Destination British Columbia (DBC) has unveiled the latest two modules of its Iconics series, which provide potential visitors with suggested itineraries and routes for exploring the diverse western province.
The Infinite Coast and Valleys & Vineyards are the third and fourth editions, joining Rainforest to Rockies and The Great Wilderness which were introduced in 2024,
DBS’s “Invest in Iconics” strategy is a long-term global marketing strategy to encourage British and Irish travellers to venture off the beaten path in the province.
Through geographic and seasonal diversification within DBC’s overarching Super, Natural British Columbia brand, each Iconic aims to reflect the range of landscapes and cultures found within the area it represents – and supported through new themed itineraries that are marked globally.
The Infinite Coast provides “an expedition” through British Columbia’s dramatic Pacific Ocean shoreline, taking in Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Haida Gwaii, Great Bear Rainforest, Sunshine Coast and the North Coast.
It is where ocean, mountains and forests converge, offering experiences with marine life, coastal communities and diverse Indigenous cultures. The journey can be taken by boat, ferry, or sea plane – or a combination if.
Highlights include storm watching in Tofino and Ucluelet along the western coastline of Vancouver Island, exploring the natural coastal scenery of inlets and fjords with Maple Leaf Adventures, spending time on the island of Haida Gwaii to hear about Haida’s history directly from the Elders, or cruising through the Inside Passage for a whale watching and wildlife viewing tour in the Great Bear Rainforest.
It also includes the fishing town of Prince Rupert, Butchart Gardens in Victoria, a seaplane from Campbell River with Pacific Coastal Air to one of the remote Indigenous wilderness lodges scattered throughout the inlets.
Those looking to extend their time can go on a multi-day kayaking trip in Desolation Sound with Powell River Sea Kayak or hike the Hut-to-Hut trail along the Sunshine Coast, all while participating in Indigenous cultural learning and ecotourism experiences.
Contrastingly, Valleys and Vineyards focuses on valleys filled with volcanic soils that nourish renowned vineyards and thriving agricultural communities in southern British Columbia.
It is defined by the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys, home to rolling hills, fertile orchards and expansive lakes in the Okanagan and Osoyoos.
One of the best ways to experience Valleys & Vineyards is to drive along Highway 3 (as seen here as part of the Rainforest to Rockies Iconic) from the artistic mining town of Hedley through local farmer markets along the BC Bird Trail down to Osoyoos Wine County, home to the “Wine Capital of Canada” and Canada’s only desert.
Highlights include exploring Okanagan Lake, to learn how this wine region of more than 200 wineries, was carved from glaciers and ancient volcanoes.
Visitors can do this when riding past lush vineyards and spectacular vistas made of lakes and canyons via the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, a trail network created from disused railway lines on foot or on a bike with Freedom Bike Shop.
Wineries along the way include Frind Estate Winery, North America’s only winery located on the beach, and Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa.
Those looking to extend their time can watch the salmon run at one the largest sockeye salmon runs in North America at Salute to the Sockeye, a three-week-long event that occurs every four years during the dominant year of the four-year cycle (the next event will be held in October 2026).
They can also be immersed in the Okanagan (Syilx) Peoples’ culture and learn about their connection to the region at Okanagan Heritage Museum while exploring the unique desert landscape, and even sample Indigenous wine at wineries like Nk’Mip Cellars, the first Indigenous owned winery in North America.
