British Columbia is Canada's westernmost province, stretching along the Pacific coast of North America and reaching inland to the Rocky Mountains. It is a destination for travellers who want to combine city life with wide, open landscapes, and the contrast between the two is part of its appeal.
What the province offers
- The Pacific coastline, where the sea, forested shores and mountains meet along the length of the province.
- The Rocky Mountains, running through the eastern part of the province and offering a very different kind of scenery.
- Vancouver, a lively city set between the ocean and the mountains.
- Victoria, the provincial capital, on Vancouver Island.
How to plan a visit
Because British Columbia is so large, it suits travellers who are happy to choose a few areas rather than see everything. A stay built around one city, with day trips to the coast or the mountains, makes a practical base. Those who have more time can move between the cities, the shoreline and the interior, taking in the change of scenery as they go.
Visitors are likely to find that the coast and the mountains each shape the way the province feels, from the rhythm of the cities to the outdoor life beyond them. Whether it fits your plans depends on what you want from a trip: urban streets and ocean views, mountain air, or a mix of both.
