Travel Beautiful British Columbia: Why Is BC The Best Province?

 Have you ever thought about traveling around beautiful British Columbia? I’m biased, but I think BC is the best province in all of Canada from a travel standpoint. Here you’ll get to learn more about traveling and backpacking around British Columbia from two experts born, raised and currently residing in British Columbia.

The travel blogging community is filled with talented, supportive and positive members, but few embody this more than Cam & Nicole Wears (aka the Traveling Canucks).  I’m delighted they’ve taken the time to answer questions related to travel in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.  For those who don’t know, I grew up in British Columbia on Vancouver Island and was privileged enough to have lived within the beautiful confines of this province until I graduated high school.

Nicole and Cam are currently based in Vancouver and have been taking trips all over the province, in recent months, highlighting many of the best destinations, adventures and activities available.  They’re also very accomplished international travellers which makes me thoroughly addicted to their blog.  We naturally enjoy a bit of back and forth goading considering they’re huge Vancouver Canucks fans and I’m die-hard Chicago Blackhawks admirer.

The two teams have faced off against one another for three consecutive years in the play-offs, creating what many consider the most heated rivalry in the NHL today.  Although we enjoy some good old-fashioned ribbing over this, there is no doubt, when it comes to travel blogs, I’m a huge fan of what they do.

This is an interview with top travel bloggers Cam & Nicole of the Traveling Canucks.

Traveling Around Beautiful British Columbia

British Columbia Is The Most Beautiful Province In Canada

British Columbia is often regarded as the most beautiful province in Canada by both Canadians and foreigners travelling across Canada. What do you think are some of the reasons for this high level of praise?

We think British Columbia gets its praise because of its stunning mountain landscapes and misty Pacific coastline. It’s such a diverse land, with lush temperate rain forests, dry wine growing regions, steamy hot springs and frozen glaciers – it really does have it all!

Natural Scenery and Rugged Beauty of British Columbia

British Columbia is known for its stunning and rugged beauty when it comes to nature and the environment. What are some areas you would recommend for those looking to get outside of the cities (such as Victoria and Vancouver) to experience some laid back times?

Wow – where do we begin! It totally depends what you’re looking for. Some popular British Columbia adventures include snowboarding/skiing in Whistler, surfing in Tofino, kayaking Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands), wine tasting in the Okanagan Valley, soaking in the hot springs at Harrison Hot Springs, camping at Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park, biking along the Sunshine Coast and whale watching in the Southern Gulf Islands.

• Whistler: World-renowned for its winter sports, with skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking in the summer.
• Tofino: Ideal for surfers and nature lovers, with its Pacific waves, sandy beaches, and nearby rainforests.
• Haida Gwaii: Remote and culturally rich, offering kayaking, wildlife spotting, and a chance to experience Indigenous culture firsthand.

Tip: Plan ahead and book in advance—these destinations are popular, especially in peak seasons, so securing accommodation early ensures a smoother trip.

More Laid-Back Experiences for Relaxation and Nature

If adrenaline-packed adventures aren’t your style, British Columbia’s slower-paced activities will suit you perfectly. Camping, biking, whale watching, and hot springs soaks offer moments of peace, with a chance to reconnect with nature.

• Camping at Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park: Nestled between mountains, this park offers scenic views, canoeing, and nights under a star-filled sky.
• Biking along the Sunshine Coast: A blend of seaside charm and forest trails makes this coastal ride a photographer’s dream.
• Whale watching in the Southern Gulf Islands: Keep an eye out for orcas, humpback whales, and other marine life in this breathtaking archipelago.

Tip: Midweek trips often mean fewer crowds, allowing you to fully enjoy the tranquility of these peaceful places.

 (Editor’s note:  Cam & Nicole have kindly shared referencing articles from their travel blog I highly recommend checking out.)

http://travelingcanucks.com/2011/10/galiano-island-british-columbia-southern-gulf-islands/

http://travelingcanucks.com/2011/01/photo-snowboard-whistler-mountain-british-columbia-canada/

http://travelingcanucks.com/2011/08/why-we-love-living-in-british-columbia/

Adventures Around Vancouver Island

On your blog you’ve been posting about some exciting adventures you’ve had on Vancouver Island. What are some recommended activities for those looking to visit there?

We love Vancouver Island and try to visit a couple times each year. We actually met each other while attending university in Victoria many moons ago.

Similar to the above answer, it really depends on what you are looking for. As cliché as it sounds, there really is something for everyone. There are vineyards for the wine enthusiast, world class surfing in Tofino, scenic float plane tours over mountainous landscapes, world class skiing on Mount Washington, orca whale watching tours in the Southern Gulf Islands, challenging treks like the West Coast Trail and Juan de Fuca Trail, kayaking secluded coves, salmon fishing on the Queen Charlotte Strait, cold water scuba diving near Port Hardy, great nightlife and restaurants in Victoria, and the list goes on…

http://travelingcanucks.com/2011/08/things-to-do-in-victoria-british-columbia/

http://travelingcanucks.com/2011/08/whale-watching-victoria-british-columbia/

http://travelingcanucks.com/2010/06/juan-de-fuca-trail-west-coast-vancouver-island/

Top Things to Do on Vancouver Island

Here’s a deeper look at some of the best adventures and activities the island has to offer.

• Vineyards for Wine Enthusiasts: The Cowichan Valley is home to beautiful vineyards and wineries, perfect for afternoon tastings and tours. Enjoy local varieties like pinot noir and Ortega while overlooking scenic vineyards.
• World-Class Surfing in Tofino: With its rugged coastline and consistent waves, Tofino is a haven for surfers. Long Beach and Cox Bay are popular spots, whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beginner looking to take lessons.
• Floatplane Tours Over Mountainous Landscapes: Experience the island from the sky with a scenic floatplane tour. Soaring over forests, lakes, and remote coastlines offers photographers a unique way to capture the island’s rugged beauty.

Adventures for Outdoor Enthusiasts

There’s no shortage of ways to get your adrenaline pumping on Vancouver Island. If you love the outdoors and adventure, the island offers some world-class activities to enjoy year-round.

• Skiing on Mount Washington: In winter, head to Mount Washington Alpine Resort, where you’ll find excellent skiing and snowboarding with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. In summer, the resort transforms into a playground for mountain biking and hiking.
• Whale Watching in the Southern Gulf Islands: Set off on an orca whale-watching tour, and keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales, sea lions, and dolphins. The Southern Gulf Islands are rich in marine life, offering incredible wildlife photography opportunities.
• West Coast Trail and Juan de Fuca Trail: For hikers seeking a challenge, the West Coast Trail offers a multi-day trek along the rugged coastline, complete with stunning ocean views, rainforests, and waterfalls. The Juan de Fuca Trail is another fantastic option, providing a shorter, yet equally scenic hiking experience.

Tip: If you’re hiking the West Coast Trail, make sure to book your permits early—spaces are limited, and the trail fills up fast.

Water Activities and Secluded Coastal Escapes

• Kayaking Secluded Coves: Explore hidden inlets and quiet bays by kayak. Hotspots like the Broken Group Islands provide stunning scenery, crystal-clear water, and an abundance of wildlife to photograph.
• Salmon Fishing on the Queen Charlotte Strait: Anglers flock to the Queen Charlotte Strait, where the waters are teeming with salmon and halibut. Fishing tours offer the chance to reel in a trophy fish while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains.
• Cold Water Scuba Diving Near Port Hardy: For experienced divers, the waters near Port Hardy are a treasure trove of marine life and vibrant reefs. Cold-water diving here provides a glimpse into a thriving underwater world, with the chance to spot everything from giant octopuses to playful seals.

British Columbia is a Playground for Adventure Sports Junkies

B.C. Is known for being a playground for the adventure sports junky. What are some activities and destinations you can recommend for those looking to fulfil this craving?

First, see answers to question 2 and 3. Then, add heli-skiing in the Coastal Mountains, snowmobiling in Revelstoke National Park, white water rafting the Thompson River, house-boating on Shuswap Lake, zip-lining across steep valleys in Whistler and downhill mountain biking in Kootenay National Park.

http://travelingcanucks.com/2010/09/river-rafting-thompson-river-british-columbia-canad/

Ideal British Columba Travel Itinerary

If somebody mentioned to you they had a month to travel across British Columbia – and wanted some ideas for an itinerary – what are some must see places in your opinion?

We’re often asked by visiting friends to recommend travel itineraries around British Columbia. A month is a great amount of time and should be enough to see most of southern BC (the north is a whole other ball game).

After spending a few days in Vancouver, catch the ferry to Victoria and spend a few nights in the provincial capital. (here are some things to do in Victoria – http://travelingcanucks.com/2011/08/things-to-do-in-victoria-british-columbia/ ) Then, travel northwest to Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park where you can take up surfing or paddle boarding. After a few nights on the coast, travel back to the mainland via Nanaimo. The ferry will arrive in Horseshoe Bay, where you can easily reach Whistler within 1.5 hours. Spend a few days in Whistler, enjoying its endless outdoor activities and trendy alpine village atmosphere. Squamish, located between Vancouver and Whistler) is another outdoor adventure town worthy of a visit – it boasts world class rock-climbing, hiking trails and windsurfing.

Keep heading north towards the Thompson-Okanagan, the route via Lillooet is quite scenic and has beautiful lakes, parks and campgrounds. If you’re traveling during the summer (an ideal time to visit BC), spend a few days wine tasting in the Okanagan Valley and rent a boat on Okanagan Lake.

After some lazy lake time, continue towards the stunning Canadian Rockies. You can easily spend two weeks in the Rockies, so pick a couple provincial or national parks and start exploring (we really like Yoho National Park). I would also recommend visiting Banff National Park in Alberta, just a few hours from the eastern BC border (It’s arguably the most impressive park in Canada).

Then, head south towards Nelson and Cranbrook for more outdoor adventures that include white water rafting, mountain biking and spectacular hiking trails. You can make it back to Vancouver within a day or two from Nelson, depending on the weather and how fast you like to drive.

Starting in Vancouver: The Gateway to BC

• Top sights: Don’t miss Stanley Park, Gastown, and Granville Island.
• Outdoor activities: Kayak along False Creek or bike the Seawall.
• Dining scene: Explore Vancouver’s diverse food scene, from sushi to seafood.

Tip: Take a sunset walk along English Bay Beach—the views of the mountains, ocean, and city skyline are unbeatable.

Victoria: British Columbia’s Charming Capital

• Don’t miss: Walk along the Inner Harbour and explore Beacon Hill Park.
• Outdoor fun: Kayak in the harbour or take a whale-watching tour.
• Dining scene: Enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant.

Tip: Book your ferry ticket in advance if you’re traveling with a car—it’s a popular route, especially in summer.

Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park: Surf, Paddle, and Explore

• Top activities: Surfing at Cox Bay and hiking the Rainforest Trail.
• Coastal exploration: Walk along Long Beach or paddleboard through Clayoquot Sound.
• Rainforest vibes: Explore the temperate rainforest trails within the park.

Tip: Pack waterproof gear—Tofino’s weather is unpredictable, but the rain adds to its charm.

Whistler and Squamish: Mountain Adventure and Alpine Charm

• Whistler fun: Ski, snowboard, or hike in the summer.
• Squamish highlights: Rock climb at the Stawamus Chief and explore Shannon Falls.
• Scenic gondolas: Enjoy panoramic views from the Peak 2 Peak or Sea-to-Sky Gondola.

Tip: Plan to visit Squamish for a day trip—it’s the perfect stop between Vancouver and Whistler.

Thompson-Okanagan: Wine, Lakes, and Scenic Drives

• Wine tasting: Visit vineyards in Kelowna, Naramata, and Oliver.
• Water fun: Rent a paddleboard or go boating on Okanagan Lake.
• Cycling adventures: Explore the scenic Kettle Valley Rail Trail.

Tip: Visit during fall harvest season for cooler temperatures, colorful vineyards, and wine festivals.

Canadian Rockies: Stunning Parks and Endless Trails

• Yoho highlights: Visit Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls.
• Hiking: Take on one of the many trails in the Rockies—there’s no shortage of spectacular views.

Tip: Book campsites early—the Rockies are a popular destination, especially during summer.

Nelson and Cranbrook: Outdoor Adventures and Small-Town Charm

• Nelson activities: Explore the town’s art galleries and hike nearby trails.
• Cranbrook fun: Try white-water rafting or go mountain biking.
• Scenic drives: Enjoy the winding mountain roads with views of forests and rivers.

Tip: Plan to take your time driving back—the roads are scenic, and there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Backpacking Around British Columbia On A Budget

Travelling in Canada is not nearly as budget friendly as many other destinations in far off corners of the world. What are some tips or advice you could recommend to somebody backpacking in B.C. on a budget?

Bring your camping gear and travel in the summer months. There are loads of campgrounds that are fairly cheap, so this should reduce your accommodation costs (which tend to eat up a travellers budget very quickly). You’ll likely want to be outdoors anyways!

If you’d rather sleep with a roof over your head, there are great inexpensive timeshare rentals across Canada that have full kitchens and lots of room for those traveling in large groups. A good tip is to look for timeshare units during the off season to save even more money.

Find some travel companions and rent a car instead of taking the bus. The transit infrastructure is adequate, but it’s expensive and somewhat limited on schedules and routes. You’ll be able to see so much more with your own ride.

Camping in the Summer: Save Money and Embrace Nature

• Provincial park campgrounds: Affordable and located near scenic trails.
• Backcountry camping: Perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and beautiful landscapes.
• Private campgrounds: Offer more amenities, such as showers and laundry facilities.

Tip: Book your campsites early, especially in summer, as the most popular ones fill up quickly. If you’re flexible, consider midweek stays for better availability.

Exploring Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver has experienced some real highs and lows over the last several years. The winter Olympics held in 2010 were largely regarded as a success but what happened during the Stanley Cup riots in 2011 was an awful eyesore. For those looking to visit Vancouver do you feel it has taken a bit of hit in terms of its reputation or was this just an isolated incident?

The Stanley Cup riots were totally an isolated incident. I don’t feel that Vancouver’s reputation has been jeopardized because of these drunken idiots (most of whom weren’t even from Vancouver; they were from the outer suburbs). Every city experiences embarrassing moments. It doesn’t change the fact that Vancouver is still the best city on the planet!

How Has Travel Abroad Impacted Your Opinion Of British Columbia

How have travels abroad impacted the way you consider travel in your own backyard? Do you find it comforting to experience a familiar destination or do you often crave the excitement that an exotic locale can offer?

That’s a great question. Our opinion seems to change every year. Heck, our opinions change several times a year.

We need a balance between both domestic and foreign travel. We love the excitement that comes from experiencing new cultures and exotic locations, but our international travels also remind us how fortunate we are to live in such a wonderful place. The grass is always greener on the side.

The Best British Columbia Beers Worth Trying

Your recommended beer series from around the world is legendary amongst the travel blogging community. What are some good B.C. beers that shouldn’t be missed out by anyone?

There are dozens of craft beer manufacturers and micro-breweries scattered throughout the province, so I would recommend finding one and sampling its selections on tap.

In Vancouver, a few popular brewpubs are the Yaletown Brewpub, Granville Island Brewery and Steamworks Brewpub. In Victoria, check out Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub, Phillips Microbrewery, Driftwood Brewery and Vancouver Island Brewery. When visiting Whistler, head to the Whistler Brewpub in the village.

Most cold beer and wine stores in BC have a decent selection of craft beers, so grab a couple large bottles and give them a try. Some other BC beers that we enjoy are the Red Racer IPA, Tree Brewing Amber Ale, Granville Island Winter Ale, Philips IPA, Whistler Black Tusk Ale, Nelson Paddywhack IPA, Dead Frog Pale Ale and Red Truck Lager.

Why Do The Vancouver Canucks Perpetually Suck?

Finally, it’s well known your site domain name is based largely by your passion for the Vancouver Canucks. After a disappointing loss to the Bruins in the Stanley Cup Final last season, what do you think are the chances of them hoisting the Cup this season?

Bhah! We hate the Boston Bruins almost as much as we hate your Chicago Blackhawks! Our team looks great this year. I think we have a really good shot at making the finals again, hopefully with a different outcome this time! 

Make sure to follow Nicole and Cam on their travel blog – the Traveling Canucks.  Additionally, connect with them on rss, twitter & facebook.