"Beautiful British Columbia!" Top 5 Page for this destination Province of British Columbia by toonsarah

Province of British Columbia Travel Guide: 10,308 reviews and 18,922 photos

Glaciers seen from Rogers Pass, Glacier NP

As a holiday destination British Columbia certainly has a lot to offer – majestic mountains, a beautiful coastline, some lovely places to stay and a wide variety of activities.

The highlights for me were the awe-inspiring snow-clad Rocky Mountains and the week we spent on Vancouver Island, including a couple of very different but equally rewarding whale-watching trips.

Caboose at the Last Spike

I’ve made a separate page about Vancouver Island as there’s so much to say about it, so this page is devoted almost exclusively to the mainland of British Columbia: the mountain scenery of the national parks, naturally, but also some interesting historical sights, such as the Last Spike where the railroad across the continent was finally completed, and a trip back in time at Hat Creek Ranch.

Blue jay, Rogers Pass, Glacier NP

We were there back in June 2002 and I’m writing this five years later in 2007, so I should warn you that some things may have changed. However I’ve checked through the internet that all the things I’m recommending are still there, and the prices I quote are the up-to-date ones based on that research. But if anyone has been more recently and spots any mistakes, I’d be glad to hear from you and to make the corrections.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Wonderful scenery, easy driving, friendly people
Cons:Rain can obscure those mountains
In a nutshell:Splendour of the Rockies

Last visit to Province of British Columbia: Jun 2002
Intro Updated Dec 24, 2011
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Reviews (36)

Lake Louise from above - Province of British Columbia

Banff N P (Alberta) - Lake Louise... Off The Beaten Path (2)

If like us you make it “across the border” to Banff National Park and the beautiful Lake Louise, I would say this... more travel advice

Beautiful Lake Louise - Province of British Columbia

Banff N P (Alberta) - Lake Louise Off The Beaten Path (2)

If exploring the Canadian Rockies in the National Parks of British Columbia, it’s an easy step across the border to... more travel advice

Red-winged blackbird - Province of British Columbia

Birds Favorites (2)

Perhaps because the places we visited, although aimed at tourists, were relatively uncrowded, we were lucky enough to... more travel advice

It means what it says! - Province of British Columbia

Bears Warnings Or Dangers (1)

This tip also appears on my Tofino and Vancouver Island pages, and I don’t normally repeat tips but I’m including it... more travel advice

Things to Do (16)
See All Vancouver Island
Restaurants (5)
See All Rebuilt - but could it get any better?
Hotels (6)
See All Downtown location

Comments (13)

hunterV Jul 30, 2011 at 5:48 AM Report Abuse

Hello, Sarah! Thanks for your story about British Columbia! I see it's such a wonderful place! ~
volopolo Oct 9, 2008 at 10:33 AM Report Abuse

Fantastic web site with a lot of information!
spitball Mar 22, 2008 at 1:48 PM Report Abuse

Excellent tips Sarah.
Nemorino Mar 12, 2008 at 2:39 PM Report Abuse

Hi Sarah, I enjoyed reading your comprehensive and enthusiastic tips on B.C. Once I took the train from Vancouver to Winnipeg, but the B.C. part was mostly at night so I didn't see very much. I don't even know if our train went through the spiral tunnels.
HORSCHECK Jun 24, 2007 at 2:01 AM Report Abuse

Sarah, fantastic page with amazing photos. I especially like the tip about talking to a bear when you meet one in the area. So which topics are recommended to discuss with bears in British Columbia? :o)
Dabs Jun 23, 2007 at 9:03 AM Report Abuse

Perhaps because you drive on the "wrong" side of the road is why you did the Sea to Sky backwards? ;-) Lovely page Sarah!
sourbugger Jun 23, 2007 at 1:15 AM Report Abuse

looks a stunning place to visit. let's hiope they don't add 'bernard' to the manning provincial park name !
deecat Jun 22, 2007 at 6:28 AM Report Abuse

Astounding beauty presented here, Sara. Between mts., a water falll, national parks, a canyon, an island, museums, and wildlife..it's compelling. 5-star tips!!Good warning, loved the spiral tunnel info.; long to see Lake Louise. Bravo!
sue_stone Jun 10, 2007 at 8:12 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page Sarah - interesting tips and some amazing photos! I think I may have to add Canada to the wish list now : )
scottishvisitor Jun 3, 2007 at 1:32 PM Report Abuse

Lovely page Sarah bringing back some memories for me = I see you crossed the border from the opposite direction from me. Your hotel tips might be useful to me if I find my self back here