Welcome to British Columbia

Visitors to Canada's westernmost province should pack a long list of superlatives to deploy here; the words 'wow,' 'amazing' and 'spectacular' will only go so far. Luckily, it's not too hard to wax lyrical about the mighty mountains, deep forests and dramatic coastlines here that instantly still heart rates to tranquil levels... Read More

Top experiences in British Columbia

Recent articles

Canada turns 150: top 10 places to celebrate the Sesquicentennial

Canadians know how to throw a party. An annual calendar laced with festivals and holidays has given them plenty of practice for the Big One – the country’s Sesquicentennial. With 150 years under its belt as a nation, Canadians are already planning some of the biggest July 1st Canada Day celebrations the country has ever seen.

Canada celebrates 150 years of confederation in 2017 © Yanis Ourabah / Getty
Korina Miller
Lonely Planet Writer

Back to school in Vancouver: the University of British Columbia’s best attractions

You’ve walked through Stanley Park and around Granville Island, and you’ve swayed across the North Shore’s Capilano Suspension Bridge. What’s next? It’s easy to find Vancouver’s biggest visitor attractions, so here’s somewhere else you can go with a little spare time and a hankering to head off the beaten path.

The campus is an idyllic place to hang out for the day © John Lee / Lonely Planet
John Lee
Lonely Planet Writer

Top things to do in Squamish, British Columbia’s year-round playground

Glaciated mountains, wind-whipped bays and hectares of wildlife, the wilderness around Squamish, British Columbia, is waiting to be explored. Although sometimes overshadowed by the well-groomed slopes of Whistler to the north or the cosmopolitan delights of Vancouver to the south, Squamish has a growing list of year-round activities to make it a destination all its own.

Looking over the Howe Sound from the Panorama Trail viewing platform © Alexander Howard / Lonely Planet
Alexander Howard
Lonely Planet Writer
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Travel guides

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British Columbia adventures

$35.27 Sightseeing tours

Vancouver Trolley Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Vancouver’s top sights are all mapped out for you to explore at your own pace with this hop-on hop-off trolley tour. Hop aboard a San Francisco-style trolley and listen to live commentary as you pass 34 sites, including Stanley Park, Granville Island and Gastown. Your ticket can be used over two consecutive days. Take the entire tour in 2.5 hours or hop off the trolley to sightsee, shop or dine out. For stunning city panoramas, upgrade and add entry to Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre.
$366.80 Small group tours

2-Day Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour with Overnight at the Inn at Laurel Point

Want to spend more than a day discovering the delights of the capital of British Columbia? This tour includes a ferry to Victoria, a float plane flight back to Vancouver, admission into Butchart Gardens and overnight accommodation at a 4-star centrally-located Victoria hotel; a great value that will allow you plenty of time to explore this beautiful city.
$132.56 Scenic flight

Glacier Sightseeing Experience by Floatplane from Whistler

Experience British Columbia's unparalleled beauty from a bird’s-eye view on a 30- or 40-minute flightseeing tour from Whistler. Soar above majestic glaciers, rugged peaks, unique volcanic formations and crystal-blue waters in a comfortable floatplane. This is the ultimate way to enjoy Whistler's amazing setting.
$361.26 Small group tours

2-Day Fantasy Island Getaway

This spectacular 2-day adventure covers 80 km (49.7 mi) on the Thompson River from Ashcroft to Lytton. Trips depart every weekend from mid-July until (and including) the Labour Day weekend in September. On the
$3699 Nature & wildlife

Discover the Canadian Rockies - Westbound

Awe-inspiring scenery and fascinating wildlife are simply everywhere in Western Canada. This 12-day adventure offers the Rocky Mountain highs of crisp Jasper and serene Lake Louise, a scenic ferry crossing to Vancouver Island, a river safari through Grizzly Bear Valley, and a drive along the jaw-dropping Icefields Parkway. Whether you’re walking atop a glacier or meandering the gorgeous streets of Whistler Village, you're discovering some of the most iconic parts of Canada.
$3899 Nature & wildlife

Discover the Canadian Rockies - Eastbound

Awe-inspiring scenery and fascinating wildlife are simply everywhere in Western Canada. This 12-day adventure offers the Rocky Mountain highs of crisp Jasper and serene Lake Louise, a scenic ferry crossing to Vancouver Island, a river safari through Grizzly Bear Valley, and a drive along the jaw-dropping Icefields Parkway. Whether you’re walking atop a glacier or meandering the gorgeous streets of Whistler Village, you're discovering some of the most iconic parts of Canada.
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