All Canada British Columbia

The Atlas Obscura Guide To British Columbia

147 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in British Columbia

Updated October 27, 2026
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Cities

Top Cities
All Cities
  1. Comox Strathcona K
  2. Duncan
  3. Field
  4. Greenwood
  5. Hope
  6. Kelowna
  7. Maple Ridge
  8. North Vancouver
  9. Osoyoos
  10. Port Renfrew
  11. Qualicum Beach
  12. Radium Hot Springs
  13. Richmond
  14. Surrey
  15. Tlell
  16. Vancouver
  17. Victoria
  18. Whistler

Unusual Attractions in British Columbia

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Architecture 21
Architectural Oddities 13
Plants 11
Animals 10
Trees 10
Parks 9
Museums 9
Abandoned 9

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Stories About British Columbia

GPS-tagging whimbrels on Chiloé Island in southern Chile.

Wings of Survival

A world-first race with nature
by Timm Döbert, Community Contributor
As eulachon arrive in British Columbia’s Nass River, hundreds of hungry birds follow. The spawning fish also attract other predators, such as sea lions and seals.

Where the Savior Fish Still Swims

In an era of collapse, a fabled fish keeps coming back to the Nisg̱a’a nation.
by Shanna Baker, Atlas Obscura

In British Columbia, Dead Salmon Make for Happy Butterflies and Bees

Researchers hauled bins of fish carcasses through bear country to learn how salmon affects plants and pollinators.
by Suzie Hodges, Atlas Obscura
Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation's Gitdisdzu Lugyeks Marine Protected Area (MPA) was recently awarded a coveted "blue park" status by a renowned international ocean conservation group.

Canada's First Blue Park Is a Stunning Showcase of Marine Stewardship

British Columbia's Kitasu Bay is the first Indigenous-protected marine park in the world.
by Rochelle Baker, Atlas Obscura

New Clues Emerge About the Fluffy Dogs Once Bred for Their Wool

The story of these distinctive doggos is emerging from ancestral knowledge of the Coast Salish peoples and a new genetic study of the pelt of a pup named Mutton.
by Roxanne Hoorn, Atlas Obscura
A young spirit bear, part of a genetically unique population found only in Great Bear Rainforest on British Columbia's central coast, is one of many animals First Nations coastal guardians work to protect.

On the Coast of British Columbia, Ancient Stewardship Gets a Modern Spin

From tracking rare spirit bears to responding to disasters, First Nations coastal guardians are on watch.
by Ashley Stimpson, Atlas Obscura
The author, right, and slime mold expert Pam Janszen add water to Triquetrella californica and watch the desiccated moss rehydrate and unfurl.

One Island's Effort to Count Every Species, and Make Every Species Count

Scientists, residents, and visitors have banded together for a massive biodiversity survey of British Columbia's Galiano Island.
by Marina Wang, Atlas Obscura
The nose knows when invasive species are present, thanks to dogs' innate superpowers of scent and extensive training.

Meet the Dog With a Nose for Keeping British Columbia Free of Invasive Mussels

Destructive mollusks threaten the Canadian province's waterways but K9 Kilo and his handler are on the case.
by Marc Fawcett-Atkinson, Atlas Obscura
Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
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