British Columbia
Standing on the shoulders of giants
British Columbia (BC) shoulders the Pacific Ocean on the western coast of Canada. Geographically diverse and nearly four times the size of Great Britain, the province is home to endless waterways, mountains, forest and cities, and is blessed with astounding scenic beauty and a welcoming temperate climate.
BC offers clean, fresh air, pristine mountains, raging white whiter, incredible hiking and limitless wildlife and whale watching adventures. Travelers can fish for salmon off shores of Victoria, ski or snowboard the slopes of Whistler Resort in the Coast Mountains, drive into the interior for excellent lakes and vineyards, or try skating, snowmobiling and dogsledding in winter.
BC is so vast it is divided into several regions, with destinations within these including Vancouver, Whistler, Fraser Valley, Thompson Okanagan, Northern BC, Victoria, Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands.
BC's Coast Mountains have the highest peaks in Canada and stretch from Vancouver to the Alaskan border, while the famous Rockies extend along the eastern part of BC. Scattered throughout these glacial peaks are stunning alpine lakes, and hundreds of inlets and fjords penetrate the Coast Mountains, creating unmatched sailing waters. BC's interior offers lush and fertile valleys that include many vineyards and wineries producing award-winning wines. Many large lakes and rivers provide excellent spots for kayaking, canoeing and fishing.
Vancouver Island is located off the Southwest coast of the mainland. At 248 miles (400 km) long, it is the largest island on the coast of the Americas. Further north lays the fascinating and mysterious Queen Charlotte Islands, shrouded rich with the heritage and legends of the Haida Indians.
Adventure travel opportunities are endless in BC. No matter where you are the great outdoors surrounds and beckons. Endless snow-capped mountains, lazy streams and brisk rivers, Alpine meadows and rolling ranchland can all be seen and experienced here. The coastal rainforests, teaming with wildlife, are a must-see, as are the surf and sandy beaches of West Vancouver Island. Traveling to BC should not be missed! BC offers a host of outdoor adventures, which is so vast that it has been divided into six unique regions, described below.
BC is one of the richest wildlife viewing areas in Canada, and a birder's haven. Twice a year, almost the entire global population of Pacific Gray Whales migrates along the coast, and all five Pacific salmon species migrate into the province's interior. Travelers come to see moose, caribou, eagles, cougars and bears, including the elusive "Spirit" or Kermode bear. BC also boasts outstanding winter activities and its ski resorts are rated amongst the best, with Whistler-Blackcomb rated number one in North America.
BC's climate varies from marine to continental, and is influenced by the Pacific Ocean, mountains and northerly latitude. Summers tend to be dry, and the stunning coast is renowned for its temperate climate.
