When you move to British Columbia, you are moving to one of the most visited provinces in Canada. With everything from Ski Resorts to downtown attractions, it’s no question why people come from far and wide to visit this incredible area. Don’t be scared off by the tourists, though. British Columbia residents still get first dibs on everything the province has to offer!

1. Whistler
   • Nestled within the coastal mountains of B.C. and just a two-hour drive from Vancouver, you’ll find the chilled-out mountain town of Whistler. This resort area is known worldwide for its biking trails, quirky shopping and dining opportunities, and, of course, the world-renowned ski slopes. Whistler Blackcomb offers a multitude of season passes, so British Columbians can enjoy the resort as often as they like. Whistler’s beauty doesn’t stop after the winter season either! In the summer, visitors can explore several alpine hiking trails, enjoy the bright view of the landscape from the gondolas, or indulge in a mountain top feast with live music! No matter what time of year it is, Whistler Blackcomb offers the best of both worlds.
2. Yoho National Park
   • Looking for a view worthy of an art gallery? Look no further than Yoho National Park. The word “Yoho” is a Cree expression of wonder, representing the land’s rich history and magnificent natural landscape. Bordering Banff National Park in Alberta, this protected nature area sits on the western side of the Continental Divide. Yoho is covered in one-of-a-kind rock formations that have been sculpted by glaciers from the ice age. A diverse number of plants and animals call Yoho National Park their home due to the variety of habitats found across the area. If you live close by, you’ll be able to spend the whole day in awe of the picturesque waterfalls, lakes, and valleys. Archaeology buffs will enjoy exploring the Burgess Shale fossil beds, which display 500 million years of history within them. Whether you enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, or all of the above, Yoho National Park will not disappoint.
3. Vancouver Island
   • Vancouver Island is the largest island of many islands in British Columbia. The island has a population of about 500,000 people who live in its several close-knit communities. Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia and Vancouver Island’s only large metropolitan area, is located on this island and several other smaller towns and villages. The geography of Vancouver Island varies greatly across the region, from valleys to mountains to countless bays and gulfs along its coastlines. With so much natural diversity, sports enthusiasts have ample opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, or skiing amid beautiful scenery year-round.
4. Okanagan Valley
   • Okanagan Valley includes the entire Okanagan subregion of Southwestern British Columbia, which has more than 100 lakes and provides recreation activities including fishing, hiking, camping, and golfing. The capital city of this area is Kelowna. The city is the third-largest in British Columbia and serves as a hub for much of the region’s grape-growing industry which has caused the valley to become a world-renowned wine region. People come from all over the world to visit some of the wineries and local wines that the area offers.
5. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
   • Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in British Columbia is in the Pacific Northwest region of Canada. The park encompasses ocean beaches, dunes, and forested areas with trails leading to various scenic viewpoints for visitors to wander along year-round. The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 as an exceptional example of a moist coastal temperate rainforest that contains rare plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. These include old growth Douglas fir trees over 800 years old, Sitka spruce trees over 300 years old, and ancient cedar trees that have survived for over 2000 years! You can explore this amazing reserve on foot, or you can take advantage of their boat and seaplane tours to get a closer look.
6. Vancouver
   • This coastal B.C. city is the largest metropolitan area in Western Canada and the third-largest in the country. Vancouver creates a larger-than-life experience for both residents and tourists. With several parks, gardens, lakes, and beaches, you’ll see some of the world’s most beautiful views here. Want a little more than just sightseeing? Downtown Vancouver has an extensive amount of shopping, dining, museums, galleries, and attractions for you to explore. The Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain Skyride are some of Vancouver’s most well-loved destinations. Whether you are here for a day or a lifetime, Vancouver’s diversity is sure to capture your attention.
7. Victoria
   • Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, is one of Canada’s most beautiful cities. It has a perfect mix of urban and rural features making it an excellent place to live or visit. Located on the Vancouver Islands, Victoria presents an eclectic atmosphere, with a wide variety of gardens, parks, and walking trails to choose from. Aside from the B.C. Parliament Buildings, which date back to 1892, you’ll find several modern attractions in the Inner Harbour. The Empress Hotel, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, and the Royal BC Museum are some fan-favourites. From a walk along the flower beds to a lesson in Canadian history, Victoria truly offers it all.
8. Butchart Gardens
   • If you are looking for flowers and foliage straight out of a storybook, you must visit Butchart Gardens. This world-famous tourist destination, and one of the most visited gardens in North America, is located right outside Victoria. The indescribable gardens are open year-round with an admission fee that varies depending on the time of year. All profits from The Gardens go towards furthering education in British Columbia. Butchart Gardens is considered a National Historic Site of Canada, with over 900 plants to wander through. Once you have made your way through the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Sunken Garden, and Italian Garden, catch a break with some gelato or ice-cream sold right within The Gardens.
9. Haida Gwaii
   • Haida Gwaii, or the Queen Charlotte Islands in English, is a Canadian archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of northern British Columbia. In 1979, the islands were designated a National Park, and Haida Gwaii was deemed a Protected Area in an attempt to protect one of the last major temperate rain forests on Earth. The islands are home to some of the oldest trees in Canada, which are up to 400 years old. The culture of Haida Gwaii is unique among the First Nations Peoples because their cultural practices were never interrupted by colonization, which has led to a rich heritage in storytelling and art.
10. Kootenay National Park
    • Kootenay National Park has a wide variety of landscapes, from mountains to lakes and rivers. Kootenay National Park was established in the year 2000 with the passing of the Kootenay National Park Act. The park is spread over 2,442 square kilometres(980 sq mi), which accounts for an impressive one-fifth of British Columbia’s total land area. Kootenay National Park includes three major mountain ranges: the Selkirk Mountains, Purcell Mountains and the Monashee Mountains. The park also holds many valleys that offer recreational opportunities such as hiking or fishing. The scenery experienced while exploring this beautiful national park ranges from high alpine peaks to lush forests and peaceful valley views. If you are an outdoor lover, this is one National Park you do not want to skip.