October is fall in British Columbia and a quiet shoulder season for travelers. With mild weather in southern areas, though, there's no need to stay away from the province. Take a road trip along the coast to admire the views and spot wildlife, or inland to wine country during harvest season. There's a lot to see and do in British Columbia in October.
British Columbia is vast—bigger than New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and most US states—and even travelers with generous schedules will have choices to make when planning a trip. Two weeks is a great place to start, allowing time to explore many of the province's highlights, from its coastal beaches and islands to the national parks of the interior. Travelers on a shorter schedule should stick to one or two regions—with a focused approach, you can get to know the parts of British Columbia that call to you without spending too much time on the road.
February is midwinter in British Columbia, which means it's very cold and snowy in most of the province but milder on the coast and in the south. Skiers, snowboarders, and other winter sports enthusiasts are in luck as there's no shortage of downhill and cross-country snow areas to enjoy. It's also an ideal time to head north in search of the aurora borealis. Read on to learn more about traveling to British Columbia in February.
British Columbia covers a huge territory, stretching from more than 620 miles (1,000 km) of Pacific shoreline to glacier-topped mountains, the rolling hills of Okanagan wine country, and the temperate urban center of Vancouver. While winter brings cold weather and plenty of snow to the interior, British Columbia’s coast is warmed by Pacific Ocean currents, making it temperate year-round. Planning a trip requires some thought into both what region and season to target for a British Columbia visit—this guide outlines your best options.
Serving as the eastern gateway to Banff National Park, the town of Banff serves as a great basecamp for exploring the park as well as the numerous highlights surrounding the town, itself. In the summer months, the most popular activities range from hiking, mountain biking, and paddling the lakes and rivers to more scenic helicopter flights that take you high up into the Rockies. Whatever you choose to do, head out early to beat the crowds and make the most of your time in the mountains!
Departing from Smithers in northern British Columbia, hop on a floatplane flight to access a number of wilderness adventures in the nearby mountains and backcountry. You'll find cabins, lake camping, and beautiful alpine basins to explore on foot with friends or family. Most of these places can be reached by a 20-60-minute flight.
May is spring in British Columbia. With the snow mostly gone and the weather warmer, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities before the summer crowds arrive. Hike in the provincial parks around Squamish, admire the blossoms in the Rocky Mountains, or dial the adventure up a few notches with whitewater rafting on rivers full of snowmelt. Here are a few ideas about what you can see and do in British Columbia in May.
November is the end of fall and the start of winter in British Columbia. As the snow sports season kicks into gear, visitors can hit the slopes or the trails, or opt for other shoulder-month pursuits, like bird watching and attending food festivals. Find out more about visiting British Columbia in November below.
April is spring across British Columbia. While some inland and northern areas are still cold and snowy, many coastal and southern places are milder, with pleasant temperatures and longer days. Get active with hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting around the coast, or ride a long-distance train between Vancouver and the Rocky Mountains. There's plenty to see and do in British Columbia in April.
January is midwinter in British Columbia and the coldest month of the year. It's an ideal time to hit the slopes of the Rocky Mountains and Kootenay Rockies and within easy reach of Vancouver. The provincial capital is also a great destination for travelers interested in museums, galleries, and diverse food, as the climate is relatively mild in January. Read on for more information about traveling to British Columbia this month.