British Columbia
Blessed with breathtaking landscapes, BC’s geographical diversity lends itself to a vast array of activities and adventures. There are mountains to climb, rivers to raft, beaches to comb, forests to hike, parks to stroll and warm summer lakes to laze about on.
The province generally enjoys a temperate climate but where there are mountains, there is snow. Renowned for the steep and the deep of its world-class ski terrain, it’s no wonder BC was chosen to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Always a gold medal destination, BC also offers cosmopolitan culture, uptown shopping and fabulous dining. From sophisticated cities such as Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler, to breathtaking scenery, there is something for everyone in BC.
Vancouver
An urban sophistication, world-class cuisine and an active arts scene contribute to the long list of reasons why this city buzzes with excitement. Nature is also never far away and the nearby Coast Mountains are part of the skyline – green and thick in summer, and sparkling with snow and ski run lights in winter.
Walk along and take in the views of the seawall, explore iconic Stanley Park, hike on alpine trails, paddle in beach-lined waters, or spend a day shopping on Robson Street.
Whistler
Come for the ski slopes, stay for everything else. As an award-winning major player in the international ski scene, Whistler delivers: deep snow, huge terrain, top-notch après-ski, and the new PEAK 2 PEAK gondola (it’s a world record-breaker).
Discover Whistler’s other side. In summer, drop into the bike park or canoe blue lakes. Hike to glaciers and alpine wildflowers, golf, zipline and stroll the village past eclectic boutiques and delectable dining options.
Richmond
Just a 20-minute drive south of downtown Vancouver, Richmond attracts visitors with its multicultural shopping and dining opportunities, scenic local parks and colourful historic and heritage sites.
Occupying 17 islands in the mouth of the Fraser River, Richmond is the home of Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Richmond's flat terrain offers great cycling along its waterfront dykes, and also made it a great choice to host Olympic speed skating during the 2010 Winter Games.
Victoria
BC’s capital is elegant and vibrant. Gardens burst with colour year-round, and the Inner Harbour bustles with float planes, ferries, whale-watching tours and kayak trips.
Step into a massive museum, sip afternoon tea or dig into the freshest seafood and West Coast cuisine. See Aboriginal art – totem poles and masks – and stroll narrow streets in historic Chinatown.
Vancouver, Coast & Mountain Region
From sea to sky, this is a region is where cosmopolitan and countryside make the best combination. Metropolitan areas neighbour lush agricultural lands, are tempered by the vast Pacific Ocean, and nudge up against the sheer rock faces and snowcapped peaks of the Coast Mountains.
Outdoorsy? Ski, kayak, hike, bike or camp – it doesn’t take long to reach nature from the city. Prefer city sophistication? Enjoy world-class cuisine, historic sites, shopping and artists’ studios.
Thompson Okanagan Region
If you see the act of wine-tasting as more than just a way to quench thirst, then British Columbia’s pre-eminent wine region is a must on your to-visit list. Golf on sun-soaked courses, bask on beaches – there are plenty to choose from – or bike over historic rail trestles. Enjoy the local bounty – from award-winning wines to fresh peaches and artisan cheeses –with a picnic overlooking vineyards and the water or via a tour through wine country.
In winter, ski light, dry, “champagne” powder snow at four ski resorts.
Kootenay Rockies Region
This region is a spectacular mountain playground – with five mountain ranges it is a collection of one stunning vista after another. Explore life in the alpine: steamy hot springs, knee-deep wildflowers and friendly, outdoors-loving locals in quaint mountain communities.
Hike, climb, or mountain bike sky-high peaks. Tee off near a herd of bighorn sheep on the golf course (it’s best to play through), or find epic powder at a ski resort.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Region
Gold rush history shaped the western spirit that lives here today. Pop on a cowboy hat, saddle up at a guest ranch and explore rugged grasslands. Or trade denim and boots for a rod and reel, and head to myriad lakes clustered along the “Fishing Highway”.
The Coast beckons with misty rainforest, white spirit bears, and unforgettable ferry rides that glide past steep-walled fjords.
Northern British Columbia Region
This untamed wilderness, along with natural wonders and the allure of historic relics envelop visitors. Thick forests and huge parks make this the place to see BC’s wildlife: grizzly bears, whales, moose, elk, bison and more.
Drive past scenic vistas on the Alaska Highway, or meet the Haida Watchmen of mystical Haida Gwaii (formerly Queen Charlotte Islands). Aboriginal culture runs deep here. Gaze up at towering totems or watch skillful carvers turn cedar into art.
Vancouver Island Region
This is a region blessed with lush rainforests, sandy beaches, rugged mountains and secluded coves with the vast Pacific Ocean caressing its shoreline. Where outdoor pursuits are rivaled only by culinary ones.
Embrace the ocean lifestyle by salmon fishing, go kayaking with sea lions, spot Orcas while whale-watching, or tackle wild surf on a longboard. Land-lovers and foodies can sample fresh seafood, try artisan cheeses, or uncork a bottle of Cowichan Valley wine.
