| Canada's sheer size can be a bit intimidating, but | | | | bathing suit when you head this way. |
| when it's time to plan a vacation travelers would | | | | Rounding out your vacation with a bit of culture |
| be foolish to shy away from visiting this northern | | | | won't be too hard. British Columbia's history as a |
| neighbor. Focus on Western Canada for a chance | | | | Gold Rush region and its aboriginal influences can |
| to experience a little bit of everything, letting the | | | | be traced by stopping into towns like Barkerville |
| scenery and the diversions of this wide-ranging | | | | and Nelson. Museums, architecture and several |
| region dazzle and delight you into a state of | | | | heritage sites will fill you in on all the details. Also, if |
| contentment. | | | | you have an eye for art, visit one of the fine |
| British Columbia is Canada's western province, | | | | galleries or artisan communities born thanks to the |
| enjoying a temperate climate and miles of luscious | | | | inspiration of this visually stunning corner of |
| Pacific Coastline. Between the ocean, the | | | | Canada. For the full effect, tour a studio to see |
| mountains and the three bustling cities, the region | | | | artists in action and take home a unique souvenir |
| can boast more variety, beauty and excitement | | | | to remember your trip by. |
| than most other destinations. If you enjoy choices | | | | Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler are the three |
| and unusual contrasts, like playing golf and skiing in | | | | major cities, and provide opportunities for |
| the same day, then it's definitely in your best | | | | cosmopolitan escapades without losing sight of the |
| interest to give British Columbia a whirl. | | | | lush landscape. You'll be able to live a life of luxury |
| To whet your appetite for adventure and wildlife, | | | | by attending a spa and dining on top-notch cuisine, |
| it's practically a requirement to take advantage of | | | | but you'll also still have access to walking trails, |
| one of British Columbia's nature trails. Canadian | | | | skiing, beach combing and boating along the |
| forest hikes tend to reveal the kinds of wonders | | | | shoreline. Vancouver is known for its big-city feel |
| that actually take your breath away; ancient | | | | and selections of live shows, art and sporting |
| cedar trees, gurgling streams, rarified mountain air, | | | | events, but promises not to overwhelm you. |
| and views of the distant ocean all work together | | | | Victoria visitors will be drawn to the |
| to wake up your senses and ignite your zest for | | | | world-renowned flower gardens and coastal |
| life. Forget about your office and your | | | | blessings, and as for Whistler, be prepared to |
| responsibilities for a while and rediscover the | | | | strap on a pair of skis in order to enjoy the |
| feeling of filling your lungs with fresh air. | | | | award-winning downhill terrain. |
| In addition to traversing the land by foot, | | | | If this brief overview has been enough to spark |
| backcountry trails are also great for mountain | | | | an interest in Western Canada, be advised that |
| biking and horseback riding. Various resort areas | | | | the more you learn, the more tempting it will be |
| offer challenging downhill courses for adrenaline | | | | to pack your bags and call the house sitter. To |
| junkies, but intermediate and beginning options are | | | | make things even more palatable, consider the |
| also available. From the Kootenay Rockies to the | | | | option of renting a vacation property so that your |
| Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, you'll find sand dunes, | | | | trip will be comfortable as well as amusing. There |
| volcanic mountains, and thousands of lakes, rivers | | | | are loads of mountain lodges, beach front homes, |
| and streams to explore. Bears, eagles, bighorn | | | | and charming cottages nestled throughout this |
| sheep and coyotes as well as alpine flowers and | | | | area, making it a near-certainty that your perusal |
| towering trees will provide the backdrop as you | | | | of the offerings will uncover a place that would |
| whiz by in a kayak or climb a snowy peak, | | | | perfectly suit your needs. Vacation rentals are |
| reminding you again and again that you're a long | | | | known for special amenities and a general |
| way from home. | | | | atmosphere of tranquility; after all, how often are |
| If you'd like to spend some quality time on the | | | | you able to settle into an alpine retreat or city |
| beach, there's no shortage in BC. July and August | | | | condo as if it's your very own? |
| make the best times for catching the sun's | | | | Do yourself a favor and take a look online at all |
| warmest rays and experiencing the finest water, | | | | the British Columbia Vacation Rentals and see |
| but any time of year is perfect for gazing out | | | | what you uncover. At the very least, this will help |
| across the vast expanse of the Pacific. Also, | | | | you narrow down the scope of your trip, and it's |
| Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are perfect | | | | likely that you'll soon find yourself exploring the |
| spots for swimming, boating and fishing, as are | | | | bounties of BC with the benefits of an amazing |
| the many warm-water lakes that dot this | | | | home base to guide you. |
| province. In other words, don't forget your | | | | |