Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of British Columbia through the eyes of our Canada Advocate, Carol, who has recently returned from an unforgettable journey through this magnificent province. From the rugged coastline to the majestic mountains, Carol's adventure highlights the diverse landscapes and vibrant culture that make British Columbia a must-visit destination.

What was your first impression of British Columbia?

My husband and I have been lucky enough to visit Canada three times, all booked with Canadian Affair. Every visit has been just as amazing as the first, seeing the breathtaking views and landscapes still takes our breath away. The sheer scale of the mountains, forests, and lakes is absolutely incredible. It's like every trip is a new adventure, and the natural beauty of Canada never ceases to amaze us. Each visit is a fresh reminder of just how stunning this country really is!

Did you book any experiences or activities during your trip?

We’ve have taken the iconic route through the Rocky Mountains before, but this time we decided to explore Vancouver Island in depth. We spent our entire holiday there and it was a fantastic choice with so much to see. We stayed four nights at Telegraph Cove, right at the top of the island, and it was absolutely stunning. My husband even went on a fishing trip and was thrilled to catch the first spring salmon of the season! We also booked a grizzly bear watching tour from the same spot, which was an incredible experience. The island truly has something special for everyone.

What was the highlight of your visit to British Columbia?

The absolute highlight of our trip was the bear-watching tour with Rip Tide Tours. They were fantastic from start to finish, providing a delicious breakfast before we set off on our all-day adventure. We were treated to incredible sights, including humpback whales and a large raft of 40-50 sea otters. We also spotted Dall's porpoises, but the real magic happened when we saw a mother grizzly with her two cubs on the shoreline, foraging for food. We encountered several bears in the Knight Inlet, and the guides were exceptional at pointing out wildlife and sea eagles diving for fish. It was an unforgettable experience!

Did you explore any lesser-known spots or hidden gems?

We spent four nights at Middle Beach Lodge in Tofino, and it was a fantastic experience. The lodge’s location allowed us easy access to beautiful walks around the Pacific Rim Trail. One highlight was our stroll to Coombe Beach, where we saw a large group of Stellar sea lions lounging on rocks close to the shore. We also explored a rainforest trail, which was stunning and offered another great walking experience. A visit to the Kwisitis Visitor Centre on the trail was particularly memorable. We joined a guided walk with a ranger, which was both informative and engaging. The centre itself is packed with fascinating details about the area and its wildlife, making it a perfect spot to learn and explore for hours.

What tips would you give to someone planning their first visit to British Columbia?

If you're planning your first trip to Canada, definitely reach out to the knowledgeable team at Canadian Affair. They are brilliant at recommending incredible places and activities tailored to your interests. A trip through the Rocky Mountains is absolutely a must-do, but be sure not to overload your itinerary. Take your time to truly savour the breathtaking sights. It's hard to convey to anyone who hasn't been just how vast and unique Canada is — it’s unlike any other place we've ever visited.

Carol Ison] image

The absolute highlight of our trip...

...was the bear-watching tour, where we spotted humpback whales and a large raft of sea otters—around 40 to 50 of them!

Carol Ison Canada Advocate

Want to follow in Carol’s footsteps?

Contact us today for more information, and be sure to check out our holidays to British Columbia.

British Columbia Holidays

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