British Columbia: Pristine wilderness, unique communities and a seriously laid-back attitude

Chances are if you search Google for images of Canada, something from British Columbia will turn up first. That’s not surprising, given that this province is one of the country’s most beautiful when it comes to landscapes. Pristine lakes, rugged snow-capped mountains and soaring old growth forests make this one of the most dramatic parts of the country when it comes to landscapes, and it is also what many people imagine when they think of Canada.

But British Columbia is much more than just unspoiled wilderness and natural wonders, which the province has in spades. There are also diverse communities with unique lifestyles and experiences for visitors to enjoy: there is the hippy/surf vibe of Tofino on Vancouver Island that feels like Canada’s version of southern California; the multicultural metropolis of Vancouver whose residents love to leave the corporate towers to play outside when the sun comes out; and of course the West Coast indigenous peoples who have lived here in harmony with the land for thousands of years.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast of any kind, British Columbia is your year-round mecca. Warmer months offers opportunities to go hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, surfing, horseback riding, fishing and more. And when winter comes, BC is where you can enjoy some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Canada, with top resorts like Whistler (a venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics) offering all the challenging runs and après ski action you could want.

Urban ‘culture vultures’ will enjoy BC’s world-class attractions like the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, a standout example with thousands of artefacts from Papua New Guinea to the high Arctic). There are also stellar culinary offerings from farm-to-table local fare on Vancouver Island to 5-star gastronomy in Vancouver. And all around the province are cities large and small where you can meet local artisans, stroll galleries, and see some of the most iconic indigenous art in North America.

The Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria

Wherever you go, or whatever you choose to do in British Columbia, you’ll discover one thing that the people who live here all have in common: a deep appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds them, and a more laid-back attitude that gives them the permission to get out there and enjoy it. We could learn a lot from them.

TIP: With its spectacular scenery, British Columbia is a great province for driving tours, but keep in mind that map distances can be deceiving compared to driving times – drives can take much longer if you are following coasts or going through mountains.

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