Canada's most western province, gateway to the Pacific, bordered by Alaska to the northwest and Washington State to the south, British Columbia, Canada is a beautiful place with much to see and do, especially if you love the outdoors. The majestic landscape inspires a true appreciation for the natural beauty of the region. Rugged mountain ranges, crystal clear lakes, lush rainforests and coastal walking trails are all found within the area.
British Columbia, Canada has over 600 provincial parks which offer many opportunities for recreation and viewing the region's abundant wildlife. If outdoor fun is what you are looking for, it's a safe bet that it can be found in British Columbia. Winter sports are also popular in the mountains, with excellent skiing and snowboarding on powder covered slopes.
In keeping with the outdoor lifestyle, British Columbia offers international competition in the BC Summer and Winter Games featuring numerous Olympic styled events.
The arts are alive as well. Art galleries and exhibits can be found in nearly all cities and towns throughout the province. Many festivals, concerts and theatrical productions are offered as well as film festivals, music festivals, fireworks displays and the list goes on. The hardest part of planning a visit to British Columbia is deciding where to begin.
British Columbia, Canada is comprised of six regions:
Vancouver Coast and Mountains region is home to Vancouver and Whistler Village.
Vancouver Island has a unique and varied ecosystem that includes rainforests, mountains, marshes, rivers, oceans, lakes and meadows and has thousands of species of plants and animals including old growth forests.
Northern British Columbia is predominantly pristine wilderness with dense woods, rugged mountains and beautiful lakes that offer outstanding fishing.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is divided into three areas - The Cariboo, the Coast and the Chilcotin. The area ranges from the Pacific coastline to the Cariboo Mountains.
Thompson Okanagan is a fertile region known for its many vineyards and orchards. It is also a popular retreat for golfers and skiers.
Kootenay Rockies is a favorite destination for everything from wilderness adventures to golfing and more civilized pursuits. The area has everything from beaches to snow capped mountains.
According to legend, it is believed that prior to the arrival of Europeans to British Columbia that the population was possibly as large as 300,000. With the arrival of British explorer James Cook in 1778 to what is now known as Vancouver Island, trade began between Cook and the Nuu-chah-nulth or Nootka people, the aboriginal inhabitants of the area.
In 1842, James Douglas, while searching the Pacific Coast for a new location to establish headquarters for the Hudson's Bay Company, landed at the site of what became Greater Victoria. In 1843, Fort Victoria was built in the area now called Old Town in Victoria.
The 1860s saw the gold rush that swept the Fraser River and Cariboo areas, bringing with it people from around the world. Small villages and towns turned into busy cities nearly overnight and with the influx of people came economic growth, roads, shipping and trains to the area. Growth continued and the result is the wonderfully diverse population and mix of cultures that are enjoyed in British Columbia today.
Not what you were looking for? Search Google and Beachcomber Pete
Custom Search
Beachcomber Pete Travel Tips
Periodic issues- Free advice and suggestions for making your next travel adventure more enjoyable. Learn from fellow traveler’s like yourself the secrets at your next Travel destination.
E-mail: phagemann@euroradialyouth2016.com Copyright 2007-2011 Beachcomber Pete All Rights reserved. Linking to Beachcomber Pete web site is allowed and encouraged
Periodic issues- Free advice and suggestions for making your next travel adventure more enjoyable.
