In pictures: life-affirming adventures among British Columbia's ancient peaks
In a Canadian province that has 10 mountain ranges such as the Rockies, 15,000 miles of coastline and over 1,000 protected areas, venturing into the wild is part of daily life. From helicopter rides to horse riding, there are infinite ways to explore it.
SOUL-STIRRING LANDSCAPES
Spanning 1,000 miles in eastern British Columbia and home to 2,283 named peaks, the UNESCO-protected Canadian Rockies mountain range is one of the largest in North America, as well as being one of the biggest protected areas in the world. Some of the planet’s most celebrated landscapes are found in the range’s national parks, from snow-capped peaks in Golden to glacier-fed lakes in Yoho National Park and hot springs in Kootenay National Park.
Location: Kootenay Rockies
ROAD TRIPPING
With its long, wide roads and epic mountain scenery, there are few places in the world better suited to road tripping than British Columbia. There are dozens of routes to choose from, but the real highlight here is Route 97, a 1,293-mile odyssey that takes you from the US border in the south, to Watson Lake in the Yukon via BC’s wild north and Okanagan wine country. The stretch takes in incredible scenery that brings with it a palpable sense of serenity. Go RVing rent campers in and around Vancouver.
Location: Northern BC
BACKCOUNTRY TOURING
They don’t call the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast ‘the land without limits’ for nothing: with some 45,000sq miles of protected forests, lakes and glaciers, opportunities for wild camping and backcountry exploring are endless. To reach the most remote areas by floatplane, join a multi-day backcountry tour with Tyax Adventures.
Location: Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
WILDLIFE WATCHING
British Columbia's central coast is home to one of the largest temperate rainforests in the world and is among British Columbia’s best year-round wildlife destinations. The highlight, though, can be experienced from September to October, when thousands of salmon migrate from the Pacific. This astonishing act of nature is not only amazing to witness, but attracts one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears on the planet. Tweedsmuir Park Lodge offers non-motorised boat trips that allow visitors to get close to the bears without disturbing them.
Location: Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
ROCK CLIMBING
The feeling of cold, smooth granite on your fingertips. The rush of adrenalin as you complete a challenging hold, before reaching a summit. When it comes to connecting with the natural world, few sports compare to climbing. Options abound in Murrin Provincial Park and Shannon Falls, while most climbers visiting Squamish — nestled at the end of one of the deepest fjords on the Pacific Coast — flock to The Chief, a 2,300ft-high granite monolith with hundreds of routes suitable for all abilities. For guided climbs and courses, see Squamish Rock Guides.
Location: Squamish
ADVENTURES ON HORSEBACK
It doesn’t get much wilder than exploring the Sea-to-Sky corridor, with access to Pemberton Valley and Birkenhead backcountry — tours here trace the trails that were originally used for transporting gold in the early 1900s. From high up in the saddle, you’ll smell the scent of pine and wildflowers as alpine meadows give way to steep mountain paths flanked by impossibly blue fjords and gleaming white glaciers. Tour companies like Copper Cayuse Outfitters offer everything from leisurely half-day rides along the Lillooet River to multi-day horsepacking adventures to hidden waterfalls and hard-to-reach camping spots.
Location: Pemberton Valley
HELICOPTER RIDES
The sheer size, as well as the raw beauty of British Columbia’s mountainous landscapes, is difficult to fully comprehend from the ground. On a heart-thumping helicopter ride over Squamish Valley, you’ll soar high above the surrounding waters of Howe Sound with nearby glaciers and turquoise fjords in and around the Tantalus Mountain Range. Blackcomb Helicopters runs summer and winter flights, while Sky Helicopters offer tours throughout the year.
Location: Howe Sound
BIKING TRAILS
From spring to autumn, Whistler’s peaceful mountain trails and glacier-fed rivers provide the backdrop to some incredible bike trails. There's a variety of options for different levels and appeal, from cross-country mountain biking to downhill and enduro.
Location: Whistler
HIKES FOR ALL
There are over 1,000 miles of hiking trails in the Canadian Rockies, many of which are well signposted and easy to navigate. Trails range from easy short walks and day hikes to challenging multi-day hikes and climbs to peaks of up to almost 13,000ft. The Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park, which receives fewer visitors than neighbouring Banff, has impossibly blue lakes, 655ft waterfalls and ancient glaciers. Great Canadian Trails runs a fully catered four-day Iceline Trail tour.
Location: Kootenay National Park
Nature has a lasting effect on us and experts say that the bigger the nature, the better. Take a moment and connect with British Columbia's great wilderness, even before you travel. Call the Wild at HelloBC.com
This content is created for Destination British Columbia. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or its editorial staff.
