British Columbia... at a glance

Sabastian Gittany | September 14, 2017

Springtime in British Columbia

When

The best time to visit British Columbia is generally from mid-April to October, but rainfall, temperatures and hours of sunshine can wildly differ due to the range in latitudes, a diverse topography and the influence of the Pacific Ocean.  

Humpback whale near Vancouver Island

Sleep

The wilderness lodges are spectacular, but don’t rule out a stay in the province’s major cities. In Vancouver, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia revels in 1920s glitz and glamour. First opened in 1927, it retains its historic sophistication combined with all the trappings of modern luxury. For a breath of fresh mountain air, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Whistler epitomises alpine living. The resort offers rooms, suites and private residences on Blackcomb Mountain, only 200 metres from the Upper Village. Settle yourself amid cosy wood interiors, roaring fireplaces and spectacular mountain views.

Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Eat

Butchers, bakers, sake makers … you name it, Granville Island public market sells it. Many of the vendors at this artisan food, art and craft market in Vancouver are award-winning, full-time professionals. To make the most of your time, tours can be booked to find the best of the market’s produce. Open every day, there is also a farmers market on Thursdays over the summer.

Drink

Try icewine, a type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been naturally frozen while still on the vine and harvested at -8C or lower.

Try

Ride the Rocky Mountaineer train, which offers four spectacular rail routes across Western Canada. Be sure to book in GoldLeaf class, which offers a bi-level, glass-domed coach and unparalleled panoramic views from your seat, as well as access to an outdoor vestibule for close-up encounters with the passing flora and fauna.

Rocky Mountains, Banff

A sunset jeep excursion up Blackcomb Mountain to Whistler's best viewpoint is a must for the romantics. Watch the sun slip behind the snowy peaks of the Coast Mountains and breathe the fresh alpine air at 1,830 metres above sea level. To really get away from it all, cruise to Haida Gwaii, a remote archipelago of 150 islands off the west coast of British Columbia. Walk in forested creeks and along rugged headlands, visit ancient Haida villages and discover sub species of flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Bald eagle, Haida Gwaii

Recommended Cox & Kings tour
West Coast Wilderness in Style
10 Days & 9 Nights from £7,195
Explore Canada’s west coast in comfort while staying in some of the finest accommodation found in British Columbia. Discover the picturesque city of Vancouver with a private guide, stay in a lodge hidden away in the forest next to the wild Pacific Ocean and explore the Great Bear Rainforest from a floating lodge. See more >

• Tags: Adventure, Canada, Cox & Kings Staff, Cruise Journeys, Food & Wine, Hotels, Landscape, Train Journeys, Wildlife

Comment on this article