8 Sweet Summer Spots in British Columbia
Published March 11th, 2025
Photography by Jay Kana
With the “Elbows Up” movement in full swing and Canadian tourism becoming increasingly popular, it’s an excellent time to discover, or rediscover, our captivating country.
So you’re looking at the west coast for a summer vacation and asking yourself “what’s there to do in British Columbia in summer?” So, so, so much! I’ve been there several times and have been to various regions in my career. British Columbia is fantastic for family road trips, a guys and or gals trip, a couples getaway or in several instances for me, a solo adventure.
If one of your summer travel destinations is BC, I’ve got a stellar list for you to either follow or include in your exploration of Canada’s wonderful west coast treasure.
Yoho National Park
Spanning 1,313 square kilometres, Yoho National Park is tucked into the southeast corner of British Columbia
Here you’ll find Canada’s second tallest waterfall, Takakkaw Falls, with a total height of 1,224 feet. The majestic primary drop of the falls rings in at 833 feet and is fed by the meltwater of the Daly Glacier.
Nearby is the enchanting Emerald Lake, with its shimmering green colour thanks to the powdered rock from the glaciers. You can rent canoes from the Emerald Lake Lodge to spend time on the water during summer months as it’s frozen in colder months.
If you’re staying the night, which you should, Cathedral Lodge offers spectacular views, fire pits and a cozy cabin, complete with a wood burning fireplace. Plus, the food is splendid and I recommend dining on their patio.
Go for a short walk to explore the grounds and soak in the sensational views in the Canadian Rockies.
Golden
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is your anchor point and be sure to take the gondola to the top for unmatched views. Carefully and curiously wander the area once at the top as there are a few different paths and trails to traverse. Some include various levels of height so please know your physical capabilities to stay safe.
The superb Skybridge has bragging rights for being Canada’s highest suspension bridges, clocking in at 426 feet high and 492 feet in length.. Enveloped by the Columbia Valley, your views are simply awesome regardless of which side you’re on.
There’s also the thrilling Railroader Mountain Coaster, a zipline experience, axe throwing, walking paths and more. If you’re looking for something to do in Golden, this is right up there. Get it? Up there?
Stroll the town and check out the local shops that adorn this mountain town and be sure to pop in to Golden Bakery & Deli for fresh baked goodies, meats and more.
To recharge from all that adventure, book a room at the Rooms and Riveredge which is, yep, right on the edge of the Columbia River.
There are driving routes galore here and mountain views aplenty, especially at Mount Seven. Want more? Check out the network of old logging roads that I featured during my visit here.
Kimberley
One of my favourite places in Canada is St.Mary Lake, 30 minutes west of Kimberly.
I asked a friend if there were any quiet places near Kimberley for me to film a car review with a Mazda CX-50 and she casually said to take the 26 km drive along St. Marys Lake Road to the aptly named St. Mary Lake Regional Park. The peacefulness, views, serenity, mountain views, and beauty of the water had me hooked. Sure, as a professional automotive journalist, the drive was exciting but it’s the feeling of calm this certain lake offers is truly unmatched. I was so enamoured I went back twice; once for the car filming and once simply for myself.
Fun fact; I made a friend there named Zach who was doing his post-secondary education here and we’re still in touch three years later.
What else is there to do in Kimberley? Go make friends with the cheerful Happy Hans, the world’s largest cuckoo clock! This 22 foot tall clock has Hans emerge and yodel as he’s done for over 50 years. Hans got some work done recently so he’s ready to keep you smiling for another 50 years at least.
Lillooet
I’ll start with the cutest attraction, the Lillooet Sheep Pasture Golf Course where you share the course with a flock of sheep. They keep to themselves and keep the course neatly groomed. Add in the backdrop of the mountains and it’s certainly a rarity in Canada.
As part of British Columbia’s Rainforest to Rockies Road Trip initiative, you should absolutely check this place out! Well, you should check out all of the various adventures but this one especially.
Pop into the Lillooet Brewing Company for some adult beverages and a bite to eat after you work up an appetite exploring the various hiking trails in the area. Want more food? Of course you do! Check out Abundance Bakery in town for fresh baked treats…you’ll thank me later.
Plus, there are over 250 species of birds in the area so if you’re a birder, this is the place to go.
It’s on the western shore of the fabulous Fraser River and was a gold rush hub in the 1850’s and has a rich history.
As you wrap up with Lillooet and make your way west on Highway 99’s long and winding road, be sure to stop at Duffy Lake Provincial Park for some pictures, a walk and to embrace the mountain views.
Whistler
Sure, Whistler has plenty to see and do but skip that popular stuff first and experience the Train Wreck Trail. It’s the site of a train wreck that happened in the 1950’s and now lives in an old-growth forest. The damaged cars that remain have been artfully decorated via tasteful graffiti and is with the 30 minute moderate hike to get there.
The hike itself is easy with slight inclines/declines and is approximately two kilometres round trip, with the trail head being less than a minute from the parking lot.
Read the sign at the start of the suspension bridge before you cross for a brief history of why this exists, then walk over the Cheakamus River via said bridge.
The bridge was built in 2016 as people kept trespassing on the railway property so this eliminated that and gave the public access.
Penticton
I’m a splash biased with my affection toward Penticton because they’ve got some of the best kayaking in BC via the Okanagan Lake. There’s more, though, including bike trails with lake and vineyard views. Best to take an e-bike to further and using battery power to assist you opposed to running out of steam partway through your adventure.
Fuel up with snacks at Wayne and Freda’s quaint coffee shop and a scrumptious meal at Kin & Folk, with their Asian-centred dishes with a modern flair.
End your day with a sunset walk at the Okanagan Lake Park and shuffle down the Kiwanis Pier.
Garnett Valley Ranch Winery
Also by the Okanagan Lake, this unique winery is a destination in and of itself.
This short video explains everything about this wonderful winery.
Bonus Stop - Sparwood
I’ve driven over a million kilometres in the past 30 years so if you give me a car with a full tank of fuel and BC’s mountain roads, I’m going to go exploring and find something fun.
That’s exactly what happened when I was in Fernie and decided to go for a rainy afternoon drive east on the Crowsnest Highway. I was partway through Starwood and glanced to my left and was met with a gargantuan green machine that’s 22 feet and seven inches tall.