Introducing British Columbia

Canada’s third-largest province; bigger than any US state except Alaska; more than four times the area of the UK: it’s not hard to find superlatives about the vastness of British Columbia. But although visitors are moved by the sheer enormity of the towering mountains, dense forests and uncountable kilometers of crenulated coastline, it’s often the smaller details that make a trip here magical. From Zen-calm ferries sliding across glassy inlets to quirky island communities, where fresh-caught seafood beats five-star restaurants, BC is much more than Canada’s most scenic province. History fans can indulge in some fascinating aboriginal and colonial heritage in places like the Bella Coola Valley and Nelson, while outdoors types can enjoy a whale- or bear-watching trek on the Queen Charlotte Islannds.

Challenging the province’s nature-hugging tag, cosmopolitan Vancouver is a fascinating mélange of international fusion, mixing cuisines and cultures from Asia and beyond, while vibrant smaller communities like Victoria and Kelowna are increasingly driven by their student-backed populations, ensuring they don’t just rely on the past. With the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games just around the corner, it’s worth recalling that BC has also long been a hotbed of activity. Olympic co-host Whistler is a world-renowned ski and snowboarding resort; Vancouver Island’s west coast is a surf dudes’ capital; and hikers, cyclists and kayakers can be kept blissfully occupied around the region for weeks.

But the province’s jewel-like natural setting will frame everything you do here. Adjust your camera setting to ‘panoramic’ and shoot life-enhancing images of snow-crowned mountains, shimmering lakes, sparkling waterfalls, lush rain forests and tree-covered islands. And when you finally return home, you’ll remember just what Mother Nature is all about.