11 Must-Visit Cultural and Historic Sites in British Columbia

This post is written by Tinashe, the creator behind the Discover BC Blog. He frequently travels across BC and lives in Vancouver.

LOOKING FOR THE BEST HISTORICAL SITES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA?

You’re in the right place!🍁🍁

If you didn’t already know, British Columbia is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, from Indigenous sites that date back thousands of years to the remnants of the famous 1860s gold rush that shaped the province. 

BC has a rich tapestry of history, including everything from preserved museums to authentic Chinese gardens, reflecting the diverse cultures that have made BC unique.

With that said, I’ll take you through 12 must-visit historical sites that showcase the very best of BC’s cultural heritage. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or just looking for unique places to explore, these destinations will give you a deeper appreciation of the stories and people that shaped BC. 

Cultural and Historic Sites in British Columbia

1. Fort Langley National Historic Site
2. Barkerville Historic Town
3. Museum of Anthropology at UBC in Vancouver
4. Ksan Historical Village near Hazelton
5. Gulf Islands
6. Irving House
7. Doukhobor Discovery Centre in Castlegar
8. Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites
9. Yale Historic Site
10. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
11. The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre

1. Fort Langley National Historic Site

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The charming Fort Langley National Historic Site

📍: Langley
📞: (604) 513-4777
🌐: Visit Website

Let’s start with one of BC’s most significant historical treasures – Fort Langley National Historic Site. 

Often called the “Birthplace of British Columbia,” this former Hudson’s Bay Company trading post played a crucial role in the province’s formation. Here, you can walk through its wooden gates feels like stepping back to 1827. 

The cool thing about Fort Langley is that you can watch blacksmiths at work and try your hand at gold panning, just like the prospectors did during the Fraser River Gold Rush.

2. Barkerville Historic Town

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(credit: Move Up Prince George)

📍: Barkeville
📞: +1 888-994-3332
🌐: Visit Website

Speaking of gold, you can’t talk about BC’s history without mentioning Barkerville Historic Town. 

This place is a time capsule from the 1860s gold rush era. Picture this: more than 125 restored buildings, costumed interpreters, and an authentic gold rush atmosphere. 

When you’re walking down the wooden sidewalks, passing horse-drawn carriages and old-time saloons, it feels like you’ve been transported back to the days when fortune seekers from around the world flocked here in search of gold.

3. Museum of Anthropology at UBC in Vancouver

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(credit: Bruce Wild, Contributor)

📍: Vancouver
📞: (604) 827-5932
🌐: Visit Website

But British Columbia’s history goes way beyond the gold rush era. The province is home to some of North America’s most remarkable Indigenous cultural sites. 

Head over to the Museum of Anthropology at UBC in Vancouver, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by one of the finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations art and artifacts in the world. 

The building itself, designed by famous architect Arthur Erickson, is a masterpiece that perfectly complements the incredible totem poles and cultural treasures inside.

4. Ksan Historical Village near Hazelton

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(credit: TripAdvisor)

📍: Ksan
📞: (250) 842-5544
🌐: Visit Website

Want to experience living in Indigenous culture? Make your way to the ‘Ksan Historical Village near Hazelton. 

This amazing recreation of a traditional Gitxsan village sits exactly where an ancient settlement stood for countless generations. 

The best part? It’s not just a museum – it’s a place where Gitxsan culture continues to thrive. You can watch artists carving masks, weaving blankets, and keeping their ancestral traditions alive.

5. Gulf Islands

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(credit: Canadian Encyclopedia)

📍: Vancouver Island
🌐: Visit Website

Now, let me tell you about one of BC’s hidden gems – the Gulf Islands. 

These beautiful islands are dotted with petroglyphs (rock carvings) created by Coast Salish peoples thousands of years ago. On Gabriola Island, you can visit the Gabriola Petroglyph Trail, where ancient artists carved fascinating images into the sandstone. 

It’s mind-blowing to think about the stories these carvings tell and the generations of people who’ve looked upon them.

6. Irving House

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(credit: Historic Places Days)

📍: New Westminster
📞: (604) 527-4640
🌐: Visit Website

For those interested in more recent history, New Westminster’s heritage district is a must-visit. 

As BC’s first capital city, it’s packed with gorgeous Victorian-era buildings. The crown jewel is 

Irving House, built in 1865 and now preserved as a museum. 

Walking through its rooms, with their original furnishings and decorations, gives you a real sense of what life was like for BC’s wealthy pioneers.

7. Doukhobor Discovery Centre in Castlegar

📍: Castlegar
📞: (250) 365-5327
🌐: Visit Website

Here’s something many people don’t know about – the Doukhobor Discovery Centre in Castlegar. 

It tells the fascinating story of the Doukhobors, a pacifist religious group who settled in BC’s interior in the early 1900s. Their unique communal lifestyle and dedication to peace left a lasting mark on the region’s culture. 

The center’s collection of traditional tools, textiles, and photographs offers a glimpse into this remarkable community’s way of life.

8. Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse 

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(credit: Tourism Victoria)

📍: Victoria
📞: (250) 478-5849
🌐: Visit Website

Let’s head over to Vancouver Island, where you’ll find another historical treasure – Fort Rodd Hill and the Fisgard Lighthouse.

The lighthouse, built in 1860, was BC’s first permanent lighthouse and helped guide countless ships safely into Esquimalt Harbour. The fort, with its impressive gun batteries and underground magazines, protected Victoria and the naval base through both World Wars.

It’s pretty cool to explore the bunkers and imagine the soldiers who once stood watch here.

9. Yale Historic Site

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(credit: Wedding Wire CA)

📍: Yale
📞: (604) 924-7632
🌐: Visit Website

One of my absolute favorite spots is the historic town of Yale, once the largest city north of San Francisco during the gold rush. 

Today, it’s a quiet spot on the Fraser River, but the Yale Historic Site brings its vibrant past to life. 

The original Johnny Ward House from 1863 still stands, and the museum houses an amazing collection of artifacts from the Gold Rush era.

10. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

📍: Vancouver
📞: (604) 662-3207
🌐: Visit Website

Don’t forget about BC’s Asian heritage sites. In Vancouver’s Chinatown, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a peaceful oasis that honors the cultural contributions of Chinese Canadians. 

It’s the first authentic classical Chinese garden built outside of China, and every element – from the carefully placed rocks to the indigenous plants – has symbolic meaning.

11. The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre

📍: New Denver
📞: 604-513-4777
🌐: Visit Website

Something that moves me is visiting the Japanese Canadian Historic Site in New Denver. This former internment camp site, now the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre, tells the difficult but important story of Japanese-Canadian internment during World War II. 

It’s a powerful reminder of a challenging period in our history and the importance of protecting human rights.

Historical Sites in BC: More Helpful Information

Most historic sites in BC are open from May to September, which is when you’ll get the best weather. 

Some places close or have shorter hours in winter, so always check before you go. For Indigenous sites, it’s best to book a guided tour. Local guides share stories and cultural details you’d miss on your own, plus some sites can only be visited with a guide.

How to Get to British Columbia

Getting to BC is pretty straightforward. Most people fly into Vancouver International Airport – it’s the biggest airport and has flights from all over the world. If you’re coming from somewhere else in Canada or the US, you can also fly into Victoria, Kelowna, or Prince George.

Driving? You can enter BC from Alberta in the east or Washington State in the south. Just keep in mind BC is huge – it might take longer than you think to drive here.

Coming from Seattle or Washington State? 

Try the ferry – it’s a beautiful trip through the islands, and you might spot whales or seals along the way. Ferries run from Seattle and Port Angeles to Victoria, or you can drive up and take BC Ferries from Washington state.

Currency

Canada’s official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD), symbolized as $ or CAD. Exchange rates vary, but 1 USD is roughly equal to 1.40 CAD at the time of writing.

Here, you can find the current exchange rates.

How to Get Around British Columbia

BC is massive, so you’ll need to think about how you’ll get around. Here’s what works best:

In cities like Vancouver and Victoria, you can easily use buses and trains (Vancouver has SkyTrain, which is super convenient). 

You don’t need a car if you’re just exploring these cities. But if you want to visit historic sites outside the cities – and many of the best ones are – you’ll probably want to rent a car. 

Many historic sites are in rural areas where public transport is limited or non-existent. Having your car lets you explore at your own pace and reach places buses don’t go.

If you’re not comfortable driving, there are tour companies that run day trips to popular historic sites from major cities. This can be a good option, especially for places that are tricky to reach on your own.

BC Accommodation: 3 Best Hotels

In the table below you can find the best hotels in British Columbia and their locations. Further down in the post, you can read more details about these hotels.

Name	Location	Price	Rating	Book
Four Seasons Resort	Whistler	CAD 430	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Click Here
Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa	Whistler	CAD 212	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Click Here
Rosewood Hotel Georgia	Vancouver	CAD 560	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Click Here

Historical Sites in BC: In Conclusion

These sites I’ve mentioned are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to BC’s rich cultural heritage. Each one offers a unique window into the diverse communities and events that have shaped our province.

Remember, when visiting these sites, take your time to soak in the atmosphere. Chat with the interpreters – they often have fascinating stories to share that you won’t find in any guidebook. And don’t forget to check opening hours before you go, as some sites are seasonal or may require booking.

Have you visited any of these amazing places? Or do you have other favorite historical sites in BC that I haven’t mentioned? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. Happy exploring!