If you’re looking to book a staycation in BC, you’re in the right place. With abundant nature and breathtaking scenery, you could do a lot worse than exploring your own backyard!
Credit: Destination BC
We’ve compiled our ideas into this handy blog to provide you with some inspiration for your staycation in BC. Whether you’re looking for ultimate relaxation or something a little more high-octane, beautiful British Columbia really does have it all.
The Best Staycation in BC – Whistler
How could we write about a staycation in BC without mentioning our own little gem of a mountain town?! Whistler is ideal – especially if you live in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. A short 2-hour drive up the gorgeous Sea To Sky Highway (Route 99) is all it takes to escape to the mountains.
PC: Mirae Campbell
You can enjoy summer activities (such as hiking, kayaking and mountain biking) and if you’re planning a winter staycation in BC, there’s always North America’s largest ski resort to keep you occupied.
Stay at Nita Lake Lodge for an authentic Whistler vibe. Slightly removed from the busy Village area (for optimised peace and quiet) and yet only a 5-minute walk to the Gondola, Nita is close to plenty of trails and adventure. But, honestly, with Whistler’s best lakeside patio and an award-winning spa on-site, why would you even want to leave?
Mid-week rates start from $159 and BC residents save 20% off the best available rate.
Enjoy The Island – A Trip To Tofino
Tofino is a classic example of the diversity of options when booking a staycation in BC. Rugged Pacific coastline meets temperate rainforest in our very own Surfers’ Paradise, which is also relatively easily accessible from Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
PC: Tourism Tofino, @helinronasunar + @mai_beening
If you’re a nature-lover, Tofino is for you. It’s surrounded by the vast, breathtaking expanse of the UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region—a region cherished for its profound biodiversity and environmental culture.
You’ll love exploring Tofino’s inlets via canoe or sampling its acclaimed dining scene. You could soak up the coastal culture by booking a surf lesson or spot whales on a guided tour. Time your trip right and you can even take part in Tofino’s famous Storm Watch – a photographer’s dream!
When we’re in town, we love to stay at Tofino Resort & Marina – the only resort situated on the inlet. They have an onsite Adventure Centre, which offers unforgettable experiences, and two waterfront dining experiences complete the property, both with talented Chef Paul Moran at the helm.
Visit Wine Country – The Okanagan
We love spending time in the Okanagan. As far as a staycation in BC goes, it’s very relaxing. We find it has a very Mediterranean vibe with typically lots of sun and quite an arid climate. The area is full of orchards selling fresh cherries and peaches, as well as a large number of distinct wineries.
Kelowna is at the epicentre of Okanagan life, with a number of smaller communities dotted southwardly, including Peachland and Penticton.
Heading further south brings you to our favourite part of the Okanagan: Oliver and Osoyoos. ‘Colourful characters, award-winning wineries and stunning scenery all give Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country its unique glow. This area has won more accolades than any other wine region in Canada!’
Highlights include Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, and we just love the rosé at Bartier Brothers. For accommodation, consider staying at a winery or search Airbnb for some really unique vacation rentals!
A Staycation In BC’s Capital – Victoria
A short ferry ride from Vancouver, Victoria sits at the southern-most tip of Vancouver Island. The city’s British colonial past shows in its Victorian architecture, including stately Craigdarroch Castle mansion and the many formal gardens in the city.
‘Whether it’s spotting a whale, strolling down Canada’s narrowest street, hiking through breathtaking rainforests, or paddling through our iconic harbour, rediscover extraordinary experiences at your own comfortable pace’ in Victoria.
A great way to arrive is by air. We found flights from Vancouver Harbour to Victoria Harbour with Harbour Air for less than $300 – perfect when planning a staycation in BC for a special occasion such as an anniversary or birthday!
PC: @harbourair
When booking accommodation, consider Magnolia Hotel & Spa. ‘Emanating timeless elegance, The Magnolia Hotel & Spa offers an unrivalled luxury boutique hotel experience in the heart of the city, only steps from Victoria’s Inner Harbour.’
Rugged Mountain Charm – Revelstoke
‘Revelstoke was founded in the 1880s when the Canadian Pacific Railway was built through the area. Since then it has evolved into an epic adventure destination.’
It’s easily accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1), and sits between the Monashee and Selkirk Mountain Ranges of southeastern British Columbia. Expect a 6 hour drive from Vancouver with beautiful stops in Whistler and Salmon Arm along the way.
If you’re big on mountain activities, Revelstoke is the place for you. Ski/Bike Revelstoke Mountain Resort to experience North America’s Most Vertical (5620 feet), explore downtown, or enjoy easy access to both Mount Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park.
Credit: @revelstoke
We love to camp when we visit Revelstoke – but if home comforts are more your jam, you should check out The Explorers Society – easily the coolest place in town, and we found rates from $209.
A Staycation In BC – On The Road
British Columbia is full of once-in-a-lifetime road trips. From winding coastal highways to mammoth mountain passes, British Columbia is home to awe-inspiring landscapes and glorious mother nature. Here are five of our favourite routes for you to experience the beauty of British Columbia.
