Outdoor Activities

Galloping Goose Trail on Vancouver Island, Tourism BC/Tom Ryan photo

British Columbia is a land of active vacations. The choices are endless: wilderness or car-accessible camping in spectacular natural settings; single or multi-day hiking treks through backcountry; cycling along city paths or mountain biking down steep vertical terrain; golfing set against dramatic, panoramic vistas; rounding up cattle or relaxing at guest ranches; exploring BC's Aboriginal history or discovering its heritage sites.

While Vancouver, Whistler, and Victoria are major hubs of activity in BC, outdoor adventure opportunities span the province. In addition to IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association) “Epic Rides” found at Whistler and Vancouver’s North Shore, mountain biking enthusiasts can challenge Rossland’s Seven Summits Trail. Rock climbing locales are equally as varied: A half-hour drive from Vancouver, the Stawamus Chief is the second largest granite monolith in the world. Meanwhile, the Skaha Bluffs of Penticton, in the Thompson Okanagan region, offer climbers more than 650 routes.

Looking for some energizing travel itineraries? Check out the list of outdoor adventure trip ideas for some of BC's regions and cities.