Beautiful British Columbia Vacation Planner 2013 British Columbia The Best Place on Earth
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British Columbia By Region
Northern BC
Vancouver Coast
TABLE OF CONTENTS In this travel planning guide, you’ll find all the information and tools to plan and book the perfect BC holiday. You’ll be able to experience BC’s breathtaking scenery, exciting cities and resorts, and do it all your own way.
Festivals Cariboo
Vancouver Island
Thompson Okanagan
Kootenay
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Flip to page five to find out about BC’s year round activities and festivals. Music lovers, foodies, creative types, sports fans, and all those inbetween will be satisfied with British Columbia’s endless possibilities. Whether you’re visiting our province with the entire family or as an adventurous twosome, you’ll find ideas tailored to fit in with any itinerary that are scattered all across the regions of beautiful British Columbia.
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Activities
Sightseeing
Read about our province’s coast, waterways, and mountains, and how they are perfect for fishing, kayaking, river rafting, skiing, and a number of other adventures.
Across BC, you can gaze up at majestic mountains and explore ancient old-growth forests. Discover caves and amble along long sandy beaches. You’ll find out how and where on page seven.
Events & Entertainment
There are always exciting things to do in British Columbia. In fact, the challenge in British Columbia is not figuring out what do to, but how to do it all. Thanks to a temperate climate, outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in their passions nearly year round. From hockey games to festivals of light, British Columbia has no shortage of entertaining events. So check out page four for all that our beautiful province has to offer. You’ll find event schedules, top ten lists, great weekend getaway ideas, and tips on how to make your travels more enjoyable.
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EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT From rowdy sporting events to formal win festivals, you’ll never find yourself without something to do in Beautiful British Columbia
SPORT TEAMS
FESTIVALS
FAMILY FUN
FOOD & WINE
Canucks
Fireworks Festival
Granville Island
Winter Wine Fest
Hockey fan or not, you probably know that Vancouver is home to the city’s beloved NHL team, the Vancouver Canucks. A visit to British Columbia isn’t complete without taking in a game or two at Rogers Arena. Tickets sell out quickly though, and can often be tricky to nail down, so be sure to look out for them well in advance. You won’t regret cheering along in green and blue with 18,000 other excited fans. Go Canucks Go!
BC Lions
The BC Lions and their fans know that their games offer a memorable, fun, and thrilling experience. So gear up in our football team’s famous orange and black, grab a few beers, and enjoy an afternoon relaxing in Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium. Locals and visitors mix at this huge, newly renovated stadium, with its open air construction and decorative light fixtures. 2 hellobc.com
The Celebration of Light is not only Vancouver’s biggest event, but it’s also the largest offshore fireworks competition in the world and attracts up to 400,000 spectators along English Bay each evening. Owned by the Not For Profit Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society, 2012 marks the 22nd consecutive year of the event. The event features three new and unique countries competing over three nights in July. All shows start at 10pm.
Folk Music Fest
The Vancouver Folk Music Fest is an outdoor music festival. It takes place annually, on the third weekend of July. Founded in 1978, this annual festival uses eight outdoor stages, located at Jericho Beach Park. It has attracted artists from all over the world and from all walks of life, including Ani Difranco, Feist, K’naan, and many others.
Where else in the world can rusty tin-sided factories boast rebirth as a Public Market, shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries, a hotel, and so much more? Granville Island’s ambiance is uniquely amazing. Performers, artists and great food await.
Science World
Science World awaits you with popular, hands-on interactive displays, inspirational feature exhibitions, and awesome shows. Watch a giant-screen film in our OMNIMAX Theatre, or engage in a live science demonstration. Spark your imagination in galleries featuring nature, physics, and life sciences. When the weather is nice, explore our new outdoor Ken Spencer Science Park. Located near downtown Vancouver, the entire family is sure to be entertained by a day at Science World.
Set amidst the charming village of Sun Peaks Resort, the annual Winter Festival of Wine is a unique marriage of culinary events, wine tastings, and educational seminars, showcasing the famous wine varietals of BC’s Okanagan Wine Country. Whether you are a wine rookie or a sommelier in disguise, this festival has daily events to entice every palette. Talk about après-ski taken to new heights!
Tofino Food & Wine Festival
The Tofino Food & Wine Festival celebrates the marriage of food and wine in the beautiful Tofino Botanical Gardens. T he festival is both a destination weekend for out of town guests and a favourite for locals. The main event, Grazing in the Gardens, showcases local culinary talents and BC wines.
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CONTESTS
Richmond Night Market
Pacific Rim Kites
With 250 booths offering cool merchandise, 80 vendors serving mouth-watering food and desserts (with a different specially-featured-andpriced vendor each night) a diversity of familyfriendly entertainment, and more than a thousand nearby parking stalls, the Richmond Night Market can’t be beat. This year’s market will also feature carnival rides and a children’s amusement zone, adding thrills and chills to this nightly, family-oriented experience.
Christmas Market
The Vancouver Christmas Market is an annual can’t-miss Vancouver Christmas event running from November 24th to December 24th each year. Vancouver Christmas Market, located on the Plaza at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, is guaranteed to get you in the festive mood! Stroll through the festively decorated outdoor Christmas village and be treated to row upon row of illuminated wooden huts offering handmade gifts and tempting treats. Listen to the sounds of bells, trumpeters and carolers. As day becomes night, thousands of Christmas lights sparkle and delicious aromas of mulled wine, spicy gingerbread, and fresh waffles waft through the crisp winter air.
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Come join the British Columbia Kitefliers Association for two days of kite flying at the 37th annual Pacific Rim Kite Festival! Watch individual and team kite demonstrations, Rokkaku kite battles, as sail boarders and sailboats pass offshore. Your child can build his or her own kite at the Children’s Kite Making Workshop. Pack a picnic lunch or try one of the offerings from the many local restaurants and cafés. Come June 9th, rain or shine!
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Hastings Racecourse
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Few sports offer as much excitement or international appeal as thoroughbred racing. That’s one reason Hastings Racecourse has been capturing the imagination of Vancouverites and visitors alike since 1889. Featuring live thoroughbred racing from many of the world’s most prestigious tracks, Hastings is a legendary location with spectacular mountain and waterfront racing views. We’re open for live thoroughbred racing every weekend from April to November. Whether you’re visiting as a couple or as a group, our staff is committed to ensuring that your day at the track is a runaway success and a truly memorable experience.
Kayak
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Urbanspoon
Discover great new places to eat, see what’s nearby in your ‘hood, or browse a long list of restaurants.
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BC’S BEST BC’S Best Festivals
Bard on the Beach Festival Filberg Festival Sunshine Coast Festival Pacific Rim Summer Festival Summer Okanagan Wine Festival ArtsWells Festival Kaslo Jazz Summer Music Festival Edge of the World Music Festival
BC’S Best Restaurants
ACTIVITES
Home to avid adventure seekers, the possibilites are endless when it comes to the adventures BC has to offer
Blue Water Cafe Lupo Restaurant & Vinoteca RainCity Grill Chambar Belgian Restaurant Le Bistro Chez Michel Simply Thai Glowbal Restaurant Provence Marinaside Salade De Fruits Cafe La Terrazza Restaurant & Lounge
BC’S Best Hot Springs
Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort Canyon Hot Springs Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Halcyon Hot Springs Village & Spa Gandll K’in Gwaayaay Springs Harrison Hot Springs Hot Springs Cove Liard River Hot Springs Lussier Hot Springs Nakusp Hot Springs Radium Hot Springs
BC’S Best Microbreweries
Driftwood Brewery Central City Brewing Co. Howe Sound Brewing Russell Brewing Lighthouse Brewing Co. Phillips Brewing Co. Coal Harbour Brewing Co. Townsite Brewing Inc.
BC’S Best Farmers’ Markets
Cottonwood Community Market Comox Valley Farmers’ Market Penticton Farmers’ Market Moss Street Market Jaffray-Baynes Lake Market Whistler Farmers’ Market Kitsilano Farmers’ Market 4 hellobc.com
KAYAKING
ALPINE SKIING
HIKING
Bowen Island
Red Mountain
West Coast Trail
Bowen Island is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. The forested island lives up to its slogan of “Within Reach. Beyond Comparison.” Water lovers enjoy kayaking around the island’s sheltered bays, swimming at sandy beaches, and mooring their boats at local marinas. Hiking and mountain biking options also offer both hilly challenges and pure relaxation. After a full day spent on the water, shopping and dining on the island are a short stroll away from the ferry port and kayak rental shops in Snug Cove.
Bowron Lake
Bowron Lake offers a world renowned canoe circuit encompassing over 100 kilometers of lakes, waterways, and portages. 54 wilderness campsites and 25 vehicleaccessible campsites are available. Those attempting the canoe circuit must have some previous wilderness canoeing experience.
At Red Mountain Resort, downhill skiers and snowboarders gain amazing access to two mountains- Red Mountain and Granite Mountain. Red Mountain Resort boasts amazing terrain, vertical, and a total of 88 marked runs for skiing and snowboarding. A popular option for powderhounds, the annual snowfall at Red averages 750cm. Red Mountain also offers cross country skiing loops.
Whistler
Located in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, and just two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is Canada’s premier, year-round destination. Consistently ranked the number one resort in North America, Whistler features two majestic mountains with epic skiing and snowboarding. Located in the Coast Mountain Range of BC, Whistler consistently offers the most reliable snow conditions, receiving an average annual snowfall of 11.9 metres based on the past ten years.
The West Coast Trail is a challenging 75 kilometer historic hiking route along sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and beaches. Features include sand beaches, an island archipelago, old-growth coastal temperate rainforest, and significant archaeological sites.
Juan De Fuca Park Juan de Fuca Provincial Park offers scenic beauty, marine and wildlife viewing, and roaring surf along the 47 kilometer wilderness trail. Ranging from easy to strenuous, day or multiday hiking and camping trails are offered along this rugged Pacific coastline.
Naikoon Park
Here lay broad, sandy beaches that stretch for miles. Naikoon lies within a natural trough, and is perfect for hikers and adventurers looking for their next physical challenge.
SIGHTSEEING
BC is home to some of the most beautiful plant and animal species, as well as breathtaking views, vistas, and attractions
BEACHES
MOUNTAINS
VIEWPOINTS
Spanish Bank
Cypress Mountain
Prospect Point
Silver Star
Harbour Centre
This impressive stretch of clean sandy beach has earned Spanish Bank a place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Grassy areas abound, making a sand-free encounter with a good book possible. Spanish Bank is located just 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver, with views of the city skyline, passing cruise ships, and surrounding mountains and forests.
English Bay
A popular venue for outdoor activities like cycling, running, rollerblading, and jogging, English Bay is one of Vancouver’s most diverse neighbourhoods. Located in downtown’s West End, it’s where the energetic action of Denman street and Davie street converge. Besides offering fun in the sun and the sand, it’s also home to some of the city’s best dine-with-a-view restaurants and an eclectic fusion of culinary arts and diverse eateries. An all ages area, English Bay is sure to satisfy.
Cypress provides skiers and sliders with the most vertical drop and best snow conditions on the North Shore Mountains. With cross country skiing, snowtubing, and snowshoeing areas, Cypress has something for everyone.
Silver Star Mountain is the ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. Champagne powder and awesome terrain draw people in winter for skiing, while that same terrain attracts mountain bikers and hikers alike during the warm summer months.
Fernie
Situated halfway up the western slope of the Crowsnest Pass and surrounded by snowcapped peaks, Fernie has a timeless charm. Offering everything from mountain biking to river rafting, Fernie is the perfect destination.
One of Vancouver’s most glorious lookouts, Prospect Point is located in Stanley Park. In summer you’ll be jostling for elbow room with the tour groups as you angle for a view of the passing cruise ships, surrounding mountains, and ocean.
Where else can you enjoy a 360º aerial view of Vancouver? Your adventure starts with a 40 second glass elevator ride, whisking you 168 meters skyward to the panoramic observation deck.
click through or hit play to see some of BC’s native insects, animals, birds, and sea creatures
BC’S TOP FIVE SCENIC DRIVES NAME
REGION
1.
Glacier National Park
Thompson Okanagan
2.
Yoho National Park
Kootenays
3.
Kootenay National Park
Kootenays
4.
Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park
West Kootenays
5.
Sea to Sky Highway
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