Plan an Adventure in BC

Rest and relaxation is not everyone’s ideal vacation. For the adrenaline junkies out there, I propose beautiful British Columbia. This Canadian province is packed with some of the most high-energy activities this side of the border: surfing, heli-skiing, whitewater rafting, mountain climbing and more. Read on for help planning the ultimate extreme vacation.

Adventures by Water
Tofino, located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, is the number one destination for surfing in BC. There are a number of surfing schools in Tofino for newbies to the sport, where you can learn under some of Canada’s best-known pro surfers. There are equipment rentals for more seasoned surfers, and even the Surf Sister Surf School (say that three times fast!) dedicated to teaching girls and women to surf.

On your ocean adventure you can also book a whale-watching expedition. Check out killer whales, Pacific grey whales and humpback whales during the whale-watching season, which runs from about May through October. BC is one of North America’s top whale-watching destinations.

While we’re talking about BC’s fantastic marine life, try a diving expedition. BC boasts some of the clearest diving waters in the world. You can also swim, fish, canoe, kayak, try whitewater rafting, wakeboarding, and jet-skiing in any of Vancouver’s six tourist regions.

In addition to ocean sports, BC is home to many lakes, rivers, waterfalls and even hot springs. You might need some hot-spring action after trying your hand at any of these extreme activities.



Adventures by Air and Land
Skiing is one of British Columbia’s most celebrated activities. This mountainous province boasts well over thirty individual ski resorts and mountains. Imagine coming out the front door of one of many rustic BC cabins, popping on your skis and working the trail all the way down. Or getting dropped out of a helicopter at Revelstoke, skis strapped on and ready to destroy fresh, untouched powder.

If hurtling down the rocky mountains at incredible speeds is not for you, don’t worry. Travel half an hour out of Vancouver and you’ll hit Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, home to some of the best rock climbing in Canada. Mountain biking trails are everywhere, along with amazingly varied hiking trails.

On Victoria Island you’ll find two out of the province’s three bungee jumping locations, if you’re brave enough. BC offers you a full range of adrenaline-pumping activities such as zip lining, sky diving, hang-gliding and caving. And if you need a break, try panning for gold. Yes, panning for gold.

If you can think of something you want to try – chances are you can do it in British Columbia. For its heart-pounding and scream-producing activities alike, BC is the unofficial adventure capital of Canada!