All About British Columbia
British Columbia is Canada’s western-most province, known for its beautiful mountains, forests, and ocean shores. The region offers both busy cities like Vancouver and Victoria, and peaceful natural areas perfect for outdoor activities. With mild weather on the coast and four distinct seasons inland, BC attracts visitors year-round who come to enjoy its parks, beaches, ski resorts, and friendly communities.
Quick Facts
👥 Population: 5.3 million
🏛️ Capital: Victoria
🌇 Largest City: Vancouver
📐 Size: 944,735 square kilometers
⏰ Time Zone: Pacific Time (PT)
💬 Official Language: English
🏔️ Highest Point: Mount Fairweather (4,671 m)
🌊 Coastline Length: 27,000 kilometers
Geography and Climate
British Columbia sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, creating one of the most diverse geographical regions in North America. The province features five distinct regions: The Coast and Mountains, Vancouver Island, Thompson-Okanagan, Northern BC, and the Kootenay Rockies.
The climate varies dramatically across the province. Coastal areas enjoy mild temperatures year-round with abundant rainfall, perfect for rainforests and lush vegetation. Inland regions experience hot summers and snowy winters, while northern areas have longer winters and shorter summers.
Major Regions and Cities
Vancouver stands as BC’s largest city, a modern metropolis surrounded by nature. Known for its glass skyscrapers reflecting mountain views, the city offers world-class dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. Victoria, the capital, charms visitors with its British colonial architecture, beautiful harbor, and famous gardens.
Beyond these major centers, BC’s regions each have their own character:
The Okanagan Valley: Famous for wineries and warm lakes
Vancouver Island: Home to ancient rainforests and surf towns
Whistler: World-renowned mountain resort town
The Kootenays: Known for powder skiing and hot springs
Popular Attractions
BC offers countless places to visit, from Stanley Park in Vancouver to Butchart Gardens in Victoria. The province is home to world-class ski resorts like Whistler Blackcomb and beautiful national parks such as Pacific Rim and Yoho.
Getting Around
British Columbia’s transportation network makes exploring the province convenient and scenic. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) serves as the main gateway, while smaller airports connect regional destinations.
The famous BC Ferries system links coastal communities and islands with regularly scheduled sailings.Public transit is available in major cities, while remote areas are best reached by car.
More Helpful Information
Want to learn more about specific topics? Click the links above to read detailed guides about each aspect of British Columbia.
Facts & Information on British Columbia
History & Heritage of British Columbia
Map of British Columbia
Banking and Currency in BC
Metric Conversion in British Columbia