Things to Do and Camping in British Columbia
Visit British Columbia to experience exciting adventures, fascinating cultures, interesting hikes and gorgeous scenery. British Columbia is home to lush forests, cascading waterfalls, emerald green lakes and clear blue rivers. Whether you hike, kayak, canoe or explore Vancouver city, you are sure to have a memorable time in British Columbia.
Interesting Facts About British Columbia
- Half of British Columbia’s population lives in Vancouver.
- Forestland covers two-thirds of British Columbia’s land.
- Approximately 2% of British Columbia’s land has been permanently developed, and the rest remains as original land.
- Canada’s highest waterfall, Della Falls, is located on Vancouver Island.
- British Columbia became part of Canada in 1871.
- British Columbia’s capital, Victoria, was named after Queen Victoria.
- Canada’s oldest Chinatown is in British Columbia.
- Alert Bay, British Columbia, is home to the world’s tallest totem pole.
- Canada’s longest-running movie theater is in British Columbia and it has been open since 1913.
- British Columbia is one of the world’s largest highbush blueberry cultivators.
Best Things to Do in British Columbia
British Columbia is home to exhilarating adventures, peaceful gardens, exciting hiking trails and fascinating learning opportunities. British Columbia is an excellent place to explore whether you want to wander through nature or learn about local culture. Make the most of your time in British Columbia with the following activities:
Explore Kootenay National Park
Explore Kootenay National Park for a truly unique experience. Take a scenic drive through the park and look for surprises and spectacular views along the way. Relax and unwind in a hot spring or trek along cold mountain rivers. See cascading waterfalls or venture through deep canyons. Admire the beautiful blue waters of the park’s rivers and the unique green color of Olive Lake. Kootenay National Park is full of spectacular views and adventures.
Visit Wells Gray Provincial Park
Enjoy various outdoor adventures at Wells Gray Provincial Park. Embark on an exhilarating guided whitewater rafting trip or ride a canoe in a relaxing lake. Hike a mild level trail or try a challenging multiday hike on a backcountry trail. Soar through the air and see incredible views from above on a paragliding adventure or stay on the ground and explore via horseback. Wells Gray Provincial Park also offers the following activities:
- Scenic flights
- Water taxis and boat tours
- Mountain biking
- Wildlife viewing
- Guided hikes
- Fishing and ice fishing
- Disc golf
- Skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Swimming
- Snowshoeing
- Whitewater kayaking
Trek Across the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to walk across a 450-foot long suspension bridge originally built in 1889. The bridge has been updated with strong cables and hangs 230 feet above the Capilano River. Walk among the trees and enjoy incredible views as you hike across this unique bridge.
Find Adventure in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Catch some waves, hike a trail or learn about local culture at the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Show off your surfing skills or take a surfing lesson in the park’s Long Beach Unit. Hike the West Coast Trail for a challenging multiday backpacking adventure or explore part of the trail if you are a less-experienced hiker. This trail requires hikers to trek along Vancouver Island’s shoreline, climb ladders, cross bridges, wade through rushing rivers and use cable cars to complete the entire trail.
Learn about Nuu-chah-nulth culture and history on the Nu-chah-nulth Trail or at the Kwisitis Visitor Center. Take a self-guided hike to see hand-carved totem poles or listen to a guest speaker during special events. Enjoy learning about the traditional inhabitants of the Long Beach Unit’s rain forests and sandy beaches.
Find Your Way Through an Elizabethan Hedge Maze
Lose yourself in VanDusen Garden’s Elizabethan Hedge Maze. Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden features 55 acres of various plant species from around the world. With over 7,500 plant species and plenty of local wildlife, the garden is an excellent place to take photos or simply enjoy a peaceful and relaxing stroll.
Enjoy a fun challenge as you lose yourself in the garden’s Elizabethan hedge maze and have fun finding your way out, or view the maze from an observation terrace if you are feeling less adventurous. The botanical garden also features a stone garden, Korean pavilion, stone sculptures and a Scottish shelter.
Hike the Othello Tunnels
Hike a unique trail through the Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park. In the early 1900s, the Canadian Pacific Railway built a railway over three mountain ranges to connect the British Columbia Coast with the Kootenay Region, resulting in a straight line of tunnels and bridges. The former railway is now open during the spring, summer and fall months for hikers to enjoy.
Explore the Othello tunnels for a unique hiking experience unlike any other. Walk through tunnels built in 1914 and enjoy fantastic views along the way. The trail connects to other nearby trails and offers nearby fishing and picnicking opportunities.
Experience Another Culture at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a unique museum featuring a Ming Dynasty-style garden home, art exhibits, educational programs and special events. Located within Vancouver’s Chinatown neighborhood, it is near the Chinese Cultural Center, several independent shops and a public park.
Learn about the community’s culture and history as you view current exhibitions and admire the artwork of local senior and emerging artists. Enjoy beautiful architecture as you stroll through pavilions and covered walkways. Learn about Chinese culture and history on a guided tour or through other educational opportunities within the garden.
Where to Camp in British Columbia
Camping in British Columbia is the best way to enjoy its lush forests and natural landscapes. If you are looking for the best places to camp in lower mainland British Columbia or wondering where to camp in Vancouver, consider staying at a nearby Kampgrounds of America location. The following KOA Campgrounds are some of the best places to camp in British Columbia:
Clearwater / Wells Gray KOA Journey
Clearwater / Wells Gray KOA Journey is just a six-minute drive away from the Wells Gray Provincial Park. Enjoy the park’s hikes and adventures, and then end your evening around a cozy campfire at your campsite. Clearwater/Wells Gray KOA Journey offers various camping and lodging options such as Camping Cabins, Pull-Thru RV Sites and Tent Sites. The campground also offers the following amenities and activities:
- Seasonal pool
- Firewood
- Pavilion
- Snack bar
- Mini golf
- Wi-Fi
- 50 Max Amp
- Sand volleyball court
- Laundry facilities
- Clean bathrooms and showers
Cranbrook / St. Eugene KOA Journey
Cranbrook / St. Eugene KOA Journey offers fantastic views of the nearby Kootenay Rockies. Stay in a full-hookup Pull-Thru RV Site, a full hookup Back-In RV Site or a cozy Camping Cabin. KOA staff will help you plan nearby excursions such as horseback riding or whitewater rafting, so you can experience the best adventures in British Columbia. Enjoy all that British Columbia has to offer and spend the rest of your stay enjoying the following campground activities and amenities:
- Tour shuttle
- Cable TV
- Snack Bar
- Pavilion
- Pool
- Firewood
- KampK9®
- Wi-Fi
- Hot tub and sauna
- 50 Max Amp
- Gas station and store
- Hospitality area
- Restaurants
- Limo golf cart service
- Laundry facilities
- Clean bathrooms and showers
Schedule Your British Columbia Vacation With KOA Today
Explore British Columbia on exhilarating adventures, unique hiking trails and in relaxing hot springs. Whether you are trekking through tunnels or across a suspended bridge, you are sure to experience breathtaking views and have an experience you will never forget.
If you are wondering where to go camping in British Columbia, book a stay at KOA to experience British Columbia’s exciting attractions and enjoy convenient amenities such as comfortable camping and lodging, clean bathrooms, on-site laundry facilities and fun activities.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
