Discover British Columbia

British Columbia is the gateway to Canada for most Australians. This westernmost province is usually the first experience most of us have of this great Northern land. ‘B.C.’ doesn’t disappoint with its diversity, rich heritage, and rare landscapes. My first clue when I arrived in at Vancouver airport that British Columbia is very different from other destinations, was the remarkable Jade statue sitting on display in the terminal building. This gigantic piece of First nation artwork is made up of the mythical figures from the tribal legends of the people that first inhabited Queen Charlotte Island.

	Vancouver Vancouver. The shining jewel of the Canadian Pacific coast. Most Australians don’t really take in too much when they pass through Vancouver on their way to explore Canada. This is a mistake. This charming temperate city has so much to offer, you will do yourself a disservice by not taking an extra couple of days to enjoy its rare position and its openly welcoming inhabitants. Read More Here >>
	Victoria Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada's Pacific coast. Victoria is juxtaposed in a triangular formation between Vancouver and Seattle with ferry services running between each. Read More Here >>
	The Great Bear Rainforest There are three species of Bear in North America, and yet when you say ‘Great Bear’ we all only think of one: the Great Grizzly Bear.Much mystery, legend, and respect is given to the Great Bear by all cultures at all times. None respect the Great Bear more than the Native American. Read More Here >>
	The Rocky Mountaineer Where else can you combine spectacular scenery, jaw-dropping canyons, swooping bald eagles, the world’s most majestic mountains, and a dollop of rich caviar on top of your scrambled eggs? Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer is the only candidate. Read More Here >>
	Whistler Most people think of skiing when they think of Whistler. So many Australians view Whistler as a ski destination that it’s become quite the pilgrimage for many Aussie youths – even earning it the tag “North Sydney”. Yet there’s so much more to Whistler than just skiing – even though the skiing’s pretty smooth! Read More Here >>
	Queen Charlotte Islands I once read a guide book that described the Queen Charlotte Islands as “desolate and beautiful”. I don’t think I’ve ever seen those two words in the one sentence, and it’s perplexed me ever since.  Read More Here >>

You’ll see much commemoration of the First Nations in Canada. Its most obvious references in British Columbia are the magnificent monuments called Totem Poles. They carry creatures of such majestic symbolism as the creating trickster Raven, the Otter symbol of friendship, and the Orca symbol of good. Totem poles relay a story, and sometimes that story can only be fully explained by the carver, and the story they tell to the traveller that enters British Columbia is that this land is one of incredible diversity and promises much in their travels through it.

Vancouver is the main city of interest in BC. However, many mistake it as the capital, which it yields to Victoria (located on the marvellous Vancouver Island). Both cities have their charms whilst being tremendously different in character. Vancouver is the busy city with more attractions than you’ll have time to devote to them. See our page on Vancouver here, but just for starters think of taking in Gastown, Granville Markets, Capilano and Grouse Mountain.

Victoria is much more sedate with a charming harbour, the stunning Empress hotel and the delights of the Buchart Gardens. Head north with a tasty Nanaimo bar in hand to experience more of the landscape of Vancouver Island, and you’ll eventually be compelled I’m sure to cross over to the Great Bear Forest – protected home of the Pacific Grizzly bear.

Keep in mind Queen Charlotte Island as you explore British Columbia’s delights.

Another exceptional highlight of your stay in BC is Whistler. The joint home of the 2010 Winter Olympics is a skiing mecca for Australians (in fact locals sometimes call Whistler, “North Sydney”), and its two mountains provide some of the best skiing on the planet.

British Columbia is the first stop on the Canada adventure for Australians. You’ll be delighted by the welcome.