You are sitting at your desk feeling overwhelmed. It is time to recharge the batteries. But what should you do? We have compiled a list of things to do and see.
We've broken down the '67 things' into subsections to suit a variety of interests. Have we covered everything there is to do? No, not a chance. But this guide will offer inspiration to dig into both off-the-beaten-track gems and tried-and-true B.C. highlights. We hope this helps you recharge!
8 Adrenaline-Pumping Things to Do
If these activities don't get your adrenaline pumping, are you sure your heart is working?
1. Take the plunge - go bungee jumping
WildPlay Element Parks
Description: Choices are limited for thrill-seeking bungee jumpers in British Columbia. But we have to say, these two scenic spots make for mighty fine adrenaline-packed moments.
Locations: WildPlay Element Parks Nanaimo and Whistler Bungee
Price: Budget a little over a hundred dollars or so; additional same-day jumps are sometimes discounted.
2. Fall back to Earth - go skydiving
Description: Skydiving is the experience of a lifetime. Book your jump today for a plummet you’ll never forget.
Prince George - Skydive BC
Golden/Invermere/Revelstoke - Skydive Extreme Yeti
Vernon - Okanagan Skydive
Salmon Arm - Skydive Salmon Arm
Kamloops - skydivekamloops.com
Whistler - Whistler Skydiving
Vancouver (jump in Abbotsford) - Skydive Vancouver
Victoria - Victoria Skydivers
Qualicum Beach - Skydive Vancouver Island
Campbell River - Pacific Airsports
Price: Tandem and solo jumps will cost a couple hundred dollars but the experience is priceless. Usually operators offer the chance to have your jump filmed for an added cost.
3. (Finally) try ziplining
Grouse Mountain Zip Line via Tourism Vancouver/ Coast Mountain Photography
Description: Ziplining will send you soaring through the treetops at top speed, as you fly through the canopy and whip over gorges. With towering forests, B.C. is especially well-suited to exciting zipline courses. Plenty of the operators also offer tree top adventures which see suspended routes complete with obstacles to clear.
Website: See a complete directory here
Price: $50+ per person
Location: Fernie, Kelowna, Kennedy River Canyon (en route to Tofino), Maple Ridge, Nanaimo, Nelson, North Vancouver, Peachland, Revelstoke, Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler
4. Scream your head off at Playland
Tourism Vancouver/ PNE
Description: I bet it’s been a long time since you’ve gone to an amusement park. Get out there and play! Located at the PNE fairgrounds in Vancouver, you’ll find over 30 scream-worthy rides and attractions. Do you dare ride Atmosfear or Hellevator? For those too short to ride there is a special area built just for kids two through 10.
Website: pne.ca/playland
Location: 2901 East Hastings St., Vancouver
Opens again spring 2017
5. Go hang gliding
Description: Soar over the beautiful British Columbia landscape in a hang glider, catching the wind just like the hawks and eagles.
Website: freedomflightschool.com
Price: A tandem hang gliding lesson is $190. Prices go up, depending on your level of interest and commitment to the sport.
Location: Lumby (east of Vernon)
Open May-October
6. Rip around on an ATV tour
Description: Bear Country Tours offers guided tours and ATV rentals in the Coastal Mountain Range. This area is known for its ruggedness and its stunning scenery.
Website: bearcountrytours.com
Price: There are many different kinds of tours, from a two-hour trek to an overnight excursion. A full-day adventure, including lunch, is $269 if you’re the driver.
Location: Agassiz, in the Fraser Valley
7. Visit the Myra Canyon Adventure Park
Description: The Myra Canyon Adventure Park offers a Ropes & Challenge Course set high amongst the trees. There are eight course lines with 74 different elements. Don't worry you’re strapped into a safety system. Guests of all ages are welcome to take the challenge for themselves!
Website: myracanyon.com
Price: For an adult to take four of the tree courses, it’s $37
Location: 4429 June Springs Rd., Kelowna
8. Free Ride a Ski Hill
Silver Star Mountain Resort
Description: Once the warm spring sun melts away the snow, these ski resorts become bike parks. You don't have to be a professional mountain bike rider either. Most, if not all, of these parks have well marked trails for all skill levels.
Locations: Fernie Alpine Resort Bike Park, Silver Star Bike Park, Sun Peaks Resort Bike Park, Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Panorama. Mount Washington Bike Park re-opens after a three-year hiatus in July.
9 Places to Find Adventure in Nature
We understand that sometimes it's more inspiring to hike, cycle or paddle when there's a gorgeous waterfall or lonely shipwreck at the end of the trail. Each of these trails/routes lead to or bypass something neat.
9. Visit Helmcken Falls
Jay-P, flickr.com/photos/esqenzo/
Description: Helmcken Falls is the fourth highest waterfall in Canada, measuring 141 metres. There is a short, paved road from the main road in Wells Gray Provincial Park that leads to the falls. Take in the sights and go for a short hike around the rim.
Website: Click here
Price: Free
Location: Wells Gray Provincial Park (Helmcken is most commonly accessed from Clearwater, B.C.)
10. Hike the West Coast Trail
David J Laporte, flickr.com/photos/footloosiety
Description: The West Coast Trail is an internationally renowned hiking route on the southwest edge of Vancouver Island. The trail stretches 75 kilometres along the coast and through gorgeous forest. Botanical Beach is the highlight. It’s not for the faint of heart and you can beat the crowds by going in spring.
Website: westcoasttrail.com
Price: There are camping packages available and you need to register and purchase a permit.
Location: Vancouver Island - the trail is anchored by Port Renfrew and Bamfield
May-September
11. Bike the Gold Rush Trail
Description: This trip is for the road cyclist and you'll have to be comfortable with biking long distances on the highway. (Cyclists with loaded panniers are no surprise along B.C.'s roadways.)
Before the intense heat of summer sets in, bike the Gold Rush Trail in spring. Why this route? The Gold Rush Trail stretches from Lillooet to Barkerville, a 472-km itinerary rife with gold rush history. If you’re adventurous, cycle the entire trail. Can't commit? Just do some of the shorter portions in between. For example, Clinton to 100 Mile House is about 72 kilometres.
Read more about this route here: hellobc.com/driving-routes/gold-rush-trail
Price: Free
Location: Bikers can ride from Lillooet to Barkerville, making camp along the way.
12. Explore Fang Cave
Description: Travel to northern B.C. and go caving. Fang Cave is the ninth longest cave in Canada and is part of a diverse limestone complex, which includes other caves. Those venturing in should carry proper gear and practice safe caving techniques.
Price: Free
Location: Located in Evanoff Provincial Park; Prince George is the nearest community.
Not visiting the north? Here's a list of 12 other caves to explore in British Columbia
13. Visit the Sea To Sky Gondola
Tara O'Grady Photography, taraogradyphoto.com
Description: Ride the gondola, take in the views, go on a trail tour, eat at the lodge, go backcountry hiking or walk the suspension bridge to the viewing platform.
Website: seatoskygondola.com
Price: A day pass for an adult is $39.95 or 37.95 if you buy online. There are annual passes available, as well, and different prices for different age ranges.
Location: 36800 Highway 99, Squamish
14. Go on a sea kayaking adventure
Description: Kayaking in open water can be intimidating, especially when you're unfamiliar with the area. If you want to find some of British Columbia's most pristine coastal landscape, book a trip with West Coast Expeditions. They lead sea kayaking excursions in Kyuquot Sound and Checleset Bay. You could also go camping on a wilderness retreat on Spring Island.
Website: westcoastexpeditions.com
Price: Depends on the adventure you want to have. Check the website for more information.
Location: Spring Island, Kyuquot
15. Stand in awe at Kinuseo Falls
Province of British Columbia, flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos
Description: Monkman Provincial Park is home to thundering Kinuseo Falls. This monster waterfall plummets 60 metres—that's higher than Niagara Falls! It's a highlight tucked deep into northern B.C.'s rugged wilderness. Since you've driven so far to reach Monkman, stick around a while. There are plenty of campsites and opportunities for hiking, fishing and caving in the park.
Website: Click here
Price: Cost free
Location: South of Tumbler Ridge
16. Hike to a shipwreck
Dollar Photo Club
Description: Hikes are so much more fun when they lead to a hidden treasure. We found five abandoned wrecks that can be accessed without a mask and snorkel.
Location: One on Haida Gwaii and four on Vancouver Island
17. Hike to a hot spring
Brayden Hall
Description: Keyhole Hot Springs are the best kind of hot springs: sculpted by nature and overlooking a river. They're rustic and remote to boot. You'll have to hike in but it's well worth the reward.
Location: Near-ish to Pemberton. Click here for full directions.
Not located near Pemberton? No problem - here are two dozen other B.C. hot springs
13 Gentle Ways to Experience Nature
Because not every outdoor pursuit has to be a strenuous one.
18. Fall in love with Cathedral Grove
Destination BC/Sean Scott
Description: Cathedral Grove—or MacMillan Provincial Park—is one of those places you won't soon forget. Here you'll walk among ancient Douglas fir trees, some more than 800 years old. This is one of the most accessible stands of towering Douglas fir on Vancouver Island. Take care when parking and walking near the trailheads as parking is directly off the highway.
Website: Click here
Price: Free
Location: MacMillan Provincial Park, Vancouver Island (near Port Alberni)
19. Walk through the Enchanted Forest
(c) Enchanted Forest BC
Description: Opening in May for the 2017 season, you’ll find magic around every corner in this old-growth forest. There are over 350 handcrafted folk figurines to admire, B.C.’s tallest tree house to climb and whimsical 'houses' set in the giant roots of the trees. Come wander and wonder!
Website: enchantedforestbc.com
Price: $11 for adults, $8 for children.
Location: 7060 Trans-Canada Highway, Revelstoke
20. Go (urban) horseback riding
Glen Valley Stables
Description: Glen Valley Stables offers horseback riding adventures just outside downtown Vancouver. The one to two-hour rides take you through Campbell Valley Park, and both seasoned and first-time riders are welcome.
Website: glenvalleystables.com
Price: A one-hour ride is $50 per person; 90 minutes is $75 and 2 hours is $90
Location: Langley
21. Stroll through Stanley Park
Tourism Vancouver/ Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC)
Description: Stanley Park is Vancouver’s first and largest urban park. It's also consistently ranked among the world's best parks. Hike or take a leisurely walk, bike the seawall, go swimming, ride the train, go for a carriage ride or get something to eat. There’s so much to see and do!
Website: vancouver.ca/stanley-park
Price: Cost of parking, pool admission, tickets
Location: Vancouver’s West End
22. Stroll through The Butchart Gardens
Description: Step into the beautiful world of The Butchart Gardens. Spanning 55 acres, you’ll find stunning floral displays, casual and formal dining, year-round afternoon tea and creations from local artists.
Website: butchartgardens.com
Price: Spring (March to June) admission fees are $29.90 per adult.
Location: 800 Benvenuto Ave., Brentwood Bay – 23 kilometres north of Victoria
23. Feel your heart flutter at Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Description: Step inside the jungle and be transported by the flora and fauna. The gardens are home to many tropical animals, such as ducks, flamingoes, frogs, turtles and thousands of free-flying tropical butterflies. You’ll find the butterflies feeding on fresh fruit and you can feast your eyes on thousands of stunning tropical plants.
Website: butterflygardens.com
Price: Adult tickets are $16.50 each
Location: 1461 Benvenuto Ave., Victoria
24. Go geocaching
Description: Geocaching has really taken off as a way for people to get outside and find some adventure. All you require is a smartphone with a geocaching app already downloaded. If you don't want to burn your data you can use a GPS. Geocaching can be a solo adventure or something you do with family and friends. And remember, practice good geocaching etiquette so the Muggles don't catch on.
Website: bcgeocaching.com
Price: The cost of the GPS device. Once you’ve made the initial investment, geocaching is free and fun.
Location: All over! Anywhere and everywhere. I once found a geocache stuck to a lamppost.
25. Walk the Wild Pacific Trail
Barbara Schramm
Description: The Wild Pacific Trail is a famous, nine-kilometre trail network that brings you all the beauty of Vancouver Island and offers views you’ll never forget. Shipwrecks, whales, cedar groves, a lighthouse and of course, the ocean. The trail encompasses three sections, all of which can be easily tackled in a day. Or, savour them in portions while spending the weekend in 'Ukee'.
Website: wildpacifictrail.com
Price: Free
Location: Ucluelet
26. Go on a retreat
Description: Get away from it all with the Trail Running and Yoga Retreat at Retreat Golden. You’ll run gorgeous trails and receive technique instruction from Megan Wright – a PanAm and Olympic champion – and Stan Metcalfe, a physiotherapist and acupuncturist. Twice a day, you’ll dive into yoga and meditation practices. Accommodations are at the Kicking Horse Resort and chef Julie Marhsall will be cooking for you. One 30-minute massage is included in your registration fee, but you can purchase additional sessions.
Website: https://www.retreatgolden.com/winter-magic/
Price: From $550
Location: Golden
27. Go to yoga camp
Description: Like the sleep away camp from when you were a kid, but better! This weekend retreat offers three days and two nights at Camp Yoga, May 26 to May 28, 2017.
Website: campyoga.ca
Price: Tickets include transportation, food, accommodations, all classes and activities.
Location: Camp Elphinstone, 1760 YMCA Rd., Gibsons
28. Watch surfers ride sea rapids
(c) Tourism Sunshine Coast
Description: Twice daily 200 billion gallons of sea water rushes through the narrow straight between Sechelt and Jervis Inlets. It's an incredible natural spectacle that results in swells that sometimes exceeds nine feet. If you're not a surfer you can hike a gentle four kilometres (one way) to a viewpoint.
Website: sunshinecoastcanada.com/skookumchuck-narrows
Price: Free
Location: Off Highway 101 at Egmont
29. Golf Gallagher’s Canyon
Gallagher’s Canyon
Description: Gallagher’s Canyon Golf & Country Club offers amazing scenery across 6,800 yards. This golf course was listed as one of the Top 100 Courses In Canada by SCOREGolf magazine in 2008/2009.
Website: gallaghersgolf.com
Price: Check online for rates.
Location: Kelowna
30. Walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge
(c) Capilano Suspension Bridge
Description: The Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 137 metres long and sways 70 metres feet above the ground. You’ll find breathtaking views and gain knowledge about the history, culture and nature surrounding you. Free shuttles conveniently run between downtown Vancouver and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. After you've crossed the bridge, explore Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk which are all included in the price of admission. For the festive season, check out the annual Capilano Canyon Lights, where the suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon are transformed into a world of festive lights and visual enchantment.
Website: capbridge.com
Price: $14-$40, children under 6 are free
Location: 3735 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver
Hit the Road: 8 BC Road Trips
The spring sunshine makes us want to pack up the car and drive into the new season. Here are eight road trips we've chosen to feature from Hello BC's suggested driving routes. Visit their website to see all 64!
31. Ranchlands & Rivers Circle route
Tourism Kamloops / Kelly Funk
Description: The 836-km Ranchlands & Rivers Circle will take you across rivers, Gold Country and through stunning scenery. Take your pick of outdoor adventure on this drive. Cities you'll pass through include Hope, Lillooet, Clinton, Kamloops, Merritt and Princeton. This loop can be tackled in either direction. Notably, road trippers will pass through EC Manning Provinical Park, Hells Gate, historic Clinton, and the route skirts by Lac Du Bois Grasslands Protected Area.
Website: hellobc.com/ranchlands-rivers-circle-route
Price: The cost of gas, staying at various locations on the route, eating and whatever else you’d like to purchase to commemorate your trip.
32. Great Northern Circle route
Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Description: Spanning 3,188 kilometres and taking more than 10 days to complete, this journey across northern B.C. will open your eyes to how vast our province really is. Untamed wilderness, spectacular fishing, wildlife galore; what more could you want? The route passes through Chetwynd, Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, Watson Lake, Dease Lake, Smithers, Houston and Vanderhoof. Drivers should certainly make a stop at Liard Hot Springs (pictured above) and if you have the budget to do it, take a sightseeing helicopter ride to the incredible and otherworldly Spectrum Range.
Website: hellobc.com/great-northern-circle-route
33. Mountains & Vineyards Circle route
CedarCreek Estate Winery, photo by Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Description: Travel more than 1,200 kilometres over seven to 10 days to experience the best interior B.C. has to offer. You can expect stellar mountain views, local fruit and wines, and so many outdoor activities you won't know where to start. The loop passes through Kelowna, Vernon, Revelstoke, Golden, Radium Hot Springs, Kimberly, Cranbrook, Nelson, Castlegar, Trail and Penticton. Make stops to cycle in the historic Kettle Valley, taste your way through wine country, hike in Glacier National Park, raft the Kicking Horse River, take a dip in some hot springs and go wildlife watching in the Columbia Valley. If you can manage all that, you're still only scratching the surface.
Website: hellobc.com/mountains-vineyards-circle-route
34. Heritage Discovery Circle route
Description: If you're interested in the history of British Columbia this is the drive for you. It's a long route though, travelling 3,480 kilometres over more than 10 days. This loops passes through Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay, Port McNeill, Prince Rupert, Smithers, Prince George, 100 Mile House and Abbotsford. Making stops in Kitamat, Fort St. James, historic Barkerville and a diversion to Haida Gwaii complete the experience. Road trippers will be immersed in First Nations culture, led down the Gold Rush Trail and encounter tunnels, fossils, totem poles and more. Plus, ferry trips across the Georgia Straight and Inside Passage provide scenic breaks from driving.
Website: hellobc.com/heritage-discovery-circle-route
35. Golden Triangle route
(c) Dave Best via Tourism Golden
Description: Although the trip itself is relatively short at 314 kilometres, the opportunities to stay and play are endless. This trip will take you through three national parks: Banff, Kootenay and Yoho. Remarkable on their own, the Columbia River Wetlands are also a highlight of this itinerary. Bring your camping and hiking gear, along with a camera and appetite for adventure.
Website: hellobc.com/british-columbia/golden-triangle
Note: This trip will take you into Banff National Park in Alberta, through the mountains and back to Banff.
36. Hot Springs Circle route
Description: This driving circle will loop you through the mountains and past delightful hot springs. The circle is about 851 kilometres and should take about a week to complete. Make frequent stops along the way to enjoy everything the communities have to offer.
Website: hellobc.com/hot-springs-circle-route
Notes: There are 13 stops along this route, from Cranbrook to Creston. Hot Springs Circle route is nearly identical to the Mountains & Vineyards Circle route. One could conceivably combine the best elements of both.
37. Pacific Northwest International Circle route
Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe
Description: Get out your passport for this trip. Taking between three and seven days, across 383 kilometres, this route will take you from Vancouver to Victoria, Victoria to Port Angeles, Wash., over to Seattle and then back to Vancouver. Explore everything these cities have to offer. Stop off at charming Steveston, tour Victoria's Fan Tan Alley and shop Seattle's legendary Pike Place Market.
Website: hellobc.com/pacific-northwest-international-circle-route
Location: There are six parts to this trip, beginning and ending in Vancouver and travelling into the US.
38. Discovery Coast Circle route
GypsetJenn.com | Jennifer Hubbert
Description: This driving route stretches 2,116 kilometres (about seven to 10 days) and includes coastal villages, with opportunities to hike volcanic mountains, fish in well-stocked lakes, wander the Gold Rush Trail and so much more. With so much to see and do, this is a drive worth taking.
Website: hellobc.com/discovery-coast-circle-route
Location: There are seven parts to this journey, which take you on a ferry to the island, along the coast and then back to the mainland, through beautiful terrain and back to Vancouver.
6 Educational Things to Do
Put down the phone and drop the controller... it's time for some experiential learning. No doubt a visit to any of these attractions or exhibits will leave you with some new knowledge.
39. Visit the Canadian Museum of Flight
Description: Visit the Canadian Museum of Flight to take a look into Canada’s aviation history. The museum is driven by its volunteers and is dedicated to restoring and preserving aircrafts and aircraft engines.
Website: canadianflight.org
Price: Adult admission is $10
Location: Hangar #3, 5333 216 St., Langley
40. Tour the Beaty Biodiversity Museum
Description: Explore over two million plant and animal specimens at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, including a blue whale skeleton that measures over 26 metres! This natural history museum includes collections of fish, fossils, shells, insets, fungi, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and plants from across BC and the world.
Website: beatymuseum.ubc.ca
Price: Admission is $14 for adults.
Location: 2212 Main Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
41.Tour the Britannia Mine Museum
Description: Learn what it’s like in the mining industry at the Britannia Mine Museum. You’ll see historical machinery and buildings, and you can even take an underground tour and see what life was like for miners.
Website: britanniaminemuseum.ca
Price: Adult admission is $29
Location: 1 Forbes Way, Britannia Beach
42. Check out the BCIT Planetarium
Description: The BC Institute of Technology has housed a 77-seat planetarium since 1964 and it is now open as a community resource. BCIT even has a general interest astronomy course and the classes make use of the planetarium.
Website: commons.bcit.ca/planetarium
Price: You must contact the planetarium to set up your viewing. Price is confirmed at booking.
Location: 3700 Willingdon Ave., Burnaby
43. Visit the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
Description: Explore the universe and our planet at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. You’ll find innovative programming, exhibits and activities to inspire and educate people of all ages.
Website: spacecentre.ca
Price: Daytime admission rates are as follows: adults are $18, youth and seniors are $15, children five to 11 are $13 and children under five are free. Evening rates are cheaper.
Location: 1100 Chestnut St., Vancouver
44. TELUS World of Science
Tourism Vancouver/ Science World British Columbia
Description: Explore the world of science, an adventure for all ages! There are several different exhibits, and the current feature exhibit is Animal Inside Out.
Website: scienceworld.ca
Price: General admission is as follows: adults are $23.25, seniors, students with ID and youth are $18.50, children three to 12 are $15.25 and children under three are free.
Location: 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver
Don't live in Vancouver? There are a few other science centres to be enjoyed in BC: Okanagan Science Centre in Vernon, The Exploration Place in Prince George, and BIG Little Science Centre in Kamloops
7 BC Experiences for Nature & Animal-Lovers
Trust us, the kids are going to love getting up close and personal with these critters. Wildlife sightings, guaranteed.
45. See marine life at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
Description: Located in the beautiful waterfront community of Sidney, you can see over 3,500 marine animals from the Salish Sea. Check the website for special programs and activities going on.
Website: oceandiscovery.ca
Price: Adult admission is $15
Location: 9811 Seaport Pl., Sidney
46. Spot a grizzly
(c) Claire Dibble via Tourism Golden
Description: The Grizzly Bear Refuge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has the world’s largest protected and enclosed habitat for a grizzly. Visitors can take an interpretive tour to learn more about these impressive animals.
Website: kickinghorseresort.com
Price: Check online for details.
Location: Kicking Horse Resort, Golden
47. Tour the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Description: The George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary sits on 850 acres of marsh, wetlands and low dykes, providing a natural and protected resting area for migrating birds. While you’re here, you can go bird watching, take photos, feed the ducks and chickadees and buy some souvenirs in the gift shop.
Website: reifelbirdsanctuary.com
Price: Adult admission is $5. Seniors and children are $3.
Location: 5191 Robertson Rd., Delta
48. Find some creepy crawlies
Description: Visit the Victoria Bug Zoo, a mini zoo that offers the opportunity for you to see insects, arachnids and many other bugs from around the world!
Website: victoriabugzoo.ca
Price: Adult admission is $12
Location: 631 Courtney St., Victoria
49. Go on a Hawk Walk
Description: Raptors Ridge Birds of Prey is an organization in Maple Ridge that cares for birds known as raptors – hawks and eagles, for example. Through the Hawk Walk program, you get a tour of the Raptors Ridge facility and the birds in their care. You’ll get instructions for handling these types of birds and then you’ll be guided on a walk through the rain forest with the raptor on your fist.
Website: raptorsridge.com
Price: $50 per person
Location: 26021 100 Ave., Maple Ridge
50. Tour the British Columbia Wildlife Park
BC Wildlife Park-Doug Sage
Description: Spanning over 100 acres, the BC Wildlife Park is touted as one of the most interactive wildlife experiences you can find. The park is home to Clover the Kermode bear, as well as cougars, moose, wolves, birds of prey and so much more.
Website: BCwildlife.org
Price: General admission for adults is $15.50
Location: 9077 Dallas Dr., Kamloops
51. Visit Parrot Island Sanctuary
Description: It’s a bird-lover’s dream! Parrot Island Sanctuary gives a permanent home to abused and abandoned exotic birds from all over Canada. Bring your camera and enjoy the sight of these magnificent birds.
Website: parrotisland.net
Price: Adult admission is $6
Location: 5090 Mackinnon Rd., Peachland
8 Ways to touch and taste local culture
52. Visit the Chetwynd chainsaw carvings
Description: The first carving project began in 1992 as an addition to the 50th anniversary of the construction of the Alaska Highway. The Chetwynd Rendezvous ’92 Committee wanted to leave a reminder of the community’s involvement in the celebration and commissioned master carver Terry McKinnon to create a bear sculpture. In 2005, the community held the first annual Chetwynd International Chainsaw Carving Championship and it has grown into a must-see event on the second weekend of June every year. This isn’t a traditional art museum, but the carvings are detailed and magnificent – certainly worth the trip to see them up close.
Website: gochetwynd.com/chainsaw-carvings
Price: Free
Location: The district of Chetwynd
53. FlyOver Canada
Tourism Vancouver/ FlyOver Canada/ Photographer: Jonathan Evans
Description: Utilizing amazing new technology, guests will hang suspended, with their feet dangling, in front of a 20-metre spherical screen and watch as they are whisked across Canada to view some of our country’s stunning landscapes.
Website: flyovercanada.com
Price: General admission for an adult is $21.95, $18.95 for youth and seniors, $14.95 for children 40 inches tall to 12 years old.
Location: 201 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
54. Tour the Parliament Buildings
Dollar Photo Club
Description: Enjoy a free, guided tour of .BC.’s legislative buildings and learn about the parliamentary process.
Website: Click here
Price: Free
Location: Victoria
55. Visit a BC ghost town
Rob Bryce
Description: The town of Kitsault was established in 1979 as the home community to a molybdenum mine run by the Phelps Dodge corporation of the US. The community was designed for 1,200 residents and included a shopping mall, restaurant, swimming pool and bowling alley. In 1982, however, prices for molybdenum crashed and the entire community was evacuated after just 18 months of residence. Note: accessing Kitsault will require driving along unpaved stretches of road in rural B.C.; ensure your vehicle is tasked to the challenge.
Location: 178-km northwest of Kitwanga (northern B.C.)
56. Admire the arts
Tourism Kamloops / Kamloops Art Gallery
Description: British Columbia can be peppered with rainstorms. For those moments when you need to wait out a storm, why not pop into a gallery? Whether you prefer to admire local talent, international exhibits, First Nations or abstract, B.C. is home to some world class collections.
57. Dine on fare at the Thunderbird Café
Description: The Thunderbird Café is a small restaurant within the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, and offers traditional Aboriginal fare for you to try and enjoy. From Squamish salmon chowder to Lil’wat venison chili, you’re sure to find something you love.
Website: slcc.ca/visit/thunderbird-cafe/
Price: Depends on what you order! You can eat at the café without purchasing an admission ticket to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
Location: 4584 Blackcomb Way, Whistler
58. Take a First Nations cultural tour
(c) Sunshine Coast Tourism
Description: Paddle through the traditional territory of the Tla’amin people aboard the Cheech Lem Chi Chia, a 35-foot Salish style canoe. Your destination is Kwoo Kwahk Thys, also known as the Copeland Islands. During your trip through the passage you'll hear stories and listen to songs of the Salish people.
Website: ihostours.com
Price: Five hour paddle costs $145 for adults and $69 for children under 12
Location: Departs Orford Bay, Bute Inlet (Sunshine Coast)
59. Step back in time
Flavien Mabit
Description: Haida Gwaii, also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, are mysterious and beautiful, rich in Haida culture. One of the most significant Aboriginal sites on the islands is SGang Gwaay, a UNESCO World Heritage site – one of the last authentic examples of a west coast First Nations village. You’ll see totem poles that have been standing for hundreds of years. This village is situated in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. For more information about getting to this site, contact the Gwaii Haanas head office at the Haida Heritage Centre.
Website: pc.gc.ca
Price: Access to the site is by boat or plane only, so it can get expensive.
Location: Skidegate, Haida Gwaii
8 Islands to Explore
Whether it's just for a day trip or you're able to make a weekend getaway, each of these islands have their own special culture.
Destination BC/Stay & Wander
60. Salt Spring Island - go for the artisan food market and laid-back ease. This vibrant island is one full of makers and it's products like specialty vinegars, plant based soaps and farmstead cheese that make the Saturday Market such a famous one.
61. North & South Pender Islands - go for the outdoor living and friendly islanders. The islands' two-dozen galleries and studios are no doubt indicative of a creatively-inspired population. Take cues from the locals and soak up the blissed-out vibes.
62. Texada Island - march to your own beat on Texada. We love poking about the island's swimming holes and camping at Shelter Point Park.
63. Denman Island - slow things way down on Denman. Comb tide pools, walk sand spits and pop by pottery shops. Cast a line on the water or dip below the surface to explore kelp forests.
64. Hornby Island - go for the hippie attitude and white sand shores of Tribune Bay. Snack on handmade pastries and peruse eclectic artwork. Visitors shouldn't miss a walk in Helliwell Provincial Park.
65. Quadra Island - travel to Quadra Island for family-friendly getaways, great fishing, miles of hiking trails and a pleasing climate. If you need to kill some time in nearby Campbell River, do it in the tasting room of Shelter Point Distillery.
66. Savary Island - go for the beaches which wrap nearly the entire island. Nicknamed 'Hawaii of the North', Savary Island offers white, sandy shores, beautiful scenery and the warmest waters north of Mexico.
67. Meares Island - if you're inspired to disappear into lush rain forest look just off Tofino's wild coast. Meares Island offers mystic trails and boardwalk that lead to stands of towering trees.