What's new In British Columbia For 2025
British Columbia is the westernmost province of Canada, bordered by the Alaskan Panhandle and the Yukon and Northwest Territories in the north, and by Washington, Idaho and Montana to the south. To the east lies Alberta, and to the west the Pacific Ocean. Vancouver is the main gateway to British Columbia, and from there hire a car, jump on a train, board a ferry or floatplane, or take a domestic flight to a smaller airport in the province.
Once in British Columbia, think deep forests, dramatic coastlines, lush valleys, tens of thousands of lakes, seven national parks, 10 mountain ranges, glacier-fed rivers, and an abundance of wildlife. Approximately 14% of British Columbia’s land base is protected, and the province is also home to 204 Indigenous communities and more than 30 Indigenous languages; it has extensive, authentic Indigenous experiences.
2025 brings new tours, new events and anniversaries, and new accommodation to the inspirational province. It also signifies a year’s countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by 16 cities, one of which is Vancouver.
The year will also bring increased flights from London Heathrow to Vancouver with British Airways; coupled with the airline’s daily flight from London Gatwick, guests can choose from three direct flights per day between June and September. Direct flights are also available from Manchester and Dublin (during peak summer months).
Tours
NEW: Bear Whisperer experience in the Cariboo Mountains, with Eco Tours and Canadian Sky Eco Tours has launched a new version of The Bear Whisperer experience after the passing of Gary Zorn, the original Bear Whisperer, in 2022. Recently, his widow, Peggy Zorn, decided to carry on his legacy by reopening the Northern Lights lodge and re-starting the incredible experience in the Cariboo Mountains in 2025. Available in spring, summer and autumn, join the three-night opportunity to view the bears in their natural habitat with a renowned team of naturalists. Canadian Sky has a new tour that includes the Eco Tours Bear Whisperer experience ready for 2025. Called Wilderness and Wildlife, the 12-night trip, costing from £4,149 pp (two sharing) includes return flights (UK to Vancouver), a stay at the Terra Nostra Guest Ranch, time in Whistler, and the full Bear Whisperer package. Canadian Sky (01342 395206, www.canadiansky.co.uk)
NEW: Experience Desolation Sound by boat, with Maple Leaf Adventures Explore the stunning waterways, fjords and islands of Desolation Sound on this new cruise with Maple Leaf Adventures. Having launched in 1986, Maple Leaf Adventures are pioneers of regenerative travel on the coast, been awarded the Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award, and are rated as one of the ‘Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth’. This new tour gives guests the opportunity to sail into the landscapes of glaciated peaks, rainforest-covered hillsides and colourful waters home to secret coves, stunning bays, and quiet beaches. Look out for marine birds, sea lions, whales and even the odd bear; join in conversation with Maple Leaf Adventures’ naturalist; and explore the welcoming villages on route. The five-day Desolation Sound in Spring trip, departing from Campbell River on 25 April 2025, costs from $3,950 / £2,206 pp (two sharing). Price includes all meals onboard, shore excursions, use of gear onboard (rubber boots, kayaks and fishing gear), local lodging when on land, and services of a naturalist and professional crew. Maple Leaf Adventures: www.mapleleafadventures.com
Events
NEW: Winter Adaptive Sports now included at Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event first held in 2014, for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans. Taking place from 8-16 February 2025, the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 in British Columbia, Canada, will feature more than 500 competitors from up to 25 nations. Winter sports will be featured for the first time ever and include Alpine skiing and snowboarding, Nordic skiing and biathlon, skeleton, and wheelchair curling, in addition to the core Invictus Games sports of indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball. Whistler resort will remain open and operational, with minimal terrain impacts on Whistler Blackcomb. Departing 8 February 2025, Ski Independence has three nights at the Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver and four nights at the Crystal Lodge, Whistler from £2,077 per person including Air Canada flights from London Heathrow to Vancouver, and shared transfers to Whistler. Ski Independence (0131 243 8097, https://ski-i.com/)
100 Years of Sperling Vineyard in Okanagan Valley The Okanagan Valley is said to be home more than 20% of organic wines in the world, including the family-owned Sperling Vineyard, which is British Columbia’s oldest heritage vineyard and will be celebrating its 100th birthday in 2025. Back in 1925, Charles Casorso, from Kelowna’s first grape-growing family, planted the first grapes, followed by his brother, Napoleon Peter (Sperling’s grandfather) who planted another vineyard five years later. Fast forward four generations, and Ann Sperling – the founder of Sperling Vineyards – has become a legend in the wine industry. Not only has she won awards for many of her wines and been named ‘winemaker of the year’, but she’s played a pioneering role in the adoption of organic and biodynamic methods across her own vineyards, plus other wineries in the area. Guests are recommended to sample the sparkling wine and old vine Riesling if taking part in a tasting. A 10-day trip to British Columbia, including a wine tasting tour in Kelowna, fine dining tour in Whistler, and Granville Island market food tour in Vancouver, costs from £1,995 pp (two people sharing) not including flights. Discover The World (01737747943, www.discover-the-world.com)
Accommodation
NEW: Ocean House to open a new land-based address in Haida Gwaii in British Columbia, Canada. Next year, Haida Gwaii’s only bespoke floating ecolodge, Ocean House, will open its new land-based location in a pristine, protected bay on the northern tip of Graham Island, near the village of Gaw Tlagee Old Massett, Tlaga Gawtlaas New Town. Designed by the Haida Nation, this new setting will provide guests with direct access to the wild expanse of Naikoon Provincial Park, as well as the authentic Haida arts and culture experiences available in Masset and the neighbouring communities. The new Ocean House will feature 20 private bedrooms with stunning Haida-inspired décor (sleeping 40 in total) plus a lounge, bar, theatre room, gift shop, library, spa, and guest parking. The onsite restaurant celebrates and showcases the Haida culture by harnessing the bounty of land and sea, serving locally caught fish and seafood. Haida’s inspiration is fuelled by the nature that surrounds them, which is why every element of Ocean House is guided by the Haida concept of Yahguudang: respect for all living things and the interdependence that binds them. It also offers guests the ability to experience the healing powers of Haida Gwaii from the locally made, all natural products found in its spa. Only accessible by boat or seaplane, Haida Gwaii is home to the ancestral territory of the Haida Nation. This storm battered archipelago of 150 rocky islands off British Columbia’s West Coast is tricky to access at times, which adds to its intrigue. With its diverse plant and animal life (the area is nicknamed Canada’s Galapagos) and monumental poles and longhouses, there is something new to learn. The islands are home to dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and some of the world’s richest heritage including more than 500 archaeological sites. Groups of Sitka deer feed on the grassy clearings along Highway 16 (the Queen Charlotte Highway) and eagles—often in large convocations—can be seen flying overhead in spring and summer. A week’s stay, in June 2025, costs from $3,077 / £1,712 total for two people sharing a room with two queen-sized beds, en-suite bathroom, plus breakfast every morning. Haida Tourism: www.haidatourism.ca
NEW: Don’t miss Rosemead House and Janevca Kitchen and Lounge in Greater Victoria, Vancouver Island Set to re-open in Spring 2025, Rosemead House combines Victoria’s storied past with contemporary luxury touches. Originally converted in 1947 from the renowned Old English Inn, this old-timely landmark building has been painstakingly restored by Aragon Properties, whilst maintaining its celebrated legacy. Once a grand Tutor Revival manor, Rosemead House now offers 28 distinctive guest rooms and long-term stay suites, making it an intimate and exclusive choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the region’s history. The property’s crown jewel is its signature new wood fired restaurant, Janevca Kitchen and Lounge, which opened its doors on 23 October 2024 and is headed by acclaimed Executive Chef Andrea Alridge, who brings a wealth of experience cooking over an open fire at award-winning restaurants and was a finalist on Top Chef Canada Season 9. Andrea has carefully curated a delicious menu focused on family-style dishes that blend international culinary influences with the art of wood-fired cuisine. A night’s stay costs from $410CAD / £228 total for two people sharing a room (meals not included). Rosemead House: https://rosemeadhouse.ca/
NEW: Stay at the wacky new properties at Hazelnut Inn, in Chilliwack, Fraser Valley Having opened a brand-new North Star Suite earlier this year, the quirky Hazelnut Inn in Chilliwack, Fraser Valley, is adding two new properties in the coming years: Under Hill Suite in 2025, and Copper Crown Suite in 2026. North Star Suite evokes romance and adventure of the sea; think Treasure Island complete with a ship’s wheel, mermaids, and a dome compass. Under Hill Suite looks like it has been modelled on Bilbo Baggins’ house from The Hobbit; and Copper Crown Suite will wow guests with its classic fairytale castle vibes. This unique site was conceptualised by Peter and Hailey Hilbert as they travelled around Rome on their honeymoon more than 10 years ago. After their magical stay in Italy, they were keen to create their own inspirational getaway for others. Luckily, Peter’s family has been designing and building theme parks and other tourist attractions for decades; they have the necessary skills to build these special places to stay. A two-night stay at North Star Suite, or Under Hill Suite (from 12 June 2025), costs from $970 / £540 total (minimum two-night stay). Explore the lush gardens, sink into the soaker tubs, and relax in these individual accommodations. Hazelnut Inn: https://hazelnut.directbookings.ca/
