British Columbia Magazine

Have you had a chance to visit Whistler this winter? ❄️🏔️ Most people know Whistler as one of the world’s premier ski destinations, but there’s so much more to experience beyond the slopes. Did you know you can: • Walk through an open-air art gallery on the Train Wreck Trail? The vibrant graffiti-covered boxcars were stranded in the 1950s and now sit alongside a suspension bridge with incredible views of the Cheakamus River. • Explore Whistler’s ice caves? Deep in the backcountry, guided tours take you into stunning ice formations where frozen tunnels glisten in shades of blue. • Take part in winter foraging? Local guides lead excursions to uncover edible plants, mushrooms, and other wild treasures, even in the colder months. • Whistler has so much more to offer than skiing—it's a destination full of surprises for every explorer. What’s something unexpected you’ve discovered in Whistler? 📸: @maddytakach #WhistlerAdventures #BritishColumbia

Winter in BC isn’t just a season—it’s an experience. ❄️ Glide through the Okanagan’s frozen vineyards on a snowy hike, skate across one of the many backcountry lakes, or embrace the quiet beauty of winter storms along the coast. 🏔️🌊 Even familiar places take on a new charm this time of year. What’s your go-to winter activity in BC? 📸: @nia.patience #WinterInBC #WinterHiking #WinterActivities #BCWinter

The Golden Skybridge ☁️ Perched high above a canyon in Golden, BC, the Golden Skybridge offers a breathtaking way to experience the Columbia Valley. Opened in 2021, this suspension bridge stands 150 meters above the canyon floor, making it the highest in Canada. It was designed to connect people with the area's natural beauty, complete with trails, ziplining, and even a canyon swing nearby. Whether you're after sweeping views or a bit of an adrenaline rush, this spot is well worth the stop. 🎥: @adigitalexplorer #britishcolumbiamagazine

Lake Errock 📍 Lake Errock is a haven for anglers, offering a diverse array of fish species. The lake is home to Coastal Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Coho Salmon, Lake Whitefish, Northern Pikeminnow, and Brown Bullhead, among others. Historically, the lake was known as Squakum Lake. In 1964, the name was changed to Lake Errock to align with the local post office's designation. Whether you're casting a line or exploring its serene shores, Lake Errock offers a blend of rich history and abundant natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in the Fraser Valley. 🎥: astroarde #LakeErrock #FraserValley #FishingLife #britishcolumbiamagazine

Ice caves in British Columbia are a stunning natural wonder, formed when meltwater carves intricate tunnels through glaciers, creating ever-changing frozen landscapes. These caves are constantly reshaped by the flow of water and the movement of ice, resulting in striking blue hues and delicate ice formations. Exploring these caves requires caution, as their fragile structures can collapse without warning. Always visit with an experienced guide and ensure you're equipped with proper gear, like helmets and crampons. These ice caves are often nestled in remote glacier-fed valleys, making them hard to reach. Are you ready to step into one of BC’s icy underground worlds? 🎥: Luke and Roxy #BritishColumbia #IceCaves #britishcolumbiamagazine

A perfect example of how the unpredictable weather in British Columbia can lead to unexpected treasures underwater! 🌊 As Olivias Reef shared, "Due to a building storm, we had to take shelter in Hardy Bay... and decided to try our luck diving an unknown spot." What followed was nothing short of spectacular—a kelp forest "absolutely covered in Hooded Nudibranchs." 🦑 The dive turned into one of her favorites, featuring a juvenile Wolf Eel, a Giant Pacific Octopus, and four Lions Mane Jellyfish. It’s moments like these that make BC's waters so unforgettable. Whether you're diving the kelp forests or discovering new underwater gems, the diving here is unparalleled. Dive into BC’s underwater magic! Credit: Olivias Reef #bcoutdoorsmagazine #BCdiving #HoodedNudibranch #GiantPacificOctopus #WolfEel #UnderwaterAdventure

Great Bear Rainforest 🐻🌲 Imagine a place where ancient trees tower above you, where mist wraps the forest in mystery, and rivers flow with life—this is the Great Bear Rainforest. Covering 6.4 million hectares along BC’s rugged coast, it’s one of the last untouched temperate rainforests on Earth. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples have called this land home, weaving its rivers, forests, and wildlife into their culture and stories. They see it as sacred ground, and when you’re there, it’s easy to understand why. People come from all over to experience the spirit of this place. Visitors are often drawn by the chance to see the elusive spirit bear, the rare white-coated black bear found only here. It’s just one of the many incredible species you might encounter, along with wolves, eagles, and coastal sea life like humpback whales and dolphins. But there’s something else about the Great Bear Rainforest—a sense of peace and connection. Walking among the towering cedars, with the smell of moss and the sound of rushing water, feels almost like stepping back in time. It’s more than just a visit; it’s an experience that leaves you with a deep appreciation for the wild and a reminder of the importance of preserving places like this for generations to come. 🎥: @explorewithkristiana #GreatBearRainforest #BCWildlife #SpiritBear #IndigenousLands #ExploreBC #NatureConservation

The Okanagan Valley, BC’s wine capital, produces over 80% of the province’s wine and contributes around $2.8 billion annually to the economy. Known for its unique terroir, the valley’s vineyards thrive on mineral-rich soils left by ancient glacial lakes, giving the wines distinct flavors. Beyond wine, the region’s desert climate supports orchards of peaches, apples, and cherries, making it a hub of agricultural diversity. Did you know the Okanagan is considered one of the world’s top emerging wine destinations? Which local winery or hidden gem would you visit first? 🎥: Darren Hull #OkanaganValley #BCWine #britishcolumbiamagazine

North Vancouver 📍 Sunlight filtering through ancient trees, lighting the way up steep wooden steps. North Vancouver has some of the best and most easily accessible hikes in BC. Heres some lesser known hikes you might want to try out: Mount Fromme 🏔️ Is a lesser-known trail perfect for those looking to avoid the crowds. Offering challenging terrain and sweeping views at the summit, it’s ideal for seasoned hikers. Lynn Peak ⛰️ Provides a quieter alternative to nearby spots, with a steady uphill climb through mossy forest and stunning lookout points along the way. Seymour River Loop ➰ Offers a tranquil riverside hike through lush forest, perfect for a peaceful escape from the city. #ExploreNorthVan #NorthVancouverHiking #MountFromme #LynnPeak #SeymourRiverLoop #ForestTrails #britishcolumbiamagazine

🍂 Fall in British Columbia 🍂 A season of stunning transformation. The province’s forests come alive with shades of gold, red, and orange, creating picture-perfect landscapes. Explore places like Manning Park or Mount Seymour, where vibrant foliage meets crisp, cool air. Fall is also the perfect time for wildlife viewing, as salmon return to spawn and eagles gather along rivers. If you’re seeking adventure, take a hike through the ever-changing scenery or enjoy a peaceful paddle on glassy lakes surrounded by the colors of autumn. Don’t miss the larch trees at Manning Park—their golden needles are a rare and unforgettable sight. 📸: @bridzii

Hooded nudibranchs 🐚 These ethereal marine creatures, found in British Columbia’s coastal waters, are a fascinating sight. With a translucent body and a distinctive “hood,” they use this unique feature to trap plankton, their primary food source. Unlike most sea slugs, hooded nudibranchs can swim gracefully through the water by flexing their bodies in wave-like motions. Despite their delicate appearance, they play an essential role in the marine ecosystem, feeding on small organisms and keeping plankton levels balanced. #wildlifewednesday #hoodednudibranch #britishcolumbiamagazine 📸: AC604photography

Pipers Lagoon Park 📍 Located in Nanaimo, this coastal gem offers a peaceful escape with scenic views of the Strait of Georgia, rugged shorelines, and tranquil lagoon waters. 🌊 The loop trail around the park is an easy 2.5 km, perfect for all skill levels, featuring rocky outcrops, driftwood-strewn beaches, and panoramic ocean vistas. Accessible year-round, it’s a fantastic alternative to more crowded parks while still delivering stunning west coast landscapes. 📸: @sometimesinature #britishcolumbiamagazine