Canada’s sixth province is a place of astounding natural beauty, with lakes, rivers and mountains that are waiting for you to come and explore. Many visitors from all over the world travel to British Columbia for its excellent outdoor activities, from skiing to golfing to hiking. But it’s not all about the great outdoors –this region also boasts fascinating aboriginal culture, as well as an exciting food and drink scene.

British Columbia’s Thompson Okanagan is a must-visit destination for wine lovers. Sip, spit and savour the samples from the 120-odd wineries scattered throughout the region, which range from high-end estates to mom-and-pop vineyards. The area is home to a number of award-wining wines, like Mission Hill, which won the top prize at the 2013 Decanter World Wine Awards. Visitors can take self-guided tours or arrange to take part in a bike tour of the region. The wines, combined with the stunning lake-side scenery makes the Thompson Okanagan a optimal destination for any foodie.

Yoho National Park is a must-visit in British Columbia, as it is a part of the beautiful Canadian Rockies. It has over 400 kilometers (258 miles) of trails, including the Iceline Trail. Other things to see in the national park include Emerald Lake, Lake O’Hara, Takakkaw Falls, and Wapta Falls.

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Another absolute must in British Columbia is the chance to soar high above rainforests, glaciers, and ancient volcanic peaks on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Connecting the high alpine terrain of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains in only 11 minutes, the sky-high Gondola breaks two Guinness Book of World Records for the longest and highest lift. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola runs in both summer and winter but summer visitors get access to a network of walking and hiking trails plus the new Cloudrraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye Cliff Walk with breathtaking views from the peak of Whistler Mountain.

Also lying on the churning Pacific coastline of British Columbia, the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve features the sandy beaches of the national park’s Long Beach Unit, over 100 sheltered islets of the Broken Group Islands popular for kayaking expeditions, and the 75-kilometer multi-day West Coast Trail. Tofino and Ucluelet are popular destinations, particularly for surfing, whale watching, and beach explorations.

Vancouver easily earns its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, surrounded by the sea and hugged by soaring mountains – reflected in seemingly endless gleaming glass skyscrapers. But it’s not just good looks that make Vancouver worth a second glance: there’s a dynamic culinary scene, thanks to an international blend of chefs bringing their own recipes and techniques to a bounty of superb products, from the lush farmlands beyond the city to seafood from its clean, cold waters.

A walk on the Wild Pacific Trail will weave itself into your soul, whether this is your first visit or a daily ritual. This easy, family-friendly trail traces the edge of reefs where shipwrecks, whales and vistas abound. You will be enthralled by Vancouver Island’s dramatic beauty and helpful interpretive signs will enrich your visit to Ucluelet’s famous 9km trail network. A perfect destination for photographers, storm watchers, bird watchers and hikers of all abilities. Wheelchair access is available at the lighthouse area.