Treat yourself to a scenic ferry ride to Vancouver Island and stay a while to discover all that this region has to offer. Enjoy countless parks and forests, pebbled and sandy beaches, mountains, sunken ocean treasures, craft beers on the BC Ale Trail, delicious wines, farm-fresh food and more.

In the summer, you can embark on almost any type of outdoor adventure, including, kayaking, diving, fishing, biking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, ziplining and swimming. And you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and storm watching in the winter. Plus, don’t forget about the wildlife, including black bears, herons, eagles, seals and migrating whales.

Discover secluded beaches, fjords, inlets and bays framed by old-growth rainforests and the majestic Coast Mountains on the Sunshine Coast. Visit the unique towns, full of character dotted along the coast, and take advantage of the warmer climate where you can swim in the ocean most months of the year.  

The shoreline provides some of the most rugged scenery in the province, and stretches along the Strait of Georgia from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound. The area is rich with local history and culture, with many restaurants, cafés, museums and galleries, and a wide variety of writing and craft festivals.

Experience the urban city buzz of downtown Vancouver and its neighbouring cities where you can taste some of BC’s best craft beers, watch a show, your favourite band or sports team. 

Take part in your choice of many outdoor activities, from world-class skiing in the winter where some of the 2010 Winter Olympics were held, to kite boarding, stand-up paddleboarding and other exhilarating water sports in the summer.  

Escape, unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the Southern Gulf Islands. Each island has its own culture and ambience, and all have a relaxed vibe and year-round good weather, spectacular natural beauty, abundant arts and crafts, and plenty of water sports. 

If you want a romantic getaway, a family reunion, a trip with friends, or an action-packed adventure, you can find everything you need on the Southern Gulf Islands.

Get away from it all and visit the sparsely populated and wonderfully quiet Northern Gulf Islands. Relax on remote beaches or sail or scuba dive in crystal-clear waters. 

Each island has its own culture and charms, and all have a relaxed pace, a mild climate, and spectacular coastal views. If you want a peaceful getaway, or an action-packed ocean adventure, there’s a Northern Gulf Island just for you.

Travel to Northern BC to experience once in a lifetime adventures. Enjoy spectacular snow-capped mountains, enormous glaciers, lakes, forests, and pristine coastlines. Soak up Indigenous culture and history, search for the rare Kermode bear (spirit bear), and take some time to relax and soak in the surrounding wilderness. 

For a truly unforgettable Northern experience, sail to the remote island of Haida Gwaii, Canada's Galapagos, to immerse yourself in ancient culture and embark on world-class outdoor adventures—from whale watching, to fishing, surfing, kayaking and hiking.

Visit the vast landscape of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast—stretching from the Pacific Ocean, across the Cariboo Mountains, to Alberta—abundant with crystal-clear lakes and rivers, forests, craggy peaks, unspoiled waterfalls, and some of the best wildlife viewing in Canada.

This expansive region, with wide open spaces, once bustled with miners, cowboys and prospectors searching for adventure and riches during the gold rush.

Adventure to the Coast Mountains region, north of Vancouver for breathtaking views of glacial lakes, ocean, mountains and forests. Enjoy a wide range of exhilarating outdoor activities, including first-class winter and summer sports on two of the most popular mountains in North America, located in Whistler. The region is home to many local breweries and farm-to-table restaurants, providing deliciously fresh options for all tastes.  

Visit one of the warmest, sunniest, and driest regions in Canada. The Mediterranean-like climate makes the Thompson Okanagan the perfect place for orchards and vineyards, providing award-winning wines for every taste.

During the summer, you can enjoy the hot climate, clear lakes and sandy beaches, and a wide variety of outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, canoeing, golfing, camping and wildlife viewing, along with visits to local renowned wineries. During the winter months, there’s cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and downhill skiing at popular ski resorts, plus try new activities on the slopes like fat biking and snow tubing.

Escape to the Kootenay Rockies in the southeast corner of BC, next to the Alberta border to discover vibrantly coloured lakes and awe-inspiring mountain ranges. Home to four of BC’s seven national parks and four mountain ranges, the area is the perfect place for an outdoor adventure of mountain biking, hiking or skiing. The area’s abundance of lakes and hot springs also make for a relaxing getaway. 

The Canadian Rockies are one of the most breathtaking spots in Alberta. With towering, snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and lush forests, this natural wonderland offers a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing opportunities abound, while charming mountain towns like Banff and Jasper provide cozy accommodations and vibrant local culture. The iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway further solidify the Canadian Rockies as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking unforgettable mountain experiences in Alberta.

Image Credit: Travel Alberta/Sean Thonson

Southern Alberta is a captivating destination which offers a diverse range of experiences for every type of traveller. The stunning natural landscapes draw outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, and history comes to life in the heritage-rich cities of Calgary and Lethbridge. Southern Alberta seamlessly blends the beauty of nature, cultural richness, and modern attractions, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking a dynamic and memorable experience.

Image credit: Travel Alberta / Dave Lieske