BC at a Glance | Getting to and from Vancouver Airport | Vancouver Day Trips | Map of British Columbia
British Columbia cities - the biggest ones - tend to be huddled around the southwest region, with Vancouver being the most populous. At two and a half million people, the Greater Vancouver Area comprises roughly half the province's population, so you can imagine the remaining cities are not big by North American standards. Nevertheless, the most popular British Columbia cities all have their unique charm and are situated close to stunning natural landscapes and are gateways to adventure.1. Vancouver
2. Victoria
Photo © Donovan Reese/Getty Images
The provincial capital on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is a harbour city rich with history but still progressive and modern. If Vancouver is BC's shining star, Victoria is the equally talented but overlooked younger sibling.
Being more remote, Victoria has both its advantages and disadvantages. Vancouver Island has a special island charm but of course takes a little extra effort to get there. Hop a ferry from Vancouver or splurge and take a seaplane/ferry (check prices)or a Helijet helicopter.
Don't stop at just Victoria though. Try to give Vancouver Island two or three days. You won't regret it.
3. Whistler
Taylor S. Kennedy / Getty Imanges
Whistler has been known to winter enthusiasts for decades but the town's reputation skyrocketed as co-host of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
The town of Whistler is home to Whistler Blackcomb mountains - two towering hills that draw people from around the world to its 5,000'+ verticals, 200+ trails, glaciers, alpine bowls, state-of-the-art lifts and a chic, pedestrian-only village.
The year-round resort town also offers mountain biking, hiking, zip lining and is host to a film and food festival.
Part of the beauty of this BC town is getting there. The Sea to Sky Highway that connects Vancouver and Whistler is one of Canada's most beautiful drives.
Personalized, private tours of Whistler from Vancouver are available and last about 8 hrs. Book now4. Tofino
Photo © Scott McLean
5. Penticton
Peniticton is also home to the region's airport (YYF) that offers daily flights between Vancouver, which is about a 5 hour drive away.
6. Kelowna
Photo © Tourism Kelowna
Sitting just north of Penticton is Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan Valley. The long warm summers and short mild winters draw tourists year-round for biking, wine-tasting, swimming, skiing, snowmobiling and more.
The Kelowna International Airport (YLW) has daily flights to and from North American destinations (check flights to Kelowna).
7. Nanaimo
Photo © Destination Nanaimo
8. Prince Rupert
Photo © S. McLean
Prince Rupert, like much of BC's northwest coast, has a rich First Nations history evident in its art, architecture and peoples.
Any mode of transport to Prince Rupert will be scenic - choose to get there by ferry, train, car/bus or plane.
9. Williams Lake
Photo © Hello BC
Located in BC's interior, with a population of 12,000, Williams Lake is a natural hub for several scenic tours, including historic Gold Rush Trail, the Coast Cariboo Circle Tour, the Fraser River Trail and the Lakes and Trails Circle Tour.
A large, modern tourist centre, built in 2005 will give you plenty options for accommodation (a dude ranch perhaps?) and things to do, the most popular of which are mountain biking, fishing, and whitewater rafting.
10. Kamloops
Photo © Tourism Kamloops
