From snow-dusted winters to sizzling summer adventures, British Columbia holidays combine wild beauty with cosmopolitan cities. In Canada’s western-most province expect all-out beauty at every turn. Affectionately referred to by its initials, B.C., British Columbia offers full throttle action, contemplative escape and far-reaching adventure that’s easily accessible. There are bears foraging on the slopes of Sun Peaks, orcas and humpback whales plying the waves and forests vibrating with birdsong. You'll find lapis-blue waters, translucent freshwater lakes, giant fir trees and untouched twisting trails. You can swim in the Pacific Ocean, kayak the Salish Sea, climb Whistler's granite rocks and hike through Vancouver Island’s rainforest. Come in summer for buttery blooms in alpine meadows and come back in winter for powder white slopes and festive après ski. Discover slick city sanctuaries in Vancouver and a snow-laden Narnia in Whistler. You might want to stroll through charming cobblestones streets, brunch by the waterfront or sunbathe on beaches backed by mountains. Or perhaps paddle through the wilds, scamper across bridges that almost touch the clouds and explore backcountry by horse. BC is easygoing, incredibly friendly and always up for an outdoor adventure. Nearly everything comes with a vivid twist of nature, an epic mountain backdrop or inviting ocean waters.

Ready for your next big adventure? When it comes to British Columbia holidays, you’re in the right place. Kuoni offer unique experiences and curated British Columbia holidays.

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British Columbia Regions

Our recommendations for the best places to visit in British Columbia

Vancouver Holidays

Discover shopping opportunities in this beautiful cosmopolitan city

Vancouver Island Holidays

See whales offshore and explore Victoria on your Kuoni holidays

Great Bear Rainforest - British Columbia's Wildlife Lodges Holidays

Solitude, silence and sensational animal encounters are pretty much guaranteed at these off-grid...

Holidays in British Columbia

hotel
  • Whistler
  • 5 Star

With a commanding presence at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, turreted Fairmont Chateau Whistler is all decadence and luxury in an alpine setting. The views of the mountains are unbeatable, whether dressed in winter snow or bare and beautiful come summer.

hotel
  • Vancouver
  • 4 Star

With a prime spot in the neighbourhood, The Coal Harbour area is an excellent base in Vancouver, whether you’ve got your sights set on dining, shopping or exploring Stanley Park.

hotel
  • Vancouver Island
  • 5 Star

Overlooking Victoria’s inner harbour, Fairmont Empress has a prime position in glorious Victoria. Oozing elegance and style, this is a swish place to stay when exploring this historic city.

hotel
  • Vancouver
  • 5 Star

The perfect location to explore Vancouver and for a pre-cruise stay.

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  • Vancouver
  • 4 Star

As an all-suite hotel, this hotel is perfect if you are looking for a bit more space - perhaps for an extended stay.

hotel
  • Vancouver
  • 3.5 Star

Both welcoming and in a convenient location at the heart of Downtown

hotel
  • Vancouver
  • 5 Star

The Pan Pacific is an unmissable icon on Vancouver’s waterfront.

hotel
  • Vancouver
  • 5 Star

Step back into the 1920s in the heart of Downtown Vancouver.

hotel
  • Vancouver

Centrally located and elegantly contemporary in style, this charming hotel is a hidden city gem.

hotel
  • Vancouver
  • 4 Star

The chic and contemporary style of this independent hotel reflects its cool Yaletown setting.

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Grizzly bear treks, whale-watching trips and rodeo shows; British Columbia is wild at heart; discover its highlights with an independant itinerary

From the soaring peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the remote wilderness and the natural beauty of Vancouver Island, there is so much to see in British Columbia – affectionately referred to by its initials, BC – that the great outdoors is always calling. Our independent tours and self-drive itineraries are a fantastic way to experience the very best hotspots like Vancouver, Whistler and Sunpeaks. All of our British Columbia tours and itineraries can be tailored to suit the number of nights, choice of hotels, and excursions you might want to join.

Our recommended British Columbia

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Bear & Whale Safari from Tofino

Vancouver Island is a wildlife lover’s dream with whales and bears drawn to the region’s food-rich waters. This is a two-part experience from Tofino which  consists of a whale-watching cruise on a 12-passenger Zodiac in the open waters of the Pacific, during which you may spot gray or humpback whales, seals and sea otters. During the second part of the tour you’ll cruise along the coast of the Clayoquot Sound during low tide to see the island’s resident black bears.

• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Granville Island market tour

Granville Island is Canada's second most visited destination and Vancouver's destination for lovers of food, art and culture. Offering fresh, local seasonal produce, it's where you might see Vancouver's chefs shopping for their menus. During the tour, you'll savour a variety of foods from independent farmers and food artisans from Vancouver and beyond. Award-winning charcuterie, local cheeses, artisan bread, melt-in-your-mouth donuts, and world-class coffee and chai.

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Bear Watching in Tofino

Cruise along the calm waters of the inlets of beautiful Clayoquot Sound on board a 45-foot covered cruiser in search of black bears in their natural habitat. Travel along the shore and keep an eye out these beautiful creatures as they seek out one of their favourite foods – the rock crab, which they search for when the tide goes out.

• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

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Victoria Whale Watching by Catamaran

Head out into the Salish Sea from the Victoria's Historic Fisherman's Wharf on this exhilarating catamaran cruise. Keep your eyes peeled for humpbacks, orcas and other marine species as you spend a few hours on the water. You'll be accompanied by a naturalist/biologist and the boats feature washrooms, an indoor heated area and plenty of outdoor viewing areas.

• Departs daily
• Operates May to October
• Group experience

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Victoria Day Trip by Floatplane

Depart Vancouver Harbour by seaplane for an exciting flight over the Gulf Islands to beautiful Victoria. A coach tour to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, and the famous Butchart Gardens, a privately owned 55-acre floral display garden, is included in your trip. While you're in Victoria, you can also take time for shopping and visiting museums. After returning to downtown Victoria, depart on the flight of your choice back to Vancouver.

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Hop-on hop-Off Sightseeing Vancouver - 48hr Classic Pass

The Classic Pass is a fun and flexible way to see the best of Vancouver. This ticket gives you unlimited access to all of the highlights and stops available along the route - 14 in total. The tour will provide you with commentary, lending a local's authentic take on the magic that makes Vancouver great. The clear-top buses are equally special. Your view of the city will be like no other as you tour the streets with the wind in your hair.

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Vancouver City Tour & Capilano Suspension Bridge

Ride and relax with guided commentary through Vancouver's vibrant downtown. See spectacular waterfront landmarks including the sails of Canada Place and the bustling Robson Street shopping strip. Then soak in the view over Lions Gate Bridge as we venture to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Here you'll be thrilled with both the natural surroundings and all the park has to offer. Take a stroll on the Cliffwalk, or saunter with the clouds in the Treetops Adventure. Next up are the sandy shores of English Bay on the west side of Stanley Park, and then a stop to tour the wonders of Granville Island. Finally, a scenic drive through the historic neighbourhoods of Chinatown.

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Vancouver Scenic Seaplane Flight (Classic Panorama)

Harbour Air Seaplanes' most popular tour of the North Shore Mountains. This ideal introduction to seaplane aviation departs from downtown Vancouver's bustling Coal Harbour and includes a complete aerial view of the city. Photographers will especially enjoy a bird's eye view of Horseshoe Bay, English Bay and Deep Cove. The sensation of landing on water is always a memorable.

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Tofino Whale-Watching Cruise

This is the ultimate whale and wildlife-watching adventure from Tofino. Travelling by 12-seater Zodiacs or a 65-foot covered boat, you'll explore the inlets and fjords of the spectacular Clayquot Sound. This six-hour experience is split into to excursions out on to the water, with a break on land to refresh between voyages. Wildlife you may see during your cruise include black bears, sea lions, sea otters and, depending on the time of year, gray whales, humpback whales and orcas.

• Departs daily
• Operates March to October
• Group experience

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Victoria Hop-on Hop-Off 24 hr Pass

Experience Victoria aboard an open top, double-decker bus, with the flexibility to explore the many popular attractions the city has to offer on this hop-on hop-off tour. The tour loop takes approximately 90 minutes, and guests can hop on and off at their leisure whenever the tours are operating. Highlights include Fairmont Empress Hotel, Craigdarroch Castle, Chinatown and Old Town, Fisherman's Wharf, Panoramic Inner Harbour, Parliament Buildings, Christ Church Cathedral, Oak Bay Village and Marina, Cook Street Village, Ogden Point Cruise Terminal and Break

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Get to know British Columbia and those important practicalities when planning your perfect holiday.

Capital
TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -8 hours

CURRENCY

Canadian dollar (CAD)

FLYING TIME TO DESTINATION

10 hours (Vancouver)

RELIGION

Majority Christianity

LANGUAGE

English and French are the official languages in Canada

National parks
Entrance fees for Canada’s national parks (operated by Parks Canada) are approximately CA$10 per adult per day and not are included in the price of your holiday. In many parks, admission for children 17 years and under is free. If you’re planning on visiting a national park on seven or more days, it may be worth purchasing a Discovery Pass which allows unlimited admission at over 80 Parks Canada places. For more information, see the Parks Canada website or information centres when in destination.

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