olympics were here after all), but there’s so much more to Whistler than just ski slopes.

I recommend riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which you can ride year round. If it’s not a clear day, I would skip this since the view is what makes it really amazing. You’ll see mountains as far as you can see in every direction!

Make sure to take in some of Whistler’s excellent food as well.

Day 8 – Whistler to Kamloops (4 hours)

Today you’ll start your drive to Kamloops, which is a delightful town in BC’s sunny interior of wineries and agriculture! Kamloops is a perfect halfway point to break up the drive to the Canadian Rockies.

Make sure to give yourself time to explore the town of Kamloops as well as stop and taste some delicious BC wine.

Day 9 – Kamloops to Radium Hot Springs (5.5 hours)

Today you are heading to the Canadian Rockies! This post is about a British Columbia itinerary, although the Canadian rockies stretch across British Columbia and Alberta. Many people go straight to Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper. These are beautiful and extremely crowded locations. If you want a little more room, less people and a more relaxed experience, stick with Kootenay National Park and Yoho National Park, which adjon Banff National Park and are every bit as stunning!

Related : Why you should visit Kootenay National Park

I recommend Radium Hot Springs as a base camp for your explorations in the Canadian Rockies, because it’s more affordable and less crowded than Banff and Lake Louise. There are a number of hotels in the town of Radium Hot Springs as well as vacation rentals and one of my favorite campgrounds ever, the Redstreak Campground. Redstreak Campground is operated by Parks Canada and is in Kootenay National Park. You can also walk from your campsite to Radium Hot Springs for your soak.

On the way from Kamloops to Radium, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and stretch your legs. Make sure to stop at the Giant Cedars Trail in Mt Revelstoke National Park and Roger’s Pass.

When you arrive in Radium, make sure to go to Radium Hot Springs, which is my favorite of the Parks Canada operated hot springs. It is MUCH less crowded than the hot springs in Banff. Actually, I recommend doing this EVERY night while you’re in the Canadian Rockies

Day 10 – Exploring the Canadian Rockies

I suggest spending today exploring Kootenay National Park and Yoho National Park. In Kootenay, make sure to stop at Marble Canyon, which is a relatively short walk and absolutely stunning. The drive through the park is breathtaking, even in moody weather. There are plenty of hiking opportunties here as well.

In Yoho, don’t miss gorgeous and internet famous Emerald Lake, with it’s towering mountains, perfect blue-green water and charming photogenic lodge. You can walk around the lake or rent a canoe here if you want to spend some time.

Takakkaw Falls is another fantastic stop in Yoho, if you’re up for the adventurous drive to get there!

Don’t forget to go back to the hot springs tonight!

Day 11 – More exploring the Canadian Rockies

If you’re up for braving the crowds, this is a good day to head to Banff and Lake Louise. I recommend going straight to the shuttle area on the highway for parking and get there as early as possible to see Lake Louise. Get there as early as possible as even the shuttle sometimes includes a long wait. Don’t even think about trying to drive into the Lake if you’re not staying there.

Lake Louise has plenty of hiking trails and canoe rentals to spend your day in and you can also go further up the road (again on the shuttle) to Morraine Lake, which is possibly even more beautiful!

If you’re not tired of crowds, head over to Banff and explore this charming mountain town. There are plenty of shops and restaurants as well as walks and hikes to keep you busy in Banff.

Day 12 – Radium Hot Springs to Nelson (5.5 hours)

Today you’re leaving the Canadian Rockies behind you to make your way back to Vancouver. You’re going to spend three days getting there so you can have some fun and not just be in the car all day. It is possible to drive straight from Radium to Vancouver in one day, which takes about 10 hours (without stops) and backtracks the same roads you’ve already driven.

On this British Columbia itinerary, we’re seeing new things on different roads on the way back!

On your drive from Radium to Nelson, I recommend going the slightly slower way that includes taking a short and scenic ferry across Kootenay Lake and a soak in Ainsworth Hot Springs (which has a super cool human made cave).

Nelson is only a short distance beyond Ainsworth. If you get there early enough to explore this quirky mountain town, you’ll enjoy it’s many shops and restaurants along the river.

Day 13 – Nelson to Osoyoos (3 hours)

Today you could drive all the way back to Vancouver, but I recommend taking your time to explore the agricultural heartland of British Columbia and taste more incredible wine. You’ll be going through mountains and forests to get there, but Osoyoos itself is very dry.

Spend some time enjoying Osoyoos Lake and wine tasting when you arrive.

Day 14 – Osoyoos to Vancouver (5 hours)

Today you’ll complete your British Columbia road trip by returning to Vancouver! Along the way you’ll head up and over the Cascade Mountains to the Salish Sea once again.

EC Manning Provincial Park is a wonderful place for hiking or picnicking. The mountains here are incredible and you’ll continue to see amazing views as you drive from Hope to Chilliwack over a high mountain pass.

Once you get to Chilliwack, you’ll be in the outskirts of Vancouver. If you are flying out, it makes sense to stay near the airport tonight so you’re ready to fly home.

Related : Complete guide to Winter in Manning Park, BC

If you have more time for your British Columbia Itinerary

If you have more time for your trip in British Columbia (lucky you!) here are a few ideas for how to spend it:

• Explore more of Vancouver Island , including the remote north end of the island
• Relax on the quiet and stunningly beautiful Sunshine Coast
• Go further up north along the Cariboo Chilcotin Highway
• Spend more time in BC wine country
• Visit even more hot springs !
• Spend more time in the Canadian Rockies
• Spend more time in Vancouver

Related : Vancouver to Banff road trip itinerary

What to pack for your trip to British Columbia

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases .

The weather throughout British Columbia varies quite a bit, with the Vancouver and Victoria area being rainier with more mild temperatures year round. The BC interior is hotter in summer, colder in winter and sunnier and drier year round.

For both of these itineraries, I recommend being ready for rain or sun any day all year! The main difference for winter is to bring more warm layers on colder days. The most important thing is to have an excellent rain jacket and waterproof footwear any time of year in British Columbia.

If you’re doing your British Columbia itinerary in the winter, you might want to consider bringing snow boots as well as a puffy coat if you are leaving the Vancouver and Vancouver Island area.

For summer travelers, it can be rainy and chilly in the summer, but it can also get quite hot. Make sure to bring some light layers for hot days (or warm indoor spaces).

Some specific things I recommend packing for your trip to British Columbia include:

It’s probably not a surprise that the most important thing to consider in what to pack for British Columbia is an  excellent rainjacket . Make sure it’s actually waterproof and not a light windbreaker (although if you’re visiting late July through early September that would likely be adequate if you’re staying in Vancouver).

• Make sure it’s  waterproof  (I like Gore Tex material but it’s not the only option)
• Make sure it’s  big enough to fit over other layers  (especially in winter when you’ll need a warm layer underneath it). I always have a rainjacket one size bigger than other tops I own.
• Make sure it’s  long enough  – this is a matter of personal preference but I prefer one that is long enough to not ride up all the time, especially with layers on
• Get a  lightweight  one – Because rain happens at a wide variety of temperatures in British Columbia, I recommend getting a rain jacket without an insulating layer and getting a separate layer of warmth (like a fleece or puffy) . This will allow you to wear them separately. A light raincoat is also easy to bring in your bag for that sudden rainstorm

If you’re looking for a specific rainjacket to pack for British Columbia, I highly recommend both this  Marmot one from Amazon  and  this REI Co- op one  (also available in plus sizes!). Both of these are excellent rain jackets that are durable and reasonably priced.

Waterproof boots or shoes

This is particularly important in fall through spring. If you’re visiting late July through early September and staying in cities without doing any hiking, then you might be fine without waterproof footwear.

Lots of people wear rubber boots even on city streets when it’s raining, in particular the super popular Hunter rubber boots, which come in a variety of colors. I personally prefer Xtra Tuf Boots ( especially these beautifully patterned Salmon Sisters ones ) because they are also super comfortable for muddy hikes!

If you’re more interested in hiking boots or hiking shoes, that’s another great option for the footwear you pack for British Columbia and it’s totally ok to wear hiking shoes and boots in the city too. I personally recommend Merrells which I wear for hiking. I prefer  hiking shoes  to boots, but if you prefer the extra ankle support of  hiking boots then I recommend these .

In addition to shoes,  wool socks  will help keep your feet warm and if they get wet it’s not totally miserable! Bring lots of extra socks!

Other Essentials

A few other things I consider necessary (in addition to toiletries and person items) include

• Waterbottle – like much of the Pacific Northwest, people carry waterbottles and you can fill them up all over the place
• Umbrella – this can be really handy for summer days or surprise rain showers
• Resuable shopping bag – you can get this when you arrive if you don’t have one or don’t want to travel with it. Effective January 1, 2022 there is a plastic bag ban so you’ll want to have something to carry purchases with
• Layers – you’ll want to be comfortable in a variety of temperatures, so bring clothes you can wear separately or together on warm or cool days.

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Free spirits with an obsession to travel

Welcome to BC Travel! We’re a team of passionate travel enthusiasts who have fallen in love with the incredible beauty and diverse experiences that British Columbia, Canada has to offer. Originally founded in 1996, BC Travel aims to be your one-stop destination for all things related to exploring this amazing province.

Our mission is simple: to inspire, inform, and connect travelers who want to experience the best of British Columbia. We’re dedicated to making your trip planning process seamless and enjoyable, by providing comprehensive and up-to-date information on everything from must-see attractions, hidden gems, outdoor adventures, local cuisine, and cultural experiences.

At BC Travel, our team of experienced travel writers, photographers, and local experts are committed to bringing you the most accurate and in-depth information available. We constantly explore the region to discover new destinations, revisit popular spots, and share insider tips, ensuring that our content is relevant and engaging.

We pride ourselves on our strong community of travelers and locals who contribute to the wealth of knowledge found on our website. Through interactive forums and social media channels, we encourage our visitors to share their own experiences, tips, and recommendations, creating a vibrant community that fosters a love for British Columbia.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a month-long road trip, or your dream vacation, BC Travel is here to make your British Columbia adventure unforgettable. From the majestic mountains and lush forests of the interior, to the rugged coastline and vibrant urban centers, we’re committed to helping you uncover the magic of this awe-inspiring province.

Thank you for choosing BC Travel as your trusted guide to British Columbia. We look forward to helping you create memories that will last a lifetime.

Happy exploring!

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20 Visitor Centres will implement projects by summer 2025 to enhance the visitor experience and grow tourism across all regions and seasons.

Destination BC, a provincial Crown corporation, leads the marketing of British Columbia as a tourist destination and promotes the development and growth of the provincial tourism industry.

Destination BC is focused on attracting overnight visitors to the province, by promoting our Super, Natural British Columbia® brand to the world, and increasing tourism revenues by supporting industry in the development and delivery of remarkable experiences.

We work collaboratively with industry, regional, community, and Indigenous partners.

In late February 2023, Destination BC launched a new 2023-2025 corporate strategy, which cascades from the Provincial Strategic Framework for Tourism and is designed to deliver strong, sustainable growth. It outlines our new path for success and provides clarity about the choices we will make over the next three years, and beyond. The strategy outlines our intention to focus on the following levers, to improve BC’s competitiveness and improve the quality of life for people living in British Columbia through tourism over the long term.

•    Compelling Reasons to Explore BC •    A Globally Competitive Tourism Ecosystem •    Respectful Growth of Indigenous Tourism

Learn more about the 2023-2025 corporate strategy, here .

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Research & insights, industry performance, regional research, market research, activity research, news and events, bc government news release: new rules take effect to rein in short-term rentals, deliver more homes, destination bc releases 2023 survey results on resident perceptions of bc’s tourism industry, entrepreneurs awarded grants and mentorships to help spark new tourism ideas in bc, bc’s visitor centres receive funding for community-based experience enhancement, supporting compelling reasons for people to explore bc.

Destination British Columbia acknowledges with gratitude the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱ wu7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tseleil-Waututh Nation) on whose shared territories we operate our main office.

We respectfully recognise that we carry out our work on the territories of Indigenous Peoples throughout BC. We honour our ongoing and developing relationships with First Nations (status and non-status), Inuit, and Métis Peoples. We are on a path of learning and are committed to working together.

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Hey, I’m Nicole!

I’ve travelled all over the world but my favorite place is British Columbia. I’ve lived in Victoria, BC since 2019 and spend most of my free time travelling around BC. My goal is to explore as much of this beautiful province as possible. Along the way I’ll be sharing travel tips with you!

BC Travel Company

✆: (586) 254-6293 | ✉: [email protected]

BC Travel Company, a Travel Leaders Network Agency, has been providing Vacations Beyond Ordinary since 2003. We specialize in ocean and river cruise vacations across all major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise Lines.   We have 1000's of special fare sailings for Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and other cruise lines that often come with extra perks.  If your ready to travel we are ready to help get you there. Our service extends beyond Michigan with an extensive list of clients  throughout the U.S. and Canada. Communicating with our experienced travel advisors is quick, easy and convenient with extended office hours.  Our travel advisors are ready to exceed your expectations.  Contact us today and start packing for that vacation beyond ordinary!  

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text: 586-697-0247

Physical Address BC Travel Company Sterling Heights, MI 48314

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In 2015, the story of BC Travel began when its founding members -combining over 40 years of experience and a passion for travel management and consultancy- envisaged a business travel solutions company that provides its customers with travel services tailored to their needs and desires.

Travel like never before

DISCOVER THE UNDISCOVERED

Mahé, Seychelles

This is the place where you immediately find yourself relaxing and  unwinding, with pristine beaches and  alluring scenery. The Seychelles is the perfect sanctuary to spend quality time with your loved one. 

In this tropical haven, weather is relatively hot all year round with a monsoon season from November to March. 

Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is a beautiful region in central Turkey famous for its fairytale scenery, cave dwellings, remarkable rock formations and, of course, the hundreds of hot air balloons that soar in the sky during sunrise each morning.

The mesmeric, out-of-this-world landscapes are considered one of Turkey's most popular natural wonders!

Valletta, Malta

What makes Malta a unique destination is the fusion of Roman, Greek, Arab, French and British cultures altogether. Sun, sea, and one of the Mediterranean’s most stunning landscapes, this is the ultimate destination to discover hundreds of reefs, caves, and ancient wrecks in crystal clear waters. 

Oh, and not to mention the divine cuisine of Malta! Be sure to try a ricotta filled filo-pastry Pastizzi with a can of Kinnie.

A one-stop-shop

HERE, WE PLAN YOUR..

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ISSAM AJLOUNI STREET, 17

AMMAN 11194, JORDAN

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Travel expenses

The Ministry of Finance oversees travel policy. For detailed allowances and reimbursements review Core Policy and Procedures Manual chapter  10: Travel .

You'll be allowed certain travel allowances and expenses depending on your travel allowance group .

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Paying for travel, vehicles and mileage, accommodation and lodging, miscellaneous allowances and reimbursements, travel outside the province, get reimbursed.

Apply for a travel credit card to pay for travel and approved expenses. Pay the monthly statement balances and claim for reimbursement. Most travel expenses are covered using this method, with the exception of airline tickets and some taxi billings.

For expenses related to meals, please note that where a meal is provided without charge or is paid for from public funds, no claim for that meal can be made.

Be sure to keep all receipts and remember to:

• Obtain expense authority approval to travel before expenses are incurred
• Certify that your travel expense claims are correct, complete and comply with policy

When public transportation or a privately owned vehicle is not available or economical, a government car is the first choice. Use the following criteria to select appropriate vehicle use for your business travel.

For daily travel under 150 km per day:

• Public transportation
• Privately owned vehicle

For daily travel greater than 150 km per day:

• Government car

If you're buying insurance when renting a car, review  Travel/Vehicles – Chapter 10.3.9 of the Core Policy and Procedures Manual.

Claim mileage when using your own vehicle for business travel or getting to a departure location (for example, airport, bus or ferry terminal). Carpooling is expected when it's practical do so in order to minimize costs and the production of greenhouse gas emissions. Review  Appendix 1 - Travel Allowances (PDF, 51KB) for rates.

Stay with family or friends while working away from home and claim the private accommodation allowance as per Appendix 1 - Travel Allowances (PDF, 51KB) . Or use the business travel accommodation listing to find a hotel that qualifies for reimbursement.

Claim meal or per diem expenses (PDF, 51KB ) based on your travel allowance group .

To claim meals, travel status must:

• Begin before 7 am on the date of departure to claim breakfast
• Begin before 12 pm on the date of departure to claim lunch
• End after 6 pm on the date of return to claim dinner

Some employees receive a per diem that includes allowances such as ferry tolls, personal phone calls, laundry, dry cleaning and porterage fees. 

Review the  Foreign Travel Guide (PDF, 523KB) (IDIR restricted) to learn more about travel outside the province.

Use iExpenses to enter and submit expense reports for business travel expense reimbursements, check the status of your expense reports, view payment information and access notifications.

• iExpenses  (IDIR restricted)

The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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We are a diverse group of marketing, communications and tourism development professionals with varied skills and career experiences - but we all share a common passion for travelling and experiencing northern BC.

Clint Fraser

Yvonne Fagan

Brian Peech

Jennifer Moore

Martina Bancroft

Lori Slater

Dustin Ruth

Board of directors.

Daniel Schildknecht

Jared Davis

Sarah Gamble

Gladys Atrill

Dustin Bodnaryk

Colin Carson

Blair Mirau

The northern bc tourism association works closely with a number of partners that are integral to the success of the regional goals and the implementation of the objectives and recommendations outlined in the northern bc tourism strategy., quick links, northern bc tourism.

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Prince George, BC V2L 3L2

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