With a unique environment that spreads across landscapes ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the West Coast, British Columbia’s natural beauty is legendary. Exploring all that British Columbia offers would take a lifetime, but certain areas within the province stand out among the many incredible options. Let’s look at some of the premier outdoor areas that are ideal places to explore for outdoor enthusiasts.
Pacific Rim National Park
Pacific Rim National Park is a sprawling preserve spanning over 500 square kilometers on the western edge of Vancouver Island. This diverse and extraordinarily beautiful park is composed of three different areas. The Long Beach Unit has sandy beach shores, the West Coast Trail goes through a rainforest and along the water, and Broken Group Islands hosts over one hundred islands whose bays and beaches are best explored by kayak or canoe.
Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park is in the eastern region of British Columbia along the Rocky Mountains. This vast natural area contains all the beautiful features associated with the Rocky Mountains: jagged peaks, turquoise-colored glacier lakes, waterfalls, and thick forests. The park hosts several famous waterfalls, including Wapta Falls and Takakkaw Falls, and the hiking trails lead to gorgeous vantage points across the park. It is an all-season destination that is beautiful any time of year.
Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park is also along British Columbia’s Rocky Mountains. This huge area stretches for more than 1,400 square kilometers and is known for its massive canyons and valleys carved by glaciers. The park has flowing rivers and thick forests, along with grizzly bears, deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Many visitors head to Kootenay’s natural hot springs, an idyllic setting to unwind throughout the year.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is not to be confused with its American counterpart. This gorgeous alpine park was established in 1886 and encompasses around 1,350 square kilometers. It is a natural paradise with snow-capped mountains, valleys bursting with wildflowers, and old-growth forests. In the winter, many seeking adrenaline and an exciting adventure choose to go on a ski tour through the park. The famous Rogers Pass within the park is a mountain pass perfect for a scenic drive.
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Joffre Lakes is a picturesque park northeast of Vancouver composed of three glacier-fed lakes in the mountains. The bright blue color of the lakes, which look especially stunning with their mountainous backdrop, is created by glacier silt in the water. The park consists of areas ideal for camping, hiking, fishing, and mountaineering. Joffre Lakes is also convenient to some of British Columbia’s most popular destinations, including Whistler and Pemberton.
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve
Getting to Gwaii Haanas is no easy task, as it can only be reached by water or air. Found 130 kilometers off the province’s mainland, this reserve is a natural paradise, comprising rainforests and beaches. The reserve is home to grizzly bears and bald eagles, and the waters alongside it are teeming with life, including orcas, sea lions, salmon, and more. The culture of the Haida Nation is predominant throughout the park; visitors can see ancient Haida village sites, where they can learn about traditional Haida culture and longhouses that are hundreds of years old.
