Things to do in British Columbia
Activities, attractions and tours
Top places to visit
1. Stanley Park
Vancouver’s beautiful green refuge is an expanse of cedar, fir, and hemlock trees, flower gardens and beaches on a strip of land that juts out into the Pacific Ocean. At 1,000 acres (400 hectares) it is one of the largest urban parks in North America, beating New York’s Central Park by about 150 acres (60 hectares).
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2. Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort
Ski and slide, or ride and hike during an active mountain stay in one of the most popular ski resorts in Canada. Whistler Blackcomb is the most extensive ski resort in North America, covering over 8,100 acres (3,280 hectares) and containing 16 alpine bowls, over 200 trails and three glaciers. Go skiing, snowboarding or tubing on the slopes in winter. In summer, enjoy the fresh mountain air while cycling or hiking.
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3. Canada Place
Recognizable by the iconic fabric sails that line its roof, the intriguing building at Canada Place holds some of the city’s most important financial centers and acts as a cruise ship terminal. Celebrate the country’s culture and geography as you traverse the Canadian Trail that represents its provinces and territories.
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4. Victoria Harbour
Come to Victoria Harbour to experience the spirit of the city at its most dynamic. Get a sense of the area’s modern atmosphere and culture as well as its history. Watch street performers flaunt their skills, visit some of Victoria’s most significant buildings and browse the markets for the perfect souvenir. All this against the backdrop of the sparkling waves, topped with vessels of all kinds.
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5. Robson Street
Big name designer stores and trendy boutiques have made this upscale thoroughfare their home. In the three-block stretch of Robson Street between Burrard Street and Jervis Street you will find the latest couture styles of Armani and Louis Vuitton as well as find brand-name stores.
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Read travel guides and advice on visiting British Columbia
5 underrated Canadian destinations worth exploring
Popular places to visit in British Columbia
Stanley Park
Check out this local favorite since Victorian times for its forested walking trails, beachside activities, attractive gardens and wildlife.
Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort
North America’s largest ski resort has attractions for athletes and amateurs, including zip line and bear tours in summer and snowmobile and sleigh rides in winter.
Canada Place
Fly above Canada’s stunning scenery aboard a flight simulator and watch a movie in the open-air cinema at this expansive entertainment complex.
Victoria Harbour
Old meets new as historic architecture, traditional fishing boats and contemporary performers crowd together at one of Victoria’s liveliest spots.
Robson Street
Browse fashion stores, independent outlets, and souvenir shops in one of the country’s premier shopping districts.
Areas of British Columbia
Downtown Vancouver
4.5/5Wonderful!(6,655 area reviews)
Amble along the waterfront at Vancouver Harbour and visit theaters, shopping avenues and museums in the heart of one of Canada’s largest cities.
Yaletown
This trendy residential neighborhood and nightlife destination on the False Creek waterfront was once a neglected warehouse district.
West End
Home to Vancouver’s gay village, this neighborhood is one of the city’s most densely populated and liveliest, with popular cafés, shops and nightclubs.
Gastown
3.5/5Good!(190 area reviews)
The birthplace of Vancouver is full of old-world charm with cobbled streets, Victorian buildings, and a unique steam-powered clock.
Kitsilano
4.5/5Wonderful!(2 area reviews)
Ethnic food, fashionable shops and one of Vancouver’s best beaches are all part of this bayside neighborhood.
Granville Island
4.5/5Wonderful!(100 area reviews)
Visit the art galleries, boutiques, brewery, farmers market and theaters of this buzzing island across False Creek from central Vancouver.
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