Find Yourself in Every Sense in British Columbia

British Columbia reminds you that you belong in the wild. Here, on Canada’s west coast, nature and culture welcome you in to explore not just new sights, but new sides of yourself.

Find Yourself in the raw power of British Columbia’s towering mountains, lush rainforests, and rugged coastlines, and tap into something bigger – awaken a deeper connection and regain perspective. Below we show you how you can experience British Columbia and find yourself, in every sense of the word through two memorable road trip routes, taking in the rugged coastlines, beautiful valleys and British Columbia’s iconic peaks.

This road trip from Vancouver to Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and Whistler will take you past some of the best sights in British Columbia. You’ll begin your journey in Vancouver, a bustling city that’s home to North America’s third-largest park, before making your way across to Vancouver Island and back to the Sunshine Coast. Along the way, enjoy whale watching, gallery hopping, and a range of seasonal experiences unique to British Columbia.

Not only does Vancouver have a thriving rich arts, culture, and culinary scene, the city is also one of the greenest cities in the world. Immerse yourself walking through forest trails in Stanley Park, kayak a calm ocean inlet from Granville Island, or—just 15 minutes away from downtown Vancouver—take the tram ride to the top of Grouse Mountain for grizzly bear viewing or ziplining. Cross the giant swinging bridge at nearby Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and take in the Indigenous wood carvings on the other side. Vancouver is a city offering something for every adventurer.

Vancouver Island is one of the world's best places for whale watching, birding, and fishing. The 460-kilometer-long island is home to British Columbia's capital city, Victoria, a first stop on everyone's list. The city of Victoria is adorned with flowers and Victorian architecture and a great place to explore on foot, by bike, or by boat. The Butchart Gardens, museums, and farm-to-table eateries are must-visits; be sure to also try out wine touring and craft beer tasting while you’re here.

Hop aboard a ferry ride from Vancouver Island to Howe Sound and discover the Sunshine Coast, known for its rich art scene, diverse marine life, and historical places. True to its name, the Sunshine Coast enjoys a laid back vibe and mild climate, making it ideal for exploring the great outdoors in the spring, summer, and autumn. Check out local villages by the coast, laze on white sandy beaches, or hit the hiking trails—with so much to do and see, you’ll be walking on sunshine.

Every year, Whistler welcomes over two million people to enjoy its year-round resort no matter the season—be it to ski, snowboard, mountain bike, hike, golf, or get out on the water. Hike the mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb in the summer and see the mountains burst into bloom with wildflowers, hop aboard the Guinness World Record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK gondola for unparalleled views above the treeline, and join a black bear viewing tour to spot Whistler’s wild residents.

Experience the vastness of the great outdoors with a road trip from Vancouver to eastern British Columbia and the Kootenay Rockies. As you make your way from temperate rainforests to untamed mountains, you’ll discover new and thrilling sights every step of the way. From wine country to waterfalls and hot springs, this road trip will show you a side of British Columbia unknown to many.

Ringed by mountains and surrounded by water, Vancouver is a city enveloped by nature. Bike around Stanley Park and pop by the Vancouver Aquarium to say hi to the marine life, or find your way through an Elizabethan hedge maze at VanDusen Botanical Garden. No matter the season, Queen Elizabeth Park offers postcard-worthy vistas, from autumn leaves to blooming roses.

Home to the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Canada's only desert, and sprawling lakes, the Thompson Okanagan's natural wonders are only matched by its active spirit and world-class wine region. Spend the summer months hiking and biking through the region’s rolling hills, or fishing and boating in its glacier-fed lakes. Take a dip in the Okanagan Lake during the summertime, cycle through fall foliage at Myra Canyon Park, or hike the alpine meadows atop Sun Peaks Resort.

Known as British Columbia’s “mountain playground,” the Kootenay Rockies is ideal for lovers of the great outdoors. Go on an exhilarating ride on the Pipe Mountain Coaster at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, whitewater raft the Kicking Horse River, walk 130 metres above the canyon on the Golden Skybridge, try North America’s longest via ferrata on Mount Nimbus, and relax in one of the region’s hot springs at the end of the day.

Discover a new and distinctive side of nature that mirrors your own unique complexity in British Columbia in every season. As you hike up craggy mountains, spot magnificent wildlife, and dive into crystalline waters, you’ll emerge stronger and surer of yourself.

Follow us on @ExploreBC on Instagram and Facebook, and visit HelloBC for more road trip ideas, tips for wildlife encounters, and guides to mountain adventures.