You might more readily associate British Columbia with open wilderness than with urban hubs. This is a province in Canada where the Pacific Ocean laps untouched rainforest and the peaks of the Rockies glow blue with ancient glacial ice.
But that’s not all: British Columbia’s cities form an illuminating part of any adventure here. And while some have a small-town feel – and the population to match – others are sprawling metropolises that offer a dose of modern Canadian culture.
Here are six of our favourite cities in British Columbia.
1. Vancouver
Victoria may be the capital of British Columbia, but Vancouver is by far its biggest city. It’s often nicknamed the ‘Hollywood of the North’, and for good reason. Its diverse neighbourhoods are able to stand in for everywhere from New York City to Korea, making it a major filming hub.
Nature is never far away, either. The city is set amidst a temperate rainforest, surrounded by ocean and wrapped by the North Shore mountains. Hike Stanley Park’s 1,000 acres, kayak the shores and hike mountain peaks minutes from the downtown core.
Don’t miss the Vancouver Art Gallery, whose 12,000-strong collection includes a large store of paintings by celebrated British Columbia artist Emily Carr, or the Museum of Anthropology, a treasure trove of world artefacts including First Nations artworks.
By night, eat your way through Asian-leaning cuisine that reflects the city’s cosmopolitan population.
Claire’s insider tip: The town of Squamish is located an hour north of Vancouver, roughly halfway along the obscenely picturesque Sea-to-Sky Highway, which leads to Whistler. Stop by to look across Howe Sound coastal fjord from atop granite monoliths. You can do it the hard way: a 710m hike up ‘The Chief’ isn’t for the faint hearted. Or the easy way: take the Sea To Sky Gondola 885m above sea level to approachable hiking trails with killer views.
Read next: The ultimate Wanderlust travel guide to Vancouver
2. Victoria
Preppy Victoria has a much different feel than the rest of Vancouver Island. For a start, it lays claim to being the warmest city in Canada.
Its genteel Victorian-era architecture – such as the British Columbia Parliament Buildings – give the city a serene vibe, but given the sizeable university population, it can be lively too. While in town, head to the wineries of the nearby Cowichan Valley, home to 14 producers, nicknamed the ‘Napa of the North’. And don’t miss the Royal BC Museum, which chronicles the province’s natural and human history and includes a poignant exhibit on endangered Indigenous languages in BC.
There are several other cities on Vancouver Island worthy of your attention. Head on to Tofino for surfing; Campbell River for Indigenous culture and whale-watching; or Parksville for expansive beaches.
Read next: The ultimate Canada travel quiz
3. Kimberley
Endearingly old fashioned, the mountain town of Kimberley in BC’s Kootenay Region is in many ways an anomaly. Walk its central streets and you’ll be transported to… Bavaria?
A plan to boost visitation in the 1970s saw the town’s centre transformed with chalet-like shop fronts – there’s even a giant cuckoo clock. Today, you’ll get the best of the mountains, without the crowds. Hike logging roads to the Dewar Creek Hot Springs, discover pristine alpine lakes, horse ride across meadows, and then refresh at a local brewpub – we love Overtime Beer Works.
Read next: 6 of Canada’s Gulf Islands to put on your travel wish list
4. Nelson
Set deep in the Kootenays, artsy Nelson seems to pop up out of nowhere.
Established during the great gold rush in the late 19th century, it still feels a bit like a wild west frontier town, with its heavy stone architecture and wooden Victorian homes featuring wide porches and frilly gables.
Known as the heritage capital of BC, it has more than 350 restored buildings, and an off-beat, quirky feel – a product of its many independent galleries and funky boutiques. And with over 50 restaurants and cafes (more per capita than San Francisco) you won’t be short of somewhere to eat. Try Marzano for artisan pizza and creative pasta dishes.
Claire’s insider tip: If you’re heading to Nelson from Revelstoke, make a stop. Numerous hot springs are either en route or a slight detour, from the lakeside swimming pools and cave pool of Ainsworth Hot Springs, to the wild Halfway Hot Springs, which are located off a hikeable logging road in the forest.
5. Revelstoke
Attracting serious adventurers, Revelstoke is a jumping-off point for the great outdoors. It’s known for its white-water rapids, world-class skiing (with massive vertical runs and top powder), snowmobiling, and epic mountain terrain. In short, if you want to immerse yourself in the wilds of BC, you come here.
Located in the world’s only inland temperate rainforest – between the Monashee and Selkirk Mountain Ranges – Revelstoke feels cocooned from the outside world. Head to Mount Revelstoke National Park or Glacier National Park, where you’ll find views that stand up to those in the Rockies – the parks both offer excellent birdwatching with over 183 species.
Leave time to spend in town too. You’ll be charmed by its Victorian houses, farmers’ markets and buzzy town plaza.
6. Terrace
Tiny Terrace, located high up in Northern BC, is home to less than 20,000 people. It’s quaint and undoubtedly picturesque – but it’s made this list for being an ideal access point to nature and Indigenous culture.
Head to neighbouring Kitimat to board whale and grizzly-spotting boat tours into the Great Bear Rainforest. Northern BC Jet Boat Tours leads trips to fjord-side hot springs too.
You can also drive the Nisga’a Highway. The scenic self-guided road tour stops at ancient lava fields and pristine waterfalls, en route to the Indigenous-led Nisga’a Museum.
