British Columbia Canada Blog

British Columbia is a perfect getaway for adventure seekers but your trip to BC will be incomplete without trying these exciting activities:

1. Go downhill Skiing in Whistler, Kicking Horse or Sun Peaks

2. Experience Whale Watching in Port Hardy 

3. Take a wine tour in the Okanagan Valley

4.  Discover back country trails of beautiful British Columbia through Horse Back Riding

5. Go Fishing in Northern BC around Peace River or Skeena river region

6. If you enjoy camping then British Columbia will not disappoint you. Camping is a great way to travel through BC and to save on accommodation.

7. Throughout British Columbia, tourists will find world class golf courses and it’s hard not to go Golfing on a beautiful summer day.

8. Visit Glacier National Park to experience steep rugged majestic mountains, wide variety of plant and animal life, and to get glimpse of wildlife like mountain caribou, mountain goat, elk etc. 

9. Enjoy a ride on BC ferries which operates 25 routes among the islands of British Columbia. 

10. Try White Water Rafting on one of the inland rivers like Thompson or Fraser River.

Related Links:

Explore British Columbia here

It’s a fat that the forest fires are part of Canadian landscape but did you know that in Canada, two-thirds of all forest fires are caused by people, while lightning causes the remaining third. Recently, British Columbia was in news world wide because of the forest fires in the Okanagan region.

The least, we can do as responsible residents is know how to avoid starting a forest fire, particularly in a dry spell. We should also be familiar with evacuation procedures and the technique for breathing in thick smoke.

 Check out some useful links below related with prevention of forest fires:

1. 5 Waye to prepare for Forest fires

2. Forest Fire in Canada

3. BC Wild Fire Prevention

4. Prevent Forest Fires - You Tube video

5. BC Forest Fire Safety

6. Forest Fire solution by David Suzuki Organization

Duffey Lake is a stunning vista in British Columbia ideal for a relaxing getaway. A provincial park called ‘ Duffey Lake provincial park’ was established around Duffey Lake in 1993 and it is overshadowed by the glacier topped Mt. Rohr. A few people know that The Duffey Lake/Cayoosh Creek Valley was historically used as a travel route between the Lillooet First Nations on Lillooet Lake and the Stl’alt’imx First Nation on the Fraser River.

How to Get here: Duffey Lake Provincial park is only three hour drive from Vancouver. It is located along Duffey Lake Road (Highway 99) about 35 km east of Pemberton, nearly midway to Lillooet.

The popular activities at Duffey Lake provincial park include: canoeing, camping, hiking,  fishing, kayaking and wildlife viewing. Mountain goat, grizzly bear, deer, black bear, osprey and great blue heron can all be found in the park.

Tips for visitors: Do take your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the park. Camping fees at Duffey Lake Provincial park range from $10.00 to $24.00 per party, per vehicle, per night. Campers cannot stay here for more than 14 days.

Quick note for all campers: A Camfire Ban is currently in effect for this park.

To make a campground reservation, you can reserve online or call the Discover Camping campground reservation service toll-free at 1-800-689-9025 (604-689-9025 in Greater Vancouver).

For more information, visit: Duffey Lake  

If you are visiting Vancouver from overseas for the first time then don’t get overwhelmed by the things to do and places to visit. Check out our list below to see our favourite places on Vancouver Island:

1. Gordon Bay Provincial Park:

Gordon Bay provincial park located on the shores of Lake Cowichan, north of Duncan on Vancouver Island is absolutely gorgeous and great place for family camping. The lake is warm in the summer and hence great for swimming. Set in one of Vancouver Island’s sunniest valleys, this area boasts the highest average annual temperature in Canada. Other activities you can try here include: Fresh water fishing, Waterskiing and windsurfing, hiking and walking, birdwatching etc .

2. Tofino and Clayoquot Sound:

If you are keen on whale watching, sea kayaking and surfing then Tofino is your ultimate destination. Bring your surfboard and wet suit and have a fabulous time.

3. Parksville and Qualicum Beach: Parksville and Qualicum beach are popular with families interested in having a beach vacation. These oceanside communities are Canada’s Riviera. Parksville is also known for its beach festival and sculpture competition which is held here every year and is popular with tourists and locals alike.

4. Strathcona Park:

Strathcona Provincial Park is one of the oldest provincial park in British Columbia and is a must visit for tourists who enjoy rugged mountain wilderness, rivers, creeks and streams. Summers in Strathcona are pleasantly warm and snow fall can be expected on mountain slopes during November through March. Hiking or Backcamping are the best ways to discover Strathcona Park. Fishing is a very popular activity in the area. Butte Lake, the largest water body in the park, Della Falls -one of the largest water falls in Canada and Forbidden Plateau are most popular visitor -oriented areas.

5. Saltspring Island:

Salt Spring Island is located half way between Nanaimo and Victoria in British Columbia on the eastern side of Vancouver Island and is house for large number of artists, sculptors, artists, musicians and wild life like sheep and deer  which can be easily spotted on the Island.

If you get tired after exploring Vancouver city, then do visit these different parts of Vancouver Island to discover true Canadian beauty. 

Other related things:

Vancouver Island Accommodations

Discover Vancouver Island

August Long Weekend (This year from August 1st-3rd 2009) is probably one of the busiest weekends in British Columbia. If you are a tourist, visiting British Columbia, we highly recommend making reservations in advance.

The reason it’s so busy because it’s summer, it’s beautiful here in BC and everyone loves to hang out with their friends and family, secondly students all over the world have holidays and ofcourse it’s the tourist season as well. During August Long Weekend, BC residents indulge in variety of activities. They love going for camping, hiking, white water rafting, Kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, playing summer sports like beach volleyball, wake boarding etc. There are tons of festivals happening that weekend as well.

Check out what’s going on this August Long weekend (August 1st-3rd 2009) across British columbia

Bonfire Music Festival (from July 31st to August 2nd 2009) at Lions Park Fairgrounds -Kleindale, BC on the Sunshine Coast. Bonfire is a uniquely British Columbian festival experience. Music fans from all over Western Canada and the United States  converge during Bonfire Music Festival to experience a magical getaway of music, camping, fine food, art, fresh water swimming & celebration on BC’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. There are variety of musicians which appeal to a broad range of the Roots, Groove, Jazz, Funk & Folk audience who are known to appreciate the outdoor festival experience.

Kaslo Jazz Festival: Imagine Beautiful mountains, small village and a floating Stage- Welcome to Kaslo Jazz Festival. This year during August Long weekend, BC residents will celebrate 18th annual Kaslo Jazz summer music festival. The tickets can be bought by calling : 250-353-7548. Check out: KasloJazzfest.com for more information.

5th annual Wild BC Day long weekend family fun campout will also happen this August 1st, 2nd and 3rd. This year, the campout will be at Whitecap Campground in Seton Portage - one hour northeast of Pemberton, BC. The Wilderness Committee is inviting all of their friends to come camping in an endangered wilderness area which is spotted owl forest habitat located Northeast of Pemberton, BC in part of the St’át’imc traditional territory. You can join wilderness committee for a long weekend with a guided nature hike, swimming in Seton Lake, and learning about our campaigns to save Canada’s endangered spotted owls, to protect old-growth forests and help support healthy communities.

Please call Andrew or Stephanie at 604-683-8220 or email andrew@wildernesscommittee.org

Salmon Arm, British columbia is hosting Shushwap Adult Soccer Long weekend tournament. Although the registration is closed now but you can go and watch some great soccer.  For more information, visit: BC soccer website.

Hope you will enjoy your August Long weekend 2009.

I am usually totally exhausted by Friday evening and looking for some good weekend getaway spots. Like most working class people, I can’t afford to go on luxurious vacations every weekend so I either relax at home or go to some lovely spot within driving distance from my home in the Okanagan. Check out the list of my top 10 getaway spots in British Columbia and take your pick for this weekend:

1. CHILLIWACK LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK: If you live in or around Vancouver area then one of the best spots to getaway for the weekend could be CHILLIWACK LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK which is roughly about two hours drive from Vancouver (about 150 km East). There are a lot of activities that can be enjoyed here like canoeing, kayaking, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking etc. Not in the mood to be active, then just rent one of 146 front-country campsites and chill with a beer.  

2. BRIDGE RIVER VALLEY: History of British Columbia’s Gold Rush unfolds itself in BRIDGE RIVER VALLEY.The Bridge River Valley includes Bralorne, Gun Creek, Gun Lake, Tyax Lake, and Marshall Lake - with Gold Bridge being the main settlement. I enjoy visiting quaint little town-Gold Bridge which is surrounded by majestic mountains like Mt. Zola to the west and Mount Truax to the east and exotic Carpenter Lake while driving through Bridge River Valley. Gold Bridge is located about 1.5 hours west of Lillooet. The whole Bridge River Valley area is so self contained and peaceful that it is difficult to not feel tranquility here. The region enjoys a good selection of campgrounds and forestry recreation campsites providing overnight accommodation to visitors. You won’t have difficulty finding your own special back road in Bridge River Valley’s wilderness.

3. MOUNT ROBSON PEAK: Mount Robson peak is the highest peak in Canadian Rockies and is located in British Columbia’s oldest provincial park called MOUNT ROBSON provincial park. This provincial park is known for its exciting outdoor adventures. Did you know that Mount Robson Peak is called the ‘Monarch of the Rockies?’ Majestic Mount Robson Peak will surely fill you with awe and admiration.

4. FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS: Looking for a perfect place for a romantic getaway? Head to Fairmont Hot Springs which is Canada’s largest all-natural hot springs created millions of years ago. The water temperature of the springs range from 102 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit and is controlled by adding colder water from the snow and nearby creeks. I am sure the 10,000 square feet of pools bubbling with natural sweet-smelling mineral water will melt away your stress and you will return to work fully rejuvenated. You can also plan day trips from Fairmont Hot Springs to nearby towns like Panorama, Kimberley and Fernie.

5. DEASE LAKE and drive along STEWART-CASSIAR HIGHWAY (Hwy-37): The Stewart-Cassiar Highway runs nearly 500 kilometers (300 miles) through the vast wilderness of northwestern BC on its way to the Yukon. The drive through this highway is rough but scenic and you come across two renowned wilderness parks i.e. Mount Edziza and Spatsizi Plateau. Dease Lake is located west of the Stewart-Cassiar Highway at the junction to Telegraph Creek. It is a supply centre for the northwest region of British Columbia and a departure point for hiking and camping in the surrounding wilderness.

6. NAKIMU CAVES in GLACIER NATIONAL PARK: A limited access is available for visitors to these glorious limestone caves known as valley of hazards. The Nakimu caves lie between upper and lower Cougar Valley in the Selkirk Mountains, just west of Rogers Pass on the Trans-Canada Highway. Interested in visiting? Be prepared for a three to four hike to get to the entrance of the caves. I know it quite a hike but its totally worth it. For more detailed information, check out: Parks Canada

7. FORT STEELE: Just want to have a lazy weekend then consider rummaging through historical town of FORT STEELE which is located near Cranbrook on Highway 93/95 in the Eastern part of Kootenays. You can enoy daily re-enactments of the town’s past history and heritage year- round with special programming from mid-June to Labour Day.

8. WHISTLER MOUNTAINEER: If you are planning a weekend getaway to celebrate your anniversary of someone specials’ birthday then try WHISTLER MOUNTAINEER for a unique experience.

9. KETTLE VALLEY RAIL TRAIL: Why not go for a ride on KETTLE VALLEY TRAIL which is a 455 km long trail part of recreational trails collectively called the Spirit of 2010 Trail. You can start cycling from any of the following towns: Tulameen, Coalmont, Princeton, Summerland, Penticton, Naramata, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls or Osoyoos. Even if you are not in the mood for cycling these small little towns are quite picturesque and offer plenty of other activities to keep tourists  and locals entertained. For instance, my favourite is riding a scooter through Penticton and having a delicious lunch at Salties restaurant which is a cool waterfront joint. Get a spot on the patio to have the best meal experience.

10. OTHELLO TUNNELS: OTHELLO TUNNELS are located just off the Coquilla highway about 10 kms east of Hope. A short walk from the parking lot,through high canyon walls and above rushing water watres is a series of four tunnels and linking footpaths that make up the Othello Tunnels.

Have you found your favourite holiday spot in British Columbia? Why not, share it with our readers. You can win our next BC weekend getaway lucky draw.

People say when in Rome, do as Romans do. We, in British Columbia say when in BC do as BC residents do. If you are visiting BC this summer, then join us in these TOP 10 BC ACTIVITIES and experience the real BC Summer:

1. BC HORSEBACK RIDING : Horse Back riding is one of the most popular activity not only for BC residents but also tourists. If you want to experience a true western heritage then do book a day trip or a few hours trail ride with one of our BC guest ranches today. 

Depending on length of your vacation, you can choose in -town ride or take your group/family for a journey through backcountry trails of British Columbia. Horseback riding is not too difficult and is usually enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

2. BC WHITEWATER RAFTING: You’ve not had a real BC adventure if you haven’t tried Whitewater Rafting. My favourite places to go for Whitewater Rafting include Kicking Horse near Golden and Clearwater which is about 4 hours drive from Kamloops.

3. BC CAMPING: If you want to enjoy wilderness and save money on lodging then Go camping. Most campgrounds in BC are reasonably priced from $20-$40/night. However, if you are planning to go camping during long weekends then make sure to book ahead.

4. BC KAYAKING/CANOEING: Another way to discover British Columbia is through Canoeing or Kayaking. Crystal clear waters of BC against the backdrop of majestic mountains offer a really memorable experience. If you are interested in sea kayaking, then coastline of BC lined with the Pacific ocean will provide you the perfect getaway opportunity. There are various touring companies which provide guided Sea Kayaking tours with a chance to spot killer whales. If you are good at canoeing or kayaking then you don’t even need a guide. Just grab a map and head out on one of BC’s beautiful lakes or rivers.

5. BC GOLFING: We in British Columbia take golf seriously and are known for some gorgeous golf courses. Popular destinations in British Columbia for Golfing include: Kelowna, Kamloops, Golden, Vancouver, Whistler and Fernie. Have you reserved your tee time yet?

6. BC MOUNTAIN BIKING: British Columbia has a lot of provincial parks and most of them offer mountain biking to the riders on specific trails. Many of our ski resorts are open during summer for downhill and cross-country biking. Silver Star Mountain Resort is one of my favourite places for mountain biking because they operate chair lifts to get riders and their bikes to the top of the mountain. Although, BC has thousands of kilometres of trails and logging roads, it is also known for bears. So beware of wild life and take precautions while riding a mountain bike in BC. Oh and if you are looking for some cool bike racks then check out: My Bike Racks

7. BC FISHING: Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Rainbow Trout, Char, Pike, Bass etc can all be found in waters of British Columbia. The most popular fishing spots throughout BC include: Capilano river, Callaghan Lake, Quesnel Lake, Queen Charlotte Islands, Okanagan Lake, Columbia and Kootenay River.

8. BC HIKING: If you don’t want to indulge in extreme adventure but still want to be active then consider hiking. BC offers excellent day hikes, lovely picnic spots and exciting fun-filled backpacking trips. It is pretty inexpensive activity too because all you need for a good hike is a decent pair of shoes and a back pack with essentials like water bottle, Bugs Spray etc.  

9. BC HOUSEBOATING : Shushwap, Salmon Arm and Sicamous are your best bets for Houseboating in British Columbia. Luxury, Service and Adventure, you’ll find everything on a BC Houseboating tour.

10. BC WINE TOURS: You will find great wineries throughout British Columbia but some of the world’ best wineries are located in Thompson Okanagan region. Wine tasting tours are the best way to savour the fine wines while enjoying the natural beauty of beautiful British Columbia.  

What better way to discover Thompson Okanagan than to go camping. There are so many campgrounds and camping hot spots in the Okanagan region that sometimes it becomes difficult to choose. Don’t fret, we’ve compiled a list of some good campgrounds for our readers to check out:

1. Bear Creek Park and Campground:  Bear Creek Provincial Park is situated in the Central Okanagan Basin on the west side of Okanagan Lake. It’s a popular spot for camping for Kelowna Residents. The park features lakeside camping, over 400 metres of sandy beaches and 5 km of spectacular, well-marked hiking trails. A picturesque canyon has been carved into the bedrock by Bear Creek tumbling onto a cottonwood-lined delta. During the  during the summer season the park has a concession located at the Gatehouse and managed by the Park Facility Operator.

2. Ellison: In the mood for  boating , fishing , hiking, kayaking , scuba diving or volleyball  then go for Ellison campground which is only few minutes from Vernon, British Columbia. Located on the northeastern shore of Okanagan Lake, Ellison Provincial Park includes 200 hectares of forested benchlands above a rocky shoreline of scenic headlands and sheltered coves. The park’s natural attractions, combined with the dry, sunny Okanagan climate provide many recreational opportunities from spring through fall.  

3. Shuswap Lake- Scotch Creek: Just off Highway 1 near Chase, British Columbia, you can enjoy day camping on the shores of Shuswap Lake. Swimmers would love 1 km of developed beach and designated swim area. Although Boat rentals are not available here, there is a boat launch and boat trailer parking facilities available (only during the day.) Mountain biking is also permitted here.

Driving Directions: On the north shore of the main arm of Shuswap Lake, and includes Copper Island. Leave Hwy #1 at Squilax, and drive 19 km on paved roads. Note that Copper Island is only accessible by boat.

4. Herald Campgrounds :  Herald Campgrounds are easily accesible for Salmon Arm residents. Herald Park is located on the shore of Shuswap Lake, at the base of rugged Bastion Mountain. The area is naturally covered with open, parklike pine forest on sunny slopes and forest on shaded slopes. The campground has an upper, sunnier level and two lower levels - one sunny (an old farm site) and one shaded, both close to the beach (total of 119 campsites).  The main attractions are the long sandy beach and a short trail through a canyon leading to impressive waterfalls. Hikers surely check this one out.

5. Haynes Point Camping:This campground is located off Hwy 97 near Osoyoos, British Columbia. There are about 41 sites on a sand spit in Osoyoos Lake. Although a smaller campground, it does have amenities like fire pits, fire wood, recycle bins, flush toilets and disabled access.
Driving Directions: Located two km South of Osoyoos off Hwy 97 onto 32nd Avenue.

7.  Robson Meadows Camping - Mount Robson: If you want a beautiful treed setting at the base of the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies then Robson Measows Camping would be suitable for you. Robson meadows campgrounds are located just off Hi-way #16 about four hours north of Kamloops and there are a variety of day use and overnight hiking trails.  

8. Gladstone Park - Texas Creek near Christina Lake in British Columbia is another popular camping spot.  
There are about 63 large but mostly shady campsites. Gladstone Park is located approximately 20 km northeast of Grand Forks, British Columbia on Hwy 3 at the north end of Christina Lake in the Monashee Mountains. The most common accesses to the park are via the Texas Creek campground and by boat from Christina Lake. The campground is 5 km east of Christina Lake on Hwy 3; turn onto East Lake Drive and follow 4 km to the 63 site campground at the end of the road. There is rough 4WD access to Xenia Lake 22 km up the North Fork Rd from Grand Forks to Miller Creek Rd; turn right and go about 4 km. Look for a small road on the left marked with a white deactivated road sign that leads to the lake.

There is also access to the Mt. Gladstone trailhead from Hwy 3 and the abandoned CPR railway at Paulson, the Mt. Faith trailhead from the Burrell Forest Service Road, and Peter Lake from Dog Creek Road.

9. Champion Lakes near Nelson in British Columbia features 500 meters of sandy beach centred around three small lakes with a diversity of species; Western Larch, Cedar, Douglas Fir, Pine and Engelmann Spruce. Hiking trails, wildlife and fishing are available at this spot.  

From Merritt: Drive 50-kms northeast of Merritt on Highway 5. Take the Lac Le Jeune exit.

From Logan Lake: Drive 26-km east of Logan Lake on Meadow Creek Road.

So, if you are planning a camping trip in summer of 2009 then reserve earlier because these campgrounds get booked quickly.