100 Mile House

"Smile you're in 100 Mile" is the motto of this friendly community who welcomes all! 100 Mile House began as a rest stop for travellers along the Cariboo Waggon Trail during the excitement of the gold rush in the 1860s. Remnants from the village's days-of-yore still exist in the form of an original red Barnard Express stagecoach located at the north end of town.

Activities:
There are quite a few things to do here for the outdoors type. Hiking, skiing, fishing and golf are to just name a few. This interior community's small population limits the number of activities that it offers.
2.5/5

Events:
Outside of the usual holiday events and the other small events like art shows, farmers markets and craft fairs, the only really notable event is the "Cariboo Cross-Country Ski Marathon" held on the first weekend in February.
2.0/5

View:
Nestled in at the south end of the interior plateau you get more hills than actual mountains to look at. Plenty of deer and other smaller animals though and the lakes are beautiful in the area. As a "rest" stop on the Gold Rush trail there are plenty of historic sites to see.
2.5/5

Accommodations:
A good variety of accommodations can be found from hotels, camping to B&B's Dude Ranch's and Spa Resorts. Prices can vary and there is not a big selection in each category but at least there is something for each one.
3.0/5

Dinning & Shopping:
A few local restaurants and not a big variety that is very much expected of smaller cities. Not a big shopping community either as there is not much more than what is necessary.
2.5/5

Visit-ability:
great place to stop on your way through and check out the local history, or if you are attending the Ski Marathon. Otherwise there is not a lot here that would bring people in.
2.0/5

Total Rating: 14.5/30

Thoughts:
No my first choice of places to go, I like the history of the town and could spend a couple of hours taking a break and learning about the Gold Rush or even spend a coupl eof nights at a Ranch or Resort. Otherwise it is just a place to gas up on your way North or South along the highway.

Website: http://www.100milehouse.com/

1

Stewart

Situated across from Alaska's Misty Fiords National Park and at the end of the Portland Canal, Stewart, BC is a unique border town attracting tourists from every corner of the world.

Activities:
Fishing. That pretty much sums it up. Lots of places and types though, rivers, lakes, streams, and ocean. All in one place.
2.5/5

Events:
Due to the small size of the town, not much goes on here.
1.0/5

View:
Amazing view of mountains and the ocean, wildlife, lakes and glaciers on the drive into town. Well worth the trip.
3.5/5

Accommodations:
Only a couple of places to stay while visiting. A couple of camp grounds, a couple of hotel/motels and a B&B.
2.5/5

Dinning & Shopping:
A couple of stores and local restaurants but again not a big variety
2.0/5

Visit-ability:
A must see for all nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts. This is a beautiful area of the province and a definite gem.
2.5/5

Total Rating: 14/30

Thoughts:
A very small place that is worth stopping at on a trip either up the Cassiar Highway or if you are travelling towards Terrace. Great wildlife and scenery to see on the drive there and once in town. Not somewhere you would want to spend a week unless you are there for the fishing but somewhere to put on any nature lovers bucket list.

Website: http://www.districtofstewart.com

1

Bridal Falls: Rosedale

Bridal Falls can be found at the foot of Mount Cheam, the furthest northerly peak of the North Cascades mountain range and in the heart of the Fraser Valley. The surrounding area is home to the dinosaur theme park Dinotown, the Trans Canada Water Slides, world renowned Minter Gardens and is just minutes away from Harrison Hot Springs.

Activities:
Not a lot to do here outside of a couple of premier attractions as it is quite a small area of Rosedale.
1.5/5

Events:
Not a lot of things go on here, again probably due to its size.
1.0/5

View:
Amazing views of the waterfall, mountains, valley and coastal rainforest. Not a lot of animals in the area, but you may get lucky and find a bear or dear.
2.5/5

Accommodations:
Not a lot outside of the campground to choose from.
2.0/5

Dinning & Shopping:
Again, not a lot here, a gas station and antiques store.
2.0/5

Visit-ability:
Good place to stop on your way through and spend a few hours out of your day. The attractions though do lend themselves to fun on returning visits.
2.5/5

Total Rating: 11.5/30

Thoughts:
With Bridal Veil Falls and the Trans Canada Water Slides, this is definitely a place to stop at least on your way through. Some things for kids of all ages and adults alike. I am not sure if I would spend more than a day here but it is sure beautiful.

Website: http://www.bridalfalls.ca
1

Prince George

Known as BC's northern capital, Prince George is a bustling city located on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T'enneh with a population of approximately 76,000 situated at the crossroads of Highway 97 (north-south) and Highway 16 (east-west), and at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers.
The City of Prince George is a vibrant, active and diverse community that provides a strong focal point and identity to the north.
Activities:
There are plenty of outdoor activities in the both the winter and summer months. Skiing, hiking, golf, kayaking and fishing are just a few.
For the sports enthusiast there are plenty of fields around for summer sports and the 2 local junior hockey teams offer up plenty of entertainment in the winter.
2.5/5
Events:
There are plenty of smaller events, the Prince George Exhibition (PGX), plenty of music concerts, and sporting events, but other than these it is pretty limiting in big things that come to town.
2.0/5
View:
Rolling hills and a couple of rivers and lakes make up the majority of the landscape here. The down town core is being revitalised but is still pretty desolate and dirty looking.
A variety of larger wildlife can be found just outside of town such as moose and bear, as well, plenty of deer can be seen roaming the outer urban areas.
There are some nice walks along the Fraser River or through the Forests for the World.
2.5/5
Accommodations:
Prince George has a little bit of everything, B&B, hotels, camping and even resorts. There is a good selection of hotels in the down town core as well as along the highways that run through town. The Treasure Cove Hotel is a great place for family fun with a large pool and indoor water slide.
There are a variety of resorts just outside the city most about a 5-10 minute drive away. And there is plenty of camping around.
4.0/5
Dinning & Shopping:
There are plenty of restaurants throughout the city of all types of foods from around the world. Everything from finer dining, fast food, family, casual and pub.
There are 2 major shopping centres and some other smaller ones and big box store areas located around the city. The main Pine Centre Mall has a number of stores and a small food court.
3.5/5
Visit-ability:
The people are generally friendly and the landscape in the area is nice. Although the down town core could still use some cleaning up in places it is overall a decent place to see. The local sports teams and extensive theatre productions also means there is always something to do.
2.5/5
Total Rating: 17/30
Thoughts:
Even though it seems like a dirty place and has a lower air quality, it is the largest city in the north and provides a variety of entertainment and accommodation options. It is also the hub of the major travelling routes through the north and is a great place to stop and see a couple of things on your way through.
Website: http://www.tourismpg.com
1

Surrey

Surrey is currently the second largest city in BC and one of the fastest growing in all of Canada. Within the next decade, Surrey is expected to take Vancouver's place as the largest city in the province. It's no surprise then, that with Surrey's diverse array of cultures, our city has a truly international flavour. Surrey is known as the City of Parks, with over 6,000 acres of parks and green spaces beautifully sprinkled throughout a growing metropolis. The natural beauty of Surrey and the cultural opportunities lend themselves to many tourism and entertainment opportunities throughout the year. We welcome you to join us in celebrating all that Surrey has to offer!

Activities:

Although quite large there is a limited number of big activities to do here other than golf. There is plenty of small sites and activities like Wild Play Elements Park.
1.5/5

Events:
Other than the regular holiday events there is nothing that stands out as a must see event during the year. though limited in the number of events when there is one it is definately worth checking out.
1.5/5

View:
The layout of the land makes it hard to see the mountains and ocean from most of the city, there are plenty of parks and gardens though to walk around and enjoy.
0.5/5

Accommodations:
Being further away from the larger city centre give Surrey the opportunity to have a larger selection of accommodations, especially in the camping area.
4.0/5

Dinning & Shopping:
Plenty of options for dining here, it is just a matter of getting one near you because of the size of the city.
4.0/5

Visit-ability:
Overall Surrey does not have much to offer considering the surrounding area and other cities in the Lower Mainland. It is central and affordable so it could serve as a good "Home Base" as you visit the other things to see.
2.5/5

Total Rating: 14/30

Thoughts:
Although it has some nice areas, this is not a great place to visit. It is very large and not a big variety of things to do.

Website: http://www.tourismsurrey.com

Vancouver

Named "Top City of the Americas" in Condé Nast Traveler magazine's 2009 Readers' Choice Awards, Vancouver offers travellers both outstanding opportunities for outdoor adventure and the sophisticated amenities of a world-class city.


Activities:
Plenty of things to do here in the city, golfing, hiking, walks through gardens and parks and outdoor/indoor swimming and skating. You can spend the day at a sporting event with the Vancouver Whitecaps, BC Lions or Vancouver Canucks or take one of the many guided tours through the city. There is a vibrant night life downtown on Granville St. or spend the evening at a play at the Theatre.
4.0/5


Events:
Although the city has lost a few great events there is still plenty of things that go on through out the year. Take in a play at Bard on the Beach, or watch the world famous Celebration of Light fireworks display. The Vancouver Sun Run attracts people from around the world and many more.
4.0/5


View:
Great views of the North Sore Mountains, Burrard Inlet and the Georgia Strait. Take a walk around Stanley Park or Out at UBC to get great views of the Pacific Ocean.
2.5/5


Accommodations:
Plenty of places to choose from when looking to stay in the city. Hotels, and Hostels are abundant in the down town core as well as scattered through out the rest of the city.
3.0/5


Dinning & Shopping:
Some of the Worlds latest fashion can be found at the malls and down on Robson Street. World class dining of all cuisines can also be found no matter what you are in the mood for.
3.5/5


Visit-ability:
Definitely a place you can spend an entire vacation, especially if you have the money. Unfortunately there is limited free things to do that are not repetative (walks in the park) but you can find plenty of coupons and discounts to help make things more affordable.
3.5/5


Total Rating: 20.5/30


Thoughts:
One of my favourite places to see especially during a big event. Try to take in the fireworks or a sporting event during your visit.


Website: http://vancouver.ca/

Mackenzie

"Fabulous place", "Great place to visit", "Nice people and town", "Peaceful, scenic place you have", that's what visitors are saying about Mackenzie. Come and discover a natural, unspoiled wilderness that provides ample opportunities for both summer and winter outdoor recreation activities, wildlife viewing and spectacular photography moments. Learn about the famous explorer, Alexander Mackenzie, and his journey through the area. Visit the World's Largest Tree Crusher, which was used to clear non-merchantable timber in the valleys that were flooded for the WAC Bennett Dam.

Activities:
Plenty of outdoor activities here, hiking, swimming, snow-mobiling, camping, hunting and fishing are just a few. Limited indoor activities for those rainy days.
3.0/5

Events:
Not too much goes on here since there is a very limited population to participate in big events.
0.5/5

View:
The natural landscape views of mountains, lakes and wildlife are spectacular and abundant. There isn't a lot of history to this relatively young town and although the plant life is quite diverse the vibrant colours of trees in the fall and limited flower varieties in the spring are all you find for a change from the standard forest green.
3.5/5

Accommodations:
With such small numbers of tourists staying in the town there is a visible lack of accommodations, only 3 listed on their website but they are missing the camping. The prices are affordable no matter how you choose to stay.
2.5/5

Dinning & Shopping:
Again, small town limits the number of stores and services. A good variety of food though with chinese, western, pizza and Greek/Italian.
2.5/5

Visit-ability:
A beautiful place to stop in and see for a day or two, giving people a great place to enjoy the outdoors in both summer and winter.
3.0/5

Total Rating: 15/30

Thoughts:
This a wonderful place to go and see some of Canada's largest wildlife. For people that enjoy hiking, fishing and hunting this is a must see place.

Website: http://www.district.mackenzie.bc.ca

Burnaby

Visit our incredible museums, galleries and boutiques. Enjoy world-class performances, music and theatre just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Discover our many parks and outdoor spaces. Experience the unbelievable eateries and delicious food in the City, especially along Kingsway in Metrotown, Hastings Street in the Heights shopping district, and on Edmonds Street. Burnaby is an unforgettable setting and a perfect location to tap in to your sense of adventure. It is a must-see, must-discover and must-explore City!

Activities:
There is something for everyone to do here. Golf courses, lakes and rivers, hiking trails, shopping and arts and heritage attractions.  Although there is not big selection of adrenaline type of activities Burnaby's central location in the lower mainland makes it about a 30min drive to anywhere.
2.5/5

Events:
There are plenty of speciality events that take place throughout the year, most notably Hats Off Day and the Rhododendron Festival. But there is not a big selection of festivals and events for everyone.
2/5

View:
You can take a stroll around Burnaby Lake and by the beaver dam or through one of the many wooded city parks to take your mind off the hustle and bustle of the city.  Almost everywhere you get a great view of the North Shore Mountains or even Mount Baker in Washington. Burnaby Mountain gives you a great vantage point of the Indian Arm and world class architecture like Simon Fraser University.
4/5

Accommodations:
Plenty of hotels and B&B's to choose from located throughout the city. There is even a camp ground just off the highway in the centre of town.
4/5

Dinning & Shopping:
Plenty of restaurants with a selection of all international cuisine will keep you looking at where to eat next. Metrotown, the largest shopping mall in BC will keep you occupied for a couple of hours looking at the latest fashion and enjoying one of the many displays they generally have set up.
3.5/5

Visit-ability:
As a cheaper alternative to staying directly in Vancouver, Burnaby offers a few things to do but it will probably be the most memorable part of the trip and will probably get lumped into being a part of "Our Vancouver" trip.
2/5

Total Rating: 18/30

Thoughts: One of the largest by land areas of the Lower Mainland, Burnaby offers a great deal of things to do. Although you wouldn't notice that you are in Burnaby or Vancouver, they get a lot of concerts and events that are not as far away as the down town core for people staying further out.  

Website: http://www.burnaby.ca

Steveston Village: Richmond

Steveston a quaint historic fishing village in the southwest corner of Richmond, BC, just minutes from the YVR airport and Vancouver, BC. Once home to 15 canneries, Steveston has long been known for its commercial fishery. Although, home to Canada's largest fishing fleet of more than 600 vessels, it no longer plays host to a single cannery.


Activities:
Not a lot to do outside of some walking and shopping. There is a large park with an open field that is always good for some kite flying and as well there are whale watching tours that leave from the docks in town. There is the local museum and a tour through Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site built in 1894.
2.5/5

Events:
There is the odd festival throughout the year that takes place here, other than the notable Salmon Festival though you are pretty much looking at the regular holiday festivities.
1/5

View:
Lots of nature walks and great views of the Coastal Mountains in the distance, as well as mouth of the Fraser river leading out into the ocean.  You get a good view of Vancouver Island and can see the planes taking off or landing from Vancouver Airport. A nice little village stroll offers quaint shops and an historic cannery.
3.5/5

Accommodations:
Not anything noticeable when you are in town but their website has a hotel and B&B, not really a big selection.
0.5/5

Dinning & Shopping:
A few local shops offer great souvenirs, as well there is the fish market down on the docks where you can pick up your seafood right off the back of the boats. A few restaurants here mainly serving seafood as it is a fishing port. A couple of unique dining experiences include Pajo's and the Crab King, that both offer a dining experience right out on the wharf at water level.
4.5/5

Visit-ability:
Definitely worth a day trip here especially if you are fan of west-coast seafood and history. Bring the camera for some great scenery shots.
4/5

Total Rating: 16/30

Thoughts: Not too far out of the way it is definitely worth the drive to spend a few hours here.

Website: http://www.stevestonivillage.com

Pitt Meadows

Nestled between the mighty Fraser River and the majestic Golden Ears mountains, Pitt Meadows is a dynamic municipality with a growing population of just over 18,200.

Activities:
Plenty of golfing with 6 golf courses in the rural community and an extensive dyke system with a well taken care of trail system offers plenty of leisure strolls with new things to see all the time. There is a large playground at Harris Park with an outdoor pool and kids water park.
2.5/5

Events:
Although there is always something going on at the community park or Harris Park I was not impressed with their Canada Day festivities as they fell short in the organizational aspect of the scheduled programs.
3/5

View:
Lots of nature walks and great views of the Coastal Mountains in the distance, as well as a trail along the Fraser River.  You also can view some nice landscaping and structures with a stroll down the Commercial part of Harris Road.
3/5

Accommodations:
I have noticed 1 hotel in town and nothing else really advertised.
0.5/5

Dinning & Shopping:
A few local shops and some larger stores for shopping. Not too many restaurants but at least one for each style you are looking for.
2/5

Visit-ability:
You could spend a day here or 2 if you enjoy golfing but you would probably stay somewhere else or even camp at  nearby Golden Ears Provincial Park.
2/5

Total Rating: 13/30

Thoughts: Great place to spend a day if you are in the area but I would not go out of my way to visit.

Website: http://www.pittmeadows.bc.ca/

Whistler

Located in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, and just two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is Canada’s premier, year-round destination. Consistently ranked the number one mountain resort in North America, Whistler features two majestic mountains, epic skiing and snowboarding, four championship golf courses, more than 200 shops, 90 restaurants and bars, accommodation galore, hiking trails, spas and arguably the best mountain bike park in the world.

Activities:Lots of outdoor activities to do here, from biking, hiking, golf, and fishing in the summer, to skiing, sledding, climbing and snow-shoeing in the winter.
 5/5

Events:
Famous for big events such as Crankworks, Tough Mudder, and many more this place always has something going on. Although most events are family friendly they tend to attract a rowdier crowd most of the time especially during the evenings but there is always something to do with the family at all times during the year.
4.5/5

View:
Plenty of hiking and great views. Even if you manage to hike everywhere in Whistler there is always something new within a 30 minute drive. Plenty of wildlife and scenery.
5/5

Accommodations:
Plenty of accommodations in and around the village where everything is centrally located and within walking distance. Unless you find a deal though you will be paying a premium price on all lodging here.
3.5/5

Food & Shopping:
Again a great selection of dining and small local shops but you will have to pay a little bit more. Also during an event with a lot of people in town you must be prepared to wait a little bit for you seat and service.
3/5

Visit-ability:
A must see place that has a lot to offer. Even if it is just a day trip to see some of the views and take a quick walk around the village, but would be better experienced over a few days. One could easily spend a week here.
5/5

Total Rating: 26/30

Thoughts: This is a great place to visit. One of my personal favourites except for the cost.

Website: http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com

1

New Westminster

The original province capital is laden with history. Everywhere you go you will find information about our provinces history.

Activities:
Being located in the centre of the city there is not a lot of space for a ton of outdoor activites, but you can find some nice walks and along the river or through historical sites and parks like Sapperton and Queens Park. You can also find the market at the quay down on the river that provides a bit of shopping and culture.
2.5/5

Events:
Other than the usual holiday events there is not much more that goes on here.
1/5

View:
Most places in New West will give you great views of either the river or mountains. Being in the city you are limited to birds as your wildlife though.
3/5

Accommodations:
A couple of hotels and B&B's that are affordable make it a decent place to spend some time, but your choices are limited.
2.5/5

Dinning & Shopping:
With plenty of speciality shops this is a great place to visit and spend a day. Plenty of small international cuisine restaurants to choose from as well with good food and prices.
4/5

Visit-ability:
You could spend a day here and be happy that you saw it, but I don't know how much longer one could be a tourist here.
4/5

Total Rating: 17/30

Thoughts: I am personally a fan of New Westminster with its local shopping and small shops along with the short walks in the area.  This combined with the history of our provinces first capital city make it a must see for at least a day.

Website: http://www.newwestcity.ca

Maple Ridge

http://www.mapleridge.ca

Although it is located in the city it definitely has the small town feel to it.

Located between Pitt Meadows and Mission it is close enough to the city centre to take advantage of the big events that Vancouver draws but you still get the quiet serenity of small towns.

It seems there is always a festival or event happening and quite a few people always show up. This combined with the golf, paintball, parks and vast dyke system to walk along there is always something to do.

Qualicum Beach

This small town is nothing short of breathtaking.  A great place to spend a couple of days enjoying outdoor activities such as golf, swimming, hiking and touring the small shops of down town or ocean side. We spent a couple of days here for a wedding and it was not nearly enough time to take in its full beauty.  A great place to visit that is not quite as busy as close by Parksville.

http://www.qualicumbeach.com