British Columbia Vacations

With its eclectic atmosphere and lush surroundings, Canada's western-most province, British Columbia, has something to offer every visitor. Thrills are as bountiful as are the changes in the landscape, making this Pacific Coast destination a great place for city slickers, historians, nature lovers, and connoisseurs of fine wine alike. British Columbia tours present the best of these contrasts and allow travelers to experience each region's nuances. A voyage that showcases British Columbia cities may feature Vancouver, with its vibrant culinary scene and wide range of museums and cultural delights. A visit to Granville Island Public Market is not an experience that is quickly forgotten.

Further, a Vancouver vacation may include time on Victoria Island, home to Butchart Gardens and Craigdarroch Castle. Venturing north from the Vancouver region takes visitors into the vibrant coastal rainforests and to the resort town of Whistler in the Coast Mountains. British Columbia tour packages that reach even further up the coast may highlight Prince Rupert's wildlife preserves and stunning beaches or travel inland a bit to showcase Prince George. Traveling south from Vancouver opens an entirely different type of scenery in the fruitful Okanagan Valley. One of Canada's premier wine regions, the valley is ideal for group tours and independent adventures to vineyards, wineries, and orchards.

British Columbia also serves as a gateway to the grand scenery of the Canadian Rockies. This mighty mountain range skirts the border between British Columbia and Alberta and is a favorite of travelers seeking dramatic scenery. Two fantastic rail lines offer easy access to these stunning mountains and the national parklands surrounding them: VIA Rail's Canadian and the Rocky Mountaineer. Both trains begin their journeys in Vancouver and then proceed inland toward Kamloops before continuing to either Jasper or Banff, depending on the itinerary. Whether discovering the province aboard one of these trains on a collection of small group guided tours or embarking on an independent rail vacation, visitors are sure to feel inspired by the breathtaking scenes of British Columbia.