The Wonders Of British Columbia

Canada's westernmost province, which stretchesvalleys, waterfalls, lakes and meandering streams,
from the thousands of islands and inlets on theand wild, splendid fiords on the coast, where the
Pacific west coast, to the Rocky and Columbiasaltwater fishing is unparalleled. Many of the
mountain ranges in the east, is renown for itsresorts in this area offer tours and watersports
spectacular mountain and coastal scenery. Britishequipment in summer, and snowmobiling,
Columbia is 60 per cent forested (much of itcross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
temperate rainforest), 75 per cent of theOkanagan Similkameen Region This fertile region in
province is mountainous, and the northernthe south includes the Okanagan and Similameen
two-thirds is largely unpopulated and wild. Manyvalleys, home to picturesque vineyards, orchards
species of wild life that have become scarceand farms. You'll find the full range of
elsewhere still flourish here. Fish are still abundantaccommodations in this lovely area, from tenting
in its lakes, marshes and streams, whales andto luxury resorts. The lakes provide excellent
porpoises cruise the rugged coastline, and manyfresh water fishing and watersports, and the
rare mammals and birds still prosper in the forestsmany resorts offer golf, horseback riding, hiking,
and on the plains. Here you'll find a thrivingand mountain biking. And there's the full range of
ecotourism and outdoor adventure industry. Forsnow-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 themountain 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 andstreams, hot springs, and panoramic mountain
horseback riding are popular in the summer andviews. Resorts offer world-class golf courses and
cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboardingthe Provincial and National Parks are outstanding.
and snowmobiling in winter. And there are plentyOutdoor recreation on offer includes kayaking,
of water sports, including scuba diving, seahiking, mountain climbing, fishing and boating in
kayaking, sailing, wind surfing, and whitewatersummer, and snow and ice sports in winter.
rafting. Northern British Columbia The vast topVancover Island Region Stay on Vancouver
third of the province stretches from theIsland, if you'd like to visit some of the smaller
mountainous fjords on the west coast, to theislands scattered along the province's west coast
incredible Rocky Mountains, with its pristine forestsor it's dramatic fiords. BC's capital city, Victoria, is
and countless lakes, rivers and streams. Here you'lllocated at Vancouver's southern tip, famous for
find plenty of wildlife to photograph, and excellentit's relaxed lifestyle and hospitality with visitors
hunting, fishing and hiking. There are greatfrom 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 regionthe perfect place to start your visit to scenic
is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west andBritish Columbia.
the Cariboo Mountains in the east. This popularRod Ritchie, a travel writer and editor, writes for
region is a land of alpine meadows, glaciers andmany publishers including AA Publishing and Fodors.
snow-capped mountains, grasslands and lush