2013-09-26

One thing you hear people from BC saying is that they have no need to leave their province for a holiday. There is plenty to do without boarding a plane or renewing their passports. Whether you like rock climbing, rafting or a glass of wine, come for some BC Summer Activities.

Mention the west coast of Canada and many minds instantly turn to wildlife sightings. Though the best times to see bears is spring and autumn, you can still find great look-out spots during your summer holidays in places like Kicking Horse near the BC/Alberta border. Any time you drive past Kamloops towards the next province you have a chance of spotting bears close to or even on the Trans Canada Highway. Whale watching from Victoria or Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island is another popular pastime. Boarding a zodiac, cruise ship, or even just taking the ferry between island and mainland will offer the opportunity to spot a pod of Orcas making their majestic way.

Try ocean kayaking to get even closer to whales, or choose kayaking on one of many clear, freshwater lakes. Bowron Lakes in the Cariboo Chilcotin Region makes a popular destination. Get down low in the water and really see the loons, grebes and numerous other native and migratory aquatic birds which frequent these waters.

Annual festivals across the province include Roots and Blues in Salmon Arm, featuring acts from around the world performing everything from rock and roll to African drumming. Drive a little way south east and explore the Okanagan wine region. Here you can taste an number of reds, whites, or fortified fruit wines from wineries that make this glorious region their home on a self-guided tour or enjoy the annual Okanagan Summer Wine Festival at Silver Star Mountain near Vernon in August. While you are in the area, try golfing at one of the numerous Okanagan Golf Clubs. These include Championship courses such as Black Mountain, a public course with a par of 71. BC real estate is thriving, so make sure to check out some of the fabulous investment opportunities.

History comes alive in places like Three Valley Gap near Revelstoke or Barkerville in the Cariboo. Look for restored buildings taking you back to cowboy days and the gold rush. At Barkerville, costumed interpreters re-enact scenes from daily life such as a realistic criminal trial.

Stop in at a BC museum to see collections from the natural and cultural world around us. Aboriginal artifacts include masks and totem poles, some of which can be seen at Royal Museum in Victoria. Revelstoke Railway Museum houses many train engines and carriages showing what train travel was like during different eras throughout the past century.

Thrill seekers may want to try rafting on one of many rivers suitable for the sport. Guides will take you safely over everything from a class one to class four. Your summer rafting trip will likely reach highs of class three since most of the spring run off will have passed through, but anything can happen in the wilds of BC so come prepared.

Mountaineering and rock-climbing provide popular challenges for the fit and prepared visitor. A visit to the north offers locations such as Cassiar, Omineca and Terrace for those looking to get off of the well-worn path and see natural wonders up close, including glaciers. Alternatively, tavel east to enjoy some of the wonderful Kimberly real estate. Follow an arduous day with a trip to Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park along the Alaska Highway. You do not have to climb there, only walk the boardwalks to one of two pools boasting tropical temperatures.

It’s not surprising that BC is considered Canada’s golf capital. BC golf vacations are attracting golfers from all over the world, With the beautiful mountains and picturesque natural scenery in British Columbia. Plan your next golf vactaion package, and be the next to tee off in beautiful BC.

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