BC Things To Do

1 In Vancouver, BC's largest city, you can begin your trip in the heart of the downtown shopping district. At the Vancouver Art Gallery, the city's former courthouse, marvel at the building's exterior built in the early-20th century by world-renowned architect Francis Rattenbury. Inside are the most significant holdings of works by BC-born artist Emily Carr, featuring landscapes, rain forests of /en-CA/RegionsCities/VancouverIsland.htm and the totemic sculptures of the Aboriginal peoples. The gallery also hosts international exhibits ranging in scope and origin.

Further along Granville Street is the art lover's haven of South Granville Rise, with approximately 25 small galleries showcasing art, photography, Aboriginal work and fine antiques. It's not surprising that the area residents call the strip from the Granville Street Bridge to 16th Avenue, "Gallery Row."

Head south on Hwy 99 & 17 to Tsawwassen and board a BC Ferry to the capital city of Victoria. You can take a detour and visit one of the southern Gulf Islands where many artists commonly sell their work. The biggest concentration of galleries and studios is on Salt Spring Island in the village of Ganges, but the other islands of Galiano, Mayne, Saturna and Pender each have an artist community.

2 Drop by Sidney and find Canada's only "BookTown" where, within a four-block radius, book lovers have ten stores to shop for modern, used, collector's and antiquarian books. Plan to visit the world famous Butchart Gardens, located in Brentwood Bay. A must see, for art of a natural kind, as are the Butterfly World & Gardens nearby.

In Victoria, check out the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria which houses BC's largest public art collection, including works by Emily Carr. Its permanent collection totals 15,000 and features artists from Asia, Europe and North America, but its primary focus is on Canadian and Japanese art. Other galleries include the Winchester Gallery, the Fran Willis Gallery and the Starfish Glassworks. Peruse BC's natural history dating back 10,000 years at the Royal British Columbia Museum.

3 From Victoria, take Hwy 1 north. As you head over the summit of the Malahat Drive pull into the viewpoint for panoramic ocean views over Saanich Inlet and the Saanich Peninsula to distant Mount Baker along this scenic stretch of Hwy 1. Stop in Duncan – the "City of Totems" – in the Cowichan Valley to visit carvers at work at the Quw'utsun' Cultural & Conference Centre. A tour of local wineries, and BC's first cidery is a must.

Continue north to Chemainus, originally a logging town, to see the world's largest outdoor gallery of murals and sculptures. Through the hands of artists, "the little town that did" transformed its economy and now offers visitors an array of boutiques filled with west coast-inspired art from local artists and artisans. Further north the pretty little town of Ladysmith, overlooking Georgia Strait, has heritage walks and the Black Nugget Museum for more insight into the town's coal mining and logging past. There are various antique and curio shops to stop in.

4 In Nanaimo, take a heritage tour, stroll along the waterfront or take a little ferry to Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park for a picnic on one of the many beaches. Head north to Qualicum Beach. Garden lovers should stop in at the Milner Gardens and Woodland, while those more interested in antiques and artisan studios will enjoy a visit to Coombs Market. Continue north to the Comox Valley. Plan to visit the Comox Air Force Museum, located by the main entrance to CFB Comox (Canadian Forces Base), for a fascinating history of West Coast military aviation. A side trip to historic Cumberland is also worth the trip.

5 The Sunshine Coast is the next stop on your journey as you board a BC Ferry in Comox to Powell River. Nestled between ocean and forest and rich in lakes and rivers, this hub of the Sunshine Coast successfully combines the great outdoors with cultural appeal.

Drive north to explore the eclectic community of Lund, located at the end of Hwy 101, and visit the Historic Lund Hotel, complete with art gallery and general store. Watch for whales, sea lions, porpoises, seals and coastal marine birds on a scenic cruise into Desolation Sound. You can board this cruise out of Lund, Powell River or Okeover Inlet to view what is considered to be some of the world's best cruising waters. There is also a 12-minute water taxi ride from Lund to Savary Island where you'll think you're in Hawaii. White sand almost completely surrounds the island and it has warm swimming waters.

6 South of Powell River at Saltery Bay, board another BC Ferry to Earls Cove to see Harmony Falls in Hotham Sound – it drops 420 metres (1,400 feet) into the Sound. At Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park hike the easy 4 km (2.5 mi) trail to a viewpoint of Sechelt and Jervis inlets. These turbulent waters form spectacular whirlpools and whitewater during peak tide change. Cast a line in Pender Harbour to fish for salmon and rent a kayak to paddle the peaceful curve of Halfmoon Bay's coastline.

Further south on the Sunshine Coast watch for purple banners. The 'Purple Banner Route' stretches from Gibsons to Powell River. Home to one of the highest per capita ratios of artists, crafters and talented artisans anywhere in Canada, purple banners signal that an artist is opening his/her studio to the viewing public to browse or purchase.

7 Sechelt boasts a multitude of eclectic studios, galleries and shops. Check out the year-round schedule of exhibitions displaying local and off-Coast art works at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre in Sechelt. Adventurers may want to rent a kayak or take a guided paddling tour of Sechelt Inlet . Visit Gibsons' numerous galleries and spend time on the waterfront at Gibsons. Complete your holiday with a visit to the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives in Gibsons before boarding a BC Ferry back to Horseshoe Bay and Vancouver.

Please note: This route itinerary is only a suggestion. You can begin your journey from any point along the route.