British Columbia

~~Cities & Other Regions~~

Vancouver, British Columbia's largest city, is often regarded as being one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Part of this beauty comes from Vancouver's location on the edge of a huge natural harbour. In addition, the north shore of this harbour (Burrard Inlet) gives rise to the massive flanks of the Coast Mountains which extend in an unbroken chain all the way to Alaska. A highly recognisable feature is the 1000 acre Stanley Park, located on a peninsula at the entrance to the harbour. Stanley Park is home to an old-growth forest, the Vancouver Aquarium, the llkm long Seawall Promedade, hiking trails and beaches. Jutting into the harbour is Canada Place with its distinctive "sails". Canada Place houses a cruise ship terminal, convention centre, hotel, restaurants and shops.

Vancouver has a distinctive international flavour, with cultural representation especially from the Pacific Rim countries. There are numerous activities to keep the whole family active and entertained, such as Science World, two Imax theatres, the Aquarium, Maritime Museum, or MacMillan Planetarium with its laser shows. Shopping is a must on Robson Street, in Gastown, or through the markets on Granville Island. Dining opportunities abound, providing an intriguing variety of tastes with many restaurants to discover and something for every palate. Entertainment opportunities are equally eclectic, ranging from a variety of live theatre and music venues to a multitude of events, festivals, and movie theatres. Vancouver is also the jumping off point for charter boats and float planes that can take the adventure seker to some of the most beautiful and tranquil spots imaginable, be it a glassy fjord, remote coastal island, fishing lodge, or mountain lake.

Located at the southern end of Vancouver Island is Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. While Vancouver is cosmopolitan and bustling, Victoria is definitely more laid back and genteel, with an obviously British heritage. Downtown Victoria is arranged neatly around the small, yet busy, Inner Harbour. The Legislative Buildings, outlined at night with 3,000 lights, sit adjacent to the renowned Royal British Columbia Museum, rated as one of the finest natural history museums in the world. Victoria is known as the city of flowers, and indeed everywhere you look, are gardens. During the summer, the downtown lamp posts are decorated with magnificent hanging flower baskets. The most stunning display of flowers, though, is the Butchart Gardens. Once an old quarry, it has been transformed since the early century into one of the worlds best known gardens. Sightseeing, dining and shopping opportunities abound in this fair capital city.

Kamloops, is situated on the Thompson River, and conveniently half-way between Vancouver and the Rocky Mountains on the Trans-Canada Highway. South and east of Kamloops are the cities of the Okanagan Valley - Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton. The Okanagan Valley is famous for its orchards and vineyards, and also for great summer fun on the lakes. There is even a chance to spot Ogopogo, a distant cousin of the Loch Ness Monster, who lives a secluded life in Okanagan Lake. To the north, Prince George lies more or less in the middle of the province and is the main service centre for northern British Columbia, while to the west is Prince Rupert on the Pacific Ocean. Prince Rupert is the gateway to northern British Columbia and Highways 16 and 37, and is also the northern terminus for BC Ferries Inside Passage cruise, and the southern terminus for the Alaska Marine Highway ferry service.

British Columbia's towns have a character and uniqueness all their own. There are mining towns and fishing towns, tourist towns and ghost towns, but everywhere you go you are sure to find the charm of rural British Columbia and the hospitality of the local citizens. Marvel at the murals of Chemainus on Vancouver Island, go fishing in Campbell River or Port Alberni(both claim to be the "Salmon Fishing Capital of the World) or rejoice in the beauty of Pacific Rim National Park between Ucluelet and Tofino on the Island's West Coast.

World famous Whistler offers year-round resort facilities, while at Hope, visitors can walk an old rail line as it carves through a canyon with bridges and tunnels. Nelson, in the Kootenays, is a charming heritage town nestled in the mountains on an arm of beautiful Kootenay Lake. Kimberly in the Rockies offers a Bavarian theme, and Revelstoke, another alpine town lies at the entrance to spectacular Glacier National Park.

Clearwater is situated at the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park, famous for its waterfalls, Lillooet is on the Fraser River and the old wagon to the Cariboo Gold Rush. At Williams Lake we are in cattle country, Hazelton is rich with native heritage, and the road to Stewart will take you as close to a glacier as you are likely to get. Hudson's Hope will introduce you to the massive hydro-electric facilities and WAC Bennett Dam, while Dawson Creek is Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway.

No matter where you go in British Columbia, you will find communities with a special story, a special charm, a certain something you won't find anywhere else.

To learn about the different regions in this province, choose the next button and continue the tour.

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