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