MUSEUMS

Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver

Just 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver and the Vancouver International Airport, Museum of Anthropology, located at the University of British Columbia, houses one of the world’s finest displays of Northwest Coast First Nations arts in a spectacular Arthur Erickson-designed building overlooking mountains and sea. Inside the soaring glass and concrete structure of the museum’s Great Hall, see magnificent carvings, weavings, and contemporary artworks. Admire the world’s largest collection of works by acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid, including his famous cedar sculpture The Raven and the First Men, and explore the Multiversity Galleries where over 9,000 objects from around the world are displayed.

Royal BC Museum, Victoria

For a comprehensive history lesson of the province, head to Royal BC Museum–a premier cultural institution known for its impressive collection of some 7 million objects. Start your tour in the section on British Columbia’s natural history, where you can view informative dioramas designed to educate in a visually engaging and entertaining way. Next, make your way to the exhibit dedicated to Canada’s indigenous First Nations, featuring a famous mask gallery. Wrap it up at the modern history section, which includes a replica of a cobblestoned street from the early 20th century.

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Whistler

Visit Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for a look into the heritage and history of the First Nations in the area. The center is dedicated to preserving the culture of Squamish and Lil’wat indigenous people, and highlighting their distinctions and shared practices. On a guided tour, accompanied by a First Nations cultural ambassador, you’ll visit an authentic building that combines Squamish longhouse and Lil’wat pit house styles, while the guide imparts interesting stories and facts. See traditional performances, view local art and relics, sample indigenous food, attend workshops, and enjoy the scenic mountain views.

Miniature World, Victoria

See tiny replicas of fantasy and historical worlds at Miniature World. Little kids and big kids alike will find something to interest and entertain them, with over 85 miniaturized dioramas to admire. See some of Canada’s most famous natural and manmade wonders in moving scale models, including the Great Canadian Railway, and one of the world’s smallest working sawmills. Head into the imaginative realm with a visit to Charles Dickens’ London and King Arthur’s Camelot. The tiny worlds come complete with moving components, sound, and lighting effects for an immersive experience on a small scale.

Science World, Vancouver

For a fun and educational experience, visit Science World. Established in 1977, the museum is contained in a geodesic dome designed by Bruno Freschi and reminiscent of the works of Buckminster Fuller. Take part in science demonstrations and interactive displays, view artwork, seek out the kids’ area, or take in a show at the science theater. The museum contains galleries about physics, the environment, and anthropology.

Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad, Osoyoos

Explore the intricate details of the biggest model railroad in Canada at Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad, with over 2 km (1.25 mi) of train tracks. Styled on European towns, the model includes over 1,800 houses and more than 18,000 hand-painted human figures. Keep an eye out for interactive displays and admire the detailed landscapes and scenes. See if you can spot the bungee jumper, the monkeys at the zoo, or the girl on the high wire.

Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver

Established in 1931, Vancouver Art Gallery represents the largest art museum in Western Canada and boasts more than 11,000 pieces in its permanent collection. Designed by Francis Rattenbury, the Neoclassical-style building is a former courthouse and National Historic Site of Canada. See historic European art by numerous Dutch 17th century artists, or admire one of the gallery’s touring exhibitions. The museum showcases the works of notable Canadian artists such as the Group of Seven and Emily Carr, as well as American and European modern artists.

Britannia Mine Museum, Britannia Beach

Learn about the processes and history of British Columbia’s mining industry at Britannia Mine Museum. Ride a mine train into the depths of the earth as the staff explains the processes used in mining. Learn how to pan for gold with the help of a staff member, or see where the Scooby-Doo movies were filmed inside the mine. The museum sits outside the mines and has many artifacts and facts for visitors of all ages.

The Museum at Campbell River, Campbell River

Learn about the area’s watershed at The Museum at Campbell River and the important role it plays in the community. Thanks to the watershed, locals enjoy drinking water, hydro-electric power, and recreation. Discover its history through a series of interactive panels, touchscreens, and discussions with knowledgeable staff. Additional educational exhibits onsite provide information about working and coastal lifestyles, sport fishing, and films in the Van Isle Theatre.

Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby

Walk through a 1920’s Canadian town as you learn and observe the traditional trades at Burnaby Village Museum. The buildings of the town are a mix of original constructions and recreations of older buildings made to house artifacts of the early 20th century. Staff members dress in period clothing as they display traditional artisan skills and live as though it were the 1920s. Visitors can wander the town and view the artifacts, which includes a 1920’s carousel that is available to ride. A restaurant in the village provides food options.

Robert Bateman Centre, Victoria

At Robert Bateman Centre, discover the life and seven decades of work of Canada’s most famous wildlife artist. Sited on the second floor of the 1924 Steamship Terminal–a landmark building of Victoria’s Inner Harbor–the center boasts more than 100 works accompanied with multi-media commentary. Learn how Bateman’s childhood adventures in urban gullies of central Toronto, his trips to Africa, and travels throughout the world shaped his style and vision as an artist.

MARKETS

Granville Island Public Market

It’s easy to see why Granville Island is the second most visited tourist destination in all of Canada, behind Niagara Falls. This indoor-outdoor marketplace is housed in a re-imagined cement factory. Spend a day sampling craft beers, local cheeses, outstanding coffee, and freshly-caught seafood. Local designers and artists sell their wares in funky boutiques, and the whole island comes to life with galleries, theatres, and live entertainment.

Old Country Market

The Old Country Market in Coombs on Vancouver Island is famous for its international cuisine, unique gifts, incredible ice-cream, and goats on the roof. Wait, what?! No need to adjust your screen, you read correctly. When the grass on the market’s sod roof became a little long 30 years ago, the owners introduced goats in lieu of a lawn mower. It’s not as crazy as it sounds. This environmentally-friendly roof provides great insulation, along with an ideal habitat for the goats. Check out the markets, say hi to the goats, and then head to Cuckoo’s Trattoria and Pizzeria nearby for a tasty and rustic meal.

Richmond Night Market

The largest night market in North America, Richmond Night Market is a must-do excursion during your stay in Vancouver. The sheer size of these markets requires a few hours to absorb the sights and flavors, with cuisine from every corner of the world. Soak up the energy of the bustling crowd and live music as you sample a bit of everything. With all food sold at ‘street’ prices, there’s no excuse not to! Open from May to October.

Penticton Farmers Market

Live like a local at the Penticton Farmers Market when you visit the beautiful Okanagan Valley. Truly one of the most incredible farm-to-city markets in British Columbia, every single vendor is required to make, bake, or grow their own products locally. Held every Saturday from May to October, you’ll find the freshest eggs, honey, fruit and veggies, jams, liquor, and crafts, all created right here in the South Okanagan.

Victoria Public Market

Vancouver Island’s permanent public market in BC’s capital city of Victoria is a colorful gathering place for locals and visitors. Let your taste buds do the walking as you discover the region’s best local butchers, bakers, cheese-makers, preservers, brewers, and vintners. Talented buskers create a wonderful ambience for this historical market place, originating from as far back as 1861. Get to know the friendly vendors and enjoy a cooking demonstration in this original Hudson Bay building.

Salt Spring Saturday Market

The Saturday markets on Salt Spring Island are a true reflection of the eco-conscious, free-spirited folk who live here. A short ferry ride from Vancouver Island, this is one of the best-known of BC’s Gulf Islands, famous for its forested hiking trails and stunning beaches. Housed on the waterfront in downtown Ganges in Centennial Park, the Salt Spring Saturday Markets displays the wares of 40 artisans and food producers. Eat your way through organic fruits, French pastries, and island-produced cheeses, and live the dreamy west-coast lifestyle for a day.

Whistler Farmers Market

Nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain with more than 90 vendors on show during the summer months, Whistler Farmers Market is a local platform for a huge range of fresh produce, artisan crafts and eclectic cuisine. Its infectious festival atmosphere will have you tapping your feet to non-stop live music as you nibble freshly baked breads, fine chocolate, and fermented foods, while browsing locally crafted jewellery, clothes, and aromatherapy body creams.

UBC Farm Market

To actually see where and how your food is grown before you buy it is the ideal scenario. At the University of British Columbia Farm Market in Vancouver you can do just that. This student-led farm has a strong focus on sustainable food systems and its lively markets are hugely popular among eco-conscious residents and visitors to the city. Get your organic, seasonal veggies, fruits, herbs, eggs, and flowers straight from the farm, chat to the enthusiastic students and enjoy the live entertainment. The university hosts three markets each week, with the Saturday market also offering diverse vendors selling their baked goods, crafts, and meats alongside the UBC Farm produce.

PARKS

Victoria Butterfly Gardens, Central Saanich

See the colors and sniff the pleasant scents of the jungle at Victoria Butterfly Gardens. The indoor nature center has a controlled climate, giving it the temperature, mist, light, and humidity of a rainforest, Across the 1,100 sq m (12,000 sq ft) garden, see over 75 species of butterfly and moth, flying free between papaya trees, pineapples, coffee plants, and vanilla vines. See butterflies emerging from their chrysalis in the nursery, and meet the wealth of rescued tropical animals that call the garden home, including rare tropical birds, poison dart frogs, and turtles.

Stanley Park

Stanley Park is Vancouver’s answer to Central Park. There’s a lot to do around and within the urban park. Visit the Vancouver Aquarium, bike or walk around the Seawall, relax at one of its beautiful beaches, see the totem poles at Brockton Point, photograph a certain controversial statue, or go exploring along the paths that wind through the park.

Butchart Gardens

An award-winning attraction in Victoria on Vancouver Island, Butchart Gardens is 22 hectares of impressive landscape. Inside, discover the Sunken, Rose, Italian, Japanese, and Mediterranean Gardens. Butchart Gardens is also wonderful to visit in all seasons, as there’s always something new to look forward to. This includes winter, when Butchart Gardens is decorated in thousands of colourful lights over the holidays.

Whistler Blackcomb

Located in Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb is North America’s largest ski resort. With over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, it is home to three glaciers, five terrain parks, and over 200 runs. The resort also has one of the longest ski seasons in North America—stretching from November until mid-May on Blackcomb Mountain. After the snow melts, it becomes one of the province’s best Mountain Bike Parks.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Located on Vancouver Island, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has a lot to offer visitors. It is home to Long Beach, which is a popular surfing beach that stretches for over 16 kilometres (10 miles). Then there is the 75-kilometre (46-mile) Wild Pacific Trail, and more than 100 small uninhabited islands off its coast. The national park is also the perfect place to storm watch in winter.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver’s top attractions. The lengthy suspension bridge stretches for 137 metres (450 ft) above the treetops and Capilano River, but that isn’t all there is to see at the Suspension Bridge Park. There’s also the Treetop Adventure Park, the Cliffwalk, the Story Centre, Kia-palano education area, and Canyon Lights during the holidays. It’s the perfect day trip from Vancouver.

Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park is a must-visit in British Columbia, as it is a part of the beautiful Canadian Rockies. It has over 400 kilometres (258 miles) of trails, including the Iceline Trail. Other things to see in the national park include Emerald Lake, Lake O’Hara, Takakkaw Falls, and Wapta Falls.

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is a popular day trip hiking option from Vancouver. Located near Pemberton, north of Whistler, people can hike to three different glacial-fed lakes within the provincial park. These are aptly named Lower, Middle, and Upper Joffre Lakes. Hikers visit in both summer and winter, to see the area covered in snow.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Queen Elizabeth Park is known for being at the highest elevation in Vancouver. The 130-acre municipal park has the best views of the Vancouver skyline and North Vancouver mountains. It is also home to manicured gardens and the Bloedel Conservatory; a tropical paradise within Vancouver.

Great Bear Rainforest

The Great Bear Rainforest is an attraction that’s a little more difficult to reach, but the rewards are worth the travel. Firstly, it’s the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest, and it’s commonly referred to as the Amazon of the North. Secondly, it’s where you will find the rare kermode (spirit) bear, which is a black bear subspecies. There are only about 400 of them in the wild.

The Enchanted Forest

Yes, The Enchanted Forest that’s mentioned in several fairytales does exist, and it’s located in British Columbia. It was constructed in the 1950s by the Needhams, who built the various fairytale and Disney figurines scattered around the forest. There’s also a treehouse, giant mushroom, Candy Cane house, and a castle. Follow the Yellow Brick Road to The Enchanted Forest.

Barkerville Historic Town and Park

It’s not every day that a town can be described as an attraction, but Barkerville is a little different. The Historic Barkerville Town and Park is a National Historic Site located in central British Columbia. On average, 60,000 people visit the 1,130-acre park annually, which has 107 heritage buildings from its gold rush days, and 62 replica buildings. There are daily tours, shows and performances, blacksmith demonstrations, gold panning and so much more.

Muncho Lake Provincial Park

BC Parks says “Spectacular folded mountains, bountiful wildlife, and brilliantly-coloured wildflowers are just a few of the wonders to discover here.” Located off the Alaska Highway in Northern BC, Muncho Lake Provincial Park is known for two things. Firstly, Muncho Lake itself, which is over 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) of pristine jade-coloured water. Secondly, because it’s known as the best place to see the Northern Lights in British Columbia.