Maps of British Columbia: A Quick Guide 

British Columbia is divided into several distinct regions, each with its unique character and attractions. Here’s a full map of British Columbia. 

Map of British Columbia

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(source: gisgeography)

A reference map of British Columbia in Canada that features major cities, roads, highways, rivers, lakes, and mountain peaks. An elevation and satellite map of British Columbia highlights the Rocky Mountains and Vancouver Island.

About the Map

British Columbia is Canada’s westernmost province, located along the Pacific coast. Known for its natural beauty, as highlighted by its license plate motto, “Beautiful British Columbia,” the province is surrounded by verdant parks, pristine wilderness, and the majestic Canadian Rockies.

To the east, it borders Alberta, while to the north, it shares boundaries with the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Additionally, British Columbia is adjacent to the U.S. states of Washington, Idaho, and Montana to the south.

Although Victoria serves as the provincial capital, Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia, with a population exceeding 2 million people. It ranks as the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada. Other significant cities include Victoria, Kelowna, and Abbotsford, which are the next largest urban centers.

British Columbia Satelite Map

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(source: gisgeography)

British Columbia covers an area of 944,735 square kilometers (364,764 square miles). While it is smaller than Ontario, it is larger than Alberta. Overall, it ranks as the third-largest province in Canada, excluding the territories.

British Columbia Elevation Map

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(source: gisgeography)

Mountains make up most of British Columbia, with about 75% of the province being mountainous, reaching elevations of over 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) above sea level. 

The Rocky Mountains, for instance, run along the eastern border with Alberta and include notable peaks such as Mount Sir Sandford and Mount Robson.

BC’s Regions on the Map

Now let us you through the main areas you’ll find on a BC map.

Vancouver and the Lower Mainland

Think of this as BC’s busy corner! Located in the southwest, this region includes Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, and Richmond. It’s where most people live and work. The area is bordered by the Coast Mountains to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the US border to the south.

Major Cities and Municipalities:

Vancouver – The largest city and economic hub

Surrey – Second largest city, known for rapid growth

Burnaby – Third largest city, home to Simon Fraser University

Richmond – Known for Asian cuisine and Vancouver International Airport

Coquitlam – Growing community with extensive park systems

Delta – Important agricultural and port area

North Vancouver – Both city and district, gateway to mountains

West Vancouver – Upscale residential area with scenic views

New Westminster – BC’s former capital, historic downtown

Port Coquitlam – Family-oriented community

Langley – Mix of urban and rural areas

Vancouver Island

Off the mainland’s west coast, Vancouver Island is home to Victoria (BC’s capital city), plus communities like Nanaimo and Tofino. The island is about 460 kilometers long and features mountains, rainforests, and beautiful beaches.

Major Cities and Municipalities:

Victoria – Provincial capital, known for British charm

Nanaimo – Second largest island city, major ferry hub

Campbell River – Salmon fishing capital

Comox Valley (Courtenay, Comox) – Recreation destination

Port Alberni – Gateway to the Pacific Rim

Duncan – City of Totems

Parksville – Popular beach destination

Tofino – Surfing and storm-watching destination

Ucluelet – Fishing and eco-tourism hub

The Okanagan Valley

In BC’s southern interior, you’ll find the Okanagan Valley. Major cities here include Kelowna, Vernon, and Penticton. This region is famous for its lakes, vineyards, and sunny weather.

Major Cities and Municipalities:

Kelowna – Largest city in the interior

Vernon – Northern Okanagan hub

Penticton – Between two lakes

West Kelowna – Growing wine region

Lake Country – Four distinct communities

Summerland – Fruit growing and wineries

Oliver – The wine capital of Canada

Osoyoos – Canada’s only desert

The Kootenays

The southeastern part of BC is known as the Kootenays. It’s a mountainous region with cities like Nelson and Cranbrook. The area is split into the West Kootenays and East Kootenays, divided by the Purcell Mountains.

Major Cities and Municipalities:

Cranbrook – Largest Kootenay city

Nelson – Known for heritage buildings and arts

Trail – Industrial heritage

Castlegar – Airport hub and college town

Kimberley – Former mining town, now tourist destination

Fernie – Popular ski resort town

Revelstoke – Mountain recreation hub

Northern BC

This huge region covers more than half of the province, stretching from Prince George up to the Yukon border. Major centers include Prince Rupert on the coast and Fort St. John in the northeast.

Major Cities and Municipalities:

Prince George – Northern capital

Prince Rupert – Major port city

Terrace – Service center for northwest

Fort St. John – Energy sector hub

Dawson Creek – Mile 0 of Alaska Highway

Kitimat – Industrial port

Smithers – Mountain town and regional center

The Cariboo-Chilcotin

Located in the central interior, this region includes cities like Williams Lake and Quesnel. It’s known for its ranches, forests, and historic gold rush sites.

Major Cities and Municipalities:

Williams Lake – Ranching and Rodeo Center

Quesnel – Forest industry center

100 Mile House – South Cariboo hub

Clinton – Historic gold rush town

Wells – Historic gold mining town

The Sea-to-Sky Corridor

This is the scenic region connecting Vancouver to Whistler, following Highway 99 through Squamish. It’s named for its dramatic rise from the ocean to the mountains.

Major Communities:

Squamish – Outdoor recreation capital

Whistler – World-famous resort town

Pemberton – Agricultural valley

Lions Bay – Scenic village

Britannia Beach – Historic mining community

In Conclusion

Understanding these regions helps you plan your BC travels and appreciate just how diverse our province is. Each area offers something different, from coastal rainforests to interior deserts, and mountain peaks to ocean shores.