Beautiful British Columbia

Vancouver

Perhaps ascend to the top of the 168m Vancouver Lookout for stunning city views or walk across the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge – which looks particularly pretty when adorned with fairy lights at Christmas. Set off on a foodie adventure as you take a look around the fresh produce of Granville Island Market, and sample the city’s finest food – try the fabulous dim sum in Chinatown and the excellent array of stylish waterfront restaurants.

Osoyoos

It’s not just the water either – Oosoyos is known to have some of the highest temperatures in Canada so, no matter when you visit, you can expect a mild, dry climate, with limited snowfall in the winter. What are you waiting for? Grab your swimsuit and dive in! When not splashing about in the lake, check out the Osoyoos Museum, filled with Indian artefacts and historical tales, plus possessions from local miners and farmers.

Penticton

When not lazing on the sand and admiring the scenery, be sure to take a look around the SS Sicamous Inland Marine Museum, a dry-docked steam sternwheeler built in 1914. Other fun-filled activities include tasting some of the fantastic local wine and posing for photos with The Peach, a spherical snack stand painted to resemble a giant peach.

Kelowna

In the fine summer weather, swimming, boating and kayaking on the lake is the main attraction, while in winter it’s possible to ski at nearby resorts. Head down to the lakeshore for bars, restaurants, parks and museums, taste the local wines and look out for Ogopogo, the fabled lake-dwelling serpent, Kelowna’s very own Loch Ness Monster.

Clinton

On the 160-acre property, you’ll spend your time riding horses, hiking in Echo Valley, fly fishing for trout and making friends with the resident border collies. Perhaps take a half-day trip to Fraser Canyon for some truly spectacular views as well as a fascinating mining, ranching and aboriginal history. You can also choose to have a go at panning for gold, or try cross-country skiing in the colder months.

Gold Bridge

While staying at the Tyax Wilderness Resort & Spa, you’ll have the choice of canoeing, kayaking, or stand up paddle boarding on Tyaughton Lake or even splashing out on a floatplane tour over South Chilcotin’s icefields. Why not opt to land on the shores of Glacier Lake, a place where few people have ever set foot? Back on terra firma, there are plenty of walking trails to try out, a great way to explore the forests.

Whistler

In summer, hike the mountain trails and gaze over gorgeous scenery, or rent a kayak at one of the many lakes for a relaxing afternoon’s paddling. Perhaps take the gondola up Whistler Mountain for outstanding views of the entire region from above, and keep your eyes peeled for black bears, which sometimes put in an appearance – especially in spring and autumn. In winter, Whistler transformers into a skiing wonderland, with over 200 marked runs, three glaciers and 8,171 acres of snowy terrain. It’s easily one of the best places on the planet to hit the powder.

Victoria

It’s even named after Britain’s longest serving monarch, Queen Victoria, whose statue stands proudly on the front lawns of the sumptuous British Columbia Parliament buildings. Start exploring with a picturesque whale watching cruise in search of orcas among the Gulf Islands, before admiring the glorious floral displays of the world-famous Butchart Gardens.