Kayak with whales
Enter the realm of the whales on these multi-day trips
Spotting the whales that frequent the waters of British Columbia’s wild coast is an unforgettable experience, but Spirit of the West Adventures takes whale watching to the next level, with multi-day kayak trips into the realm of these magnificent creatures. Group tours depart from Quadra Island, which is just a 10-minute ferry ride from Campbell River, Vancouver Island, with various excursions available. It’s not all about the whales, either – paddling alongside the towering coastal cliffs and ridges, camping (or glamping!) in the wild, and tucking in to fresh, local food prepared by guides, all make for a once-in-a-life-time experience.
Soak in hot springs
Soak your body as you take in the views
There are hot springs all over British Columbia, so the question is not so much “where?”, as it is “where first?” For serious fans of a natural soak, the 530-mile Hot Springs Circle Route is a relaxing road trip worth taking, starting in the historic railway town of Cranbrook before winding through the breathtaking Kootenay Rockies with five scenic springs stops along the way.
Horseback ride at Canada’s oldest guest ranch
Discover the prairies of the pioneers
The Flying U Ranch has been at the forefront of western culture since 1849, and as the oldest guest ranch in Canada it’s got some serious historical clout. Book a stay in one of the old west-style cabins on the shores of Green Lake, Cariboo, and settle in for an authentic ranch experience, including unsupervised horseback riding along trails that meander through meadows, forests, and groves of aspen. Enjoy your packed picnic lunch before heading back to the ranch’s Longhorn Saloon – a charming spot, perfect for quenching your thirst after a long day’s ride.
Spend a night in the trees
Relive your childhood treehouse fantasy
If the fact that every North American child in every North American movie has a treehouse bigger than most one-bed rentals in central London has always irked you, then BC has your back – because treehouse rentals are a “thing”. The Free Spirit Spheres in Qualicum Beach, for example, hang suspended in the forest, and comfortably sleep two in full-sized double beds, with kitchenettes and porthole windows looking out into the trees. Take that, Kevin McCallister.
Ride the seawall
An oceanfront adventure awaits
Welcome to the longest uninterrupted waterfront path in the world, where Vancouver’s aptly named seawall encircles the city with 17 miles of glorious pathway bordered entirely by ocean. Rent a bike, or a tandem if you’re feeling adventurous, and take in the sights from the comfort of your saddle, passing the futuristic dome of Science World, through the False Creek Marina, under the soaring feat of construction that is the Lionsgate Suspension Bridge and into Stanley Park, home to more than 400 hectares (1,000 acres) of temperate rainforest (yes, the word park is a bit of an understatement) just waiting to be explored.
Go grizzly spotting
If you go down to the woods today
Observing grizzly bears in the wild can be a little tricky, as it is important not to disturb the creatures in their natural habitat. The good news is that bear-spotting tours allow you to do this in a safe and sustainable way, and several operate from the north end of Vancouver Island. Experienced guides will take you to the best spots to watch the famous grizzlies as you explore the island by covered boat or floatplane. The bears usually start “denning” in preparation for hibernation mid-November, so plan your trip accordingly.
Explore ancient sites
First Nation history, preserved
The handsome old port city of Prince Rupert was once a major point of trade and convergence for the region’s First Nations peoples. Now it serves as the stepping off point for the Haida Gwaii. The remote rainforested islands of Haida Gwaii are a nature-lover’s dream, with wild empty beaches, crashing surf, and wildlife at every turn. At the southern end of the archipelago lies the Gwaii Haanas national park reserve and Haida heritage site, the protected and preserved First Nation ancestral lands of the Haida people, where cedar longhouses, moss-covered canoes, and centuries-old totem poles all remain alongside ancient village sites. The heritage site offers several kinds of tours and talks, allowing travellers to learn more about spirituality and traditions of its First Nations people.
Surf in Ucluelet
Gnarly, bro
On the west coast of Vancouver Island lies the gem of Ucluelet, part of the Pacific Rim national park and home to more than 15 miles of long, sandy shoreline and rolling waves. It makes for some of the most accessible and scenic surf breaks in Canada, which are suitable for all levels of experience, year-round. So what are you waiting for? Book a lesson, wetsuit up from head-to-toe and go catch some waves. You could also head up into the nearby mountains with Long Beach Nature Tours, which runs backcountry hiking tours along the rainforest and coastal trails surrounding Ucluelet. Extend your trip with a visit to the neighbouring district of Tofino – a hub of activity with a slew of shops, restaurants, pubs and yet more beaches.
Climb a mountain
Ain’t no mountain high enough …
With a number of major mountain ranges spanning British Columbia, you won’t exactly be hard-pressed to find hiking options – trails for all levels are as plentiful as they are beautiful. Just make sure you’ve got your camera with you: the views are guaranteed to be breathtaking. Guided hiking tours, such as Cove Adventures Hiking in Vancouver Island North, are also an option for those wanting to make the most of insider knowledge. If you’re visiting Vancouver and short-but-sweaty is your thing, try the Grouse Grind. Nicknamed “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”, it’s a 2,380-step slog to the top of Grouse Mountain, and scaling it is a badge of honour for all visitors to the city.
Wander with wolves
Not to be confused with the Kevin Costner film of a similar title
Walking with wolves is a reality thanks to the Northern Lights Wolf Centre in Golden, British Columbia. Yes – along with educating visitors on wolf conservation, the centre also offers the chance to join the resident wolf pack in their natural habitat on one of their exercise sessions in the park wilderness, just outside the borders of Yoho national park. Follow the furry locals as they lead the group through evergreen forest, past glacial rivers, and under the shadows of rugged mountain peaks. Magical doesn’t even cover it.
Start planning your visit to British Columbia this autumn with Canadian Affair
