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Tofino, British Columbia

British Columbia

Spectacular wilderness, iconic wildlife

British Columbia tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Located in the west of Canada on the Pacific Ocean, British Columbia is a province of unmatched natural beauty. Escape to one its many islands to watch bears roaming in ancient forests, or head to the east coast of Vancouver Island to try your hand at fishing on the Campbell River. The province's mild weather also makes its national parks prime for year-round exploration. And, on the sun-kissed Gulf Islands, the beaches are not to be missed.

History and Culture

Architecture, heritage and shopping galore can be found in Victoria, the current capital and political centre of British Columbia. Throughout this former British colony you can find museums depicting the history of the First Nations People. The Royal British Columbia Museum, University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology and the Kwagiulth Museum are definitely worth a visit.

Harbour at Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria, BC

National and Provincial Parks

The Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island offers whale watching viewpoints, hiking trails and adventures to The Broken Islands Group archipelago, and great sandy beaches can be found on the islands in the Strait of Georgia. Clayoquot Sound is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with a variety of marine life, while on the Gulf Islands there are plenty of grizzly bears and bird watching opportunities. Climb Grouse Mountain in Stanley Park for fantastic views of Vancouver, or, visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge for a new perspective of the forest.

Grizzly Bear, British Columbia
Grizzly Bear, British Columbia

Whale watching

Tofino is the best place to view the large number of migrating gray whales that appear just off the shore. Long Beach offers plenty of vantage points, as well as cruises and kayaking options if you want to get even closer. Humpback whales can also be seen alongside killer whales feasting on the large number of salmon near Campbell River. And, boat trips through Discovery Passage en route to the Northern Gulf Islands will see you admiring magnificent views of the landscape, in addition to spotting whales.

Humpback whale breaching in British Columbia
Humpback Whale in British Columbia

Skiing

Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America and hosted the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. It draws the crowds due to its fantastic views, slopes and unforgettable après ski at Whistler Village. Even if you don't ski, there's plenty to do in this charming alpine locale – from sledding and hiking to shopping the boutiques.

Stone Man at Whistler, Canada
Stone Man, Whistler

 

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Top itineraries in British Columbia

Moraine Lake, Banff National Park

Vancouver, Whistler and the Rockies‬

10-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,195 pp incl. flights

Make the most of Canada’s national-park drama with this superb-value trip that combines impossibly scenic drives with plenty of included excursions. Enjoy everything from glacier walks and hot spring dips to gondola trips into Banff and Jasper’s snow-capped mountains.

Orca Whale, Canada

Grizzlies, Orcas & Black Bears of Vancouver Island

10-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,405 pp incl. flights

Leave the urbane charms of Vancouver behind to take in the unique wildlife, coastlines and forests of Vancouver Island with ultra-scenic drives, expert-led excursions and stays in remote lodges.

Seton Lake (Credit: Rocky Mountaineer)

Rocky Mountaineer: Canadian Rockies Highlights

10-day tailor-made luxury rail journey from £3,300 pp incl. flights

Sweep through the Canadian Rockies on a truly legendary rail journey, stopping off for tour, gondola rides and guided tours of Banff and Lake Louise.

Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Rockies & Rainforests of Western Canada self-drive

15-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,205 pp incl. flights

Take to the open road on this tailor-made fly-drive as you link the cities of Vancouver and Calgary via stops in Vancouver Island, Whistler and the Banff and Jasper national parks.

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Top places to stay in British Columbia

Sonora Resort

Sonora Resort

Traditional lodge

Discover the breathtaking wilderness landscapes of British Columbia at Sonora Resort, located on a beautiful archipelago on Canada's Pacific coast.

Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort

Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort

Traditional ranch

Siwash is small yet sophisticated and a luxurious dude ranch that offers the opportunity to indulge in authentic adventures amidst breathtaking scenery.

The Wickaninnish Inn

The Wickaninnish

Contemporary lodge

The Wickaninnish Inn or ‘The Wick’ as it is known locally, is a superb resort in the Pacific Rim National Park on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Nimmo Bay

Nimmo Bay Resort

Small & intimate lodge

Accessed by float plane or helicopter from either Port Hardy or Port McNeill - towns located an hour's flight from Vancouver at the northern tip of Vancouver Island, Nimmo Bay is as remote as it is beautiful.

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Where to go in British Columbia

Vancouver Skyline, British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver

Vancouver is all eclectic shops, trendy streets and culinary delights, a place where green spaces abound, hipster cafes dot oceanfront paths, and world-famous art galleries lie round each corner. And it's all framed by endless snow-covered mountains and an outdoor playground so emblematic of Canada.

Canada's Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast has an abundance of beaches and natural parks as well as many water-based activities on offer, with spectacular mountains that lend themselves to skiing and hiking trips.

Stone man on Whistler

Whistler

Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America in the looming shadow of the Blackcomb mountains. It offers spectacular skiing and snowboarding, but it doesn't only catering to die-hard alpine adventurers. Come summer, ski slopes are swapped for mountain biking, canoeing and ultra-scenic hikes.

Salt Spring Island

The Gulf Islands

The Gulf Islands are rugged, carpeted atolls, peppered with hiking trails, biking routes and kayaking paths. Due to its chilly waters and somewhat remote location it doesn't draw in large crowds, meaning you'll be accompanied by far fewer tourists than in neighbouring Vancouver.

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When to go to British Columbia

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With hiking, kayaking and wildlife viewing in the summer and world-class skiing in winter, British Columbia is a classic year-round destination. Summers can be hot, with temperatures frequently topping 30ºC inland and 28ºC on the coast. Winters on the coast are relatively mild, while the interior sees plenty of snowfall. Spring and autumn are both pleasant times to visit and less expensive than the peak summer months.

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British Columbia articles

  • Wickaninnish Inn

    Canada's top 7 luxury lodges

    Wexas Canada specialist Patrick Griffin picks out seven of his favourite Canadian luxury lodges, including the best options for bear watching, exploring the coast, high design, food and drink, and taking in Canada's unique First Nations heritage.

  • Albert Canyon - Rocky Mountaineer

    All aboard: Canada's Rocky Mountaineer

    Canada is a country made for train travel, given its size and variety of landscapes that travellers can enjoy from the rails. Rocky Mountaineer offers some standout itineraries for great luxury rail journeys throughout Canada's West.

  • Rocky Mountaineer

    The world’s best journeys by rail

    Travel in style with the ultimate collection of train journeys, chosen by our rail experts reporting back from the tracks. There’s everything from such old favourites as the Orient Express to new classics as Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer.

  • British Columbia

    British Columbia: take a drive on the wild side

    Wexas Canada specialist Patrick Griffin heads off the beaten road in western Canada, giving her expert insight into the region's spectacular driving routes.

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Meet our British Columbia experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0635

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0635 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

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