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Salmon fishing in the Strait of Georgia, helicopter rides over Campbell River, high tea at the Empress Hotel, staycations in our own beautiful Okanagan, this is your year to explore BC and we’ve got a list of our 15 favourite destinations and activities for you from our 2021 adventures as The BC Bucket List Family! Thank you to everyone who engaged with us on Instagram @loewenlifestyle and shared your questions, your recommendations, and your support on our posts as we continued to explore the wonders of BC this year. After reading, click on the link to our page and share your favourite destinations with us, we’d love to hear your recommended experiences as we plan our 2022 adventures!
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Celebrating BC’s Golden Sky Bridge Grand Opening
In June 2021, BC opened Canada’s highest suspension bridges in Golden, BC. A five hour drive from Kelowna, this previous ‘drive through’ town is becoming a must-stay adventure town. The new bridges span the 426 foot canyon over a 200 foot waterfall and provide stunning views of the Purcell and Rocky Mountains.
Visit Golden’s unique buffalo experience at Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch. This is Trip Advisor’s #1 recommended activity in Golden, BC. Hear amazing stories from ranch owner, Leo Downey, who gained the trust of the herd’s alpha bull until he could walk among the herd, something very few people have been able to do with these extremely territorial and protective creatures. Leo’s life among North America’s wildlife is truly the most fascinating collection of stories I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to.
2. Encountering Spy-Hopping Orcas with Eagle Wing Tours
A dedicated crew from Eagle Wing Tours took us out to the Salish Sea to learn about the indigenous ocean wildlife of BC, including sea birds, seals, sea lions and local whale pods. We came across a family of hunting orcas displaying incredible behaviours and showing off their prominent, regal dorsal fins.
3. Experience the Grandeur of High Tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel
High Tea at The Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC. gives you the chance to feel like royalty as you sit in the elegant parlour listening to classical piano, nibbling delicacies and sipping the finest imported tea. With prince and princess trays, it’s an activity that can be enjoyed with the whole family. Make a reservation here.
4. Thrill Seeking in Nanaimo at Wild Play
Play among the trees in Nanaimo, BC from 3 levels of ropes courses, ziplining and of course the 150 foot drop on the primal swing, there’s something for every age of thrill seeker at Nanaimo’s Wild Play! Other activities include axe throwing and bungee jumping. Book current promotions here.
5. Campbell River by Land, Sea, and Air
Campbell River has everything to offer nature lovers and adventure seekers. Elk Falls Provincial Park has been on my BC bucket list for years. This spring we finally made it to the 89 foot waterfall and suspension bridge. Walk the network of trails and experience the serenity of this park.
6. Campbell River From the Sky
After communing with nature from the trails, take to the skies on one of 49 North Helicopters’ chartered helicopter rides. A skilled pilot will take you soaring over the town, the forests, and the ocean. At certain times of the year, this can be a great way to see whale pods from up high!
7. Campbell River by Sea
Finally, experience Campbell River on the water with a guided salmon fishing trip. Guides have all the gear and expertise you need so you can reel in the big one! You’ll enjoy being followed by curious harbour seals looking for your leftover chum.
8. Pamper Yourself in Osoyoos
Stay in the heart of Osoyoos at the Watermark Beach Resort where you’ll be walking distance to Levia Wellness Spa, spectacular restaurants like 15 Park Bistro, and glorious walks along the beach and boulevard. Surrounded by wineries and adorable coffee shops, Osoyoos is the place for vacationers who like to be busy and those who want to just relax.
9. Ocean Kayaking in Parksville
Connect with Adventuress Sea Kayaking and head out in a one or two person kayak to get up close and personal with BC’s resident and visiting sea lions. It’s the largest concentration of sea lions I have ever seen. Our barking friends got a little playful with us, splashing and diving all around our boats, it was truly spectacular.
10. Luxury in Our Own Backyard at Penticton Lakeside Resort
Penticton Lakeside Resort is the perfect place to bring the family or escape on a romantic getaway in perfect luxury. I recommend a boujee stay in the West Wing overlooking the Okanagan Lake and a view of the notable Penticton hoodoo formations. In winter, enjoy the lakeside skating rink and cozy on-site restaurants. The location of Penticton Lakeside Resort allows for walking distance to the best boutique shopping, and dining experiences that Penticton has to offer including wine tasting at Time Winery.
11. Friday Night Market in Fort Langley
The Fort Langley Night Market runs every Friday from March to October and is the best one I’ve ever found for families. With local vendors, fantastic food trucks, beer gardens, wide open fields, a playground and loads of lawn games, this is an evening adventure everyone will love. Don’t leave the pooch at home, this is a pet friendly event as well.
12. Travel back in Time at Fort Langley’s Historic Site
Pan for gold, collect badges, visit the blacksmith, all at the Fort Langley Historic Site, a rebuilt replica of the Hudson Bay trading post that established British Columbia’s trade economy. With an original building still intact, knowledgeable guides, and real live actors, you’ll learn much about BC’s beginnings as well as having loads of fun.
13. Visit Krause Berry and Kensington Prairie Family Farms in Langley, BC
For exceptional Saturday morning waffles, walks with alpacas, pumpkin weighing contests, fruit wine tasting, and other animal interactions visit these two family-owned farms in the lower mainland. Geared towards families, these unique grounds will have everyone entertained.
14. Soar Above Victoria with Harbour Air
Feel the exhilarating rush of taking off and landing on water with Harbour Air’s float plane tours! Take off from the harbour and return only after viewing some of Victoria’s most delicious sites from the air such as Butchart Gardens, the Oak Bay Islands, and Victoria’s newest attraction, the Malahat Skywalk observatory. Book your flight here!
15. Canada’s Second Largest Ski Area at Sun Peaks Resort
Transport yourself to a European village without leaving BC at Sun Peaks Ski Resort just outside of Kamloops BC. With amazing runs, fantastic instructors, beautiful snowshoe trails, fantastic restaurants, and accommodations, not to mention the family fun events year round, Sun Peaks is a must stay destination for your 2022 family travels. Book a stay at the Sun Peaks Grand Residences here!
We look forward to another year of bucket list items in beautiful British Columbia! Some of the places on our list are Sooke, Radium, Tweedsmuir, Fervale, and Tofino? Have somewhere you’d recommend? Send us a message @loewenlifestyle Save this article or share with a friend to build your BC bucket list for 2022!
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