
British Columbia holidays
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A seaplane flight over British Columbia’s fragmented coastline reveals shards of forested land scattered across the Pacific, the surrounding waters plied by orcas, humpbacks and dolphins. On land, old-growth rainforests provide habitat for black, grizzly and spirit bears, which you can see from dedicated bear-watching lodges. As you journey eastward, the gentle, vineyard-covered hills of the Okanagan Valley give way to mountains, and the Canadian Rockies loom in the distance. Our Canada specialists have visited each corner of this popular province and will use their first-hand experience to plan your holiday to British Columbia around your interests.
The provincial capital, Victoria, is known for its manicured public gardens and streets lined with British-colonial buildings, which you can see from a horse-drawn carriage. You can learn about First Nations culture on Haida Gwaii — a string of sparsely populated islands that are the ancestral home of the Haida people. Then there’s Vancouver, a cosmopolitan metropolis of skyscrapers, multicultural restaurants and designer shops where you’re still never far from green parks, sandy beaches and snowy peaks. Wherever you want to explore in British Columbia, our specialists can recommend things to see and do that will suit your tastes.
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Start planning your tailor-made trip to British Columbia by contacting one of our Canada specialists
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Places to visit in British Columbia
Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting British Columbia, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travellers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.
Suggested itineraries featuring British Columbia
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in British Columbia, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places in and around British Columbia
- Bella Coola British Columbia
- The Cariboo British Columbia
- Fernie British Columbia
- Field British Columbia
- Haida Gwaii British Columbia
- The Kootenays British Columbia
- Naramata & Okanagan Valley British Columbia
- Prince George British Columbia
- Prince Rupert British Columbia
- Princess Royal Island British Columbia
- The Purcell Mountains British Columbia
- Salt Spring Island British Columbia
- The Sunshine Coast & Desolation Sound British Columbia
- Vancouver British Columbia
- Vancouver Island British Columbia
- Wells Gray Provincial Park British Columbia
- Whistler British Columbia
- Yoho National Park British Columbia
- Port Hardy 275 miles away
- Northern Vancouver Island 293 miles away
- Jasper 300 miles away
- Campbell River British Columbia
- Tofino British Columbia
- Victoria British Columbia
Photos of British Columbia
Accommodation choices for British Columbia
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit British Columbia. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Ocean House
This intimate floating ecolodge sits in an isolated inlet on Haida Gwaii’s pristine west coast. Its setting, combined with the variety of activities it offers and its commitment to preserving Haida heritage makes it one of the finest hotels in Canada.
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Hastings House
Hastings House is a peaceful, sophisticated retreat, set among landscaped gardens on the waterfront near Salt Spring Island's Ganges Harbour. Staying here, you can enjoy superb dining and attentive service.
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Cross River Cabins
Cross River Cabins are a real find. Located in a spectacular area of Kootenay National Park, they offer a great blend of adventure and relaxation, together with warm hospitality from the owners, Rob Patenaude, his wife Marilyn and their son Troy.
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Hedgerow House B&B
An intimate guesthouse on Salt Spring Island, Hedgerow House B&B offers inviting rooms, personal service and hearty, three course breakfasts made from local produce. There's also a yoga studio and sauna on site.
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Twisted Timber
Nestled in the hills close to central Fernie, this Canadian timber-frame home is run as a guesthouse by owners Andre and Susan. It’s hidden away enough to feel off the beaten track, and puts you in close reach of the Rockies experience.
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Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery combines state-of-the-art technologies with proven, classic winemaking traditions. Its adjacent guest house provides ten spacious rooms, each with a private balcony or terrace and views of the 140 acre vineyard.
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Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
The Black Rock Oceanfront Resort sits atop a cliff overlooking the rugged Pacific Ocean. The clever use of rock, wood, glass and steel in its construction means it blends in beautifully with its rugged surroundings.
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Farewell Harbour Lodge
Farewell Harbour Lodge provides an all-inclusive wilderness stay from northern Vancouver Island into the Great Bear Rainforest and Broughton Archipelago.
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Echo Valley Ranch & Spa
Located in the heart of the Cariboo Mountains, Echo Valley is a little slice of heaven in British Columbia's rugged interior. It offers guests one of western Canada's best ranch experiences with horse riding, a Thai spa, mountain biking and fly fishing.
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Cathedral Mountain Lodge
A beautiful glass and timber lodge in a stunning natural setting, a stay here places you within close proximity of all the attractions of the area, including Lake Louise and Banff and Yoho National Parks.
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Alpine Meadows Resort
Alpine Meadows Resort is located in one of the world’s richest outdoor destinations, just an hour’s drive from Wells Gray Provincial Park, offering a truly authentic Canadian wilderness feel.
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Emerald Lake Lodge
This simple rustic lodge enjoys one of the best locations in Yoho National Park, overlooking beautiful Emerald Lake.
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Wolfwood Guest Ranch
Situated a short drive from many of Wells Gray’s most impressive waterfalls and hiking trails, this four-cabin family-owned property is set among peaceful, extensive grounds. Paddle a canoe on the private lake, or sit watching hummingbirds from your porch.
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The Lake House
On the edge of pristine Dutch Lake in the small town of Clearwater, the Lake House provides an intimate and tranquil retreat for those wishing to explore nearby Wells Gray Provincial Park.
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Blue Grouse Country Inn
Situated in the remote surrounds of Wells Gray Provincial Park, the Blue Grouse Country Inn is a ranch-style bed and breakfast with dramatic views of the surrounding forests and the Cariboo Mountains.
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Bugaboos Lodge
Bugaboos Lodge consists of 34 rooms and offers spectacular views of the Bugaboos, and the great glaciers below them.
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West Coast Wilderness Lodge
Located on the northern tip of the Sunshine Coast, West Coast Wilderness Lodge is tucked amidst cedars and firs, with spectacular views of the Pacific coast and an excellent restaurant.
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Painted Boat Resort Spa & Marina
Located on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast, Painted Boat Resort affords a wonderful position near the pristine islands and waters of Pender Harbour.
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Arbor B&B
Arbor B&B is a small and cosy property, located in an area of woodland with excellent access to local walking trails.
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Tweedsmuir Lodge
Tweedsmuir Lodge is a warm, family style lodge with all the comforts of home. Located in the Bella Coola Valley on the edge of the Great Bear Rainforest it's a great place to spot grizzly bears.
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Nita Lake Lodge
A sophisticated, boutique mountain lodge perched on the shores of Nita Lake, Whistler. Close to the base of Whistler Mountain and the Creekside Gondola, its amenities include a restaurant, lounge bar, café, and a spa.
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Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites
Located in the heart of Whistler Village, this popular property boats a mix of breath-taking mountain and valley views, offering exceptional value for money.
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Summit Lodge
The spacious, modern suites at Summit Lodge offer all the comforts of home as well as easy access to Whistler's many shops, restaurants and galleries. With the gondolas just a short walk away, it's also convenient for exploring the mountains.
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Totem Chalet
This spacious and atmospheric log chalet offers all modern-day comforts with spectacular mountain views.
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Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort
Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort is located in the middle of British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest. Guests here will find themselves exploring the beautiful pristine wilderness either on land, on water, or by helicopter.
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Hidden Cove Lodge
Hidden Cove Lodge is set in a stunning wilderness environment where great cedars overlook the idyllic tidal inlet. Wildlife is prolific and you are likely to have encounters on a daily basis with black bears, otters, deer and eagles.
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Crest Hotel
The Crest Hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites, and enjoys one of the most scenic vantage points of Kaien Island.
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Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort
Surrounded by 80,000 acres of pristine wilderness, remote Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort is a private and exclusive hideaway.
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Pan Pacific Vancouver
A large establishment with many amenities, including different restaurants, an outdoor pool and a spa. Situated in downtown Vancouver on the waterfront, this hotel makes a good base from which to explore the city.
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The Listel Hotel Vancouver
Situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the Listel Hotel Vancouver is modern, elegant and perfectly located to explore all of Vancouver’s main attractions.
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Wedgewood Hotel
A two minute walk to Granville Street and set opposite Robson Square, the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa is conveniently located in Vancouver's cultural city centre. This family-owned property is proud to be one of Canada’s leading luxury hotels.
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Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel
With a central location offering easy access to the best of Vancouver’s attractions, the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre boasts well-appointed, spacious rooms, many with commanding views of English Bay.
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Times Square Suites Hotel
Offering spacious, well-equipped self-catering suites just a half-hour stroll from the beach and downtown area, this hotel provides a flexible base for your time in Vancouver.
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Rosewood Hotel Georgia
The Rosewood Hotel Georgia is an iconic hotel located in a fantastic downtown location in the heart of Vancouver.