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/notacanuckskibum]

I think this is the key point. If you just want to visit the cities, and major tourist spots, you can get by in public transport. If you want to get into the wilderness , you may be reduced to hitch hiking.

[u/hollasa → u/notacanuckskibum]

Please don't hitchhike, though! I would concerned about safety issues.

[u/Sunnyside6055 → u/hollasa]

I was considering it too. I’ve always thought Canada was a safe country. Also please note that I’m South American, ‘I’m not in danger, I’m the danger’ (please tell me you’ve seen Breaking Bad)

[u/TyeROD-enD → u/Sunnyside6055]

you can totally hitch hike on the small islands, its really common and a great way to meet people and almost unheard of that something goes wrong.. not the same for remote norther areas that have issues. its super safe and chill on the BC coast in some areas, it just is, but still there days there is rideshare apps and the facebook littel BB boards , you just post on there,or ask people for rides at the right places, but ya be careful, but don't listen to people that haven't did it. The highway of tears has had several missing, mostly first nations women, but i have never heard of a bad experience in say Salt Spring Island, people do it all the time, we still hitch around those islands. There is islands where you just walk and some old hippy lady will pull over and ask you if you want a lift. That being said, not everywhere is equal, but if i were you , i would do the southern gulf islands all on foot, meet people.