Beautiful British Columbia is located on Canada’s far west coast. Along one side of British Columbia lies the Pacific Ocean, with almost 16,000 miles of coastline; on the opposite side of the province lies the stunning Rocky Mountains. The region is one of Canada’s most popular destinations and known for its stunning beauty, including its awe-inspiring national parks.
British Columbia’s wide diversity of recreation and outdoor activities make it a year-round destination for exhilarating and soul-satisfying adventures. Fishing trips, whale watching excursions, offroad ATV tours, survivalist treks, stunning mountain vistas…you name it, and it’s probably there!
We can only scratch the surface in discussing BC’s natural assets. For a much more in-depth exploration, be sure to take advantage of your Premium Library where you’ll find the comprehensive North America Destination Specialist Course included as one of your many benefits. If you don’t yet have access, be sure to check out the Premium Library today.
Located next to British Columbia is the alluring Alberta. Alberta is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as the breathtaking Lake Louise. For a close look at hidden gems of Alberta, join us for the webinar Canada’s Alberta – A Province Like No Other, presented on May 4 at 11:00 am (EST) by Ryan Elliott, Business Development Manager for Travel Alberta.
British Columbia’s Seven National Parks
Plan your clients’ memorable outdoor adventure by exploring BC’s national parks:
Glacier National Park contains more than 400 glaciers that feed crystal-clear rivers. Its position on the wetter and milder western side of the Rockies leads to abundant snow. The park offers backcountry camping, mountaineering, and Nordic and alpine skiing. The topography includes steep mountains, deep valleys, vast icefields, and dazzling waterfalls.
- Gulf Islands National Park Reserve protects 15 beautiful southern Gulf Islands and numerous reef areas. Its landscape consists of scenic forests, rugged headlands, and many marine areas. There are plenty of local tour companies for your clients to explore the islands via hiking, cycling, kayaking, diving, or whale watching. Float plane service is available from Vancouver.
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve has tours by boat or float plane. Arrangements must be made in advance. Ferries and commuter planes connect Prince Rupert with the tiny town of Skidegate near Queen Charlotte City. The original inhabitants call the archipelago the Gwaii or “islands of the people.” They provide an insight into the rich and dynamic culture of the Haida Nation, one of the most advanced indigenous cultures. Ancient totem poles, deserted village sites, and nature preserves with rare plants and animals (including one of the world’s largest species of bear) are some of the fascinating but sometimes hard-to-reach sights.
- Kootenay National Park occupies the southwestern slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Your clients can experience the great contrasts between arid grasslands and glacial views. A popular activity is soaking in the mineral waters of Radium Hot Springs, where hot steam and water bubble up into bathing pools. The Burgess Shale (also shared with Yoho National Park) is one of the most significant fossil sites on earth and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trails lead to Marble Canyon and the Paint Pots, where Native peoples used the natural colors of the dirt and mud pools to paint animals on rocks.
Mount Revelstoke National Park has a mile-high rolling alpine plateau and boasts unmatched mountain views. It also includes a summertime drive into a rare subalpine meadow. Your clients can enjoy hiking, camping, birding, and mountaineering. A must-do is a refreshing walk on a short boardwalk where visitors can relax and take in the atmosphere of the park’s 800-year-old cedar trees.
- The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is characterized by the rugged Pacific coast, long sandy beaches, and lush temperate rainforests. It also contains significant First Nation archaeological sites. Birding is popular because mudflats provide an important winter habitat for migrating waterfowl.
Yoho National Park is a dramatic wilderness with nearly 30 mountain peaks. Yoho is Cree for to be in awe of. Short hiking paths and trails off the Trans-Canada Highway lead to views of the spectacular mountains. Your clients should not miss the natural rock bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River or the Hoodoos, impressive geological towers of rock and mud formations. This national park is a place to soak in a hot tub with a view of Emerald Lake and enjoy the beauty of the western slope of the Rockies
There is even more breathtaking scenery surrounding these parks and throughout western Canada. Many more inspiring ideas await you in our North America Destination Specialist Course, always at your fingertips in your Premium Library
