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British Columbia
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British Columbia is Canada’s most westerly province and lies on the Pacific coast of North America. It has some of the most diverse and breathtaking scenery in Canada. Its rugged coastline stretches for more than 16,780 miles (27,000 kilometres), including its thousands of islands and breathtaking fjords. More than three quarters of the Province is mountainous; the Rocky Mountains run its length, forming its eastern border with Alberta, and are flanked by a series of companion ranges – the Columbia, Monashee, Cariboo, Selkirk, Purcell, Cassiar, Omineca and Skeena. The province is also home to Canada’s only desert, lying just north of the US border near Osoyoos.
Vancouver is the gateway city and where most itineraries start or finish. Surrounded by water and mountains, it is one of the most picturesque cities in the world. It is also a hub of activity, with Stanley Park a haven for walkers and cyclists, the shoreline for water sports and the mountains for skiing and hiking. It’s a cosmopolitan city, with a great choice of shopping, bars and restaurants. From Vancouver it is an easy drive to the activity hub of Whistler, a ski resort in the winter but perfect for an activity holiday in the summer with watersports on the lakes, hiking and biking mountains, plus zip wiring and quad biking. Further north head you can drive along the Sunshine Coast to some charming townships in quiet bays sheltered by the mountains.
A short ferry ride or seaplane flight away is Victoria and Vancouver Island. Victoria is British Columbia’s capital city and the perfect base for whale watching. The rest of the island is scattered with small townships in small inlets, beautiful islands and wild coastlines, home to some of Canada’s finest luxury resorts.
Inland you’ll head through the wine and lakes region of Okanagan, north to the Chilcotin Mountains and ranch country and finally reach the Canadian Rockies where the settlements of Field and Kicking Horse are the perfect base to explore these stunning mountains.
The roads are perfect for a self drive or you could consider one of the famous train journeys on either the Rocky Mountaineer to Jasper or Banff or the Via Rail overnight train to Jasper.
For details of British Columbia accommodation or any tour suggestions click on the links on the right. Our experienced consultants can easily build any of these experiences into a tailor-made Canada holiday quote for you.
Regions
Vancouver
Situated along British Columbia's coastline, Vancouver is a 'Pacific Pearl'. Lying between the Coast Mountain range and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is one of the most scenic cities in the world.
Whistler
Whistler also flourishes during the warm summer months making it a natural year-round playground with its crisp mountain air, crystal clear lakes and lush emerald forests.
Tofino and Vancouver Island Resorts
Located on Vancouver Island’s West Coast, Tofino is a unique temperate rainforest experience and one of British Columbia’s'must see' places.
Sunshine Coast
A coastline that encompasses naturally sandy beaches and lush unexploited wilderness.
Kelowna and Okanagan
The region is home to nearly 100 wineries and estate vineyards which are open for tours and tastings, and produces some of the world’s best ice wine.
Southern Chilcotin Mountains
There are more than 8,000 lakes, over 17,000 kilometres of rivers and streams and 15,000 kilometres of Pacific shoreline in the region.
Field
Emerald Lake, one of the jewels of Yoho National Park, is surrounded by a forest of Engelmann spruce as well as by some of the park's highest peaks
Victoria
Victoria is British Columbia's capital city, and is known worldwide for its temperate climate, stunning coastal setting and awe-inspiring visitor attractions
Clearwater
Wells Gray Provincial Park encompasses over 5000 square kilometres of wilderness in south-eastern British Columbia.
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Northern BC
Northern BC is an untouched wilderness that covers nearly half the province north of Prince George.
Shuswaps
Located Northeast of the Okanagan, about 100 km (62 mi) from Kelowna, the glorious lake country of the Shuswap has a wonderfully warm climate and is synonymous with houseboating as the area consists of several interconnected lakes that together offer over 400 km (249 mi) of shoreline scattered with a number of picturesque provincial parks.
