Things to do & places to visit in British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia #2 destination in Canada 2023. The average rating score is 4.52 based on 369.6k traveler reviews, of 1.994 attractions. Timezone: America/Vancouver, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 18:14.

Top things to do (53)

Top destinations in British Columbia 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Vancouver Seawall (5.104 reviews)
- Vancouver Seawall Has a Season Charm; Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter.
Geologic Formations

Vancouver Seawall gives one as much joy stripped down to shorts & t-shirt to catch the sun’s rays or bundled up to protect again the cold. Both are exhilarating in their own way. Waking the seawall as winter closes in also has the advantage of catching the festive lights now up. Given Covid-19, Vancouver requires all to wear masks when on city property, so be sure to wear one when striding or cycling out on this public facility. Best, too, to visit the website to check which parts of this 20 kms-plus path are open & the restrictions in place in these COVID times. Started in 1917 as a response to soul erosion, it took 60 years to complete this Vancouver gem. It is a timeless attraction, which can be enjoyed almost no matter one’s level of fitness. Just strip down or bundle up, depending on the weather Posted by S Fuller. See more..
5.0 Canadian Wilderness Adventures (4.682 reviews)
- Fantastic Night
Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

We had such a great time on our snowmobile tour and mountaintop fondue dinner. Our guide Alessandro was very friendly and all of the staff were great. Snowmobiling up Blackomb at night was a very cool experience, and the four-hour round trip was well worth the price point. I would highly recommend Canadian Wilderness Adventures to anyone looking for a fun Whistler experience. See more..
5.0 Ziptrek Ecotours (2.964 reviews)
- An amazing experience
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Eco Tours

Wow, what a fun and great experience. The zip line crew were professional, caring and aware all through the 5 zip lines trips. I never had a moment of concern with their expertise in safety and alertness. A must do in Whistler! See more..
5.0 Cycle City Tours + Rentals (2.807 reviews)
- Vancouver tour that covers it all
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM City Tours • Bike Tours • Gear Rentals

The Grand Bike Tour with Katie is a must! She was so knowledgeable, engaging, and it was the highlight of our trip. We tried e-bikes for the first time and they worked great. The equipment they provide is top notch. Katie took us to all the 'must sees' in Vancouver. She even took the time to send us a list of recommendations for good eats, drinks and more. Highly recommend City Cycle Tours and if you get Katie as your guide, you've hit the jackpot! See more..
5.0 Wild Pacific Trail (2.745 reviews)
- Expecting Velociraptors around every corner. And nothing.
Hiking Trails

The Wild Pacific Trail is located in Ucluelet and is a seven phase trail system skirting the rugged cliffs and shoreline of the west coast of Vancouver Island. Overlooking Barkley Sound and the Broken Group Islands to the east and the open Pacific Ocean to the south and west, it offers spectacular shoreline panoramas and seaward vistas through ancient cedar and spruce-framed viewing platforms constructed on the best headlands along the route. See more..
5.0 Prince of Whales Whale Watching (2.367 reviews)
- Half Day Whale Watching
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Boat Tours • Eco Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

This was a wonderful tour. The water was dead calm in most places, so absolutely ideal conditions for whale watching. The vessel was amazing, with lots of vantage points to see the sights. The captain was committed to making sure we had the best possible chance to see whales, and went out of his way to explore the area in search of them. The whole crew made every effort to make sure that we were comfortable and were enjoying ourselves. Wilma was extremely knowledgeable and took extra steps to ensure that everyone could hear what she was saying. This tour provided outstanding value for the money, and I would strongly recommend it to anyone considering a whale watching tour. See more..
5.0 Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours (2.356 reviews)
- Can’t Miss: 2SLGBTQ+ History Tour
Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM City Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours • Private Tours

From the moment I spotted Glenn’s pink hat and sweater vest, I knew we were in for an unforgettable morning. When you start your day dancing to the YMCA, you really can’t go wrong! An engaged, welcoming and heartwarming storyteller, he took us on a magical tour of the centuries beneath our feet - from colour coded ties in 1930s beer parlours to 1990s bombings and Supreme Court cases, Glenn brought decades of 2SLGBTQ+ history to life. These stories remind us that we really are everywhere. Thank you/huy ch q’u See more..
5.0 Superfly Ziplines (2.292 reviews)
- Well run and really exciting
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

We had a choice of zipline outings for our visit to Whistler. We went for this one because it offers four runs in one visit - rather than one massive one - and this looked like better value for money. It was very well run, professional with a strong safety culture and the two young women who led our experience were friendly and highly competent. The equipment is well maintained. The two longer runs were mind blowing and the shorter, fast ones were really exciting. I suffer from really bad vertigo, but they put me at ease and I was able to conquer my fears early on and really enjoy the outing with my sons. See more..
5.0 Canadian Outback Rafting (1.991 reviews)
- Hell yeah brother!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Water Sports

Ryland was a fantastic guide who provided great positive energy and tailored the experience to suit our group of 6 friends aged 24-25. Due to time constraints we booked the easier, more relaxed “family friendly” rafting experience but Ryland noticed the capability of our group and sought out the quicker rapids which we loved. He also provided great local knowledge and a fantastic food recommendation. Cheers Ryland, and hell yeah brother See more..
5.0 Myra Canyon Park (1.687 reviews)
- A trail that compels to traverse !
State Parks • Canyons

The stunning beauty of Myra Canyon is worth driving on an eight kilometers stretch of very rough graveled road with many huge potholes. It was an absolute joy to walk the trail over the trestles and through the tunnels ! And the bikers love it too ! The highlights are knowing the history of this section of Kettle Valley Railway, many trestles and two tunnels, fantastic views of the canyon as well as part of the city of Kelowna and fresh mountain air. We loved visiting this place ! See more..
5.0 Chesterman Beach (1.540 reviews)
- Golden sand Chesterman Beach is excellent for beach days in Tofino
Beaches

Chesterman Beach features mikes of golden sand. The Pacific Ocean is chilly with wetsuit-clad surfers if all ages. We went in June 2022 for sunset viewing after dinner before the cougars and wolves. We were there until about 10:00 because the sunset was around 9:00. We actually encountered two cougars outside our in-town Tofino Airbnb upon our return. See more..
5.0 Blackcomb Snowmobile (1.413 reviews)
- 3 Hour Snowmobile Tour
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours

Ryan was an amazing guide and we had so much fun! I would highly recommend the 3 hour private tour, especially on Monday morning when it's less crowded and the paths are freshly groomed. It was also a nice touch to bring us to a cabin for some delicious cider and warmed cookies Would definitely recommend! See more..
5.0 Pacific Rim National Park (1.353 reviews)
- Must visit - Rainforest trail
National Parks • Hiking Trails

Unique park composed of three sections - Long Beach, the West Coast Trail and the Broken Group of Islands - that feature sandy beaches, island archipelagos, temperate rainforests and important archaeological sites. See more..
4.5 Stanley Park (29.1k reviews)
- Must visit in Vancouver
Spent 2-3 hours Parks

North America's third-largest park draws eight million visitors per year, many of whom may skate or walk past you on the Seawall, a scenic, 5.5-mile path running along the water on the park's perimeter. It's just one of many trails among the park's 1,000 acres, which also house an aquarium, nature center and other recreational facilities. See more..
4.5 Granville Island (19.9k reviews)
- Great Place
Spent 1-2 hours Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Islands

This large sandbar and former industrial site is now a posh, artsy neighborhood filled with quaint shops, eateries, breweries, and year-round arts and cultural festivals. Located in False Creek, it's famous for the Granville Island Public Market where you can get fresh produce, gourmet food, and artisanal handicrafts. Visit during summer when the island is exceptionally bustling with outdoor entertainment acts, or during the holidays for twinkling festive lights. You can get to Granville Island by car by crossing the Granville Bridge. Otherwise, you can also take a scenic ferry ride, or a walking or bike tour of the waterfront. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 The Butchart Gardens (11.5k reviews)
- Wow!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens • Scenic Walking Areas

Come enjoy our breathtaking 22 ha (55 acres) of gardens year around. In Spring, countless tulips, daffodils and hyacinths will give you a buffet of fragrances and colours. You’ll be saying “wow” when you experience our Summer: The Rose Garden, evening entertainment, subtle night illuminations, the Saturday firework show, and boat tours to name a few of the delights. Perennial borders start their stunning show in late summer, and the Japanese maples turn to russet, gold, and red in the fall. Be captivated by the Magic of Christmas with its decorations, expansive lighting and outdoor ice skating rink. Top off the day with a ride on the carousel and a great meal. Come see why we’ve been designated a National Historic Site. See more..
4.5 Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (10.2k reviews) from $51.81
- Nature at its finest
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Bridges • Parks

Only 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, allow 2 - 3 hours for your visit to Vancouver's iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge, hanging 450 feet (137m) across and 230 feet (70m) above Capilano River. The park offers more than just the bridge. Its surrounding 27 acres celebrate nature, history and culture in unique and thrilling ways. No more so than with the newest attraction, CLIFFWALK. Cliffwalk hangs for 213m (700ft) and reaches 91m (300ft) high, hugging the granite cliffside and offering a panoramic view of the thriving rainforest and canyon far below. On Treetops Adventure venture from one magnificent old growth Douglas-fir to another on a series of seven elevated suspension bridges, reaching as high as 110 feet (33m), for a squirrel's eye view of the forest. Guides, signage and interactive exhibits throughout the park help you in your understanding of rainforest ecosystems and their sustainability. See more..
4.5 Peak 2 Peak Gondola (8.873 reviews)
- Pricy but well worth it for amazing views!
Friday: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM Trams

This gondola lift offers a breathtaking scenic experience in the heart of Canada’s Coast Mountains. Suspended a record 1,430 feet above the valley floor, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola transports you over an almost two-mile-long span between Whistler and the Blackcomb Mountains year-round. During winter, you can ski across the 8,171 acres of terrain offered at Whistler Blackcomb Resort. In the summertime, you’ll have access to an expanded trail network on both mountains as you enjoy terrific views of the region’s glaciers and peaks. Glass floors add to the magic of the 11 minute ride up in the air. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Vancouver Aquarium (8.543 reviews)
- Toddler absolutely LOVED it!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Aquariums

With over 60,000 amazing aquatic creatures at the Vancouver Aquarium, what will you see today? Stop by and say hi to the adorable sea otters, or come see the mesmerizing jellyfish. Enjoy daily sea lion, otter and penguin experiences, as well as the free-roaming animals found in the popular Amazon gallery. And make sure to visit the Treasures of the BC Coast gallery to discover the unique and breath-taking animals that live in BC’s local waters, including ‘Ceph Rogen’, the Pacific Octopus. You can also immerse yourself in the 4D Experience Theatre, which combines the high-definition excitement of a 3D film with thrilling sensory effects! The Vancouver Aquarium is an Ocean Wise initiative, a non-profit society dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life. Your visit to the Aquarium directly contributes to its conservation, education and research programs. Find out for yourself why the Vancouver Aquarium is one of the world’s favourite aquariums! See more..
4.5 Royal BC Museum (7.124 reviews)
- So good I wanted to return
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

See all of British Columbia at the Royal BC Museum, a world-class museum of natural and human history. Explore our core galleries and immerse yourself in tales of where we've been and where we are going. Marvel at the totems, masks and cultural treasures featured in the world-class First Peoples Gallery. Walk through the colourful "language forest" in Our Living Languages and hear greetings in one of 34 Indigenous BC languages. Experience authentic artifacts and highly realistic settings -- from the Woolly Mammoth in his rocky, icy world to a tar-scented trip on the HMS Discovery. See more..
4.5 Vancouver Downtown (6.614 reviews)
- Our Favourite City in Canada
Neighborhoods

More residential than business. See more..
4.5 FlyOver Canada (6.034 reviews)
- Very entertaining
Friday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Rides & Activities

FlyOver Canada utilizes state-of-the-art technology to give you the feeling of flight. You will hang suspended, feet dangling, before a 20-metre spherical screen while our film whisks you away on an exhilarating 8-minute journey across Canada, from east to west. Special effects, including wind, mist and scents, combine with the ride’s motion to create an unforgettable experience. At FlyOver Canada you will spend approximately 25 minutes getting introduced to our great country. You will first enter the pre-show area where you will be immersed in an audio-visual show of Canada "up close and personal" before heading to the boarding zone for your preflight briefing. You will then experience the unforgettable 8-minute Ultimate Flying Ride soaring over some of the most spectacular scenery the country has to offer. Open year round, 7 days a week. Conveniently located downtown at Canada Place. See more..
4.5 Inner Harbour (5.344 reviews)
- A guided live-streamed tour
Bodies of Water • Historic Walking Areas • Piers & Boardwalks

This scenic patch of waterfront is the location of Victoria's many tourist attractions, recreational activities, restaurants and shopping. For a special treat, have afternoon tea at the grand Empress Hotel or board a ferry for a harbor tour. See more..
4.5 Grouse Mountain (5.273 reviews)
- Great views
Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Mountains

Just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain attracts locals and tourists alike. During the summer, guests enjoy hiking, Zip Line Adventures, paragliding, sightseeing, lumberjack shows and more. In winter, we have skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sleigh rides among many other activities. Grouse Mountain also features several different dining venues, from café style at Lupins to casual dining at Altitudes and fine dining as a guest at The Observatory. We also have a refuge for endangered wildlife. See more..
4.5 Fisherman's Wharf (4.312 reviews)
- Very Quaint Community
Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Piers & Boardwalks

Just around the corner from Victoria's Inner Harbour, Fisherman's Wharf is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. This unique marine destination offers food kiosks, unique shops and eco-tour adventures in the heart of the working harbour. Wander down the docks with your lunch, buy seafood fresh off the boat, see moored pleasure vessels and float homes, and watch as fishing vessels unload their wares. See more..
4.5 Whistler Blackcomb (4.295 reviews)
- Stunning skiing location
Friday: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Mountains • Ski & Snowboard Areas • Cross-country Ski Areas

Whistler Blackcomb is a four-season resort located in Canada’s Coast Mountains north of Vancouver. Proudly holding the title of the largest ski resort in North America, Whistler Blackcomb offers 8171 acres of terrain for skiers and riders of all ability levels. With an average annual snowfall of over 10 metres, the resort enjoys a long winter season that stretches into late May. Glacier skiing on the upper reaches of Blackcomb Mountain is even possible during summer months! A true four-season resort, guests enjoy some of the world’s best mountain biking & alpine hiking during summer months. Events such as the Crankworx mountain biking festival and activities such as ziplining and wildlife tours make a summer visit to the resort a must. At Whistler Blackcomb, passion for the outdoors runs year-round. See more..
4.5 Beacon Hill Park (4.063 reviews)
- A real 'find' in the city!
Parks

This park holds a tree planted by Winston Churchill in 1929. See more..
4.5 Museum of Anthropology (3.823 reviews)
- A taste of culture
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 2-3 hours Art Galleries • Speciality Museums • Art Museums

Explore traditional and contemporary art from Northwest Coast First Nations and other cultures across the world. See magnificent Indigenous carvings, weavings and contemporary artworks in a spectacular building overlooking mountains and sea. Admire the world’s largest collection of works by acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid, including his famous cedar sculpture The Raven and the First Men. Explore the Museum’s Multiversity Galleries where more than 10,000 objects from around the world are displayed. Stroll the Museum Grounds, where monumental Haida houses, poles and Musqueam house posts capture the dramatic beauty of traditional Northwest Coast architecture and design. Enjoy a wide range of special exhibitions and public programs, including free guided gallery walks, and visit the MOA Shop. MOA is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. See more..
4.5 Craigdarroch Castle (3.326 reviews)
- Worth the Visit.
Friday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Castles

Completed in 1890, Craigdarroch is a stately home built by the pioneering couple Robert and Joan Dunsmuir, who at the time of its construction were the wealthiest people in British Columbia. Called a 'castle' due to its imposing exterior, the luxurious interior has been restored to look as though the visitor is a guest of Mrs. Dunsmuir during the 1890s. It features beautiful woodwork, unique Victorian artifacts, and an impressive collection of original stained glass, all within a pleasant walk from downtown Victoria. See more..
4.5 Legislative Assembly of British Columbia (3.153 reviews)
- Fabulous wonderful informative educational fun
Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings

The Parliament Buildings are open for free guided tours on weekdays throughout the year and seven days a week during the summer. Free tours are offered regularly throughout the day. Visitors are invited to discover the architectural splendour of the Parliament Buildings and learn about British Columbia's Legislative Assembly. Please visit our website for the most up-to-date hours and tour information. See more..