British Columbia has been ranked among the top 23 best places to visit in 2023 by Condé Nast Traveller magazine.

The province was part of a list evaluated by Condé Nast Traveler editors from the United States, United Kingdom, Spain and India. BC joins a list of top travel spots that include the Sea of Galilee, the beaches of the Turks and Caicos, and the mountains of Nepal.

The magazine praised BC “for its pristine natural beauty, from the Rockies to the storm-battered islands of Haida Gwaii, and new Indigenous-led experiences are connecting travellers to the cultures most closely tied to the land.“

Condé Nast Traveler focused on Indigenous-owned tourism spots throughout the province. These include:

  • Haida House on Haida Gwaii, which launched its new longhouse-style oceanfront cabins in May 2022.
  • Klahoose Wilderness Resort, located north of Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park.
  • Tofino Wilderness Resort on Vancouver Island, which will open under Ahousaht First Nation ownership in 2023.
  • Salmon n’ Bannock, Vancouver’s only Indigenous restaurant, and it’s new off-shoot Salmon n’ Bannock on the Fly at YVR.

Top BC tourist destinations

There are many beautiful places in BC to visit. According to Destinations BC, the top BC tourist destinations are:

Haida Gwaii: The remote and rugged Haida Gwaii archipelago features the vibrant culture of the Haida First Nation. The islands are characterized by their old-growth rainforest and abundant marine environment, which are exclusive habitats for rare subspecies found solely in this enchanting location.

Vancouver: Get a glimpse of the ocean or the rainforest-covered Coast Mountains from almost every corner of the city, whether you’re taking a stroll along the seawall, shopping on Robson Street or exploring historic Gastown. If you want to explore more, you can rent a kayak and paddle through scenic waterways, go for a hike or ski in the North Shore Mountains or relax on the beach.

Canadian Rockies: Located on the BC-Alberta border in the southwest and extending through the interior the entire length of the province, the awe-inspiring Rockies conjure up visions of lofty, snow-clad summits, vivid turquoise lakes and roaring waterfalls.

Great Bear Rainforest: Located in BC’s central coast region, this remote region is the world’s largest remaining coastal temperate rainforest and is a treasured and safeguarded wilderness area.

Whistler: Whistler-Blackcomb is consistently named North America’s top ski resort. In summer, the village is popular with hikers, mountain bikers and golfers.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve: Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, this park has three distinct sections: Long Beach with its immaculate beaches and surf culture; the West Coast Trail, which is an epic multi-day hike; and the Broken Group Islands, a kayaker’s dream, featuring more than 100 islands and islets.

Alaska Highway: This highway spans nearly 1,000 km from Dawson Creek to the Yukon border, providing views of the towering Rocky Mountains and vast expanses of prairie and foothills.

Victoria: Nestled on Vancouver Island, Victoria is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends the past with the present. The captivating Inner Harbour serves as the heart of British Columbia’s capital city. Victoria is renowned for its immaculately maintained gardens.

Okanagan Valley: The Okanagan Valley, which includes Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton, features beautiful lakes, sunny summers, championship golf courses and is home to BC’s wine country.

Kootenays: Experience the ultimate ski vacation in the Kootenays. Its mountains, located within close proximity to vibrant, colourful towns, are famous for their annual snowfall of up to 12 metres of perfect powder. In the summer, the area offers superb hiking and mountain biking opportunities.

Nice places to visit in BC

British Columbia is a stunning and diverse province that has something for everyone. Here are just a few reasons why there are so many beautiful places to visit in BC:

Natural Beauty: British Columbia is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, including rugged coastlines, mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers.

Outdoor Activities: With its incredible natural landscape, British Columbia offers a plethora of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, skiing, snowboarding, camping, fishing, kayaking, and more. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature lover.

Culture and History: British Columbia is home to a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with Indigenous peoples, British colonial history, and more recent immigration from all over the world. Visitors can explore museums, galleries, and cultural centers to learn about the history and traditions of the province.

Food and Drink: British Columbia has a thriving food and drink scene, with local produce, craft breweries, and wineries. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, locally sourced meats and vegetables, and delicious wines and beers.

Friendly People: British Columbians are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, making it a great place to visit for solo travelers or families.

Overall, British Columbia is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to explore stunning natural beauty, enjoy outdoor adventures, learn about diverse cultures, and indulge in delicious food and drink.

Published on February 24, 2023.