See what the experts are saying about British Columbia. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Introduction
British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies, which stretch across the provincial border into Alberta, are extravagantly scenic and quietly sophisticated. The diversity of landscapes is astounding: You'll travel from cactus-studded desert to soa... Continue reading »
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Best dining bets
The Blue Crab Bar and Grill (Victoria; tel. 250/480-1999): You might think that the food would have a hard time competing with the view at this restaurant in the Coast Hotel, but you'd be wrong. The creative chef serves up the freshest seafoo... Continue reading »
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The best active vacations
Hiking the West Coast Trail: Hiking the entire length of the rugged 69km (43-mile) West Coast Trail, from Port Renfrew to Bamfield on Vancouver Island, takes 5 to 7 days, but it's truly the hike of a lifetime. This wilderness coastline, edged... Continue reading »
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The best animal viewing
Tide Pools at Botanical Beach near Port Renfrew: Waves have eroded potholes in the thrust of sandstone that juts into the Pacific at Botanical Beach, which remain water-filled when the waves ebb. Alive with starfish, sea anemones, hermit crab... Continue reading »
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The best ecolodges & wilderness resorts
Tigh-Na-Mara Resort Hotel (Parksville; tel. 800/663-7373): Comfortably rustic log cabins in a forest at beach's edge: Tigh-Na-Mara has been welcoming families for decades, and the new luxury log suites are just right for romantic getaways.... Continue reading »
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The best family vacations
The Beaches near Parksville and Qualicum Beach: The sandy beaches near these towns warm in the summer sun, then heat the waters of Georgia Strait when the tides return. Some of the warmest ocean waters in the Pacific Northwest are here, makin... Continue reading »
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The best festivals and celebrations
Vancouver's Three F Festivals: The Folk, the Fringe, and the Film are the three F's in question. The Folk Fest brings folk and world-beat music to a waterfront stage in Jericho Park. The setting is gorgeous, the music great, and the crowd som... Continue reading »
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The best inns and bed & breakfasts
West End Guest House (Vancouver; tel. 604/681-2889): This 1906 heritage home is filled with an impressive collection of Victorian antiques. Fresh-baked brownies accompany evening turndown service, and the staff are thoroughly professional.... Continue reading »
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The best luxury hotels
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (Vancouver; tel. 800/441-1414): Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway on the site of two previous Hotel Vancouvers, this landmark opened in 1929. The chateau-style exterior, the lobby, and even the guest rooms --... Continue reading »
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The best places to experience culture & history
Quw'utsun' Cultural Centre (Duncan; tel. 877/746-8119): North of Victoria, this facility contains a theater, carving shed, ceremonial clan house, restaurant, and art gallery, all dedicated to preserving traditional Cowichan history and cultur... Continue reading »
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The best scenic drives
The Sea-to-Sky Highway: Officially Highway 99, this drive is a lesson in geology. Starting in West Vancouver, the amazing route begins at sea level at Howe Sound and the Squamish Cliffs -- sheer rock faces rising hundreds of feet -- then up a... Continue reading »
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The best travel experiences
Wandering Vancouver's West End: Vancouver is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, and wandering the streets, people-watching, and sipping cappuccinos at street cafes can fill an entire weekend. Stroll up Robson Street with its bu... Continue reading »
