Find Yourself in British Columbia

Spirit bears are very rare white or cream-coated black bears. Their entire coat is white, from the roots to the tips of their hair. The best place to stay and go in search of these bears is Spirit Bear Lodge. From Vancouver, you’ll take a short flight to Bella Bella before enjoying a scenic journey to the resort on the Spirit Bear Lodge boat.

On each day of your stay here, you’ll head out on a full-day, wildlife adventure. The activities on offer here include bear-viewing, whale-watching, kayaking, hiking, canoeing, or even a cultural site visit. And, to top it off, the wild scenery includes estuaries, stunning inlets and spectacular waterfalls. After your day out exploring, why not relax with a glass of wine or craft beer on the ocean view deck? Gaze out towards the Great Bear Sea and keep your eyes peeled for passing humpback whales, sea lions, otters and eagles.

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Route 16, is the main route to take if you're planning to explore Northern British Columbia. It winds through towering forests, majestic peaks, rushing rivers, and endless pristine lakes. Jump on a ferry from Port Hardy, Vancouver Island, to Prince George where your adventure begins. In Prince George, enjoy canoeing, kayaking, horseback-riding or hiking whilst taking in the stunning views. Before you head to the Lake District, be sure to visit Mount Robson - the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. In the Lake District, there are over 300 lakes and 5,000 kilometres of shoreline. The best way to see this whole area is from the air, so our top tip here is to book a flightseeing tour so you get the best views.

Next stop on Route 16 is the mountain town of Smithers, spend some time here in one of the luxury lodges, or hire bikes and paddleboards, setting off to discover the rivers and mountains. For the adrenaline junkies amongst you, you can enjoy the Skeena River by jet boat, or go rock-climbing in the Coast Mountains. The final stretch of Route 16 is often cited as one of the most beautiful drives in British Columbia, following the Skeena River to the Pacific Ocean and into Prince Rupert, where even more outdoor adventures await.

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Granville Island is a must. And, the best way to experience it is on a walking tour with Vancouver Foodie Tours. Lying southwest of Downtown, this peninsula is crammed with places to eat. In the market itself, you can pick up fresh breads, cheeses and meats, then have a picnic by the water. Alternatively, tuck into fresh fish at one of the seafood restaurants. Then, wash it all down with a local beer at one of Granville Island’s craft breweries. As part of the tour, you’ll skip the queues and indulge in over 20 signature Canadian tastings!

Downtown Vancouver is a hub of fantastic restaurants and bars. The city’s oldest neighbourhood, Gastown, is home to wine bars and beer halls. Yaletown is all about swanky cocktail bars. And then, there’s Granville Street. Effectively ‘the strip’ of Vancouver, this neon-lit area is where you’ll find energetic clubs, pubs and live music venues.

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