Top British Columbia Outdoor Activities

This whale-watching adventure from downtown Vancouver gives you the chance to see whales and other marine life. Hop aboard the 'Salish Sea Dream' our 80-foot flagship catamaran, and keep your eyes peeled from one of several viewing areas.. Learn about the local history and geology from knowledgeable crew on board, and soak up views of the Gulf Islands, San Juan Islands, and Howe Sound.

Paddle two dozen Class III and IV rapids on the Nahatlatch River during this half-day excursion. With a guide for every 4- to 8-passenger boat, this river rafting is suitable for both thrill-seekers and novices. Enjoy some of British Columbia’s best white-water action while surrounded by forests and mountains. Full-body wetsuit, booties, helmet and lifejacket are provided for safety and comfort.

Scout for an incredible array of marine life during this half-day Vancouver whale watching cruise. Join a professional naturalist on board a modern boat as you search for creatures including orcas, seals, porpoises, and eagles. The waters for your cruise are renowned for attracting whales, offering an up to 90% success rate with sightings. Best of all, enjoy spectacular scenery set amidst the Gulf and San Juan Islands. Your whale watching trip from Vancouver includes round-trip transport from your hotel, plus bottled water and snacks.

Venture off-road and explore the backcountry trails of the Brandywine Valley on this ATV adventure. Get behind the wheel of an ATV and zip along forest roads, bush trails, and dirt tracks; stop at lookout points and enjoy incredible views of Whistler, Blackcomb and Black Tusk; and keep a look out for wildlife including deer, eagles, and bears.

Immerse yourself in nature’s splendor moments from downtown Vancouver. History meets the great outdoors at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you wander through the stunning temperate rain forest. Soar over the Capilano River as you cross the suspension bridge, climb through old-growth fir trees on the Treetops Adventure, and rise high above the canyon along a towering wall of granite on the new Cliffwalk.

Spend half a day touring Vancouver’s natural and urban highlights on this sightseeing bus tour. Your savvy guide escorts you to key attractions such as Canada Place, Robson Street and across the Lions Gate Bridge. Listen to interesting commentary as you wind through vibrant neighborhoods and tree-lined paths in Stanley Park. Then head to Capilano Suspension Bridge for an exhilarating walk along the cliff-hanging footpaths.

Discover the beauty and culture of Vancouver on a small-group bike tour—great for riders of all levels. Accompany your guide on a leisurely ride along dedicated bike routes. Explore the city’s natural wonders like Stanley Park's rain forest and historic neighborhoods like Gastown and Chinatown. Cruise along the seawalls for gorgeous views of the North Shore Mountains, False Creek and more.

Marvel at the majesty of Canada’s marine wildlife on this 3-hour whale-watching adventure in Victoria. Hop aboard your boat, a semi-covered vessel built specifically for whale-watching trips, and cruise through the Haro Strait with your guide. Watch the waves from the open sun decks or stay protected from the spray in the heated indoor cabin. Stop off at points of interest through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Listen to fascinating commentary from marine naturalists on board, and admire the beautiful orca, humpback whales, and minke whales you find.

Take your sightseeing to the skies on an exhilarating zipline tour through the unspoiled Whistler-area wilderness. With your choice of two different tours, select the ideal experience for your taste. Breathe in crisp mountain air as you cruise above white water rivers and the alpine forest of Blackcomb Mountain and Whistler, spotting local wildlife and learning about mountain ecology. A most adventurous way to learn!

If you have ever harbored a secret yearning to be a flying superhero—swooping, diving and spinning above the water, this flyboard experience is something you won’t want to miss. Feel the thrill of the freedom as you hover over Lake Okanagan with your trusty instructor at your side helping you out as needed.

Come and meet the locals—the flippered, furred and feathered kind—on this guided 3.5-hour or more whale watching cruise with Eagle Wing Tours at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Hop aboard a comfortable semi-covered or open boat and help support Eagle Wing’s many conservation, education and research activities! Let certified and knowledgeable naturalists be your guides to the stunning wildlife and natural history of the Salish Sea. Find out how you’re supporting a leader in ocean conservation, education, research and sustainability. Watch for seals, sea lions, otters and porpoises as well as bald eagles and an amazing assortment of marine birds. Hoping for something bigger? Whales are guaranteed or you come back for free! Hotel transport included.

Get behind the wheel of your own 4X4 off-road buggy on this guided tour of Whistler. First, receive instructions on how to drive your buggy. Then, rev your engine and climb rugged mountain roads and forested single-track trails in Callaghan Valley. Take in scenic views while keeping your eyes peeled for local wildlife along the way.

Looking for an enchanting and unusual way to spend an evening in Vancouver? Take a leisurely dinner cruise along the city’s gorgeous waterfront. Listen to live music and savor delicious Pacific Coast-style cuisine as you float through Vancouver’s Inner Harbor. Stroll the deck at sunset, indulge in a freshly prepared buffet, and take in the beautiful sights including Canada Place, the North Shore Mountains and the West Vancouver skyline after dusk.

Soar above the scenic city of Vancouver, enjoying a bird's eye view of its picturesque harbor and nearby mountain peaks, on this 20-minute, small-group seaplane flight. Hop aboard your seaplane as you leave the tourist crowds in downtown Vancouver behind, as you glide above the city's beautiful skyline and take in an aerial view of its Olympic facilities. This small-group flight, limited to just 14 guests, also includes a carbon offset levy.

Enjoy hair-raising adventure in the wilds of Canada on this 5.5-hour Elaho River white-water rafting adventure from Squamish. Hop aboard your bus and travel to the banks of the Elaho River, deep in the mighty Squamish Valley. Then, pull on your safety gear, grab your paddle and take to the waves. Challenge yourself against the river’s winding twists and turns as your guide navigates you through the choppy class III-IV rapids. During your 3-hour descent, explore British Columbia’s breathtaking wilderness and watch the riverbanks for native bears, beavers and deer.

Discover the natural beauty of Vancouver’s Stanley Park aboard a horse-drawn carriage on this charming 1-hour tour. Sit back and relax as your trusty steed clops along Park Drive overlooking the Seawall. An informative guide shares engaging commentary on the sights, including the Rose Garden, Girl in a Wetsuit Statue and the famous First Nations totem poles. Snap memorable photos of Vancouver and the Lion’s Gate Bridge. It’s a great way to experience the fresh air of Stanley Park without tiring your feet!

Explore British Columbia’s coastline by land and sea on this Victoria and Butchart Gardens tour from Vancouver. Hop aboard your ferry and enjoy a cruise through the beautiful Gulf Islands. Stand on the deck and watch the waves for whales and sea lions, and keep your eyes on the skies for eagles. Visit the botanical Butchart Gardens, where trickling fountains sit among themed flowerbeds and sunken gardens. Explore vibrant corners of Victoria such as Chinatown and the Inner Harbour at your leisure and soak up the metropolitan atmosphere.

Experience the excitement of a whitewater rafting adventure on this guided excursion in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Choose from one of three tours, ranging from 3- to 6.5-hour trips, then ride along Kicking Horse River in Golden, British Columbia. Challenge Class III-IV rapids on a White Water Express, White Water Discovery or Ultimate Adventure. All the necessary rafting equipment, including a life jacket and helmet plus snacks and beverages, are included. A buffet lunch is provided on the White Water Adventure and Ultimate Discover tours.

Plunge into a rugged landscape of white water and wilderness with a river rafting experience in B.C.’s Wells Gray Park. Launch into the pristine Clearwater River to hit a series of exciting rapids and chutes, where explosive Class III features send up churning waves and breaking crests. Slip into the water between heart-pounding white water, and soak up the serenity of British Columbia’s stunning interior.

Take the adventure route between Vancouver and Victoria with a scenic 35-minute flight. Soak up lovely aerial views while crossing the Strait of Georgia by seaplane — the most eco-friendly transport to Victoria — then set off on your own sightseeing excursion of BC’s capital. At the end of your day, catch the ferry back to the mainland, admiring stunning island and ocean views at dusk.

Admire native marine wildlife in the waters of British Columbia on this 3-hour whale-watching adventure in Victoria. Hop aboard your open-top boat in Victoria Harbour and cruise out into the rolling waves with your guide. Your vessel, a zodiac speedboat, is built with stability in mind and remains buoyant even in rough seas. Cruise through the Haro Straight to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Watch the water for sightings of humpback whales, minke whales and orcas breaching the waves, and learn of their life cycle and migration habits.

Head to the famed ski town of Whistler Village—the headquarters for many of the 2010 Winter Olympic events—on this winter snowmobile tour. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure time, and then explore the local back-country terrain. Visit scenic trails and lookouts, frozen lakes, and high-alpine bowls on this exciting small-group tour. If you forget some of your winter gear—snow pants, jackets, boots, gloves, helmets, and goggles—you have the option to borrow at no additional charge. A hot drink and snack are included.

Calling all adventure lovers, this private 3-hour ATV tour allows you to drive through the rugged terrains and spectacular landscapes of Callaghan Valley at your own speed. Following your guide, you’ll follow a 2.5-mile (4-km) off-road track that leads to rivers, streams, and mountain viewpoints. A valid driving license is required for this activity, which is only suitable for single riders.

Trek through Whistler's rugged alpine terrain on a thrilling 2-hour ATV trip! Follow your guide on an exhilarating ride along Blackcomb’s mountain trails and through forested hillsides. Along the way stop to admire the resort town of Whistler and the unbelievably beautiful British Columbia landscape. Your mountain ATV tour also includes a safety briefing, protective gear and round-trip transport from Eagle Lodge.