Top British Columbia Outdoor Activities - page 5

The region surrounding Whistler has an incredible range of natural sights to discover — so much so that it can be tough to know where to start when you’re exploring on your own. On this full-day coach tour, enjoy a curated selection of activities, including a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola and a visit to the Whistler mountain resort. Note that lunch is not included on this tour.

Discover the wonders of Vancouver and Victoria with an unforgettable whale-watching adventure. Start by soaring over the Strait of Georgia in a seaplane, offering stunning aerial views on your way to Victoria. Once there, cruise through the vibrant Haro Strait, home to orcas, sea lions, and seals, before rounding off your day with a scenic flight back to the mainland.

Head into the British Columbian mountains on a full-day outing from Vancouver without needing to plan the logistics yourself. Enjoy a handy pickup from your Vancouver hotel and travel through mountainous terrain on your way to Whistler. Enjoy ample free time here, with optional seasonal activities available (own expense). Admire the views of the Rocky Mountains from the Sea to Sky Gondola, with admission included.

There is a world of ancient trees to discover within walking distance of downtown Vancouver. Take a tour of Vancouver’s last ancient forest, located in Stanley Park. Gaze in awe at 800-year-old cedars, towering firs, and more. Discover the park’s history and explore how the forest has evolved over the years, piecing together its past with old maps, postcards, and photographs.

Limited to 8 guests per departure, this small group tour offers a relaxed and more personal introduction to Vancouver's most iconic neighborhoods and attractions. Enjoy guided stops at Stanley Park and Gastown’s famous Steam Clock, plus drive-throughs of Canada Place, Coal Harbour, and historic Chinatown. Then head into nature at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park — cross the legendary bridge, explore the treetop walkways, and take in the views from the thrilling Cliffwalk. A relaxed, well-paced experience, with fewer crowds and more personal space — ideal for travelers who want comfort, connection, and stunning scenery in a half-day tour. SEMI-PRIVATE TOUR: * Maximum 8 Guests GUARANTEED * More INTIMACY, More CONNECTION * More Space, More COMFORT * SMOOTHER Experience * OPTIMIZED: More Time At Key Attractions * BALANCED PACE - no Rush, no Crowds * Light Snacks & Bottled Water INCLUDED

Explore the Whistler backcountry, without having to worry about navigation or route finding, on this guided snowmobile tour of the Brandywine and Callaghan valleys. Explore winding routes with stops at scenic lookouts and a cozy backcountry cabin or dome. Winter and safety gear—including snow pants, jackets, boots, gloves, helmets, and goggles—and a hot drink, and a snack are included for your comfort and enjoyment.

Combine big thrills with epic views on this half-day white-water rafting adventure along the Elaho and Squamish Rivers. Even though this tour is beginner-friendly, you’ll still tackle challenging Class III-IV rapids, including the notorious “Devil’s Elbow”, as seen on TV. In between the rapids, soak up the scenery as you float downstream past ancient volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls, and look out for wildlife such as bears, beavers, and deer.

Watch the sun set over Victoria Harbour on an evening kayak trip in Victoria that includes a short paddling lesson and all kayak equipment. Watch for bald eagles, seals, otters, and other wildlife as you follow an experienced kayak guide along the shoreline, passing the historic landmarks of downtown Victoria, Victoria’s shipyards, and the reversing falls under Tillicum Bridge. Enjoy individual attention from the guide on this small-group kayak tour.

If you want to hike on Whistler Mountain but lack mountain-climbing experience, technical skills, or confidence, then this guided excursion on the Whistler Sky Walk is ideal. Set off with a private guide, who offers commentary and support, and helps you clip into a cable to pass along cliff tops and suspension bridges. It’s exciting but easy enough for most people to enjoy, including kids aged 8 and above.

Vancouver is renowned for its picturesque beauty, but seeing all the major sights in one trip can be challenging. Take in as much of the city as possible on this ambitious half-day small-group minibus tour, which will take you to all the most popular tourist locations in a single day. Explore Granville Island’s public markets, stroll around the scenic Stanley Park with 360 views of the city, and admire the suburban beauty of West Vancouver, all with detailed guided commentary.

Add an extra thrill to your Victoria whale-watching adventure with this wildlife cruise aboard a fast-moving, inflatable Zodiac boat. Get closer to the water — and the whales — on a wet and wild ride through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Hang on to your hat and keep a sharp eye out for native marine life such as humpback and gray whales, orcas, sea lions and harbor seals. An expert naturalist guide will help point out passing species and share insight into the amazing aquatic world of the northern Pacific.

Discover hidden alleys and local curios in Vancouver’s Old Town and Chinatown districts on this 75-minute pedicab tour. Head through Victoria's Old Town and Chinatown districts with your guide, where old shops and boutiques line the winding alleyways. Hear hair-raising ghost stories from centuries past and learn of the settlers, immigrants and colonists who have shaped the city we see today. Along the way, watch skilled street performers plying their trade the way they have for centuries. Admire Victoria’s traditional architecture and gain insight into the city’s colorful past.

Explore Victoria on a private pedicab tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. Ride through beautiful gardens, historic streets, and hidden gems while hearing engaging stories and discovering unique spots most visitors miss. This relaxed 2-hour experience is designed to show you the best of the city comfortably, with time for photos, short stops, and a personalized pace.

Soar through the air like an eagle in flight on this zipline adventure! Just a half hour from central Victoria, this Vancouver Island zipline park features eight different ziplines that span more than 1,000 feet (305 meters). Your small group will also go on a 10-minute ATV ride and you'll traverse two suspension bridges high above the forest floor. Two tour guides accompany you on this two-hour tour; they'll share insight about the environment and answer any questions to ensure a safe, fun and exhilarating experience in the British Columbia temperate rainforest.

Explore Victoria while taking advantage of the city’s great network of cycling lanes on this small-group bike tour. You’ll visit a variety of Victoria landmarks, including Craigdarroch Castle, Government House, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Along the way, your guide will share a wealth of information about the history of British Columbia’s capital, along with a local’s tips and insights into the culture.

Kayak in Howe Sound and snorkel with Vancouver's resident harbor seals during this half-day eco-adventure. Board a boat from Horseshoe Bay with your adventure guide, headed toward the Pam Rocks seal colony. Slip into the provided snorkel gear and wetsuit, then dive in for an up-close experience with seals, following their lead. Kayak around the bay and the rocks, experiencing the marine environment while in a low-profile boat. A sightseeing-only option is available for those passengers who wish to stay dry on the boat. All kayaking and snorkeling equipment, refreshments and light snacks are included.

Step into a tropical jungle just outside Victoria. The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is located close to Butchart Gardens and is a great way to extend your garden time. The Butterfly Garden houses approximately 70 species of butterfly, in addition to poison dart frogs, tortoises, large iguanas, flamingos, tropical ducks, free flying tropical birds and more. Don’t miss the creepy crawlies in the Insectarium.

Take in Vancouver’s local wildlife in a respectful way on this whale watching tour from Granville Island. Your guides are marine naturalists who are passionate about animal conservation, so they emphasize observing animals in their natural environment without human interference. The open-air vessel lets you see any wildlife up close.

Enjoy a more immersive way to explore the natural highlights of Vancouver's Stanley Park—and benefit from the knowledge of an Indigenous guide—on this walking tour. Led by a First Nations cultural ambassador, this tour provides insight into how Native people have lived on and managed the land for countless generations. A little more than 1 mile (2 kilometers) long, this accessible walk offers an educational activity for families and history buffs.

Travel across British Columbia in style and enjoy breathtaking views from the air on this one-way Vancouver to Victoria seaplane flight. Hop aboard your seaplane in Coal Harbour and take to the skies with your pilot. Watch as the Burrard Inlet becomes a speck in the distance, and admire fine views over Lion’s Gate Bridge and Stanley Park’s Brockton Peninsula. Soar over the Salish Sea, and gaze over the Gulf Islands’ sandy beaches and dense forests.

Cycle and hike your way through British Columbia’s rugged landscape on a 6.5-hour tour from Vancouver with lunch. Watch for signs of wildlife as you walk through Lynn Canyon, cross a scenic suspension bridge and explore a stunning temperate rainforest. Get sweeping views from the saddle while riding the Trans Canada Trail through Pitt Meadows, where the snow capped mountains around Frasier Valley are a dramatic backdrop for winding rivers and marshland. Enjoy all-inclusive access to equipment, lunch and transportation.

This 3-hour summertime paddle from Whistler takes you on an enchanting canoe journey from Alta Lake to Green Lake. Alta Creek is also known as the River of Golden Dreams, as it boasts gorgeous scenery of British Columbia. Wildflower-lined banks, old-growth forests and local wildlife are all part of your passing tableaux. Bonus: Round-trip transport from the Carleton Lodge is included.

Discover Vancouver’s highlights from the water on a 3-hour small-group sailing tour around the city’s waterways. Board your vessel to sail around the Inner Harbor, English Bay, Stanley Park, False Creek, and Indian Arm Provincial Park, where you spend about an hour. Take in the beautiful mountain scenery while you sail and listen to commentary from your guide about your surroundings.

Head off the coast of Steveston Village for the chance to see British Columbia’s whales and a vast variety of other maritime wildlife on this half-day tour. Hop aboard a whalewatching vessel and journey through the Canadian Gulf Islands as you cross the Straight of Georgia, all the while carefully watching for signs of killer whales, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, and much more.