British Columbia Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in British Columbia

British Columbia is the westernmost province in Canada. Like most of Canada, BC is a large place at around four times the size of Great Britain with less than one tenth of the population. British Columbia is a very mountainous region with a number of major ranges running mostly north-south from the coast to the border between BC and Alberta. Some of these ranges include the Rockies, the Selkirks, the Purcells and the Coastal Range.

As with most places worth visiting, there is a little something for everyone here. You will definitely want to spend at least some time outside of the main cities in this region, and if you enjoy a very active and adventurous vacation, there are many options here to explore. "Ecotourism" is an often-mentioned attraction in this part of Canada. Whether backpacking in the majestic forests or coast mountains, or kayaking through the many groups of islands, getting off the beaten path is sure to lead to a memorable trip.

Northern BC - Northern BC is full of parks and nature preserves where you can experience pristine lakes, untainted air, ancient Cedar forests, and a hugely diverse ecosystem. Visit the centuries-old aboriginal villages and trading posts just north of Prince George (Hubble Homestead); Brave the northern winters of BC and find out what a snowfall really is!; Try an adventure tour through the Queen Charlotte City which is located on the Queen Charlotte islands; Go river rafting at the rapids near Smithers; Hike with llamas near Prince George; and enjoy whale watching off the coast of Prince Rupert!

Thompson Okanagan - The fertile region of Thompson Okanagan harbors a variety of orchards and world class wineries. Millions of years ago glaciers carved out the luscious valleys we enjoy today. It is an ideal area for summers on one of its many lakes (Shushwap lake for example), or a ski holiday at the Sun Peaks Resort just outside of Kamloops. Also enjoy hiking trails, guest ranches, fishing tours, and excellent camping! Boat, water-ski, knee-board, tube, or swim in the warm waters of Okanagan Lake; Grind your own flour at the Keremeos Grist Mill and Gardens; Experience the ghost towns Granite City, Tulameen, and Blakeburn.

The Kootenay Rockies - The Kootenay Rockies offer magnificent mountains, relaxing hot springs, and unparalleled natural beauty. This area was primarily valued for its precious metals and minerals. Visit the Victorian inspired town of Nelson, the Alpine town Revelstoke nestled within awe-inspiring mountains, or the Bavarian village Kimberley. Visit Yoho National Park, or the town of Craigellachie where the last railway spike, joining Canada's two coasts, was driven in 1885. Explore the ghost town of Sandon; Visit the Brilliant Suspension Bridge built in 1913 and named a national historic site; Climb to the lookout on Idaho Peak.

The Cariboo Chilcotin - The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast features ranches, private getaways, and a history including the Gold Rush. Enjoy trail riding, ranching, spas, dog-sledding, cross country skiing and more! Hike on the historical Alexander Mackenzie Heritage trail; Climb the 76 meter volcanic plug Lone Butte; Visit Hagensborg - BC's little Norway; Canoe on the 12 lake circuit in Moose Valley Provincial Park.

Vancouver/Whistler/Vancouver Island, BC - The Vancouver/Whistler area offers a magnificent combination of ocean, rainforest, and mountains. Take the Sea-to-Sky highway from the ocean beaches in Vancouver, through the cedar rainforests and hiking trails around Squamish, all the way to the Olympic mountains of Whistler. Take a 40 minute BC ferries ride from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Vancouver Island where you can experience lush nature, picturesque villages, artist communities, cultural attractions, calming getaways, whale watching and more! Seclude yourself at a B&B on Bowen Island; Get away to Savary Island; Visit the Brackendale Eagle Reserve. Cruise around Nootka Sound; Take a day hike through the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail; Go caving around Horne Lake, Gold River, or Little Huson Cave Regional Park; Tour the provinces only cidery.

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Population: 32.805.000
Languages: English 59.3%, French 23.2% (both official); other
Currency: Canadian dollar
Currency code: CAD
Local Times:
Canada - Ontario - Toronto

Canada - British Columbia - Vancouver

Canada - Quebec - Montreal

Canada - Alberta - Calgary

Canada - Yukon Territory - Whitehorse

Country Dialling Code: +1
Voltage: 120V 60Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 parallel flat prongs

2 Parallel flat prongs with an earth connector

The second largest country on earth (only the Russian Federation is bigger), it stretches over 3,400 miles from Atlantic to Pacific coast, spans six of the world's 24 time zones and could fit most of Europe within its borders.

Yet 90 per cent of the population lives within 100 miles of the US border, leaving huge tracts of unspoilt wilderness elsewhere.

It's the edginess between Canada's indigenous, French and British traditions that gives the nation its complex three-dimensional character. Add to this a constant infusion of US culture and a plethora of traditions brought by migrants, and you have a thriving multicultural society.

With its history, people, landscape and natural beauty, Canada offers an abundance of well-known cities, attractions, parks and regions that make for wonderful destinations whether you're looking for a trip that's educational, inspiring or just plain fun. But don't pass up a chance to explore the less-travelled areas, too - at the fringes of the inhabited world, great challenges, eye-opening experiences and hospitable people await.

From its large cosmopolitan cities to its frozen northern tundra; its snowy mountain peaks to its rugged coastlines; and its rich farmlands to its pioneering outposts, Canada offers something to suit the taste of every traveller. Canada is bound in the west by the Pacific Ocean and Alaska, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the north by the polar ice-cap, and in the south by the United States of America.

British Columbia Travel Guide

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