Staycation Series: British Columbia (Part 1)
British Columbia is a big, beautiful province, boasting multiple geo zones, climates and sceneries. From urban cityscapes to serene nature, how do you fit it all in? The good news is you don’t have to drive for hours or helicopter in to remote destinations. We’ve done the legwork to find spots for your BC itinerary, all within, or a short trip from, Vancouver.
Bathe and bask at Kitsilano Beach
At Vancouver’s Kitsilano Beach, you have the opportunity to swim not only in the Pacific Ocean but also in the open-air saltwater pool, offering the same beautiful vista within a more contained aquatic environment. Renting a bike or a kayak is a great way to take a leisurely trip up and down the coastline, and there are plenty of spots on the way to drop in for amazing seafood once you’ve worked up an appetite.
Take a guided walking tour of Stanley Park
Indigenous-owned and operated Talaysay Tours runs tours of Stanley Park to see the space, culture and history through a new lens. The Talking Trees tour gives an overview of the native plants and a cultural context of how they have been used and cultivated by local Indigenous communities for millennia. You can go deeper into the history and present of the park’s totems, exploring the stories and art styles represented here of the diverse Indigenous cultures of the North West Coast.
Explore the Town of Gibsons
Take the ferry to the Langley terminal to access some of the Sunshine Coast’s best. Gibsons Public Market is a can’t-miss hub for local merchants, bistro, seafood, and events. To learn about the local wildlife, hit the Marine Education Centre, a collect-hold-release aquarium designed to conserve the nearby ecology.
Finally, you can enjoy day trips via water taxi or ferry to Gambier and Keats Island. Gambier is home to the relaxing town of New Brighton with more markets and artisans to browse. Keats Island is more suited to camping and offers less in the way of supplies and amenities.
Go whale watching in Victoria
A reasonable ferry ride or lightning-fast flight out of Vancouver and you’re in Victoria, home to lots of galleries and culinary delights. Also, home to humpback and orca whales! While some whale-watching destinations are more like “watching for whales”, this area is world famous for the very high likelihood of spotting whales while out on the water. There are many companies offering tours for whale watching and getting a water-side view of the scenic Victoria harbour.
Do an art tour in Cowichan
Located on Vancouver Island’s south end, this destination boasts mild climates, delicious local food and drink, and world-famous knits, artisans, and artists’ collectives. Visit Chemainus to see a spectacular selection of murals throughout the town, and browse the main streets for locally made goods. This is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Coast Salish peoples, and features many indigenous artists and indigenous-owned and operated businesses to explore.
Take an adventure in Squamish
Calling all adrenaline junkies! Squamish is home to just about every high-octane sport or activity you can dream up, with plenty of outposts and companies to guide you and keep you safe. Whether kitesurfing, hiking, mountain biking or whitewater rafting, there are plenty of ways to get your blood pumping in Squamish, just an hour’s drive outside of Vancouver.
Finally, if you are looking for a guided experience in British Columbia, reach out to Pamela Duynstee, Founder & Lead Guide of Mosaic Earth Travel, our fellow woman-owned travel business specializing in the area.
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