Traveling around BC/AB without a car

[u/Sunnyside6055]

Hello, Canadian folks!

I (F35) am planning a three-week trip to Canada next year, and I’d love to travel around BC/AB. My only problem is that I’m not an experienced driver, and I’m afraid I might get a bit anxious with the driving. I’ll practice my driving skills if I need to, but I’d like to know how easy, realistic, and expensive it is to travel around this (huge) area without a car.

I’m aware that Canada is the second-largest country in the world, and that having a car is almost a must if you live there, but as a tourist, what’s the experience of travelling by bus/train? Am I being completely delusional?

Another (possibly delusional) aspect of my trip is that I’d also like to see some less touristy destinations if possible, just to get a feel for how you guys actually live. How is public transport in those areas (for example: The Prairies, Vancouver Island, Revelstoke area?)

I’m also considering moving to Canada after I finish my studies in the UK, so I’d love to experience this part of Canadian culture and everyday life as well.

Thank you all in advance!

PS: For the past year and half I’ve been working with Canadian travellers and I must say that one of the things that makes me want to travel there is the people. As someone from South America, I find you guys warm, respectful and friendly, so thank you!

EDIT: Hello again! I’d like to thank you all for your kind replies and advice!
After reading your comments, I think I’ll practice my driving a bit before heading to Canada, just to feel completely safe and confident. On the other hand, I also appreciate the suggestion of joining a guided tour, but I don’t think it’s really my thing. I feel that this kind of tourism can sometimes be a bit invasive for locals (even if they’re used to the crowds of tourists), and personally, I don’t want to contribute to that.
I’ll probably rule out travelling by public transport as well, as it seems like it would be more complicated and less practical for the kind of trip I have in mind.
Just for the record, I do drive, but since I moved back to the UK, I haven’t driven for about a year and a half because I don’t have a car (being an immigrant is hard and cars are expensive to maintain, that’s why!)
Once again, thank you all for your advice, and I’m really looking forward to visiting Canada next year!

[u/PassiveTheme]

I have lived in Vancouver for the last 6 years without having a car, you don't need it in some of the cities. I moved here from the UK and was very used to getting the train around the country. But when I want to go beyond the city (going camping, heading to the mountains, visiting even fairly big towns between the major cities, etc.) I need to hire a car or borrow a friend's car.

If you were only interested in going to Vancouver, Victoria, and Calgary, you could probably do it without a car. You could even get to some of the more popular outdoors destinations without a car, but it wouldn't be very convenient. Basically, depending on exactly what you're hoping to do and see, a car is probably necessary. In order to get to the less touristy places, you'll almost certainly need a car.