Bed and Breakfasts in British Columbia

A bed and breakfast in British Columbia provides a true escape, offering diverse experiences from quiet coastal retreats on Vancouver Island to rustic mountain lodges in the Interior. These properties often feature Pacific Northwest architecture, utilizing natural wood and glass to maximize views of the forest, mountains, or ocean. The experience is rooted in outdoor lifestyle and environmental appreciation, with hosts providing local guidance on hiking, wildlife viewing, and regional activities. Guests benefit from a secluded atmosphere and breakfasts featuring regional ingredients like wild salmon or fresh berries.

The character of a bed and breakfast in British Columbia is defined by its setting and amenities tailored to active, nature-focused travel. Many BnBs in British Columbia provide facilities that cater to outdoor recreation and wellness. Typical features provided for guests in these properties often include:

• A substantial breakfast often featuring local specialties and gourmet coffee blends
• Designated, secure storage and drying areas for ski gear, boots, and bicycles
• Access to outdoor facilities such as hot tubs, viewing decks, or fire pits
• Complimentary local area guides, maps, and recommended hiking routes
• Guest sitting rooms with large windows or fireplaces for wildlife viewing
• Private bathrooms in most rooms, often with deep soaking tubs or rain showers
• Eco-friendly practices, including local sourcing and environmental considerations

British Columbia appeals to outdoor adventurers, nature photographers, and wilderness enthusiasts. The province is highly suited for travelers who enjoy activities like heli-skiing in the Rockies, whale watching on the coast, or touring the Okanagan's wine region. The B&Bs in British Columbia offer convenient access to provincial and national parks, serving as ideal base camps for exploring the vast, varied terrain. The summer season (June to August) is warm in the interior, averaging 28°C in valleys, and coastal temperatures are milder, with rates typically ranging from $170 to $350 CAD per night. The winter attracts skiers and snowboarders, with B&B rates remaining moderate outside of major resort areas. Spring and fall offer the best value and availability for hiking and coastal touring, with rates around $120 to $250 CAD.

Explore the essential destinations that define the province's dramatic geography, from the Pacific coast to the Rocky Mountain peaks.

1. Gros Morne National Park
2. The Skerwink Trail
3. Auk Island Winery
4. Colony of Avalon
5. L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site

Gros Morne National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage site on the west coast features dramatic fjords, the unique Tablelands mountains (exposed mantle rock), and vast coastal lowlands, offering world-class hiking and boat tours of the freshwater fjord, Western Brook Pond.

The Skerwink Trail

Widely considered one of the best coastal hikes in North America, this 5.3 km loop near Port Rexton offers spectacular views of sea stacks, dramatic cliffs, and often migrating icebergs and whales, especially in the late spring.

Auk Island Winery

Situated in Twillingate, this unique winery produces award-winning fruit wines using local Newfoundland berries, as well as wines made from iceberg water, offering a distinctively regional tasting experience.

Colony of Avalon

An active archaeological site and museum in Ferryland, this location preserves the remnants of the earliest sustained English settlement in North America, originally established in 1621. Visitors can watch the ongoing excavation work.

L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site

Located at the northern tip of the island, this archaeological site preserves the remnants of an 11th-century Norse village. It is recognized as the first known evidence of European presence in North America and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The culinary scene in British Columbia is driven by its access to Pacific seafood, the wine and produce of the Okanagan, and a strong Asian-fusion influence in its major cities. These three establishments are highly rated by diners:

• Tojo's Restaurant (4.5/5 stars) - Located in Vancouver, this is a globally recognized Japanese restaurant known for its innovative sushi and creative omakase (chef's choice) menus.
• The Old Spaghetti Factory (4.4/5 stars) - A family-friendly, historic restaurant in Gastown (Vancouver) known for its classic Italian-American dishes and elaborate, antique-filled dining rooms.
• Water St. Cafe (4.5/5 stars) - A well-regarded Vancouver spot offering Pacific Northwest cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood, located in the historic Gastown district.

British Columbia operates on Pacific Time (PT). Given the vast distances, travelers should not underestimate travel times between the coast and the interior. A car is necessary for flexibility, though major cities like Vancouver have excellent transit. When booking, choosing a bed and breakfast in British Columbia near a ski hill is practical for winter sports, while coastal towns offer better access to marine activities. Tipping follows Canadian standards. The province strongly encourages environmental preservation; visitors should be mindful of park regulations and hiking ethics. Many B&Bs in British Columbia offer unique local products and guiding services, leveraging the local knowledge of the area's diverse recreational opportunities.