British Columbia Bucket List

Top 10 Places to Go in British Columbia

1) Canadian Rockies

If you like your mountains jagged, your lakes turquoise, and your forests lush, then head to the Canadian Rockies, a top spot for national parks, hiking and biking trails, glaciers, and wildlife.

2) Canada's Galapagos

Nicknamed the “Galapagos of the North,” the rainforest islands of Haida Gwaii are mythical landscapes lost in time. See abundant wildlife, ancient remains of coastal villages, totem poles, and bald eagles galore.

3) Vancouver

Canadians are humble, but Vancouver really does have it all. Surrounded by the Coast Mountains and with a Pacific backdrop, the city is best explored by walking or biking. Stroll or ride along nearly 20 miles of waterfront paths, including the seawall around Stanley Park.

4) The Great Bear Rainforest

This is the only place on earth to see the Kermode, or spirit bear, a black bear with all-white fur! Find out how and where to see this bear in the Great Bear Rainforest, the largest coastal temperate rainforest in the world.

5) Whistler

North America’s largest ski resort is also a summer adventurer’s dream. The gondola gives you access to miles of high alpine trails to hidden lakes and panoramic views of mountain peaks. Whistler also has a meticulously maintained mountain bike park.

6) Pacific Rim National Park

Surfing, hot springs, and coastal hiking: the area around Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has plenty to keep you busy, or relaxed. Chill out in the quirky town of Tofino, a launching point to adventures in the park. Or tackle the West Coast Trail, a multi-day backpacking trip famous for its beach camping.

7) Alaska Highway

Road trip! If you really want to see it all, hit the Alaska Highway through British Columbia and travel a stretch of road equipped with all you need: food (fishing!), shelter (camping!), hot springs (soothing!), and jade-green lakes backed by snow-topped mountains.

8) Victoria

The most English town this side of the pond, Victoria combines all the charms of merry old England with a vibrant seaside city. Visit The Butchart Gardens for a diverse, impeccably maintained, and artistic array of flowers, and see the stately parliament buildings—especially beautiful all lit up at night.

9) Okanagan Valley

Taste the Canadian wines you just can’t buy here in California. The Okanagan Valley is a top wine region producing many award-winning vintages. It is a must-explore destination, especially with its other liquid asset, Okanagan Lake.

A young couple walks in the Evolve Cellars vineyard overlooking Okanagan Lake in Summerland, BC.

10) Kootenay Rockies

Remember when ski towns were laid-back, unfussy, and filled with welcoming locals? The Kootenay Rockies never forgot! The towns of Nelson, Revelstoke, Rossland, and Fernie feel like throwbacks, but with just the right amount of funky. In winter you'll find some of the fluffiest snow, and summer adventures include hiking, biking, and water sports.

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  1. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

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  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

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  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

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  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

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  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

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  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

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  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

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  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

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