British Columbia adventure vacations will have you exploring alpine lakes, rugged coastline, rainforest trails, and secluded, calm water bays.
From the pine-fringed rivers of Kootenay National Park to the impossibly blue Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, around every corner is a dramatic show of the power and diversity of mother nature. British Columbia is one of those places you need to get deep into the landscapes to experience its full charm – and there’s no better way to do that than on our British Columbia adventure vacations.
Hiking, biking, wine tasting, kayaking, and fishing amongst the beautiful peaks and valleys of British Columbia is tough to beat and easy to do on our British Columbia adventure tours. View the breathtaking landscapes, geographical diversity, abundant wildlife, and pristine mountain lakes that defy description.
Bordered by the rugged and spectacular Pacific Coast to the west and jagged, magnificent Rocky Mountains to the east, discover why this place is an ideal for British Columbia adventure vacations.
British Columbia Vacation Packages
British Columbia Vacation Packages
When Is the Best Time to Visit British Columbia?
British Columbia has four distinct seasons, and as with most places, it’s typically warmer in the south and wetter along the coast. Because British Columbia is such a large province (four times the size of the U.K.), it has several different climatic zones, so much of what you will experience will depend on where you’ll be visiting. Our pick for the best time to visit British Columbia is in the early fall where you’ll enjoy cool and comfortable temperatures and foliage peaking in late September/early October.
Spring (March-May)
Spring in British Columbia is relatively mild. By the end of March, daily highs are usually around 50°F, and lows are generally around 40°F. Yes, it rains rather frequently, but rainfall is typically light or moderate at worst. Spring is a great time to go if you want to be the first out on the golf course!
Summer (June – August)
Summer is quite comfortable in this part of Canada. In the interior of British Columbia, average daily temperatures are in the 80°s although they can occasionally reach 90°F. On the coast, temperatures are just a few degrees cooler. It’s pretty safe to say that you can get away with wearing shorts, skirts, and sandals anywhere in British Columbia during these months. (For at least part of the day!)
Autumn (September – November)
In September, the average daily high in Vancouver is 65°F and 68°F in Whistler. Both cities have average daily lows around 50°F. Cool and comfortable is a great way to describe autumn in British Columbia. If you want to see the fall foliage at its peak, visit during late September and/or early October.
Winter (December – February)
While the Canadian Rockies are no stranger to snow, the winter temperatures are not as low as you may think — thanks to the Chinook winds that can bring in warmer air. Still, temperatures are often at or below freezing, so you’ll want to pack your winter gear. On the coast, things are more temperate, and snow on the ground is a rare sight. That said, you’ll still want to pack warm clothing because Vancouver’s average high in January is 43°F.
What to pack for your British Columbia Vacation
1. A Toque
Also known as a cap or beanie, a toque is a staple in any Canadian’s wardrobe. Locals wear them year-round – so even if you’re planning on visiting in summer, you may want to bring a lightweight knit hat. It’s a must-have accessory in British Columbia.
2. Moisture-wicking Layers
Regardless of when you travel in British Columbia, you should always have a warm layer, and remember – when it comes to layers; it’s about quality, not quantity. The best fabrics for layering aren’t cotton, but because of their properties, they’re worth every extra penny. Choose a fabric like merino wool which is soft, breathable and dries quickly.
3. Hiking Socks
Believe it or not, if you’re going to be hiking in British Columbia, you should wear hiking-specific socks. Regular tube socks are okay, but for the best hiking experience, you’re better off with socks that are designed for the activity. Hiking socks are usually labeled lightweight, mid-weight or heavyweight, and you should choose the thickness that’s right for you based on how much cushioning you like and how your foot fits in your boot. As with layers, it’s best to avoid cotton!
Travel tips for visiting British Columbia
There’s a lot to know about this beautiful province, so we won’t bore you with every minor detail, but here are a few tidbits of information that you may find helpful for your trip.
1. First Nations
British Columbia is home to many ethnicities including 198 First Nations. First Nations refers to the indigenous people of Canada. Few people know that British Columbia has the most diverse Aboriginal population in all of Canada!
2. Sea-to-Sky Highway
If you’re driving the Sea-to-Sky Highway solo, you should plan on stopping at kiosks 1-5 on your way north and kiosks 6-7 on your way south. The vistas that range from the ocean (near Vancouver) to the mountains (near Whistler) don’t disappoint!
3. Skip the Taxi: Take the SkyTrain
A taxi ride from the airport into downtown Vancouver could add up quickly, but the same trip on the SkyTrain will cost you far less. And if you need to get somewhere during rush hour, taking the SkyTrain means you won’t be stuck sitting in traffic!
Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full
By paying in full, we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply. Read more here.
Moments from British Columbia
Gallery
FAQs About British Columbia
Accommodation
We've spent years finding places to stay that are quaint, perfectly-located, and comfortable when we take you to the most amazing parts of North America. We offer a wide variety of accommodations on our trips ranging from locally run inns and first-class hotels to resorts, dude ranches and historic national park cabins. Accommodations are selected for their location, unique charm and history, and offer a true feel for the region. We strongly believe in the value of a good night's sleep and our accommodation reflects this. We also like to have somewhere comfortable to relax after the day's activities.
Transport
We're really focused on ensuring that we spend as little time as possible sitting in vehicles, and that we optimize your vacation for adventuring in the great outdoors. Our average driving time is just over two hours a day, and we make plenty of stops for bathroom breaks and sightseeing along the way. We use modern, comfortable 15-passenger vans for all of our transfers and a second van is added to most departures to provide more flexibility and more room to spread out while seeing the sights! Make no mistake - our trips are not typical bus tour vacation packages! Picture more of a road trip with family complete with good music, tasty snacks, and plenty of guide-supplied fun facts along the way to keep you entertained!
Meals
Just about all your meals are included when you travel with Austin Adventures in North America. We provide a wide variety of cuisine - breakfasts are typically eaten at your hotel on your own time in the morning before meeting up with the group. Lunches feature everything from elaborate picnics to roadside cafes to sandwiches trailside. Dinners are usually eaten at our hotel's dining room or a local restaurant with plenty of options to choose from. We easily cater to vegetarians, picky kids, and people with particular dietary needs. All our guides have food safety certificates and are well-practiced in the art of food prep and serving while on-the-move. You'll find the meals are a real highlight of your trip!
Guides
Our trips are all led by experienced guides who are very proud to work with us and often lead our trips for many years, for which we are very lucky and very grateful as it means we're able to consistently offer a fantastic level of service. Our guests are often drawn to North America by the beautiful scenic landscapes, promise of wilderness and clean air - and there's no doubt you'll find all that, though what you may not be expecting is to forge real, genuine friendships with your fellow tripmates, including our wonderful guides. They're hands-down the BEST guides you'll ever come across.
As an Austin Adventures traveler, it’s highly recommended you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of travel delays, missed connections, medical expenses or injury, or lost baggage for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Protection page for more in-depth information and our recommended insurance provider.
We generally take up to 18 people per trip, although this can vary, and all our trips have at least two of our guides to look after you (apart from the occasions we have a small group). We have found that our trips tend to attract a particular kind of person and many people have commented that the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip!
Adult only trips are designed for guests aged 16 years and above and our family departures require a minimum age of 6 years to join (7 years on our Alaska Family Adventure) and are a great way to meet other like-minded families who like to get outside.
Please note child rates apply to children 12 years and under.
You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You’ll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.
We’re accustomed to catering to the following special diets:
- vegan (no meat or animal products)
- vegetarian (no meat products)
- pescatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
- no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
- no pork (eat chicken & fish)
- gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
- lactose intolerant (no dairy products)
- picky kids (send us a list of what your child will eat and we'll make sure to have it!)
You will get the opportunity to specify your particular requirements when you fill in your travel wallet. If you have any other dietary requirements please let us know well in advance, via email or in your Account.
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Why Travel With Us
Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.
Award-winning guides lead the way
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
You’ll never need to sweat the details
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!
Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
"Wow Moments” take your trip from enjoyable to extraordinary
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.
