One hundred and fifty. That’s how old Canada turned in 2017. It also happens to be the perfect amount of money for spending and incredible day in the West Coast paradise of British Columbia.
If you’re looking for a quintessentially British Columbian experience, here are the top 5 activities you can enjoy for under $150 CAD (which is only about £87!).
Cycle the Stanley Park Seawall in Vancouver
Hop on a bike for this iconic waterfront ride, which offers spectacular views of the North Shore Mountains and the Vancouver skyline. It’s free if you have your own wheels, or you can rent a bike (four hours for about $17 CAD) for the nine-kilometre loop. Take your time and stop for selfies under the Lions Gate Bridge, or linger over a grilled salmon Caesar salad ($21 CAD) at the Teahouse in Stanley Park.
Go whale watching in Victoria
Witnessing the grace and power of an Orca breaching is a thrill that you’ll remember forever. Opportunities abound in peak season from May through October. It’s possible to see whales year-round in the waters off Victoria, which are home to over 80 resident Orcas (killer whales) in three pods. Visitors may also spot grey, humpback, and minke whales. Prince of Whales Whale Watching offers zodiac tours ($105 CAD per person) with high-speed thrills, as well as excursions on an indoor/outdoor vessel ($120 CAD per person) staffed by naturalists who provide insight on the marine wildlife.
Ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola in Whistler
Spanning Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola delivers spectacular views of the valley and surrounding glaciers. Hop on to ski both mountains in the winter, or for sightseeing year-round. Options during the summer include scenic walking trails, alpine hikes, and wildlife viewing, or just relax at the summit with a barbecue on the deck of Whistler’s Roundhouse Lodge. This is your chance to photograph the iconic Whistler Mountain Inuksuk with its panoramic mountain backdrop. Buy tickets online in advance ($51.95 CAD per adult) for discounts.
Paddle a dugout canoe in Tofino
Get a First Nations’ perspective on the waters surrounding Tofino (the southern section of Clayoquot Sound) from a 7.6-metre handcrafted cedar canoe. From March to October, T’ashii Paddle School offers coastal tours (from $65 CAD per person) through Tla-o-qui-aht territory with a Nuuchahnulth guide offering insight on the history and culture. The Meares Island tour (from $89 CAD per person) features a rainforest walk on Big Tree Trail, where you can marvel at the 1,000-year-old red cedars.
Raft the Kicking Horse River in Golden
Looking for adventure? Rafting on the Kicking Horse River is an adrenaline-pumping ride. From its base in the Rocky Mountain town of Golden (30 minutes west of the Alberta/British Columbia border), Wet N’ Wild Rafting Adventures offers a full-day tour ($129 CAD per person) that covers 22 kilometres of the canyon. Families can get a tamer taste of the rapids on a three-hour introductory tour ($64 CAD per adult/$34 CAD per child aged five to 12) that floats down a scenic 11-kilometre stretch.
