British Columbia is home to some of Canada's most scenic landscapes, boasting one of the country's largest networks of protected areas including over six hundred provincial parks. Here you'll find vast fjords, alpine glaciers, dense forests, dramatic waterfalls, glacial lakes, and more—the parks are incredibly diverse with an abundance of outdoor recreation activities.
In October 2024, Kevin and I visited Whistler and a few of the nearby provincial parks. This area is unbelievably beautiful, especially draped in fall colors during this time of year. But what was even more mind-boggling was learning the sheer size of British Columbia, which is bigger than California, Oregon, and Washington combined. We only scratched the surface during our visit, and cannot wait to return to this beautiful place!
To help plan your own visit, keep reading for our 3-day itinerary and watch my YouTube video.
Table of Contents
Skip ahead to specific places on our itinerary!
Our 3-Day Itinerary in British Columbia
Day 1:
Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside: After checking into Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside the night before, we spent the rainy morning making breakfast inside our room. I highly recommend this hotel if you plan to stay in Whistler—it has everything you need for a comfortable (and cozy) stay.
Make a reservation here in advance.
Purebread Bakery: We stopped by Purebread Bakery to grab some pastries. This popular bakery offers an extensive selection of fresh breads as well as sweet and savory treats. Try their pumpkin spice cake or carrot cake!
Lost Lake Park: Lost Lake Park is a forested park with a lakeside beach—surrounding the lake are numerous hiking and biking trails.
Rainbow Falls Loop: Rainbow Falls Loop is a 1.3-mile loop trail that runs along a well-paved path through a forest, before reaching the waterfall. Be sure to keep an eye out—there are a number of mushroom species to spot on the trail!
Day 2:
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park: The Joffre Lakes Trail is so beautiful. This popular, 4.6-mile out-and-back trail passes by three lakes—all of which are backdropped by dramatic, glaciated mountains. The first lake is a deep emerald color, while the second and third lakes are a vibrant turquoise color. Winding along a forest blanketed in moss, the trail begins relatively flat before quickly turning into a steep, continuous ascent.
Purchase a day-use pass here in advance, which is required on select dates.
Duffey Lake Provincial Park: Duffey Lake Viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains towering in the distance, and forests painted in vibrant fall colors surrounding Duffey Lake. The overlook is located right off the highway, making it easily accessible for everyone.
Day 3:
Brandywine Falls Provincial Park: We began our last day at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. A short, scenic 0.7-mile out-and-back trail will take you to Brandywine Falls—a 230-foot waterfall cascading against a steep, rocky cliff. Be sure to walk to the end of the trail for views of the surrounding mountains and forests. During autumn, this is a great place to spot fall foliage!
Tantalus Lookout: Located right off the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Tantalus Lookout is an overlook that offers a view of the imposing Tantalus Mountain Range as well as smaller, forested mountains below providing a dramatic sense of scale.
Shannon Falls Provincial Park: Shannon Falls Provincial Park is a popular spot along the Sea-to-Sky Highway for good reason—a short, 0.7-mile loop on the Shannon Falls Lookout Trail will take you to a 1,100-foot waterfall cascading against a granite cliff. This waterfall is the third highest in the province!
Porteau Cove Provincial Park: Porteau Cove Provincial Park is incredibly beautiful. This coastal park is nestled on the shores of the Howe Sound, offering a view of the fjord and mountains beyond. From the park, you can spot seagulls far off in the distance providing perspective on how expansive the landscape is.
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