British Columbia
From picturesque coastal fishing towns and local artist communities, to snow-capped majestic mountains, desert plateaus and metropolitan urban centres, British Columbia offers some of the world’s most extraordinary scenery, pleasant climates and opportunities for living. No matter where you go in British Columbia, nature is at your doorstep.
Approximately seventy-five percent of the province is mountainous, providing spectacular natural scenery and vast untamed wilderness. British Columbia’s rugged coastline stretches for more than 27,000 kilometres (17,000 miles), and includes long mountainous fjords, deep water passages, and miles of beaches provides the backdrop for a growing outdoor adventure and ecotourism industry.
A rich and ancient history of First Nations, dating back thousands of years, is evident throughout the province, with streets, rivers, lakes and villages often boasting First Nations names. Traditional long houses, soaring totems and community potlatches are an integral thread of the province’s historical tapestry.
The provincial capital of British Columbia is Victoria, located at the southern-most tip of Vancouver lsland - the largest of nearly 6,000 British Columbia coastal islands - offering access to the best sailing waters in the entire Pacific Northwest. With a population of over 330,000, Victoria, with its historic British influence provides residents and visitors alike with all the conveniences of a major metropolitan centre. Sophisticated architecture, renowned fine dining, uptown shopping, and quick access to some of North America's most pristine wilderness. Also on Vancouver Island, the expansive sandy beaches of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve provide world famous opportunities for surf enthusiasts. The area is also home to the renowned Clayoquot Sound, BC's first United Nations Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by pristine wilderness, saltwater fishing and old-growth rainforests.
The city of Vancouver, the third largest city in Canada and second largest in the Pacific Northwest has a population of more than 600,000, while the Greater Vancouver Area boasts a population of nearly three million. Fine international dining, world-class shopping, art, exhibitions, culture and a growing business sector are but a few of this vibrant city’s offerings, all nestled pleasantly between the Strait of Georgia and the soaring peaks of the Coastal Mountain Range.
The eyes of the world are focussed on this magnificent slice of Canada as Vancouver and Whistler prepare to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympics Games. Athletes and spectators will, together, converge upon this beautiful landscape in celebration of international sport.
British Columbia’s Thompson Okanagan area in the province’s interior, is one of Canada’s three renowned wine-growing region's and is increasingly gaining international recognition. The area is also home to lush orchards, and thriving ranches and farms. Here, you can pick your own peaches, or take in the regions rich culture and history. With an abundance of world-class golf courses and resorts, this area is a haven for active retirees and lifestyle enthusiasts. This region boasts some of the warmest and longest summer climates in Canada. It is a world of contrasts, from raging rivers to tranquil lakes, spectacular sheer-walled canyons to wide open plains, mountain peaks and rolling grasslands. A haven of spectacular natural beauty.
Comprising more than half the geographical area of the province, Northern BC is home to majestic mountains, forested valleys, pristine lakes, and the world’s largest unlogged coastal temperate rainforest. Snowmobiling, backcountry skiing, white-water rafting and freshwater fishing are just a few of the many recreational opportunities in this spectacular outdoor playground. The area is characterized by a diverse climate from sun-filled summers to snowy winters.
There’s no doubt that whether you’re a nautical enthusiast, an experienced mountaineer or an upscale urbanite, British Columbia is yours to discover - The greatest place on earth.