The Province of British Columbia is home to some of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the world. From the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the breathtaking coastal views, no matter what season you visit, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a winter getaway or a summer escape, here are 10 reasons why you should make a trip to British Columbia’s mountains in any season.
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The Coastal Mountain Range
The Coast Mountain Range runs the length of western British Columbia, and is divided into three main subdivisions – the Pacific Range, the Kitimat Range, and the Boundary Range. The Pacific Range is the most frequently visited, and contains the popular destinations of Garibaldi Provincial Park and Whistler. The Boundary Range is located in the northwest portion of British Columbia and is mostly inaccessible by car, making it ideal for backcountry exploration. The Kitimat Range lies between the other two subdivisions, offering accessible backcountry trails, as well as towns and villages with plenty of amenities to explore. Located some 600 kilometers west of Prince George, the Kitimat Range offers stunning views of jagged ice-covered peaks and vast boreal forests. These stunning landscapes can be explored by kayak, ski, or on foot. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, heliskiing and camping are also popular activities.
The Okanagan Valley
The Okanagan Valley
One of British Columbia’s most beloved regions, the Okanagan Valley is renowned for its top-producing wine country. Visitors flock to the region to experience its vibrant festivals, farmers markets, and of course, wine tastings. The Okanagan Valley is a land of diverse terrain, from mountains to deserts and everything in between. For those looking for an outdoor adventure, the Okanagan Valley offers a range of activities, including biking the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, boating on Okanagan Lake, and exploring nearby Bugaboos Provincial Park. For a more leisurely activity, you can explore towns like Vernon, Kelowna, and Penticton, each with their own unique character and culture.
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is a beautiful destination, offering tourists a wide range of activities. It is the largest Pacific island in Canada and has three main tourist destinations: Victoria, Tofino, and Nanaimo. Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, filled with beautiful sights and a rich history. With its harbour-front walkways, whale watching tours, and award-winning botanical gardens, Victoria is an amazing place to explore. Tofino is known as a premier surf destination, with some of the best waves in North America. People come here to surf and take advantage of the abundant ocean life including dolphins, orcas, sea lions, and even giant octopus.
Nanaimo is a quaint city and offers plenty of things to do from shopping to hot springs to exploring the city’s many rivers, streams, and waterfalls.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
If you’re looking for an adventure, look no further than the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast in British Columbia. This is a land of big adventure and wide-open spaces, where visitors can experience real working ranches and horseback ride over rolling rangeland. Not only that, the region is home to some of British Columbia’s best freshwater lakes and secluded saltwater inlets. The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is also steeped in history, with many reminders of the wild gold rush of the 1800s still scattered throughout the region. The mining frontier town of Barkerville brings the rough gold-rush days to life and is one of the region’s most popular attractions. For those who enjoy nature and the outdoors, the Chilcotin region is a land of dramatic landscapes, with ranchlands, rivers, lakes, pine and spruce forests, and grasslands. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzlies, caribou, mountain goat, moose, bighorn sheep, and deer. Whether you choose to explore by horseback, ATV, or simply enjoy the views on a scenic drive, you will find something that suits your style in this region.
The Kootenays
The Kootenay Rockies
Canada’s most stunning mountain scenery awaits visitors in the Kootenay Rockies region of British Columbia. From the Okanagan Valley in the west to the Alberta border in the east, visitors are humbled by the enormity of the mountains. The Kootenay Rockies are comprised of four mountain ranges: the Selkirks, the Purcells, the Monashees and the Rockies. Within these ranges are a multitude of Provincial and National Parks, such as Glacier, Mt. Revelstoke, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks. Visitors to the region can take advantage of an abundance of adventure tourism activities such as hiking, biking, river rafting, paragliding, canoeing and golfing.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
The Northern Interior
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The Northern Interior
If you want to experience the ultimate road trip, look no further than British Columbia’s Northern Interior. Home to the incredible Monkman Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park, and the iconic Alaska Highway, it is a haven for the adventurous traveler. Hop in your van and take a road-trip through Northern BC. It is like being in another world. The population decreases and wild animal sightings increase the further north you travel. It gets quieter and more adventurous as the roads get rougher. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the back country!
Haida Gawaii
Haida Gwaii
Haida Gwaii is the ancestral territory of the Haida Nation, a storm battered archipelago of 150 rocky islands off British Columbia’s West Coast which is tricky to access at times and only adds to its allure. Before arriving on the islands, visitors are strongly encouraged to take the Haida Gwaii Pledge and learn how to travel to Haida Gwaii respectfully. Gwaii is an ideal destination to experience the rugged and remote wilderness of British Columbia. Accommodation varies from rustic off-grid beach cabins to modern and natural lodges, and extraordinary camping in old growth or on the beach. As of July 1, 2021, Haida Gwaii is open for recreational travel.
It’s often referred to as Canada’s Galapagos due to the abundant wildlife, such as whales, and the rich heritage with more than 500 archeological sites including a longhouse. Accommodation should be booked six months to a year ahead of time to ensure availability.
Queen Charlotte Islands
Queen Charlotte Islands
The Queen Charlotte Islands, an archipelago off the coast of British Columbia, is an amazing place to explore. It is home to a vibrant Haida culture and stunning wildlife. From whales to eagles, there is something for everyone here. The islands are known for their peaceful beauty and are a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its breathtaking scenery, rich history and diverse wildlife, the Queen Charlotte Islands are perfect for travelers looking for adventure and relaxation alike. Whether you want to take in the stunning views or explore the wilds of Graham Island, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Mount Robson Provincial Park
Mount Robson Provinicial Park
Mount Robson Provincial Park is a breathtaking 1,500-square kilometre park located in the Canadian Rockies, and is home to some of the most stunning mountains in the world. From hiking and skiing to exploring the wild life, there are plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. The park offers breathtaking views of its majestic peaks, lush forests, and crystal clear lakes. With its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, Mount Robson Provincial Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore Canada’s wilderness. The park features towering peaks, glaciers, lakes, and meadows, making it a popular destination for hikers, climbers, skiers, and snowboarders. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, black bears, and wolves.
The North Shore Mountains
The North Shore Mountains
The North Shore is located to the North of Vancouver with a quick drive over the Lions Gate or Second Narrows Bridge. The forested slopes have a network of beautiful hiking trails including the Baden-Powell Trail, the Howe Sound Crest Trail, and the Lions Trail. There are miles and miles of single track mountain biking trails, including Mount Seymour, Mount Fromme, Lynn Canyon and Cypress Mountain. Three deep valleys divide the North Shore The Capilano River, Lynn Valley River and the Seymour River. Both Capilano and Lynn Valley have suspension bridges. Lynn Valley is an amazing place to hike, listen to the rush of the river, cross the suspension bridge or soak in a 30 foot pool (if you aren’t afraid of the cold temps). Grouse Mountain has a gondola up to the ski area, or if you are tough you should do the Grouse Grind, a timed steep hike.
