Top 5 BC Summer Adventures

The province of British Columbia, Canada's most westerly province, is a big tourism destination in the summer. With mountains, the sea and lakes and rivers, there are adventures to appeal to everyone!

1. BC Summer Eco-Adventures
Somewhat of a 'newer' activity, eco-adventures have recently become very popular. BC summers are the perfect setting for an eco-tourism vacation. There are plenty of pristine wilderness areas, breathtaking vistas, majestic national and provincial parks and a rugged coastline. One of the top eco-adventures available is ziptrekking. Not only do you get a thrill of a lifetime, but Ziptrek is the only eco-tourism company partnered with a major renewable energy hardware leader to teach visitors about renewable energy. Ziptrek Adventures is available in Whistler, BC.

2. BC Mountain Biking
Majestic high alpine peaks, lush coastal rainforests and dry semi-desert like interior mountains offer the most awe-inspiring downhill mountain biking experiences in the world. British Columbia is one of the top mountain biking destinations, with North America's highest concentration of lift-accessed riding. BC summer mountain bike parks offer terrain for all levels: from extreme gravity to gentle single-track.

3. BC Summer White Water Rafting
Cool off and enjoy an adventure suited for all levels!. Whether you want a family "learn to raft" vacation or are simply looking for a different kind of getaway, white water rafting is sure to please. Most white water rafting adventure-tour companies are located along rivers inland, such as the Fraser, Chilliwack, Nahatlatch, Thompson or Stein Rivers.

4. Sea Kayaking
Get up close and personal for an intimate experience in the marine environment! Sea kayaking adventure tours are offered along British Columbia's coastline including Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. This region is known to be one of the best places on earth to watch wild Orca whales in their natural habitat. Kayaking with killer whales is one amazing adventure!

5. BC Summer Whale Watching Adventures
Another "must-do" adventure. The Pacific Northwest waters are home to an abundant marine mammals. Whales, being the most popular; however, there are many other marine animals who dwell in this region such as sea otters, seals, porpoises, dolphins and sea lions. Many whale watching tours are offered from Vancouver Island.

Can Adventure Travel Change Your Perspective?

A fellow adventurer, trail name Ishmael, told me about a day after he finished his 6 month bike ride across America, away from civilization and the daily grind, when he walked back into his job at a major computer corporation how much more aware he was of weary looks on people's faces as they sat at their work stations. He saw faces of sadness, weariness, and pissyness as he walked down the long row of cubicles, robotically working away at their duties, calloused to their internal misery working for their high pressure corporate environment. He didn't notice it before since he was one of them.

But after completing his bike tour, being out in nature, meeting other fellow bike tourers and awesome people along the way, he felt much more alive inside. His outlook and perspective was much more simplified and realized how he and others living the "normal" life stress about little things. Titles, work politics, having more "stuff", what car you drive, how big a house they live in, all that petty nonsense just didn't matter anymore.

For the past few months, all that was vital to Ishmael was food, water, shelter, a good bike and strong legs, and a map to guide the way. He came to appreciate the simple things like beautiful scenery, meeting friendly people and supporters, quiet backroads, taking time to savor food in local restaurants. More trust in people was gained, he found most folks just want to help. Especially the small town folk, they're living and enjoying a simple life, they marvel at his cycling adventure and want to do their part ensuring he has a good one.

So what is Ishmael doing now? Since his trip, Ishmael says he now has more sense of inner peace with himself. He has moved on from the big corporate environment and got into teaching middle school math. Here, he felt he could make a more meaningful impact for not only the kids, but for himself too.

Figure out in life what you want to be, Don't let bosses tell you "You owe it to me!" Live for yourself, because there's no one else more worth living for, Bosses will only cry out for more.