Destination Canada: From British Columbia to Alberta - Part 2: Southern British Columbia
- Fanny HARDY
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
After exploring Canada's entry requirements and the wonders of Vancouver Island , it's time to continue our journey through southern British Columbia . This region, between ocean, mountains, and wine valleys , is full of breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
From vibrant Vancouver to the snowy slopes of Whistler , via the sun-drenched vineyards of Kelowna and the wild nature of Kamloops , this itinerary promises an immersion in the heart of Canadian diversity.
Ready for the next part of the adventure? For the rest of the trip, I'll be picking up the ferry from Vancouver Island.
PART 2: SOUTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Sea to Sky Gondola Summit Lodge
Perched atop the Sea to Sky Gondola , Summit Lodge offers breathtaking views of the Howe Sound fjords, majestic mountains, and dense forests of British Columbia. It's the perfect place to relax, enjoy a coffee , and admire one of the most beautiful panoramas in the region.
Whether it's for a scenic hike, an impressive suspension bridge , or simply a moment of contemplation, this place is a must-see stop on the road from Vancouver to Whistler !
You can book your tickets here:
Also discover the many trails available:
Whistler
After enjoying the incredible views from the Sea to Sky Gondola , the adventure continues on one of Canada's most scenic roads: the Sea to Sky Highway . This journey between Vancouver and Whistler is a true natural spectacle, punctuated by majestic mountains, fjords and impressive waterfalls .
Among the must-see stops:
📍 Shannon Falls – A dizzying 335-meter waterfall, perfect for a refreshing break.
📍 Tantalus Lookout – A panoramic viewpoint of the snow-capped peaks of the Tantalus Range.
📍 Brandywine Falls – A beautiful waterfall accessible via a short hike.
📍 Whistler Olympic Park – The legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics, ideal for sporting immersion.
Finally, arrival at Whistler , a famous ski resort and paradise for outdoor lovers,
The little extra: Discover the Canadian Rockies from the sky. Treat yourself to a helicopter tour to admire the remaining glaciers and the vast expanse. We chose "Blackcomb Helicopter," which offers a glacier landing.
Whistler Base (Tourism OFFICE)
9960 HELIPORT ROAD
Whistler, BC — V8E 0G5
Lake Lillooet
Discover Lillooet Lake and its magnificent view of the mountains in the background of Pemberton.
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
We were unable to do the hike up to the glacier due to the atotonal celebrations that took place in the First Nations. But even from the bottom, the view was incredible.
Duffey Lake Viewpoint
Kamloops
Kamloops: Between nature and outdoor adventures :
Nestled in the heart of British Columbia , Kamloops is a vibrant city surrounded by arid landscapes, sparkling lakes and rolling hills. Known for its sunny climate , it's a true playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
🎯 Not to be missed:
📍 Riverside Park – A beautiful green space by the river, perfect for a relaxing break.
📍 Kenna Cartwright Park – The province's largest municipal park, offering hiking trails with scenic views.
📍 Kamloops Lake – Ideal for kayaking, fishing and waterfront picnics.
📍 BC Wildlife Park – A haven for local wildlife, where you can see bears, wolves, and lynx up close.
Whether it's for a hike, a mountain bike ride or a simple stroll around town , Kamloops is an authentic and essential stop on the road to adventure!
Kelowna
Kelowna: Between vineyards, lake and mountains
Nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley , Kelowna is a popular destination for its sunny climate, renowned wineries , and stunning natural setting. Bordered by Okanagan Lake , the city offers a wealth of activities: wine tasting , scenic hikes, water sports, and even the search for the mysterious Ogopogo , the legendary lake monster!
🎯 Don't miss:
🍷 The region's vineyards to savor some of Canada's best wines.
🚴♂️ Myra Canyon and its suspension railway bridges for an unforgettable hike.
🌊 Okanagan Lake beaches , ideal for relaxing or paddleboarding.
🎨 The lively city center , with its art galleries, cafes and local markets.
Whether for a weekend or an extended stay, Kelowna seduces with its warm atmosphere and breathtaking landscapes !
The little extra:
We were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights during our visit. You can see the photos below in my online store.
Hope
Nestled in the heart of the mountains, Hope is a quaint little town known as the gateway to British Columbia's interior . Surrounded by spectacular scenery, it's a haven for outdoor and film history lovers!
🎯 Not to be missed:
📍 Othello Tunnels – Ancient railway tunnels carved into the rock, offering a unique hike through the gorge.
📍 Hope Slide – An impressive site marked by one of Canada's largest landslides.
📍 Wood Carvings – Over 80 cedar carvings scattered around town, depicting local wildlife and culture.
📍 "Rambo: First Blood" Filming Locations – Hope was the setting for Sylvester Stallone 's iconic film, a must-see for fans!
Whether for a nature break or a dive into history , Hope is a charming and surprising stop on the road to adventure!
Harrison
Vancouver
To finish this 2nd part, let’s discover Vancouver!
Vancouver is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the snow-capped peaks of British Columbia. Renowned for its exceptional quality of life , it combines wide open spaces with urban dynamism .
Whether exploring Stanley Park , strolling the historic streets of Gastown , discovering the Granville Island Market or enjoying the surrounding beaches and mountains, Vancouver seduces with its diversity and unique energy .
A true gem of the Canadian West Coast!
Our journey through southern British Columbia is coming to an end, but every road we travel, every mountain we cross, and every town we explore has provided us with spectacular scenery and unforgettable experiences.
From Vancouver to Whistler, via Kelowna and Kamloops, this region has revealed all its diversity between magnificent nature, peaceful lakes and dynamic cities.
But the adventure doesn't end there!
The rest of our journey will take us even further, towards Alberta and its legendary national parks.
Stay tuned for Part 3 of our trip across Western Canada! 🚗🏔️✨
🏔 Destination Canada: From British Columbia to Alberta - Part 3 🏔
Our Canadian adventure continues! After exploring vibrant Vancouver and the breathtaking landscapes of southern British Columbia, it's time to head to Alberta and its natural gems: Jasper and Banff National Parks . 🌿❄️
📅 Part 3 of the series: " Destination Canada: From British Columbia to Alberta" from our road trip is coming soon to the blog!
👉 In your opinion, what is THE must-see gem between Jasper and Banff? 💬
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