Lower Mainland
With shops and a small but pretty varied food court, this waterfront covered market also hosts some cool events throughout the year. Check their website…
Must-see attractions in British Columbia
Salt Spring Island
A fantastic artist's co-op showcasing the eclectic work of dozens of island creatives (from throughout the Southern Gulf Islands), it's hard not to find a…
Okanagan Wine & Orchard Museum
Kelowna
Located in the historic Laurel Packing House, the Okanagan Wine & Orchard Museum recounts the Okanagan Valley from its ranchland past, grazed by cows, to…
Okanagan Valley
Making a big splash at its Coyote Bowl vineyards, especially with its full-bodied, luscious Syrahs. Also home to the Lost Inhibitions label, which…
Salt Spring Island
Hosting regular contemporary artwork shows in its airy hilltop gallery, the best time time to visit this intriguing site is on a balmy summer day when the…
Kelowna
Known for excellent tours, its Riesling and its Ehrenfelser, a refreshing fruity white wine. Its bistro,Home Block at CedarCreek, has the kind of view…
Vancouver
One of the area's top smaller galleries represents a stable of brilliant, newer artists who may be the next big thing. Look out for eye-popping…
Okanagan Valley
Its very drinkable reds (Pinot Noir) and whites (Chenin Blanc) win plaudits. The no-frills vibe extends to its picnic tables with gorgeous views and the…
Haywire Winery at Okanagan Crush Pad
Okanagan Valley
Ages many of its wines in concrete tanks, reviving a centuries-old practice that largely died out when the industry shifted to stainless steel. Tastings…
Okanagan Valley
A beautiful vision of Italy rises up near Osoyoos Lake. Terra-cotta roof tiles and floors and granite touches combine for one of the valley's most…
Fort St James National Historic Site
Northern BC
From Vanderhoof, Hwy 27 heads 66km north to Fort St James National Historic Site. The former Hudson's Bay Company trading post that's on the tranquil…
Lower Mainland
Burnaby's favorite green space, complete with lakeside and forest walls. Paddleboating on the lake is de rigueur and in summer the banked grassy lawns…
British Columbia
Kamloops Museum is in a vintage building and has a fitting collection of historic photographs. Come here for the scoop on river-namesake David Thompson,…
British Columbia
A re-created 1880s town that's less irritating than many of similar ilk. In summer there are all manner of activities and re-creations, which taper off to…
Northern BC
Dawson Creek is notable as the starting point (Mile 0) for the Alaska Hwy and it capitalizes on this at the Alaska Highway House, an engaging museum in a…
Kelowna
Taste a selection of four wines ($5) at one of the area's oldest wineries – the original vineyards were planted in 1928. Try the floral, somewhat spicy…
Prince George Railway & Forestry Museum
Northern BC
This museum honors trains, the beaver and local lore. It's located in Cottonwood Island Nature Park, north of the train station, which has sylvan walks…
Salt Spring Island
A pocket of ragged shoreline and gnarly arbutus forest on Salt Spring's southeastern rump contains around 16km of trails and the oldest active farm in BC…
Okanagan Valley
A small winery with a huge reputation; it's known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. The Old Vines Restaurant is among the best.
British Columbia
Suitably loft-like in feel, this gallery, which shares the civic building with the town library, has an emphasis on contemporary Western and indigenous…
Kelowna
The Okanagan Heritage Museum looks at centuries of local culture in an engaging manner that includes a First Nations pit house, a Chinese grocery and a…
Okanagan Valley
BC's first producer of Zinfandel is also home to the elixirs known as ice wines, which are harvested when the grapes are frozen on the vine; go for the…
Nanaimo
Woodland trails, rugged coastlines and quiet little beaches make this bucolic little island a popular rustic day trip for visitors. It's a 20-minute ferry…
Okanagan Valley
All wined out? Stop on the side of Hwy 97 at this family roadside place for a free tasting of their excellent cider. Our pick: the Red Roof Apple Cider (…
British Columbia
Across the train tracks from downtown, the Kamloops Heritage Railway runs steam-engine-powered excursions. Check the website for a variety of trips…
Vancouver
A West End park beloved of local dog-walkers, this is also where you'll find the summer-long West End Farmers Market.
Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park
British Columbia
Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park, 2km north of Spuzzum, makes for a scenic stop, where you can picnic while gazing up at the old bridge's historic 1926…
British Columbia
Don't miss the restored 1898 lake steamer SS Moyie. It also has tourist info on the myriad ways to kayak and canoe the sparkling-blue waters.
British Columbia
Mountain biking is popular at Mt Fernie Provincial Park, just 3km south of town. It also offers hikes for all skills and interests, plus camping.
British Columbia
By the iconic Nelson Bridge, Lakeside Park is a flower-filled, shady park and a beach, and has a great summer cafe.
British Columbia
On Quadra Island in the Northern Gulf Islands. Provides fascinating insights into local First Nations communities.
North Shore
Drop into this Horseshoe Bay gallery to peruse authentic First Nations artworks.
Vancouver
Expect your lurching stomach to make a bid for freedom as the glass elevator whisks you 169m to the apex of this needle-like viewing tower in just 40…
Gastown & Chinatown
The project that catalyzed latter-day Downtown Eastside redevelopment, this former iconic department store was a derelict shell after closing in the early…
Vancouver
Teeming with salty seafaring artifacts, dozens of intricate ship models and a couple of walk-through recreated boat sections, the prize exhibit at this…
