All Canada British Columbia

The Atlas Obscura Guide To British Columbia

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

Updated November 7, 2023

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

Unusual Attractions in British Columbia

See All 125 Things To Do in British Columbia

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in British Columbia

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Architectural Oddities 13
Plants 11
Animals 9
Abandoned 8
Trees 8
Art 8
Water 7
Ecosystems 7

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Stories About British Columbia

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
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
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

How Radar Is Helping Track Down Lost Indigenous Gravesites

It's getting easier to find potential remains non-invasively—but that's just one step in a long and painful process.
by Diane Peters
Maternal pens for cows and calves—and human guardians who watch over them 24/7—are a key part of an Indigenous-led conservation effort to save caribou in British Columbia.

How Indigenous-Led Conservation Brought a Caribou Herd Back From the Brink

An innovative collaboration between two British Columbia First Nations protects the most vulnerable animals.
by Ashley Stimpson
Residents across southwestern British Columbia and Vancouver Island are going to great lengths to keep Anna's hummingbirds safe during an unusual cold spell.

Saving Canada's Hardiest Hummingbirds Requires Extreme Care

Bird-loving volunteers are going to great lengths to help the animals survive a cold snap in British Columbia.
by Rochelle Baker
A transient killer whale power lunging—a hunting technique—off the California coast. A small subset of transient orcas specialize in taking down large marine mammals.

Meet Outer Coast Killer Whales, Big Game Hunters of the Deep

Scientists say the animals have a distinct culture and vocal dialect, and specialize in taking down large prey.
by Rochelle Baker
Tree Planter Russell Robertson, 2017.

Up Close and On the Ground With Canada's Intrepid Tree Planters

Photographer and filmmaker Rita Leistner was a planter herself for years, before returning to document the grueling seasonal profession.
by Winnie Lee

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