15 Other Reasons to Visit BC
Beautiful British Columbia
It says is right on every one of our license plates, we are “Beautiful British Columbia”. From the rolling grasslands and orchards of the Interior, to the wind swept beaches of Vancouver Island to the snow capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, British Columbia is a part of the world where natural beauty is everywhere one looks. If you are looking for a vacation to a land of spectacular wild settings, British Columbia leave you in awe.
Exchange Rate
More bang for your buck is always a good thing and American and British visitors to British Columbia can always expect the exchange rate to be in their favor. Often that means fishing trips and other purchases in Canada are 20% to 40% less in American and British currency. For the most up to date currency exchange rates take a look at the Bank of Canada’s currency converter.
We’re Close
British Columbia is on Canada’s West Coast. An easy place to get to with international and domestic flights arriving direct from around the world to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) daily.
Vancouver
Vancouver, the largest city in British Columbia, was voted the "Best City in the Americas" for 2004, 2005 and 2006 by Condé Nast Traveler magazine, just one of the many reasons to make Vancouver part of your BC visit. Vibrantly multicultural, Vancouver is a safe and lively city that boasts great dining, accommodations, attractions, pleasant weather, friendly people and of course our boys, the Vancouver Canucks.
Victoria
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia located on Vancouver Island is a favorite destination for about 4 million visitors a year. Activities in Victoria include visiting the Royal BC Museum, exploring the beautiful Butchart Gardens and seeing the historic city by horse and carriage.
Easy to Get Around
Once you get to British Columbia travel around the province is easy. The Vancouver International Airport and the Vancouver South Terminal Airport service millions of passengers each year and a wide variety of airlines operate servicing every community in the province. Ground transportation services include car rentals, coach lines and private ground transportation services. Our waterways are serviced by the BC Ferry Corporation and they offer both walk-on and vehicle passengers a wide variety of routes between British Columbia’s coastal communities.
You’ll Eat Well
British Columbia’s multicultural society has made it a province filled with dining delights that will please all. From top Japanese sushi restaurants, to classic steak houses, to seaside cafes serving the freshest seafood, you won’t leave a trip here hungry. We are best know for our West Coast cuisine though, which is a combination of local seafoods, meats and produce in dishes you will find nowhere else in the world.
Provincial & National Parks
We are home to seven spectacular National Parks including the Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island and Gwaii Haanas National Park in the Queen Charlotte Islands. Our 600 or so Provincial Parks are made up of different ecological reserves, provincial marine parks and heritage sites.
Whales & Wildlife
Moose, grizzly bears, cougar and elk populations have thrived with the conservation measures enacted and organizations such at the British Columbia Wildlife Federation promote wise use of the environment. On BC’s Pacific coast is where you’ll find healthy populations of Orcas (Killer Whales), Pacific Gray Whales and Humpback Whales and the Pacific Rim Whale Festival celebrates them. Whale watching is a popular activity in British Columbia.
Festivals & Events
If you’re here for a good time, not a long time, then plan your visit to BC to include one of the hundreds of special events that happen here each year. A few big ones are the Vancouver International Film Festival, Canada’s biggest country music party the Merritt Mountain Music Festival and the colorful Dragon Boat Festival.
Champagne Powder Skiing
The rest of Canada is pretty much flat, this makes BC the premier ski destination in the country if not North America. Whistler and the mountains of Whistler Blackcomb is BC’s largest ski paradise but other ski areas such at Big White, Silverstar and Fernie offer champagne powder skiing.
Golfer’s Paradise
BC is dotted with hundreds of world class golf courses and was named the “2007 Best Golf Destination in North America” by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. Our favorites include Predator Ridge, Chateau Whistler Golf Club and The Club at Tower Ranch.
Rocky Mountains
Visiting the Rocky Mountain of British Columbia has long been popular with travelers from around the world for many reasons including their awe inspiring views, abundant wildlife, bubbling hot springs and exciting adventures. You’ll find many of Canada’s most majestic National Parks and Provincial Parks here.
Wine Country
The Okanagan region of British Columbia is located a 5 hour drive east of Vancouver and is home to many picturesque small wineries. The climate and soil conditions in this area is perfect for producing grapes making it home for some of the best wines produced in Canada. Tours and tastings are available in the summer months.
Canadian Beer
Cold, crisp and delicious. No watered down Coors Light here, just the good stuff sure to quench thirsts from Coast to Coast.