Just north of the contiguous United States lies an entire world of wonder – large swaths of pristine natural beauty, charming towns nestled among valleys and mountains, and thriving metropolises bustling with activity.
There’s a lot to love about Canada, especially if you’re an avid traveler. It’s far enough away to feel like a real vacation, but close enough that getting there and back is an inexpensive breeze. It’s culturally different – but not too different. And it has something for everyone, whether you enjoy brisk hikes or lazy brewpub tours.
In this article, let’s zero in on one Canadian province in particular: British Columbia (BC, for short!). This westernmost Canadian province shares a border with Washington (and small slivers of Idaho and Montana), containing a long Pacific coastline, towering mountain ranges, and dense temperate rainforests. Below, let’s explore where to go in BC, when to travel and what to pack!
Where to Go
As mentioned, BC has a little something for everyone. If you like skiing, you have your pick of mountains. If you want to while away the days camping on a beach, you have several options. And if you’re looking for a fast-paced city experience, you can find that too. Here are a few top picks for destinations in BC:
- Whistler: This ski town famously hosted the 2010 Olympics. It’s a world-class ski resort with diverse slopes for all experience levels.
- Tofino: Known locally as a surf town, this relaxed town on Vancouver Island features an impressive collection of beaches.
- Vancouver: BC’s biggest city has all the hallmarks of a bustling metropolis – a busy downtown core, bumping nightlife, etc. – as well as natural beauty in its stretching harbors and mountain views.
- Kelowna: Your gateway to BC wine country, Kelowna is a small city replete with scenic views and exciting dining options.
Naturally, there are several other destinations to explore (Victoria, Haida Gwaii, the Great Bear Rainforest, etc.). But if you’re planning a first outing to BC, you can’t go wrong with the spots above.
What to Pack
Like Washington, BC is infamous for its drizzling rain and year-round temperate climates. In the mountainous regions, however, the weather stays chilly pretty much all the time.
To compete with the unpredictable weather, pack versatile clothing like merino wool, which is quick-drying, insulating, and breathable. You can skate on a weeklong trip with just a few pairs of merino underwear and socks, a couple of merino shirts, a wool hoodie, a thin rain shell, and a comfortable pair of trousers. Make sure you pack a pair of sturdy hiking boots if you plan to hit the infamous BC trails.
Because cell service remains spotty in some of the more remote areas of the province, it’s recommended that you download offline maps on your phone before you go. Oh, and pack a swimsuit – the lakes, ocean, and shoreside pools are fabulous throughout the province!
When to Go
While temperatures remain moderate year-round, spring and summer are the best times to visit BC. Spring in Vancouver is a real treat as the streets fill with cherry blossoms and other seasonal flowers. Summer is hot (but not too hot) throughout the province, regularly hovering around the 72-degree mark.
However, if you’re hitting the ski slopes, you will want to save your vacation for the winter months when the powdery snow is at its best. January and February are ideal months for a BC ski vacation.
Next time you want an exciting, nature-forward vacation without hopping a long-haul plane to another continent, consider traveling to BC. Use this short guide to help you navigate, pack and plan.
