For people who want their trip to have natural beauty, cultural depth, and outdoor adventure, British Columbia tourism is one of the most robust in North America. From coastal rainforests and high alpine to majestic mountains, island communities and lush valleys, BC offers a bit of everything for thrill-seekers and those seeking a serene escape from the world.

British Columbia tourism has grown beyond sightseeing. Even with world-famous spots including Whistler Blackcomb and Butchart Gardens, more and more travelers are seeking out off-the-beaten-path encounters that reveal the region’s true personality. Eco-tourism, farm-to-table culinary experiences, and Indigenous-led tours are all burgeoning, demonstrating a growing desire to travel differently and to set and achieve goals according to local culture.

Lovers of the great outdoors are naturally attracted to BC’s vast wild spaces. The province is home to some of the best hiking, skiing, mountain biking and kayaking in Canada. British Columbia has a relatively mild climate year-round, and a variety of tourists visit there due to the diverse nature and climate. At high elevations in the summer, alpine trails in locales like Garibaldi or the Bugaboos offer sweeping vistas and alpine lakes. In winter, mountains like Revelstoke and Sun Peaks offer terrain for all abilities without the masses found at more corporate resorts.

For the culture and heritage enthusiasts - BC offers endless opportunities to explore Indigenous art, heritage and storytelling. From the Haida Gwaii archipelago to science museums in Vancouver and Kelowna, Indigenous culture underpins the provincial tourism sector. These days, the tourism landscape is increasingly dotted with Indigenous-owned and -operated experiences, putting travelers in touch with the stories that have animated the land for time out of mind.

Another interesting trend, the growth of agritourist. The Okanagan Valley, for instance, is not just a wine destination these days, but something of a hot spot for food lovers, who flock there for pick-your-own-orchard tours, vineyard tastings and chef-led dining events with locally sourced ingredients. This culinary rebirth also fosters sustainable tourism and demonstrates the full range of diversity within BC agriculture and within those who are imagining and realizing our “new” food industry.

Sustainability is also a big part of the future for BC tourism. Numerous operators are taking initiatives to be green with low-impact transport, conservation efforts, and local community involvement. Travelers are opting for experiences that are not only fun, but respectful, which supports BC’s role as a leading provider of sustainable travel.

From raw and wild mountain backcountry, to lush and cosmopolitan urban cityscapes, to the surfing beaches and sleepy Maritime history of our coastal communities, BC is a place where the landscapes are as varied as the emotions they evoke. And as I travel further around the province with Destination BC, it has come to my attention that there are an overwhelming number of emotional reasons to fall in love with BC: here are just some of those reasons. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, BC offers something new to uncover each time.

Justin Mack the author of this article. To know more about best places to visit in BC please visit our website: www.tourismhcc.ca