British Columbia Canada Blog

Although one can never get bored of British Columbia’s interior beauty but still if you want to experience something different then visit Northern British Columbia. My top five cities of Northern BC are:

1. Prince George :

This is one of the largest cities in Northern British Columbia and your trip to the north wouldn’t be complete without visiting Prince George. The area surrounding Prince George is known for:

Camping, Fishing, Skiing, Boating and Swimming.

Other attractions of the city include: Forest Tours, Walking Tours of Heritage River Trails, Railway museum and historical Fort George Park.

Prince George also houses “UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA”.

2. Prince Rupert:

The major attractions of Prince Rupert include: Whale-watching, Sea Kayaking, fishing and hiking. Another must visit is a Grizzly Sanctuary located 45 km Northeast of the city.

Prince Rupert is the major shipping port of Northern British Columbia as well as Canada’s deepest ice-free harbor. It is also known for commercial fishing, seafood processing industries and pulp mill. If you are interested in ferry sailing then Prince Rupert is the place to be because there are regular sailings from Prince Rupert to Alaska, Queen Charlotte Islands and Vancouver Island.

3. Dawson Creek :

Dawson Creek marks the start of the Alaska Highway at the Mile Zero Post. The popular activities during summer include visiting nearby provincial parks for hiking and camping, swimming in the surrounding lakes, biking, boating, fishing and wildlife viewing. 

 The Winter activities include: Snowmobiling, snowboarding and skiing.

 4. Smithers:

While at Smithers, you can check out Bulkley Valley Museum, Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park, the local wildlife museum and the fish hatchery.

Located in the heart of Bulkley Valley, Smithers oozes a perfect little town feel. Horseback riding, hiking tours, wildlife watching , canoeing, fishing and nearby glaciers beckons the tourists from all over the world to visit this town.

5. Terrace :Tourists visit Terrace to enjoy fishingadventures (to catch spring salmon and steel-head at Skeena river), view wildlife(especially Kermode Bear and rare trumpeter swan), experience the history(Heritage Park, Kitselas Canyon, village of Kitsumkalum), to relax at Mount Layton Hot Springs(22 kms south of Terrace)  and to check out lava beds( 100 km north of Terrace).So, whenever you get the chance do visit Northern British Columbia and enjoy the abundant natural beauty.

Guest Post from: Martin Vernon.  Martin and his wife Linda, have operated a Victoria Bed and Breakfast in British Columbia, Canada for over ten years: see http://www.gazebo-victoria.com/

Victoria BC has a diverse range of appealing attractions and activities so it naturally draws a wide range of visitors who stay at equally diverse bed and breakfasts. There’s something for everyone to do and somewhere for everyone to stay.

This tiny part of BC on southern Vancouver Island offers a microcosm of the province including ocean beaches, pretty lakes, rainforest parks and mountain vistas. There are first rate attractions too such as the Butchart Gardens, the Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle and the Inner Harbour. Visitors enjoy enthralling activities such as whale-watching, kayaking, sailing, fishing, golf, biking and hiking - there are 48 regional, provincial and federal parks in Greater Victoria.

A moderate Mediterranean climate makes Victoria BC a year-round vacation destination, with substantially less rain than either Vancouver or Seattle. Summers are pleasantly hot and winters surprisingly mild (a flower count is held in the last week of February - there were over 3.9 billion blossoms in 2000!).  The relaxed lifestyle and safe environment have also helped to Victoria a top world travel destination.

As well as the usual selection of hotels, resorts, motels, vacation rentals, campgrounds and RV parks there are literally hundreds of Victoria BC bed and breakfasts. These are delightful places to stay - you can choose from a heritage home, waterfront guest house, country manor house, lakeside lodging, elegant inn, country cottage, a farm or a woodland retreat. Some are in peaceful country settings near the Butchart Gardens, others in Cordova Bay a small community just 15-20 minutes from downtown Victoria, the ferries and the airport. All include a full breakfast so their rates are highly competitive.

Other area attractions near Greater Victoria BC bed and breakfasts include Glendale Gardens, the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory/Centre of the Universe and Saanich Commonwealth Place (a swimming and recreational centre of Olympic standards). Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park is popular for swimming, rowing, windsurfing, fishing, walking and horseback riding. Nearby you can stroll on an ocean beach or hike through woodland and lakeside trails, tour wild marine parks, visit wineries and sample BC wines, or snack on local fruit at roadside stands.

Your B&B hosts will gladly provide insights into all these attractions and activities. Their hospitality extends beyond providing bed and breakfast needs, they can pass on travel tips, restaurant recommendations and local secrets to enhance your visit. Regard this as a bonus - the chance to acquire local knowledge whilst chatting at the breakfast table. They will help “tailor-make” your visit so that you make the most of your stay in this lovely area.