Vancouver Excursions

British Columbia
Dozens of tour operators offer trips to explore British Columbia's famed wilderness. Tourism Vancouver (www.tourismvancouver.com) can provide advice, as well as brochures for companies offering whale watching, white-water rafting, ocean kayaking, hiking, floatplane tours, off-road expeditions, yacht charters and salmon fishing trips. Outdoorsy travellers can make camping reservations online (www.discovercamping.ca).

Tourism BC
Tel: 1 800 435 5622.
Website: www.hellobc.com

Squamish
The town of Squamish lies one hour north of Vancouver on beautiful Howe Sound. The town itself may lack charm, but the region offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing (notably on Smoke Bluffs) and, during winter, is the site of the largest gathering of bald eagles in North America. Nearby Shannon Falls has the third highest cascade in Canada at 335m (1,099ft).

Tourism Squamish
Tel: (604) 815 6084 or 1 877 815 5084.
Website: www.tourismsquamish.com

Victoria
The capital of British Columbia lies 100km (62 miles) southwest of Vancouver. It is an elegant city with a British feel, distinguished by Victorian and neoclassical architecture. In the harbour area are the impressive Parliament Buildings and the Royal British Columbia Museum, which gives an overview of the region's history. Not to be missed is afternoon tea in the Empress Hotel and the more than one million plants at Butchart Gardens on the city's outskirts. Victoria is accessible in three to four hours, by road and a scenic ferry ride, with a downtown-to-downtown service offered by Pacific Coach Lines (tel: (604) 662 7575 or 1 800 661 1725; www.pacificcoach.com). Alternatively you can splash out on a helicopter or floatplane ride.

Tourism Victoria
Tel: (250) 953 2033 or 1 800 663 3883.
Website: www.tourismvictoria.com

Whistler
In summer, hikers swarm Whistler's myriad trails, while mountain bikers rattle downhill in the gnarly bike park. In winter, the famous resort morphs into the most popular ski area on the west coast, with over 200 runs on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. As part of Vancouver's stint as host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler will host the alpine, Nordic and sliding events. The less-active traveller will appreciate the shops, dining and entertainment in pedestrian-only Whistler Village. Whistler is accessible by car or coach on Highway 99, the Sea to Sky Highway (journey time - 2 hours), and by tourist train and floatplane in summer.

Tourism Whistler
Tel: (604) 932 0606 or 1 800 663 3883.
Website: www.tourismwhistler.com