Say Hello to Garibaldi Lake
Situated in the heart of Garibaldi Provincial Park, just north of Squamish, Garibaldi Lake is a stunning alpine lake is a jewel set amidst some of BC’s most spectacular scenery. The journey to Garibaldi Lake is an adventure in itself, involving a rewarding hike through lush forests and past smaller bodies of water. Once reached, the lake mesmerizes visitors with its striking, vibrant turquoise hue, a result of glacial silt suspended in the water. Surrounded by majestic mountains, including the imposing Black Tusk and the glaciated peaks of the Garibaldi Ranges, the lake offers an unparalleled backdrop for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Interesting Facts about British Columbia
01
Great Bear Rainforest
The Great Bear Rainforest, located on BC’s central and north coast, is one of the world’s largest temperate rainforests and is home to the rare white Kermode (Spirit) bear.
02
Film Industry Hub
Vancouver is nicknamed “Hollywood North” because it is the third-largest film production center in North America, after Los Angeles and New York City.
03
Natural Hot Springs
BC is dotted with natural hot springs, such as Ainsworth Hot Springs and Fairmont Hot Springs, offering relaxing retreats in stunning natural settings.
Must See Attractions
Yoho National Park
Nature & Parks
Yoho National Park, situated in the Canadian Rockies, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The park is renowned for its towering waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and dramatic mountain peaks. One of the highlights is Emerald Lake, known for its striking turquoise waters. The park also features the impressive Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada.
Whistler Blackcomb
Nature & Parks
Whistler Blackcomb is a world-renowned ski resort located about two hours north of Vancouver. Known for its stunning alpine scenery and extensive range of winter sports, Whistler Blackcomb attracts visitors from around the globe. Whether you’re an avid skier, snowboarder, or just someone who enjoys breathtaking mountain views, this resort offers something for everyone. In the summer, the area transforms into a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and golfers, making it a year-round destination.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Nature & Parks
Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a rugged and wild expanse that showcases British Columbia’s stunning coastal landscapes. The park has three main areas: Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands, and the West Coast Trail. Long Beach is famous for its expansive sandy shores and surfable waves, while the Broken Group Islands offer a kayaking paradise with its maze of islets and coves. The West Coast Trail is a challenging multi-day hike that takes adventurers through dense rainforests and along dramatic cliffs.
Where to Sleep
Lakes to Explore
1. Alouette Lake
155 Miles
Situated near Vancouver, Alouette Lake is a favorite for its scenic beauty. It offers camping, swimming, and watersports amidst lush forested mountains.
2. Garibaldi Lake
249 Miles
This glacial lake near Whistler is renowned for its turquoise waters and is a popular destination for hikers and campers, surrounded by alpine scenery.
3. Okanagan Lake
490 Miles
Stretching over 135 km in BC’s wine country, Okanagan Lake is famous for its warm waters, sandy beaches, and a wide variety of water sports.
4. Shuswap Lake
615 Miles
A favorite lake for houseboating, the Shuswap Lake boasts a unique shape with multiple arms and offers a mix of recreational activities.
5. Kootenay Lake
778 Miles
Known for its serene beauty and vast size, Kootenay Lake offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and exploring charming lakeside communities.
6. Bowron Lake
787 Miles
Famous for the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit, this lake offers a unique canoeing and kayaking experience in a pristine and yet remote setting.
7. Emerald Lake
1,164 Miles
Emerald Lake captivates with its striking emerald-colored water and surrounding mountain peaks, offering serene canoeing and hiking opportunities.
8. Atlin Lake
2,040 Miles
As BC’s largest natural lake, Atlin Lake offers stunning views of glaciers and mountains and is a hidden gem for those seeking wilderness adventures.
Annual Events and Festivals
April to October 2024
Richmond Night Market
The Richmond Night Market, located in the coastal city of Richmond, British Columbia, is a bustling, vibrant celebration of food, culture, and entertainment, drawing visitors and locals alike from April to October. Renowned as one of North America’s largest night markets, it mimics the lively night markets found across Asia, offering an immersive multicultural experience. The market is a food lover’s paradise, featuring over a hundred food stalls that serve an astonishing variety of street foods from around the world, with a particular focus on Asian cuisines. Visitors can savor everything from dim sum, barbecued skewers, and bubble tea to more adventurous offerings like squid and durian-flavored desserts.
July 2024
Celebration of Light
The Celebration of Light in Vancouver is an annual extravaganza that transcends a mere fireworks competition. Held over several nights during the summer, this event draws hundreds of thousands of spectators to the shores of English Bay, making it one of the most attended outdoor events in British Columbia. Each evening, a different country showcases its pyrotechnic prowess, setting the sky ablaze with intricate and synchronized firework displays, often choreographed to music.
August 7 – 11, 2024
Penticton Peach Festival
The Penticton Peach Festival, affectionately known as “Peachfest,” is one of British Columbia’s time-honored traditions, celebrated annually in the picturesque city of Penticton. This vibrant festival, held in August, honors the region’s rich agricultural heritage, particularly its peaches. The festival features a delightful mix of parades, live music performances, carnival rides, and local culinary delights. A hallmark event is the Peach Bin Races, where teams race homemade carts through the city streets, adding a unique and quirky charm to the festivities.
Top Hiking Trails
Joffre Lakes
Lytton, British Columbia
Located near Pemberton, the trail spans approximately 10 kilometers round trip and is known for its moderate difficulty. The journey along the trail is marked by three turquoise, glacier-fed lakes, each more mesmerizing than the last. Lower, Middle, and Upper Joffre Lakes are set against a dramatic backdrop of rugged peaks and lush forests, with each lake offering its own unique viewpoint. As hikers ascend, they are treated to cascading waterfalls, expansive glaciers, and the chance to spot local wildlife. The trail’s culmination at Upper Joffre Lake, with its impressive views of the Matier Glacier, provides a serene and picturesque spot for rest and reflection.
Saint Mark’s Summit
Baden Powell Trail, Bowen Island, British Columbia
Saint Mark’s Summit, part of the Howe Sound Crest Trail in British Columbia, is a popular hiking destination known for its breathtaking panoramic views and accessible yet rewarding trail. Located near Vancouver, the hike to the summit covers about 11 kilometers round trip. It is considered a moderate to challenging trail, attracting both avid hikers and those seeking a substantial day hike. As hikers approach the summit, they are rewarded with stunning vistas of Howe Sound, a picturesque network of ocean, islands, and mountains.
Norvan Falls
Lynn Headwaters Entrance Parking Lot, North Vancouver, British Columbia
The trail, meandering through Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, is a moderate 14 kilometer round trip trek that immerses hikers in a lush and enchanting forest setting. The crescendo of the hike is the majestic Norvan Falls, a cascading veil of water framed by moss-covered rocks and surrounded by the tranquility of the old-growth forest. The falls create a serene oasis, inviting hikers to bask in the natural beauty and perhaps enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool at the base of the waterfall.
Best Golf Courses
Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club
4300 SW Marine Dr, Vancouver, British Columbia
Nestled in the heart of Vancouver, the Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club stands as a testament to timeless elegance and sporting excellence. Established in 1911, this prestigious private club boasts a meticulously designed 18-hole golf course that harmoniously blends challenging play with lush, manicured landscapes. Surrounded by the city’s vibrant beauty and with the North Shore Mountains as a backdrop, Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club provides an exclusive haven for those seeking not just a round of golf but an immersive experience in refined leisure and camaraderie.
Tobiano Golf Course
38 Holloway Dr, Kamloops, British Columbia
Spanning over 7,000 yards, Tobiano presents a diverse array of holes that test both the skill and strategy of golfers. The course layout navigates through sagebrush-covered hills, ravines, and grasslands, featuring dramatic elevation changes and panoramic vistas at every turn. Golfers are treated to sweeping views of the lake and the rugged terrain of the Thompson region, making each round a visually spectacular journey. The award-winning course, designed by acclaimed architect Thomas McBroom, has been celebrated as one of Canada’s finest and is a must-play for any golf enthusiast.
Big Sky Golf Club
1690 Airport Rd, Pemberton, British Columbia
This meticulously designed 18-hole championship course offers an unparalleled golfing experience that seamlessly integrates with the natural beauty of British Columbia. Renowned golf course architect Robert Cupp skillfully crafted Big Sky, incorporating strategic bunkering, pristine fairways, and undulating greens that present a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. As players navigate the course, they are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding coastal mountains, creating a sense of tranquility and immersion in nature.
Water Sports
Prince of Whales Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Whale watching in British Columbia is an inspiring experience, offering a chance to witness some of the most majestic creatures of the ocean in their natural habitat. The waters off the coast of British Columbia are rich feeding grounds for various species of whales, including the iconic Orca, humpback whales, gray whales, and minke whales. Prince of Whales Whale Watching, based in Victoria and Vancouver, provides a range of tours that cater to different preferences and time schedules. Their excursions are conducted on safe, comfortable boats equipped with knowledgeable guides who offer insights into the lives and behaviors of these fascinating creatures.
Harrison Lake Inflatable Water Park
Lake Water Park
The Harrison Lake Inflatable Water Park adds a splash of excitement to the serene beauty of Harrison Lake, becoming a sought-after destination for water enthusiasts in British Columbia. Located in the charming village of Harrison Hot Springs, this inflatable water park offers an exhilarating aquatic adventure for visitors of all ages. Nestled on the shores of the picturesque lake, the park features an array of colorful and dynamic inflatable structures, including slides, trampolines, and obstacle courses, all floating on the pristine waters of Harrison Lake.
Deep Cove Kayak Centre
Kayaking
Kayaking in British Columbia offers a serene and intimate way to explore the province’s stunning natural landscapes, and one of the prime locations for this activity is the tranquil Deep Cove in North Vancouver. Known for its calm waters and scenic vistas, Deep Cove provides an ideal setting for kayakers of all skill levels. Deep Cove Kayak Centre provides a wide range of kayaks, including single and double options, catering to both beginners and experienced paddlers. The Centre also offers guided tours, which are perfect for those who wish to learn more about the area’s unique geography, wildlife, and history.
Resorts to Explore
The Cove Lakeside Resort
Lakefront, Family-friendly
4205 Gellatly Rd, West Kelowna, British Columbia V4T 2K2
Halcyon Hot Springs Resort
Lakefront, Recreational
5655 BC-23, Nakusp, British Columbia V0G 1R0
Watermark Beach Resort
Lakefront
15 Park Pl, Osoyoos, British Columbia V0H 1V0
Tips on Vacationing in British Columbia
Go Wine Tasting in the Okanagan Valley
BC’s wine country, the Okanagan Valley, offers picturesque vineyards and excellent wineries. Take a wine tour and savor some of the region’s finest wines.
Discover Whistler
If you enjoy outdoor activities, head to Whistler, especially if you’re a fan of skiing or mountain biking. The village offers excellent dining, shopping, and a lively atmosphere.
Eco-Friendly Travel
British Columbia strongly emphasizes sustainability. Support eco-friendly practices, such as using public transportation, recycling, and choosing eco-conscious accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions about British Columbia
Vacation rental sites provide a secure platform for renters to browse, compare, and select suitable properties. Read reviews and check the overall ratings of the property and the booking website to ensure a smooth and satisfying rental experience.
Yes, private and small cabin rental options are available in British Columbia. Visit a vacation rental website and use the search filters to narrow down the size and type of property you seek. Smaller and private cabins are ideal for couples or solo travelers looking for a more intimate and quiet getaway in the area.
For families or large groups traveling to British Columbia, consider searching for vacation rentals with multiple bedrooms, ample living space, and suitable amenities. Vacation rental sites offer a variety of properties that cater to big groups, including cabins, houses, and chalets. Be sure to check the maximum occupancy of the property and its facilities before booking to ensure that it meets your group’s needs.
Lakefront or fishing cabins in British Columbia are available for rent. You can use filters and location search features to find properties that meet your waterfront or fishing needs. Remember that popular lakefront locations might have higher demand and prices, so be sure to book early or look for alternative locations nearby.
To find affordable cabin rentals in British Columbia, you can start by searching vacation rental websites. These sites offer various rental options and price ranges, allowing you to choose the best fit for your budget. Additionally, you can try booking your vacation during the off-peak season, as prices are usually lower. Don’t forget to compare different properties and locations to get the best deal for your stay.
Yes, whale watching is popular in BC, especially around Vancouver Island. You may spot orcas, humpback whales, and gray whales.
Absolutely. British Columbia is renowned for hiking, skiing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The national parks are particularly spectacular.