268 Best Sights in British Columbia, Canada

Nestled into the precipitous North Shore Mountains, this 5,668-hectare (14,000-acre) reserve includes 100 km (62 miles) of hiking and biking trails—some that are steep and challenging. The meandering Seymour Valley Trailway is a 10-km (6-mile) paved pathway, suitable for cyclists, in-line skaters, strollers, and wheelchairs. Popular hikes include the easy 2-km (1-mile) loop around Rice Lake and the steep climb to Lynn Peak.

A definite highlight of Kootenay National Park, Marble Canyon trail starts immediately from the parking lot at the side of Highway 93. The short hike (1.4 km [0.9 mile] with minimal elevation) takes you across seven bridges that crisscross the deeply carved limestone gorge, as the torrential glacial blue waters rush downward far below. At the top of the trail, you can see a small waterfall on the river, right where it drops into the canyon. New interpretive panels detail the formation of this impressive gorge.

Inspired by New York's Chrysler Building, the Marine Building is worth stopping for a look. The terra-cotta bas-reliefs on this 21-story, 1930s art deco structure depict the history of transportation—airships, steamships, locomotives, and submarines—as well as Mayan and Egyptian motifs and images of marine life. Step inside for a look at the beautifully restored interior, then walk to the corner of Hastings and Hornby Streets for the best view of the building.

Cider is made in the traditional English way at this apple orchard, cidery and distillery; in addition to several varieties of cider and fortified wines, they also make spirits, like brandy, vodka, gin, and an apple eau de vie. Visitors can take a cidery and tasting tour at noon on Saturdays or a spirits and brandy tour on Sundays. Lunches of local fare served on the orchard-view patio. There's also a shop selling ciders, juices, baked goods, and jams, and you can even spend the night in a glamorous yurt on the property.

This four-pillar, three-story-high, brightly painted arch spanning Pender Street was erected in 2002 to mark the millennium and commemorate the Chinese community's role in Vancouver's history. The gate incorporates both Eastern and Western symbols, and both traditional and modern Chinese themes. Just east of the Millennium Gate, a right turn will take you into Shanghai Alley. Also known as "Chinatown Heritage Alley," this was the site of the first Chinese settlement in the Vancouver area. By 1890, Shanghai Alley and neighboring Canton Alley were home to about 1,000 Chinese residents. At the end of the alley is a replica of the West Han Dynasty Bell, a gift to Vancouver from the city of Guangzhou, China. Surrounding the bell is a series of panels relaying some of the area's early history.

Located right next to Lonsdale Quay and the SeaBus Terminal, this new museum explores North Vancouver's rich history–through the lens of artifacts, documents, and photographs. A definite highlight is the restored British Columbia electric streetcar located in the museum's gift shop. There are also plenty of interactive exhibits for kids.

This family-owned, award-winning winery is a bit different than most in the Okanagan. The winery grows grapes not typically seen here, like Tannat, Touriga Nacional, and Carménère. They also have more traditional varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition to the wine, you should come here for the panoramic views and three charming tasting rooms.

A footpath and a road lead to the 213-meter (758-foot) summit of Mt. Douglas, offering a 360-degree view of Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula. On a clear day, you can even see the Gulf and San Juan islands and the Olympic Mountains of Washington. The park, known locally as Mt. Doug, is also home to a long sandy beach, evergreen forests, hiking trails, and wildflower meadows. 

Just 30 minutes from Downtown Vancouver, this 3,508-hectare (8,668-acre) wilderness park has hiking trails of varying length and difficulty and spectacular views of the Lower Mainland. Warm clothing—and caution—are advised. Popular routes include a scenic 1½-hour trip to Dog Mountain or a more intense four-hour climb to the three peaks of Seymour. You can also hike down to Deep Cove on Indian Arm. In winter, the trails are used for snowshoeing, and you can try tubing and tobogganing, too.

A major attraction in the region, this longhouse-style edifice overlooking the waterfront contains one of the country's finest collections of coastal First Nations artworks, with superb artifacts portraying 10,000 years of Northwest Coast history. You may also have a chance to see artisans working in a nearby carving shed. Along with the permanent exhibit, there is a roster of temporary exhibitions on history and art. You can also purchase unusual local crafts at the museum gift shop.

Vancouver's short-but-funky history comes to life at this seaside civic history museum. The 1930s-1940s Gallery remembers the Japanese internment during WWII, as well as local stories of the war effort. The 1950s Gallery has a 1955 Ford Fairlane Victoria and a Seeburg Select-o-Matic jukebox. The 1960s-1970s Gallery revisits the city's days as the hippie capital of Canada. Visitors can hear local bands from the '60s and poke around a re-created communal house. The museum regularly mounts intriguing temporary exhibits and hosts lectures and other public events.

Trails wind through displays of indigenous plant life, and the occasional whimsical garden sculpture may catch your eye at Naa'Waya'Sum Gardens (formerly Tofino Botanical Gardens). The 12-acre waterfront site, about 2 km (1 mile) south of Tofino on the Pacific Rim Highway, is also home to a café and an affordable ecolodge. The admission fee is good for three days.

Spanning the Kicking Horse River, this natural rock formation was created when the hard limestone eroded more quickly than the softer rock causing cracks to widen until the flow of water changed and formed a bridge. A short pathway displays interpretive signage explaining the erosion process as you walk to several lookouts that provide views of the geological formation from different vantage points.

This cannon-like apparatus by the water was installed in 1890 to alert fishermen to a curfew ending weekend fishing. Now it signals 9 pm every night. 

Opened in 1960 in memory of Japanese scholar and diplomat Dr. Inazo Nitobe (1862–1933), this 2½-acre walled garden, which includes a pond, a stream with a small waterfall, and a ceremonial teahouse, is considered one of the most authentic Japanese tea and strolling gardens outside Japan. Designed by Professor Kannosuke Mori of Japan's Chiba University, the garden incorporates many native British Columbia trees and shrubs, pruned and trained Japanese-style, and interplanted with Japanese maples and flowering shrubs. The circular path around the park symbolizes the cycle of life and provides a tranquil view from every direction. Cherry blossoms are the highlight in April and May, and in June the irises are magnificent. Because the garden is so exotic, it's worth renting an audio guide. Or take a free drop-in tour Thursday at 11 am between May and September. Japanese tea ceremonies, offered  through the Urasenke Foundation, are held the last Saturday of every month, May through September. For reservations, email  [email protected] (C$10). If you're planning to visit several attractions at UBC, a UBC Attractions Pass will save you money.

In the late-19th century, hundreds of cannery villages, built on pilings on the edge of the wilderness, lined the coast between California and Alaska. Most are gone now, but BC's oldest (it dates to 1889) and most complete surviving example is 22 km (14 miles) south of Prince Rupert, via Highway 16 and Port Edward, at the mouth of the Skeena River. Once home to more than 700 people during canning season, the town of 28 buildings, including managers' houses, the company store, and cannery works, is now a national historic site. Staff members lead tours, give demonstrations of the canning process, and represent the unique culture of cannery villages. The site also has a seafood restaurant and overnight accommodations in its European Bunkhouse.

This picnic site is located right next to rushing waterfalls; a very short walk brings you to the bridge that crosses in front of them. There are toilets and an abundance of picnic tables.

All of the spirits at this award-winning craft distillery—vodka, whisky, gin, absinthe, etc.—are 100% made from BC fruits and grains. Stop by for a tour, tasting (C$10), or to shop the storefront. Be sure to check out their Evolve gin line, which changes color when citrus or tonic are mixed in with the spirit.

For beautiful views of the Columbia Valley Wetlands, a protected ecosystem with more than 216 animal species, this 9-km (5½-mile), mostly flat trail is the answer for both biking and hiking.