| Canada's westernmost province, which stretches | | | | valleys, waterfalls, lakes and meandering streams, |
| from the thousands of islands and inlets on the | | | | and wild, splendid fiords on the coast, where the |
| Pacific west coast, to the Rocky and Columbia | | | | saltwater fishing is unparalleled. Many of the |
| mountain ranges in the east, is renown for its | | | | resorts in this area offer tours and watersports |
| spectacular mountain and coastal scenery. British | | | | equipment in summer, and snowmobiling, |
| Columbia is 60 per cent forested (much of it | | | | cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. |
| temperate rainforest), 75 per cent of the | | | | Okanagan Similkameen Region This fertile region in |
| province is mountainous, and the northern | | | | the south includes the Okanagan and Similameen |
| two-thirds is largely unpopulated and wild. Many | | | | valleys, home to picturesque vineyards, orchards |
| species of wild life that have become scarce | | | | and farms. You'll find the full range of |
| elsewhere still flourish here. Fish are still abundant | | | | accommodations in this lovely area, from tenting |
| in its lakes, marshes and streams, whales and | | | | to luxury resorts. The lakes provide excellent |
| porpoises cruise the rugged coastline, and many | | | | fresh water fishing and watersports, and the |
| rare mammals and birds still prosper in the forests | | | | many resorts offer golf, horseback riding, hiking, |
| and on the plains. Here you'll find a thriving | | | | and mountain biking. And there's the full range of |
| ecotourism and outdoor adventure industry. For | | | | snow-related sports during the winter months. |
| animal and bird watchers, keen photographers, | | | | The Kootenays and the Rockies These towering |
| and those who enjoy adventure sports, it's the | | | | mountain ranges lie side by side in the southeast |
| perfect place to have a long relaxing holiday. | | | | of British Columbia, a land of pristine lakes and |
| Cross-country bike touring, hiking, fishing and | | | | streams, hot springs, and panoramic mountain |
| horseback riding are popular in the summer and | | | | views. Resorts offer world-class golf courses and |
| cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding | | | | the Provincial and National Parks are outstanding. |
| and snowmobiling in winter. And there are plenty | | | | Outdoor recreation on offer includes kayaking, |
| of water sports, including scuba diving, sea | | | | hiking, mountain climbing, fishing and boating in |
| kayaking, sailing, wind surfing, and whitewater | | | | summer, and snow and ice sports in winter. |
| rafting. Northern British Columbia The vast top | | | | Vancover Island Region Stay on Vancouver |
| third of the province stretches from the | | | | Island, if you'd like to visit some of the smaller |
| mountainous fjords on the west coast, to the | | | | islands scattered along the province's west coast |
| incredible Rocky Mountains, with its pristine forests | | | | or it's dramatic fiords. BC's capital city, Victoria, is |
| and countless lakes, rivers and streams. Here you'll | | | | located at Vancouver's southern tip, famous for |
| find plenty of wildlife to photograph, and excellent | | | | it's relaxed lifestyle and hospitality with visitors |
| hunting, fishing and hiking. There are great | | | | from around the world. From here you can take |
| camping spots in the National Parks. Cariboo, | | | | an Orca tour. This cosmopolitan and friendly city is |
| Chilcotin and Coast British Columbia's central region | | | | the perfect place to start your visit to scenic |
| is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and | | | | British Columbia. |
| the Cariboo Mountains in the east. This popular | | | | Rod Ritchie, a travel writer and editor, writes for |
| region is a land of alpine meadows, glaciers and | | | | many publishers including AA Publishing and Fodors. |
| snow-capped mountains, grasslands and lush | | | | |