This year Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary – here are just three great ways to experience the best of British Columbia at under £150, in less than 150 kilometres, or in 150 hours (that’s just under a week!):
Paddle a Dugout Canoe in Tofino and check out the 1,000 year old red cedars from under £150
Get a First Nations perspective on the waters surrounding Tofino (the southern section of Clayoquot Sound) from the comfort of a 25 foot, handcrafted cedar canoe. From March to October, T’ashi Paddle School offers coastal tours and a Meares Island tour featuring a rainforest walk on Big Tree Trail, and a visit to 1,000 year old red cedars. Prices start from £120 per couple. Tofinopaddle.com
Wine, Wilderness and Watersports on Route 97: Osoyoos to Vernon in 150 km
Drive a section of the longest north-to-south highway in North America. This 150 km drive between Osoyoos and Vernon, British Columbia, will take you through the vineyards of Thompson Okanagan to the stunning sights of Kelowna and Vernon. En-route stop for a refreshing swim in Lake Okanagan, take a tour of the region’s many vineyards, or for the more adventurous, paddle-board or kayak on Kalamalka Lake. Route97.net
Explore the cities of Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler in under 150 hours (that’s 6.25 days!)
British Columbia’s iconic trio – Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler – highlight the best of the province in three drivable settings. Vancouver’s chic boutiques and lively foodie scene with culinary experiences from fresh-catch to five-star restaurants; Victoria’s growing craft-beer community, and deep connection to aboriginal history; and Whistler’s world-renowned ski slopes and vibrant après ski scene… these iconic cities are within easy reach of one another by road and ferry.
With the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver as your base, why not spend three nights in BC’s most romantic city, and then take the ferry to Victoria and stay overnight in the province’s capital city before returning to the mainland to drive 90 minutes on the famous Sea-to-Sky High-way to Whistler for two nights in this popular mountain town. TourismVancouver.com, TourismVictoria.com Whistler.com
Got time on your hands? Extend your stay and experience the Discovery Coast Circle Route; a 7-10 day self-drive tour taking in the best of BC’s iconic trio and highlights including; Vancouver Island, Bella Coola and the Cariboo Chilcotin region.
The Discovery Coast Circle Route: HelloBC.co.uk
Celebrate with Parks Canada
To celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary, Parks Canada will be offering free access to the nation’s National Parks, historic sites and marine
conservation areas for the entire year with the 2017 Discovery Pass. British Columbia is home to seven National Parks including Haida Gwaii National Park, Pacific Rim National Park, Glacier National Park and Yoho National Park.
For more information visit Parks Canada: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/voyage-travel/admission.aspx
For more information on British Columbia visit www.hellobc.com
Photo Credit: Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe