Top Things to do in British Columbia
Top 10 Free Things to do in British Columbia, British Columbia
Discover the best top things to do in British Columbia, British Columbia including Chesterman Beach, Penticton Farmers' Market, Myra Canyon Park, Skaha Lake Park, Sea to Sky Highway, Lost Lake, Emerald Lake, Stanley Park, Burnaby Village Museum, Lynn Canyon Park.
Restaurants in British Columbia
1. Chesterman Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,522 reviews
Reviewed By Departure683118 - Wardner, Canada
We visited this beach more than any of the others during our stay on the coast. Not only was it smaller than some of the others, but it seemed more sheltered. The rocky outcrops, and a number of close, small islands, however, really made the crashing waves that much more spectacular. The sand was hard...easy walking...and there seemed to be more “treasures” to be found. We loved exploring here, and watching the many surfers who practiced their craft here. And as an added bonus, the sunsets were beautiful. This will definitely be our go-to beach when we return!
2. Penticton Farmers' Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 240 reviews
At the Penticton Farmers' Market you can find farm fresh veggies and fruits, eggs, honey, baking, preserves and handmade crafts - all grown or produced in the South Okanagan. PFM vendors proudly make, bake or grow everything they sell. The market also hosts a selection of local liquor vendors each week.
Reviewed By VancouverOutside - Vancouver Island, Canada
This Saturday morning market is a "must" when visiting Penticton or the surrounding area. It gets VERY crowded so I would recommend going as early as you can. You can find free parking closely. The market is made up of a "farm and artisan" side and a sort of "retail" side with a few artisan foods mixed in. It is an amazing showcase of what the farms and businesses in the area have to offer and so much of it is great. From wickedly delicious breads, beautiful fruits and vegetables, and beautiful baked items, your basket will be filled within minutes. It would be a true shame to be in this area and not take in this market.
3. Myra Canyon Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,649 reviews
Reviewed By NatalieR629
Such a fun activity to do when visiting Kelowna! My husband and I rented bikes from Myra Canyon bike rental and spent the morning exploring the paths that take you around the canyon, through caves and over old bridges that were previously used for trains. Would highly recommend!
4. Skaha Lake Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 389 reviews
Reviewed By funtravels4me - British Columbia, Canada
People come from many places to enjoy this beautiful park, beach and amenities. I'm fortunate to live here and be within walking distance of the beach. My friends and I have a picnic at Skaha Park every week during the summer. It is beautiful, refreshing and relaxing. Pay it a visit and enjoy the huge beach, beautiful lake set in a picturesque area.
5. Sea to Sky Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,492 reviews
A two-lane scenic highway passes both the Pacific Ocean and rugged mountain peaks.
Reviewed By TravelinSuz - Chandler, United States
What a gorgeous scenic drive! There’s waterfalls, trials to hikes, and cold water corals for scuba divers! So worth the time.
6. Lost Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,777 reviews
A 15-minute shuttle ride from Whistler, this lake is perfect for those who want to take a break from the slopes and jog, walk or picnic by its peaceful shores.
Reviewed By liketOtravel00742 - London, United Kingdom
A pretty little lake that is close to Whistler Village and easily accessible on foot, by bike or using the municipality's free summer shuttle, which runs from the Gateway Loop by the Whistler gondola every 15 minutes. There's a beach, a doggie beach further along, a dock around the far side of the lake, and an easy to walk loop of a couple of kilometres. There are toilets, a place to top up a water bottle, and sometimes a food truck in on site. On a hot day, it does get very busy. So be warned. And the water really isn't all that warm. That's it! Enjoy.
7. Emerald Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,286 reviews
Peaceful lake nestled in the mountains and surrounded by lush, green forest.
Reviewed By RAEF715
Before our trip, without really knowing about the beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies, by 13 year old mentioned having a dream about being out on a beautiful lake with mountains around, and he wanted to do that, so a canoe trip here was a top goal on our trip. After hitting some construction traffic on the way, we got in the lot just a couple minutes before the deadline- he and my wife ran in and got the last canoe, while my other son and i just enjoyed the late afternoon light hitting the lake. Just a memorable time, and quite the contrast to the white water rafting we had completed earlier in the day. Louise and Moraine are incredibly beautiful, but loved our time at Emerald Lake.
8. Stanley Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28,724 reviews
North America's third-largest park draws eight million visitors per year, many of whom may skate or walk past you on the Seawall, a scenic, 5.5-mile path running along the water on the park's perimeter. It's just one of many trails among the park's 1,000 acres, which also house an aquarium, nature center and other recreational facilities.
Reviewed By nycshine1
Rented bikes from Spokes and spent 6-7 hours here. Thoroughly enjoyed it all, including biking along the seawall/causeway and interior paths, exploring the woods, visiting the Aquarium, and having a leisurely meal at Prospect Point with its great views of Lions Gate Bridge. Signage in the park is not always clear. Sometimes it is difficult to discern whether a path/trail is open to bicycles, and finding certain points of interest isn't always straightforward. I had to backtrack on various occasions, but that is part of the fun of exploring. I highly recommend spending several hours to enjoy and uncover the various sites and scenes.
9. Burnaby Village Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 555 reviews
Where History Comes to Life - Stroll down the streets of our 1920s community. Period costumed townsfolk welcome visitors and give demonstrations in the homes, businesses and shops. Visitors can feel the heat of the fire as the blacksmith works at the forge, hear the rhythm of the platen press at the Burnaby Post, smell freshly ground coffee in the General Store, be a 1920s student in a one-room schoolhouse, watch the tinsmith cut, crimp & curl flat sheets of tin into useful household items. Everyone is welcome to take a ride on the 1912 CW Parker Carousel, explore the restored 1912 Interurban Tram, and enjoy a treat in the Ice Cream Parlour. The Village is open seasonally (Spring Break in March, Summer Season- early May to Labour Day, and Heritage Christmas-late November to early January) and year-round for pre-booked groups and programs.
Reviewed By Guide607881
Love to ride the old-fashioned merry-go-round at Christmas, and wander the Village in the Summer...Several years ago we booked the church for my daughter's wedding! It was perfect!
10. Lynn Canyon Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,174 reviews
Interesting park with a suspension bridge, trails and waterfalls and an ecology center.
Reviewed By BrittanyMExplores - Winnipeg, Canada
Lynn Canyon is a beautiful, densely forested, natural park located in North Vancouver. The park has a variety of well-maintained, easy and accessible hiking trails, some waterfalls and gorgeous lush plant life. Lynn Canyon is a peaceful place to go for a hike and enjoy the gorgeous natural environment. The main attraction here is the suspension bridge which crosses a deep gorge. It is a fantastic (and free) alternative to the more expensive and touristy Capilano Suspension Bridge nearby. I was amazed at how tall the trees were in the park and it was cool to see so much moss and vines growing on and hanging from the trees. There were lots of ferns a gorgeous variety of plants. It felt like I was in a rainforest. I spent a morning at Lynn Canyon during my visit in May 2017. The trails were quiet and beautiful as they led through dense and lush foliage with a series of boardwalks and lots of wooden steps along the way for a great leg workout. I visited Twin Falls, a pretty waterfall that could be seen before crossing the suspension bridge. After crossing the bridge, follow the boardwalk to the right and the trail will lead to a better viewpoint of the falls. The 50 metrer high suspension bridge was the highlight of my visit. It stretched across a deep canyon with waterfalls and a powerfully flowing river below. It bounced and swayed as I crossed, which was a little freaky, but still an amazing experience. There were fantastic views and photo opportunities of the scenery while standing in the middle of the bridge. If you arrive early enough in the morning when the park opens, you can get good photos of the bridge with nobody else on it. The 30 foot pool was an interesting place to see, and could be found after crossing the bridge, turning left and walking for about 20 minutes. Along the edge of the rushing river, there were calm pools of water in between the large rocks where you could go swimming. There were beautiful views of this area from the top of the wooden set of steps. Lastly, I visited the Pipe Bridge. The bridge was built over top of a pipe that crossed the canyon. This was located on the edge of the park, after hiking from the 30 foot pool. It was peaceful there and I found amazing views of the canyon and surrounding forest. The hikes in the park were not too difficult, aside from some steps. I arrived to the park using public transport from downtown Vancouver and it took 3 buses to get there, but was easy and straightforward. The best part about the park, is the free entrance and opportunity for anyone to explore the beautiful nature there. There was a visitor's centre and cafe at the entrance to the park as well (with washrooms). Lynn Canyon is a gorgeous natural paradise in a temperate rainforest, with hiking trails and an amazing suspension bridge. This park is worth visiting when in Vancouver and is a wonderful escape from the city life.
