British Columbia is full of jaw-dropping views, rich history, and unique experiences. B.C.’s many wonders aren’t hard to find, but it’s much easier to see them if you know where to look. So, let’s dive into the amazing regions of BC and why we love them!
Vancouver
About the Area:
Vancouver is a beautiful balance between the city and nature. Although it has one of the densest populations in Canada, its border with the Pacific Ocean and the stunning mountains that surround it provide the perfect combination of connecting with nature while enjoying modern city amenities. It is also known as a lively seaport city for its diversity, history, and fantastic art scene.
Why Vancouver Is One Of The Best Vacation Spots In British Columbia:
Vancouver is a must-see destination in British Columbia because of the picturesque Vancouver Harbour, The Iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver Lookout, the Granville Island Public Market, scenic English Bay, beautiful Stanley Park, and the historic neighbourhoods of Gastown and Chinatown.
With such a long list of sights to see and experience, it can be super helpful to have a tour that helps you hit them all. These fully guided tours immerse you in the beauty, sights, and history of Vancouver with ease and free time to wander some of our favorite areas.
Our Favourite Ways to See Vancouver:
If you want to hit the top destinations in the city and you've got limited time, the Vancouver Highlights Tour is a perfect fit. On this 4-hour tour, your guide will drive you through Chinatown, Gastown, and past the English Bay to get to your main stops at Stanley Park and Granville Island. While in Stanley Park, you’ll see the well-known totem pole display while also soaking up views of the towering mountains, the city, and the harbour. During your time at Granville Island, you can stroll through local artist’s studios, craft galleries, and the Public Market. This tour is a great way to see the best of BC with convenience and ease.
The Highlights + Vancouver Lookout & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour is ideal if you want to see Vancouver but also venture a little further afield. With the opportunity to hit the same highlights as the Vancouver Highlights Tour, you will also get to experience the jaw-dropping views of the Vancouver Lookout and travel to North Shore to walk across the thrilling Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Whistler
About the Area:
Just north of Vancouver lies the legendary resort of Whistler. Known largely for being the home of Whistler Blackcomb, one of the largest ski resorts in North America, it also boasts the Olympic Park from the 2010 Winter Olympics where you can try snowshoeing, tobogganing, and ski jumping.
Why Whistler is One of the Best Vacation Spots In British Columbia:
The Whistler region is obviously a fabulous location for winter sports, but that’s not the only reason that it’s a great vacation spot in B.C.–it’s charming Whistler Village, surrounded by the slopes of the Blackcomb Mountains has restaurants, shopping, and an array of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Getting to Whistler often starts on the renowned Sea to Sky Highway, a gorgeous coastal route featuring spectacular sights and attractions along the way. There are a few tours that we LOVE that take you on this awesome highway and into the best of Whistler so that you can keep your eyes on the mountains, not the road.
Our Favourite Ways to See Whistler:
Whistler is a bucket-list destination for many adventure seekers, and the Whistler, Shannon Falls & Sea to Sky Gondola can help you get there. You’ll revel in the natural beauty as you wind your way along the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler, with a stop at Shannon Falls and a ride on the unforgettable Sea to Sky Gondola. You will walk across the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge and later stroll through Whistler Village. It’s lots of chill and thrill in one neat package!
Vancouver Island
About the Area:
Vancouver Island is most famous for two things– the home of British Columbia’s capital, Victoria, and the outstanding Butchart Gardens. Agreeing with its name, the city of Victoria has beautiful architecture reminiscent of the Victorian era, as well as colourful storefronts and great places for afternoon tea. In the area, you will also find the Inner Harbour, the Parliament Buildings, the Grand Fairmont Empress Hotel, and many English-style gardens.
Why Vancouver Island Is One of The Best Vacation Spots In British Columbia:
If you’re looking for vacation ideas in B.C., Vancouver Island has to be on the list. The 55 acres of Butchart Gardens are breathtaking, Victoria is charming, the history is abundant, and the shops and galleries can keep you busy for hours.
For a guided look into Vancouver Island, its sights, and all of its history, the Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour is a wonderful option.
Our Favourite Ways to See Vancouver Island
This Victoria tour is a full-day experience that allows you to enjoy each part of the journey and the destinations. You will get to enjoy a scenic ferry ride through the Gulf Islands to get to Vancouver Island where you will roam through Butchart Gardens, and then have free time to explore Victoria. As you travel from one stop to the next, you will get to see The Fairmont Empress Hotel, British Columbia Parliament Buildings, and Canada’s oldest Chinatown.
Sea to Sky
About the Area:
The winding Highway 99, better known as the Sea to Sky Highway, shows off remarkable views at every curve. From Vancouver to Whistler, you’ll see various natural remnants of history left by glaciers and earthquakes from millions of years ago. As you pass these natural beauties, you will also pass (or stop at) the Britannia Mine Museum, Shannon Falls, Horseshoe Bay, and the Sea to Sky Gondola.
Why the Sea to Sky Region Is One Of The Best Vacation Spots In British Columbia:
The Sea to Sky Highway is where you stop thinking about the destination for a while because the journey is so beautiful. BC’s history is scattered along the drive and it’s another way to soak up the area’s great scenery. Not to mention, this is the main route between Vancouver and Whistler, so it’s also one of the most convenient ways to get from one place to another.
There is only so much you can observe when your eyes are on the road, so here are some fully guided tours that allow you to fully enjoy everything that the Sea to Sky Highway offers (including multiple stops!)
Our Favourite Ways to See Sea to Sky
The Whistler & Sea to Sky Gondola tour takes you on the Sea to Sky Highway. While heading towards Whistler, you will stop at the best highway destinations, including Shannon Falls and the Sea to Sky Gondola. Gazing out the window on this trip might just be one of your favourite parts.
North Shore
About the Area
Right over the Lions Gate Bridge lies North Vancouver—where the best of west coast life awaits. North Vancouver, otherwise known as North Shore, has walking trails, mountain excursions, and raging rivers.
Why the North Shore Is One Of The Best Vacation Spots In British Columbia:
The outdoor adventures alone make North Shore one of the best vacation spots in British Columbia. This playground of natural beauty is the nature lover's dream as the North Shore Mountains and esteemed Grouse Mountain offer hiking and skiing galore.
Tours are a great way to be fully immersed in the history and environment of this coastal temperate rainforest. With knowledgeable guides, you can be sure that you will get the best experiences and see the best locations.
Our Favourite Ways to See the North Shore
The North Shore Mountain Discovery tour is our favourite way to see the North Shore. With an abundance of time to explore the area, you will learn about the lifecycle of the Pacific Salmon at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery, ride the Grouse Mountain Skyride, learn about Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, cross the thrilling Capilano Suspension Bridge, and so much more. The spectacular views you see on this tour will be memories you keep forever.
The Highlights + Vancouver Lookout & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour also ventures into North Shore. A great option for hitting both Vancouver and North Shore, you will get to see Vancouver’s highlights and travel across the amazing Capilano Suspension Bridge.
There are so many destinations in British Columbia that make amazing vacation spots—Vancouver, Whistler, Vancouver Island, the Sea to Sky Highway, and North Shore. You really can’t go wrong, as each location offers something unique and beautiful. We can’t wait for you to explore the wonderful place we call home!
