10 Best British Columbia Towns For A Weekend Trip
British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province, is a tourism option that should come as no surprise to outsiders, given how beautiful it is. The region is known for its Pacific Ocean coastline splendors, photogenic mountain ranges, and fun commercial attractions. From outdoor recreation to indoor locale features, there is no shortage of how splendid one's trip can be for any weekend itinerary. These small towns are the best options for visitors needing only a few days of excitement!
Kimberley
Kimberley, located in southeastern British Columbia, is an easygoing destination with some of the best stops one can find within the Purcell Mountains! The Underground Mining Railway is one of the coolest locales and doubles as a natural getaway for Mark Creek valleyways and Sullivan Mine sightseeing on a unique underground tour. Kimberley Nature Park is ideal for morning hikers who need blissful moments around rocky terrain or are in the mood for mountain biking near wildlife habitats.
Kimberley Alpine Resort is full of cross-country skiing friendliness and recreational downhill slopes to help newcomers feel included while enjoying family-oriented outings within the Purcell Range. Cominco Gardens is a special attraction for tourists who want to experience colorful farm vibes and alluring downtown blooms in a cozy locale that makes visitors feel like they are living in a fairy tale! For those needing a bite, The Old Bauernhaus offers authentic Bavarian dishes and cultural heritage thanks to German farmhouse ambiance and lovable folks.
Salmon Arm
Salmon Arm, or "Canada's California," is not one that weekenders should miss out on! The R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum is an open-air landmark with preserved vintage relics and pioneer heritage related to the Shuswap community. At McGuire Lake Park, travelers will find cute seasonal fountains and lakeside picnic spots that keep people coming back often!
Salmon Arm Wharf is perfect for fishing enthusiasts and fans of boardwalk adventures with wharf wildlife and gazebo comfort near Shuswap Lake. Pedro Gonzales is a hidden gem for local produce cherishment, happy local greetings, and hospitable history. Barley Station Brewpub has some of the best housemade beers and laid-back atmospheres around!
Smithers
A northwestern British Columbia destination that is often visited for its historic and natural landmarks, Smithers has plenty to see and take in. Bulkley Valley Museum is a 1960s estate with friendly tours of family artifacts and early settlement newspaper origins. Call Lake Provincial Park is a wonderful tourist spot for weekenders who like pleasant hiking routes mixed with some quiet Bulkley Valley scenery!
Smithers Golf Club makes for a sporting haven with its mountain greenery, championship course holes, and captivating valley backdrops. For ice skating enthusiasts, Smithers Public Skating offers social ice rinks and neighborly hosts who are eager to share the latest developments in town with newcomers. Telly's Grill is a top-notch diner with Mediterranean food and drinks that never fail to impress vacationers!
Prince Rupert
A port town found on the northwestern coastline, Prince Rupert is a natural itinerary getaway for all who are looking for a spectacular outing! The Museum of Northern British Columbia is a must for ceremonial artifact tours and 18th-century rustic housing expeditions. Rushbrook Trail and Tall Trees Trail offer amazing hiking splendor and dramatic woodland trails, perfect for any weekend seeking solace and camping retreats away from noise.
Prince Rupert Wildlife Rehab Shelter is a trendy segue for birdwatching and avian appreciation within a friendly locale that loves to meet new people! The Sunken Gardens is an underappreciated, relaxing landmark with lovely flower gardens, photogenic shrubberies, and vibrant walkthroughs of summer courthouse foundations that make for a fascinating two or three-day trip.
Penticton
Situated in the Okanagan Valley, Penticton is also seen as the "Craft Beer Capital of Canada" by its residents. Aboard the SS Sicamous Marine Heritage Society, guests can experience family-friendly vessel tours and check out iconic maritime contributions passed down from older generations. Okanagan Lake Beach is another tourist option for scenic beach sands and weekend picnic enjoyment with cool breezes!
Hillside Winery is known for its vineyard glamour, famed bistro courtesy, and backcountry wine tasting showrooms hosted by those who love to mingle. At Penticton Farmers' Market, travelers will be enchanted by local snack creations and fresh honey produce served by smiling vendors. Those who are hungry can try delicious Thai cuisine at The Hooded Merganser, a red curry hotspot with the best wonton meals and Okanagan Lake surroundings!
Osoyoos
Osoyoos, or "Canada's Warmest Welcome" due to its sunny climate, is an underrated option for travelers who need a few days of fun under the sun! Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre is a bistro conservation site with First Nations native ancestry, sculpture gardens, and desert brunches. The Osoyoos Desert Centre also boasts a rich plant heritage, complemented by wooden boardwalks and top-notch ecological workshops for visitors who want to learn more about endangered species.
Anarchist Mountain Lookout entices mountain climbers to check out Osoyoos Lake and other viewpoints around the eastern part of town. Rattlesnake Canyon is a mining-themed amusement park with beautiful golfing courses, cascading waterfalls, and riverside Okanagan Valley watch areas. Moon Curser Vineyards may be up the alley for weekenders who prefer simple red wine conversations and boutique grape landscapes.
Campbell River
A popular destination for rural and suburban pleasures, Campbell River is a top contender for British Columbia tourism! The Museum at Campbell River features coastal exhibits and vintage Native American theatre rooms dedicated to the history of 19th-century fishing cabin life. The Maritime Heritage Centre is also available for those who appreciate oceanic tranquility and boat bunkers full of naval relics.
Elk Falls State Provincial Park is great for tourists needing a few days for salmon fishing, suspension bridge photography, and cycling adventures near some of the most stunning waterfalls on Vancouver Island! Campbell River Art Gallery has contemporary artistic talents and a public collection of famous Canadian pieces to keep guests intrigued. Fifty Parallel Tap & Grill is a Greek favorite among residents and tourists with its oceanside patio congregations, fine craft beer selections, and steampunk dining atmosphere that always attracts people!
Courtenay
Courtenay, or "The Valley of Festivals," is a Comox Valley destination that brings out the best of travel itineraries far and wide. At the Courtenay & District Museum, guests can tour 1960s dinosaur replicas, acknowledge eclectic ancient artworks, and check out fossilized stones! The Seal Bay Regional Nature Park is a natural blessing for forested wildlife trails, coupled with waterfront quietness that allows tourists to experience birds and seals from close and distant camp areas.
For a fulfilling Puntledge River outing, Puntledge River Hatchery offers the best Canadian fish farm exposure with its salmon observation tanks and energizing tube rides for kids and adults! Spirits of the West Coast Art Gallery has indigenous artistry masterpieces and dazzling jewelry finds to appeal to both casual and fancy guests in town for a few days. Those who crave an immersive mystery to solve can try out Crypt-Tic Escape Room, where weekenders and locals alike can work together on trendy puzzle challenges.
Whistler
Seen as the largest ski resort town in North America, Whistler is any weekender's snowy paradise. The Whistler Museum has recognizable skiing showrooms and 2010 Winter Olympic Games memorabilia that always leave smiles on people's faces as they tour through small but knowledge-filled rooms of early lodging settlements. Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is a volcanic rock hotspot with hiking and picnic pleasures all around a magnificent waterfall backdrop!
Those new to Whistler can take on Peak 2 Peak Gondola, a heavenly experience with mountain lifts that take travelers across the whole town while enjoying a day of pure alpine scenery. Whistler Sliding Centre is an often missed locale on Blackcomb Mountain for bobsleigh riding and Canadian Olympic knowledge that loves welcoming others in! The Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar is just what one needs for quality seafood meals and village dining charms within a hospitable environment.
Revelstoke
Revelstoke, or "Revy" among townsfolk, is one of those towns that cannot be easily forgotten! Revelstoke Railway Museum has historic train vehicles and engine antiques from some of the oldest transit eras. Mount Revelstoke National Park has scenic rainforest terrain, elevated woodlands, and wildflower meadows to suit backpackers who are present for a short period.
For a magical and alluring stop, the Enchanted Forest is a fairy-themed attraction in the woods with cultural storybook icons and is also home to the tallest treehouse in British Columbia! The Pipe Mountain Coaster has summer cart rides that take tourists through twists and turns inside tunnels with surprising mountainside beauty on the other end! La Baguette has the best breakfast burritos and onion soups for early risers and downtown brunch groups.
All of these destinations in the British Canadian region are the best options for a weekend retreat or escape from daily routine. With so many wondrous locales and landmarks to check out, nobody will ever feel like a stranger in Canada while seeing what is new and worth admiring. Having this list handy means one will feel much better when exploring some of the most provocative "Pacific Province" towns!
