Activities in British Columbia
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for British Columbia, Canada.
Embracing deserts, wetlands, forests and beaches, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, BC’s beautifully varied terrain lends itself to lends itself to all kinds of recreational pursuits as residents and visitors alike explore this interesting land. From motorcoach tours to llama treks and everything in between, it is no surprise that tourism is a major industry for British Columbia. Whatever the interest, it can be done here in BC.
WINTER & SNOW SPORTS
Situated on the other side of the Rocky Mountains from such famous towns as Banff and Jasper, resort destinations such as Kicking Horse, Panorama, Kimberly, Fernie and Nelson offer world-class skiing with a fraction of the crowds that Alberta's Rockies draw; however, they are far from being undiscovered. With the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler Blackcomb has been thrust onto the world stage and is no longer a hidden gem.
Those looking for plenty of powder minus the crowds should visit the Okanagan. Renowned as a summer destination, Sun Peaks holds its own in the winter and is in fact the second largest ski area in BC and the third largest in Canada, with 1,488 ha (3,678 acres) of terrain.
Or leave the commercial hills aside and venture into the backcountry for pristine locales. Heli-tours, snowmobile tours and snow cat operators can take visitors far from the madding crowd where they can carve up untouched, powdery slopes.
There's no shortage of activities for winter-time adventure seekers. Look for snow kiting, dog sledding, ice-climbing, and ice fishing—most of which are offered province wide.
GOLFING
Perhaps it is because of the large retirement population in BC, but residents here love their golf. Courses are found sprawling across mountain meadows, hiding in forests, hugging ocean coastlines and curled up lakeside. While it is hard to find a bad golf course, some of the province's best include Tobiano Golf Club in Kamloops, Predator Ridge Golf Resort in Vernon, Greywolf in Panorama, Big Sky Golf and Country Club in Pemberton near Whistler, and Storey Creek Golf Club in Campbell River. Taking a golf tour can provide a good way of see a variety of courses with minimal planning.
WATER
There's as much if not more activities to do in the water than on land in BC with more than 700 lakes and over 1,000 rivers, creeks and streams—not to mention the Pacific Ocean on its west coast—where visitors can spend their time in the water, on the water, or laying lazily alongside it. There are buckets of opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and waterskiing tours across the province.
Where there is water there is fishing for an array of species from lake trout to Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden to Pacific salmon. Those angling for the best fishing opportunities should consider staying at a resort with fly-in-only access guaranteeing pristine environments. River's Lodge near Rivers Inlet is tucked away on Sleepy Bay and is accessible only by float plane or boat. There is no television or cell phone access here, just quietude and good fishing. Within Hamber Provincial Park, Fortress Lake Retreat also offers idyllic surroundings within a remote valley with glacier-topped mountain views.
WILDLIFE VIEWING
BC's vast and varied landscape also means a host of wildlife makes its home here. Just about any tour will render wildlife-viewing opportunities whether it is a motorcoach excursion or a gondola ride. Travel in comfort with a sightseeing and interpretive guide service such as Anderson Vacations or Journeys West who take visitors into Rocky Mountain wildlife hotspots.
BC's west coast offers whale-watching from jet boats that can be caught from Victoria or quieter towns up the island such as Tofino. More serene opportunities for viewing marine life are provided by sea kayak. Seawolf Kayaking Adventure Company offers the chance to see sea lions, sea otters, eagles, black bears, whales and porpoises during excursions that can combine camping and kayaking around Victoria, Tofino and the Gulf Islands.
One very special bear tour in BC gives the opportunity to see Spirit Bears, which are a rare breed of black bears that are white in colour. Visit the Great Bear Rainforest and see these awe-inspiring animals as well as grizzlies, black bears and wolves with Spirit Bear Adventures.
ABORIGINAL TOURS
BC has a rich First Nations history and in recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in the diverse heritages of varying bands across the province. Companies such as Aboriginal Journeys specialize in First Nations history and celebrate the traditions through a variety of tours.
SUMMER ADVENTURES
Along with various boating excursions, summertime offers visitors to BC many adventures ranging from adrenalin-pumping activities to more tranquil outings. Bungee jumping at Wild Play Element Parks can give the most seasoned of thrill seekers a run for their money; they have locations in Whistler, Nanaimo and Victoria. Those with a need for speed can try ziplining through the trees in Whistler with Ziptrek Ecotours. Or go underground for the alternative sport of caving. Cody Caves in the Kootenays explores the netherworld of water-carved rock formations.
For those who want to stick closer to ground level, BC offers that too. There are thousands of kilometres of trails throughout the province for hiking, biking and horseback riding. With nearly 1,000 provincial parks, BC's beauty is preserved so future generations can also hike through Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, camp under a forest canopy at Blue Earth Provincial Park, bike along the Galloping Goose, and climb the Stawamus Chief cliff in Squamish near Whistler.
SPECIALTY TOURS
While winemaking is a burgeoning industry across Canada these days, the province's tradition began in 1859. Today, there are around 100 wineries in the Okanagan alone, many of which offer tours and tastings at their facilities. There are also many wineries and breweries on Vancouver Island. Visitors can leave the planning, research and driving up to a winery tour company allowing for a relaxed tour without worrying about a designated driver.
British Columbia is also known for its creative population. There must be something in the air as everywhere one visits there are artisans, painters, writers and craftspeople. Look for artisan tours that visit artist studios or seek out special galleries, or take one of the many courses offered by resident experts.
WINTER & SNOW SPORTS
Situated on the other side of the Rocky Mountains from such famous towns as Banff and Jasper, resort destinations such as Kicking Horse, Panorama, Kimberly, Fernie and Nelson offer world-class skiing with a fraction of the crowds that Alberta's Rockies draw; however, they are far from being undiscovered. With the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler Blackcomb has been thrust onto the world stage and is no longer a hidden gem.
Those looking for plenty of powder minus the crowds should visit the Okanagan. Renowned as a summer destination, Sun Peaks holds its own in the winter and is in fact the second largest ski area in BC and the third largest in Canada, with 1,488 ha (3,678 acres) of terrain.
Or leave the commercial hills aside and venture into the backcountry for pristine locales. Heli-tours, snowmobile tours and snow cat operators can take visitors far from the madding crowd where they can carve up untouched, powdery slopes.
There's no shortage of activities for winter-time adventure seekers. Look for snow kiting, dog sledding, ice-climbing, and ice fishing—most of which are offered province wide.
GOLFING
Perhaps it is because of the large retirement population in BC, but residents here love their golf. Courses are found sprawling across mountain meadows, hiding in forests, hugging ocean coastlines and curled up lakeside. While it is hard to find a bad golf course, some of the province's best include Tobiano Golf Club in Kamloops, Predator Ridge Golf Resort in Vernon, Greywolf in Panorama, Big Sky Golf and Country Club in Pemberton near Whistler, and Storey Creek Golf Club in Campbell River. Taking a golf tour can provide a good way of see a variety of courses with minimal planning.
WATER
There's as much if not more activities to do in the water than on land in BC with more than 700 lakes and over 1,000 rivers, creeks and streams—not to mention the Pacific Ocean on its west coast—where visitors can spend their time in the water, on the water, or laying lazily alongside it. There are buckets of opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and waterskiing tours across the province.
Where there is water there is fishing for an array of species from lake trout to Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden to Pacific salmon. Those angling for the best fishing opportunities should consider staying at a resort with fly-in-only access guaranteeing pristine environments. River's Lodge near Rivers Inlet is tucked away on Sleepy Bay and is accessible only by float plane or boat. There is no television or cell phone access here, just quietude and good fishing. Within Hamber Provincial Park, Fortress Lake Retreat also offers idyllic surroundings within a remote valley with glacier-topped mountain views.
WILDLIFE VIEWING
BC's vast and varied landscape also means a host of wildlife makes its home here. Just about any tour will render wildlife-viewing opportunities whether it is a motorcoach excursion or a gondola ride. Travel in comfort with a sightseeing and interpretive guide service such as Anderson Vacations or Journeys West who take visitors into Rocky Mountain wildlife hotspots.
BC's west coast offers whale-watching from jet boats that can be caught from Victoria or quieter towns up the island such as Tofino. More serene opportunities for viewing marine life are provided by sea kayak. Seawolf Kayaking Adventure Company offers the chance to see sea lions, sea otters, eagles, black bears, whales and porpoises during excursions that can combine camping and kayaking around Victoria, Tofino and the Gulf Islands.
One very special bear tour in BC gives the opportunity to see Spirit Bears, which are a rare breed of black bears that are white in colour. Visit the Great Bear Rainforest and see these awe-inspiring animals as well as grizzlies, black bears and wolves with Spirit Bear Adventures.
ABORIGINAL TOURS
BC has a rich First Nations history and in recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in the diverse heritages of varying bands across the province. Companies such as Aboriginal Journeys specialize in First Nations history and celebrate the traditions through a variety of tours.
SUMMER ADVENTURES
Along with various boating excursions, summertime offers visitors to BC many adventures ranging from adrenalin-pumping activities to more tranquil outings. Bungee jumping at Wild Play Element Parks can give the most seasoned of thrill seekers a run for their money; they have locations in Whistler, Nanaimo and Victoria. Those with a need for speed can try ziplining through the trees in Whistler with Ziptrek Ecotours. Or go underground for the alternative sport of caving. Cody Caves in the Kootenays explores the netherworld of water-carved rock formations.
For those who want to stick closer to ground level, BC offers that too. There are thousands of kilometres of trails throughout the province for hiking, biking and horseback riding. With nearly 1,000 provincial parks, BC's beauty is preserved so future generations can also hike through Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, camp under a forest canopy at Blue Earth Provincial Park, bike along the Galloping Goose, and climb the Stawamus Chief cliff in Squamish near Whistler.
SPECIALTY TOURS
While winemaking is a burgeoning industry across Canada these days, the province's tradition began in 1859. Today, there are around 100 wineries in the Okanagan alone, many of which offer tours and tastings at their facilities. There are also many wineries and breweries on Vancouver Island. Visitors can leave the planning, research and driving up to a winery tour company allowing for a relaxed tour without worrying about a designated driver.
British Columbia is also known for its creative population. There must be something in the air as everywhere one visits there are artisans, painters, writers and craftspeople. Look for artisan tours that visit artist studios or seek out special galleries, or take one of the many courses offered by resident experts.
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