Keep it simple: get out for a hike or light up a campfire with your friends and family to enjoy the great outdoors. (Click here for related article)
Take to the air: it's a budget blow out but if you can afford to (and if the weather is cooperating) then air travel really is the best way to appreciate the vast beauty of our surroundings. Whether you spalsh out on a heli skiing trip to cut some fresh lines on a powder day or if you take a float plane to a remote wilderness location the flight will much more than a mode of transport to your destination. Many small airports offer locally operated short sight seeing tours at really reasonable rates. Open the transporation link on our Visitors Guide page to find a list of air orperators accross the prvoince.
Get close to nature: When you go on an African safari the aim is to see the "Big 5" - meaining lions, rhino's, elephants, leapords and buffalo. Here you can also aim for a big 5 of sorts: Bears (black or grizzly), eagles, whales, moose, wolves, cariboo, deer, seals, spawning salmon, chipmunks, beavers, racoons, coyotes... OK, we actually can't decide on just five - why not put together your own list of favourites? When it comes to viewing wildlife, this provice has a lot to offer. Tour operators will probably offer the best guaranteed viewing opportunties (such as whale watching in Tofino on Vancouver Island) but the serenity of Provinical Parks and just getting out there with your eyes peeled will probably work too. For further information about Provincial Parks go to http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks
When in Canada.... it's always fun to immerse youself in local culture. In Canada there are two extremes: traditional First Nations culture and it's many intersting facets, or modern popular culture which in this case has to be Hockey. There are a number of First Nations museums and cultural centres accross BC. A couple of note are the newly built Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler (www.slcc.ca) and the Okanagan Heritage Museum which features a reconstructed pit house among it's other fine exhibits - for more information on this and other Kelowna area museums visit
To enjoy the hockey experience we recommend checking newspaper listings for a game being played by local teams at a public ice arena or visiting any pub on game night to soak up the atmosphere and a few local beers while you're at it. If your budget allows then attending one of the larger team games such as the Vancouver Canucks playing at GM place will be an experience to remember.
Do something crazy! The phrase "Crazy Canucks" was coined when some Canadian alpine skiiers with significant guts, balls and perhaps a touch of madeness rose to prominence in the 70's and 80's on the World Cup ski circuit. Such was their stardom that they have stars on the Canadian Walk of Fame and had a movie made about them in 2004. However, you could say that all Canadians are a little crazy for adrenalin filled sports and past times. So, why not try a few yourself while you're here? Down hill skiing, mountain biking, white water rafting, bungee jumping, or just launching off rocks into suitably deep lakes. After checking your travel or medical insurance (some tips on that can be found via our Health & Education page), visit our Sports and Entertainment page for more ideas or go to www.hellobc.com
Eat, drink and be merry: BC has a widly varying landscape. Mountains, ocean, open farmland, desert to name a few. So it is little wonder that culinary exeriences are many and magnificent. A wine tour through the Okanagen with pit stops at large estates for specatuar meals and wine tastings or impromptu visits to small independent vinyards makes for a great few days. The roadside fruit stands supply fresh, mouthwatering treats according to the seasons. The locals love for Sushi is testimony to the quality of the bountiful seafood caught here and the eclectic mix of races and cultures who call BC home means that you can experience flavors and menus from around the world. Canadians famous love of beer keeps local brewers busy and their supplies contstantly fresh! Look out too for uniquely BC culinary experiences such as dining at the restaurant on Grouse Mountain in Vancouver which includes a cable car ride and amazing city and ocean views www.grousemountain.com
Relax! With the many offerings available to visitors and residents alike it is important to schedule some relaxation time. We recommend a visit to some natural hot springs - Harrison Hot Springs is a great example (www.harrisonhotsprings.com) or try some of the other hot springs dotted around the province. If you can't make it to a natural hot spring then you will find a wide range of day Spa's and retreats at varying price points or for the best on a budget visit a local recration centre - most public pools have sauna or steam room facilities as well as a hot tub. Great for soaking soar feet and aching joints.
Skip the country: BC boarders the United States so you could plan a visit to our neighbors during your stay in BC. Make sure you check visa requirements before leaving the UK as US boarder guards take their responsiblities very seriously. It's just a short drive on the other side to enourmous shopping outlet stores for which they are famous, but a couple more hours in the car will take you to Seattle and other towns or cities that open up endless leisure opportunities.
Get Friendly: The residents of Canada are a friendly bunch. They greet you in the street, open doors for you, ask how your day is going and check that your meal was good. They let you filter into traffic, stop for pedestrians and help elderly people with their grocery bags. Briton's can often find this a little disconcerting. But know this: the greetings are genuine, they really do want to make sure you're haveing a great day and if there is anything wrong with your meal they really would like to put it right for you (no spitting on your dish in the kitchen here). So, tell them the truth, engage in conversation and don't be shy to ask what on earth they are talking about when you can't understand a strange local experssion. Canadians love a laugh and with many of them having British decendents they really like us Brits too. But perhaps they make everyone feel that way! For a little help on Canadian translations visit our Fun page.
Extend your visit: When people say "Too much to do, too little time" they are probably talking about BC! When planning your trip book the maximum holiday time that you have available and expect to be organising a return trip soon afterwards. Most locals will agree that no matter how long you live here, you'll still have a "To Do" and a "Must Visit" list that refuses to shrink. Plan your trip carefully to make the most of your time - talk to people such as the BC Tourism Team at www.hellobc.com and understand that your first visit will only allow you a very small sample of what is here!