British Columbia

British Columbia

British Columbia does scale brilliantly — from the glassy Pacific to glacier-fed lakes and mountains that seem to go on forever. You can sail between forested islands, ski in Whistler, or take the Sea-to-Sky Highway for one of Canada’s most scenic drives. Vancouver, the province’s largest city, is a natural launchpad: hike in the morning, eat sushi by the harbour for lunch, and be in wine country by evening. Over on Vancouver Island, wildlife takes the spotlight — black bears, orcas and bald eagles are regular sights, especially on boat tours or coastal walks.

This is a land shaped by both nature and people. Indigenous Nations have lived here for thousands of years, and you’ll see their influence in totem poles, longhouses, and art galleries that centre Indigenous voices — particularly in places like Haida Gwaii and the Sunshine Coast. European settlers followed in the 18th and 19th centuries, drawn by the fur trade, the gold rush and the promise of land. Victoria, the provincial capital, still has a distinct colonial flavour, with its historic buildings and afternoon teas.

Film crews love British Columbia for its range — from city skylines to remote wilderness. It’s doubled for everything from the Alaskan tundra to futuristic cities in blockbusters and streaming series. But beyond the screen, BC offers a rare balance: dramatic scenery, vibrant urban life and a rich, complex history. Whether you’re travelling for nature, culture or a bit of both, it’s easy to stretch out and settle in.

Highlights of British Columbia

Suggested Itineraries

Vancouver Island

Bears and Whales of Vancouver Island

16 day holiday

Vancouver, Campbell River, Berry Island, Victoria, 

This Canadian adventure begins with time in vibrant Vancouver, where travellers can settle in and explore the city’s scenic waterfront, diverse food scene, and landmarks like Stanley Park and Granville Island. From there, a scenic drive up the Sea to Sky Highway leads to the alpine resort of Whistler, where visitors can enjoy the Peak 2 Peak gondola and a private bear-watching trip in the surrounding mountains. The journey continues by ferry to Vancouver Island and onwards to the wild Pacific coast town of Tofino for black bear spotting and coastal exploration. From Tofino, the route leads north to Campbell River, a gateway to fjords and a full-day bear and wildlife expedition in Bute Inlet.

The trip then heads off-grid to the remote Berry Island, home to Farewell Harbour Lodge in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. Here, guests can enjoy guided wildlife tours, whale watching, and cultural experiences with local First Nations communities. After returning to Campbell River, the itinerary winds south to Victoria, the elegant capital of British Columbia. Highlights here include a guided whale-watching trip, visits to Butchart Gardens and historical landmarks, and time to relax by the Inner Harbour. The journey wraps up with a ferry crossing back to the mainland, returning to Vancouver Airport for the flight home.

Harrison Hot Spring

Into The Wilds of British Columbia (Self Drive)

20 day holiday

Vancouver, Harrison Hot Springs, Williams Lake, Prince George, Smithers, Prince Rupert, Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Campbell River, Madeira Park

 

This itinerary offers a richly varied journey across British Columbia, beginning with a vibrant introduction to Vancouver’s food scene and natural highlights, followed by a relaxed self-drive adventure through scenic rural landscapes. From soaking in thermal springs at Harrison Hot Springs to fishing on the Fraser River and exploring the historic charm of Williams Lake and Prince George, the route offers a blend of relaxation, nature, and cultural insight. Travelling north through Smithers to Prince Rupert, you’ll experience dramatic mountainous landscapes and visit First Nations heritage sites, with a highlight being a wildlife excursion into the Khutzeymateen, home to grizzly bears, orcas, and eagles.

The second half of the journey takes you along the Inside Passage to Vancouver Island for a coastal kayaking experience, including potential orca sightings and grizzly bear viewing along Knight Inlet. After several days immersed in the remote wilderness, the route winds south to Campbell River and across to the tranquil Sunshine Coast, offering a more laid-back pace with spa visits, sea kayaking, and gentle hikes. The itinerary ends with leisure time in Madeira Park, allowing you to enjoy the serene coastal surroundings before heading home via Vancouver.

Whistler

Canada’s Western Wilderness & Wildlife (Self Drive)

18 day holiday

Calgary, Bow Lake, Golden, Sun Peaks, Whistler, Egmont, Campbell River

This 18-day itinerary begins with international flights to Vancouver, where you’ll spend two days exploring the vibrant city with a guided bicycle tour and time in areas like Stanley Park and Granville Island. From here, you’ll pick up a hire car and journey across to Vancouver Island and the lesser-visited Sunshine Coast. You’ll have a chance to spot whales and grizzly bears around Campbell River, and unwind at a wilderness lodge in Egmont with options for kayaking, hiking, and wildlife spotting in stunning coastal surroundings. The trip then takes you via ferry and the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler for mountain exploration, bear viewing, and gondola rides.

From Whistler, the journey heads inland through British Columbia’s wild interior with stops at Sun Peaks and Golden, offering guided hikes, nature tours, and optional white-water rafting. You’ll then cross into Alberta, travelling the spectacular Icefields Parkway with a two-night stay at tranquil Bow Lake. Highlights include a helicopter adventure to remote glaciers and a hike to Twin Falls. Your final day offers time to explore Banff before heading to Calgary for your return flight. Throughout, you’ll stay in a mix of boutique hotels, mountain lodges and wilderness retreats, with ample time to enjoy Canada’s dramatic landscapes and rich wildlife. Would you like help adapting this for a brochure or presentation?

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Western Canada Family (Self Drive)

17 day holiday

Vancouver, Whistler, Sun Peaks, Well Gray Provincial Park, Jasper, Kootenay National Park, Banff

This detailed Canadian itinerary begins in Vancouver, where you’ll settle into a self-contained condo and explore the city with guided cycling and scenic walks through Stanley Park, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and Granville Island. After three days, you head to Whistler for zip-lining and mountain gondola rides, before continuing through the quieter resort town of Sun Peaks into the waterfall-laden wilderness of Wells Gray Provincial Park. Here, you’ll enjoy rustic cabin life, white-water rafting and survival skills workshops. The journey continues to Jasper, where you’re immersed in the Rockies with a mix of relaxed days, wildlife tours with Métis guides, and a sidecar motorcycle ride.

From Jasper, drive the Icefields Parkway past glaciers to Kootenay National Park, staying in remote cabins with hands-on workshops led by First Nations elders. Activities include wildcrafting, hiking and organic art. The adventure concludes in Banff, where you’ll explore the iconic turquoise lakes of Louise and Moraine, ride the Banff Gondola, and perhaps saddle up for a trail ride along the Bow River. After some final mountain views and optional lake cruising near Banff, the trip ends with a drive to Calgary Airport for your return flight.

Canmore

Hidden Gems of Canada’s Rockies (Self Drive)

15 day holiday

Canmore, Kootenay National Park, Revelstoke, Ymir, Fernie, Waterton Lakes National Park, Calgary

Your journey begins with an overnight flight from the UK to Kuching, the capital of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo. After settling in at your hotel, the first full day includes a cruise on the Santubong River, where you’ll look out for the rare Irrawaddy dolphin. In the afternoon, visit the Semenggoh Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to see semi-wild orangutans up close and learn about the surrounding rainforest ecosystem.

From Kuching, you’ll fly across to Sandakan in Sabah. Here, you’ll visit some of the region’s leading conservation centres, including Sepilok for orangutan rehabilitation, the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Then travel to Sukau for a stay at a riverside lodge, where daily cruises offer excellent opportunities to spot wildlife along the Kinabatangan River — from proboscis monkeys and hornbills to crocodiles and pygmy elephants. Short jungle walks offer another way to experience the rainforest up close.

The final days are spent relaxing in luxury at a beach resort near Kota Kinabalu. With time at leisure, you can simply unwind by the sea or opt for a visit to Kinabalu National Park, home to Malaysia’s highest peak and remarkable biodiversity. After three nights on the coast, your adventure ends with a flight back to the UK, arriving the following morning.

Banff, Canada

Best of Western Canada Tour

13 day holiday

Vancouver, The Canadian Train, Jasper, Field, Banff

This itinerary offers a blend of vibrant city life, iconic rail travel, and spectacular natural landscapes. The journey begins in Vancouver, where there’s time to explore the city’s cultural highlights, cycle around Stanley Park and embark on a whale-watching excursion. After three nights in the city, you board the legendary Canadian train for an overnight rail journey through British Columbia’s dramatic terrain. On arrival in Jasper, you collect a hire car and begin your self-drive adventure. Over three days, you’ll explore Jasper National Park, with highlights including alpine hikes, a boat trip to Spirit Island, and wildlife spotting with a local Métis guide.

From Jasper, the route follows the breathtaking Icefields Parkway to Field, with a stop at the Athabasca Glacier for a guided ice walk. You then spend time discovering the emerald lakes and waterfalls of Yoho and Banff National Parks, with suggestions for scenic gondola rides, kayaking, and gentle forest walks. Overnight stays in boutique lodges enhance the mountain experience, and there’s ample time for leisure and outdoor activities throughout. The trip concludes with a final morning in Banff before returning to Calgary for the flight home.

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