July is midsummer in British Columbia, but aside from a few popular locales, there's not much of a tourist rush across the vast province. Head into the more remote areas to avoid those crowds, where you can learn about First Nations people, spot wildlife, hike and kayak in provincial and national parks, or relax in luxurious accommodations. Here are a few tips for visiting British Columbia in July.

Weather

July is midsummer in British Columbia, the weather is generally warm and pleasant, and the days are long. There's a lot of variation in British Columbia's climate from north to south, coast to mountains. In summer, inland areas tend to be hotter than the coast, but inland also has mountains where you can retreat from the heat at higher altitudes. 

Vancouver, on the southwestern coast, is pleasantly warm in July but not extreme, with a minimum July temperature of 57°F (14°C) and a maximum of 72°F (22°C). Inland areas can be much warmer, especially in the south. For example, Kelowna has a minimum of 55°F (13°C) and a maximum of 82°F (28°C). Even northern areas are quite pleasant this month, experiencing a brief warm summer. For example, Fort Nelson, in northeastern British Columbia and at roughly the same latitude as Juneau, Alaska, has a minimum of 52°F (11°C) and a maximum of 73°F (23°C).

Crowds & Costs

July is the peak summer season for travel to British Columbia. However, this means that a few popular places—Whistler, Squamish, some towns on Vancouver Island, and some access towns to national and provincial parks—will be bustling. At the same time, most of the vast province will still be reasonably quiet. Book transport and accommodation in advance if you want to spend time in favored regions, generally in the south, and a short journey from Vancouver.

Where to Go

Crowds at popular summer tourist spots make July a good month to explore British Columbia's more remote and less-visited areas. While Tofino and Victoria on Vancouver Island can get packed in summer, other smaller towns on the island are more peaceful getaways, such as Port Hardy, Nanaimo, and Ucluelet. Farther north, the Haida Gwaii Archipelago (Queen Charlotte Islands) and the coastal Great Bear Rainforest are home to spectacular nature reserves that are perfect in summer. Experience unique ecosystems and plentiful wildlife without many other visitors around.

On the other side of the province, Yoho National Park and Kootenay National Park offer a range of active and more relaxed adventures. The Radium Hot Springs at the edge of Kootenay National Park have soothing mineral waters that are refreshing after a hike or kayaking trip. Other hot springs in the geothermally active region can be found at Kimberley, Nelson, Revelstoke, and Cranbrook.   

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What to Do

Make the most of a trip to remote parts of British Columbia by staying in a historic luxury lodge. Tweedsmuir Park Lodge in the Tweedsmuir Provincial Park was initially a fishing and hunting lodge in the 1920s and is now an eco-friendly wilderness retreat. Enjoy the intimate and rustic charm and luxurious accommodation surrounded by dense forests, rivers, and deep glacier-cut fjords. The provincial park is on the eastern edge of the Great Bear Rainforest, in the heart of the Coast Mountains, the world's largest expanse of coastal temperate rainforest. Take hiking, horseback, fishing, river, or helicopter tours from the lodge. 

Learn more about British Columbia's First Nations in the Haida Gwaii archipelago. More than 500 archaeological sites and villages exist where First Nations people still live. Hike, kayak, or sail around Naikoon Provincial Park, Skidegate Inlet, or Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve. Look for sea life, including seals, sea lions, porpoises, and whales. The small villages of Skidegate and Queen Charlotte offer scenic seaside lodging, good restaurants, and access to First Nations and wildlife tours.   

Events in July

Canada Day, nationwide. Canada's national birthday celebration is on July 1, with fireworks and fun events across the country. Expect many holiday accommodations to be booked, mainly if the date provides a long weekend for residents.

Crankworx, Whistler. Mountain biking competition and festival on the slopes of Whistler ski resort. Not only fun to watch some of the world's best mountain bikers but an opportunity to try some of Whistler's trails for yourself.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Vancouver. Held at Vancouver's Jericho Beach Park, this long-running folk music festival takes place on the third weekend in July.

Traveling to British Columbia in July? Check out these great itineraries

Wild Outposts of the Pacific Northwest - 10 Days. An hour's flight north of Vancouver takes you to two of British Columbia's most remote landscapes—Tweedsmuir Provincial Park and the Great Bear Rainforest. Setting up base camp at two luxury wilderness resorts, disconnect yourself from the outside world, and fully immerse yourself in the mountains and coastal rainforest.

Vancouver Island Road Trip: North Island & Pacific Rim - 15 Days. This itinerary includes two of Vancouver Island's best wildlife viewing locations and a diverse range of landscapes—from islands to rugged mountains to coastal rainforests. You'll have ample time to explore by paddle and by foot and to relax in cozy lodges perched along the coast. 

More Helpful Information

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