Canada As You Like It Blog
10 Unmissable Things to Do in British Columbia this Autumn.
- by Hope Mountford
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- 03 Sept, 2021
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Our 10 favourite things to do in British Columbia this Autumn.
Canada is on the green list! Time to escape to this beautifully diverse province in the West of Canada. BC provides an incredible escape from the everyday.
Surrounded by wildlife, mountainous landscapes and breath taking lakes and rivers –this trip will rejuvenate your autumn season. But even if you are looking for a city break with gorgeous skylines and iconic landmarks – British Columbia can provide it all.
1. Bear Viewing Tour
Observe roaming bears in their natural habitat in the Khutzeymateen grizzly bear sanctuary – the first of its kind, wherein the bears are protected from any unnatural interference. Or take a trip to Vancouver Island, a biodiverse island with a stunning variety of animals all around. Seeing these often funny but impressive animals interact with their surroundings and one another is a once in a lifetime experience. Spot mothers and cubs together at the water’s edge for an organic, peaceful scene.
2. Wine Tasting
Take a day out to enjoy the very best wines and vineyards that British Columbia has to offer. From Fraser Valley to Shuswap you will be spoilt for choice with excellent vineyards all over the province. Relax as you sample the best whites and reds at incredible lakeside vineyards and enjoy creative culinary experiences as the sun sets on stunning garden dining areas. The diverse microclimates of British Columbia allow for many types and variations of wines to be produced – creating hundreds of undiscovered treasures to sample.
3. Immersive Wildlife Viewing
Northern British Columbia has the highest concentration of natural wildlife anywhere in British Columbia. Bears, bison, moose, caribou, lynx and grizzly bears call the mountains home, whilst orcas, grey whales, seals and humpback whales live amongst the icy waters. Experience these animals as they are intended to be, in the wild, right on your doorstep by visiting the Alaska Highway or the Muskwa-Kechika in Northern BC.
4. City Break in Vancouver
Enjoy the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, with its lush gardens and rooftop terraces. Visit the Vancouver Lookout for views of the entire city, and watch the sunset over British Columbia’s cultural hub. Sandwiched between mountains and lakes, you are never far away from an amazing view or photo opportunity. Take a shopping day at Metropolis in Metrotown or visit the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, Vancouver is filled with hidden experiences and secret bars and restaurants – experience them for yourself on your city break!
5. Alpine Bike Riding
Explore the spectacular nature of British Columbia on an alpine bike tour. Work your way through the mountains and valleys of the natural reserves. Give back to the environment by leaving the areas completely untouched and unharmed, whilst enjoying the incredible views and animal spotting on your journey. Guides will give you the very best experience possible, winding you through the best spots that BC prides itself on.
6. Hot Springs
Take a luxurious break at the various hot springs that British Columbia has to offer, escape the cold autumn months with some warming therapeutic waters! These springs are not only completely natural but also very Instagram worthy. Relax amongst the natural minerals and mountainous views, the Radium Hot Springs and Nakusp Hot Springs offer the best warming pools for your relaxation needs!
7. Ale Trail
British Columbia’s Ale Breweries are made to be enjoyed and relished, whether you want to be able to walk to and from breweries or enjoy surrounding farms for a whole afternoon, your beer dreams will be spoilt for choice. Ale trails are available in Vancouver, the Thomson Okanagan and the Kootenay Rockies for all types of ale lovers and experience hunters.
8. Whale Tour
Have an awe inspiring experience by seeing a variety of whales with your own eyes. Escape the noises and stress of city life with a peaceful and quiet whale watching tour off the coast of British Columbia. Spot humpback whales, orcas, grey whales from a variety of company’s specialised viewing boats, and take in the amazing sight of the whales in their natural habitat.
9. RV Road trip
Take British Columbia into your own hands by taking a RV tour of the province. Take the area at your own pace while exploring coastal towns, the Alaska Highway, countless distilleries and wineries and wildlife tours at your disposal at every turn. Relax in your own space while simultaneously enjoying the beautiful nature surrounding you at all times.
10. Helicopter Tour
Finish your trip to British Columbia by seeing the area from a whole new angle, from up above. Take a helicopter tour over the mountainous landscapes and intense forests of the province, admire the views and sunsets of the area from the luxurious comfort of a helicopter tour.
In the northwest of Canada where eighty percent of the area
is wilderness, lies the Yukon. With friendly locals, wildlife to observe,
activities to immerse yourself in and fascinating history to explore, this destination makes
for the perfect fly-drive holiday.
Lace up your boots and hit the back country. With trails at your doorstep for exploring, hiking is the best way of seeing the province on a fly drive holiday. There are areas suitable for all levels of hiking, from the congenial leisure walk to the avid hiker. Head to Saskatoon at the Meewasin Valley, this area offers over 105 km of trails across 67 square km of land. It provides year-round adventure and sightseeing opportunities in the heart of beautiful Saskatoon. Benefit from the well-maintained, multi-use pathways to cycle, jog or walk the scenic riverbank trails. Sections of the Meewasin Trail are also part of the Trans Canada Trail which extends almost 24,000 km across Canada from coast to coast. Keen for a challenge? Look at some of the best back country hiking at places like Prince Albert National Park, Lac La Ronge, Meadow Lake- and Narrow Hills Provincial Park in the north or Grasslands National Park and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park in the south.
With three different water ways and an UNESCO heritage site, Ottawa is the place to explore. Take a trip down the Rideau Canal or explore the ByWard market. Walk along Parliament Hill and through acres of woodland and royal trees planted by dignitaries.
Imagine swimming thousands of miles to find that special someone. Whales complete this every single year, known as a whale migration, to find suitable habitat for feeding and reproducing. In British Columbia, these stunning orcas, also known as killer whales, are a prominent site and seeing them is a once in a lifetime experience. As well as orcas, expect to find humpback whales, grey whales and minke whales. These amazing creatures call BC their home from April to October. When the sun is out the whales come to play. From tail flukes to pectoral slaps, go for a whale watching trip and you can bask in their playful nature and enjoy the sunset with a relaxing drink, perfect for families and solo travellers. You can also go paddleboarding with orcas for a unique perspective from the water to see these magnificent creatures. You must, of course, always keep four hundred metres away from them for their safety and yours.
Welcome to the province of Saskatchewan, Canada – a place of breath-taking landscapes, wide-open spaces and hospitality that is second-to-none. This province is big – 651,900 km2, in fact, and has nearly 100,000 lakes and waterways. Natural beauty is not the only thing this province is known for though. Join us on a culinary journey of Saskatchewan, where food and drink abound, and you will find something good to eat around every corner!
Welcome to the fourth largest province in Canada. With five National Parks and six UNESCO Heritage sites, Alberta is a wonderful and varied place to visit. This blog will explore this great province and expose you to the unique qualities that make this area a location sure to be your next travel destination. A playground for outdoor adventure, popular summer activities include hiking, biking, horse riding, rafting, and fishing. As the seasons change and snow begins to fall, head to Alberta for world-class winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, dogsledding, snowshoeing, heli-skiing, ice climbing and more. From wildlife in the Rockies to Waterton Lakes National Park, and art and culture to explore, Alberta is a wonderland packed with options for every traveller.
Atlantic Canada is famous for its fresh and abundant seafood, from succulent lobster, to scallops, mussels, oysters and cod – but it offers so much more. Dine at a seaside restaurant, take a stroll through a local farmers' market, or take in one of the many culinary festivals. It’s truly a foodie’s paradise.
Here's a round up of a few amazing foodie events and experiences that we thought you might want to try:
Head to Northern Manitoba for a wild and exciting trip. Waterways provide refuge to an abundance of wildlife and the land holds the stories of Indigenous peoples.