British Columbia

1. Vancouver Coast & Mountains includes the most populous BC city of Vancouver and Whistler.
2. The sparsely populated Vancouver Island region includes Vancouver Island, other small islands and part of the mainland.
3. The Thompson Okanagan is famous for its vineyards but also features skiing, golf and more.
4. Vast and sparsely populated, Northern BC attracts hardcore adventurers to its mountains, rivers and rugged coastline.
5. The gorgeous Cariboo Chilcotin Coast stretches from the Pacific Coast to the Cariboo Mountains and is popular for its dude and guest ranches, Gold Rush Trail and outdoor adventures.
6. Fine powder skiing, hot springs, and four provincial parks are some highlights of the Kootenay Rockies.

Just over 4.1 million people live in British Columbia, half of whom live in the Metro Vancouver Area. The next highest concentration of people is on Vancouver Island around the British Columbia capital of Victoria.

The BC population is diverse. More than 40 Aboriginal cultural groups are represented as well as significant Asian and European communities. In fact, the province's large Asian population have made Chinese and Punjabi the most spoken languages after English.

BC's climate varies by region, but BC weather often refers to Vancouver (where the climate is temperate and famously rainy) because that is where most of the population lives and where most tourists visit.

In general, temperatures are warmer in the south than in the north, and rainfall is heaviest along the coast and lightest in the southern interior.

Winter: Snow doesn't stay around long in Vancouver, but the interior sees plenty of snow and freezing temperatures.
Spring & Fall: Warm days and cool nights. Layers and water-resistant wear.
Summer: The interior, especially in the south, is more typically hot summer weather, with the coast being slightly cooler. Evenings can still be cold so jackets for the evening.

British Columbia generally attracts a more adventurous, outdoorsy type of visitor. Although Vancouver and other BC cities have plenty to offer in the way of big city charm, like shopping and fine dining, on the whole, the province is more famous as a ski, paddling and hiking destination. The most popular things to do in BC include:

• Whale watching (Book a tour)
• Skiing
• Wine tasting
• Camping
• Dude & Guest Ranches
• More things to do in BC

There are several international airports serving British Columbia with Vancouver being the biggest. Most major destinations in BC can be accessed by air.

Another way to get to BC from the Unites States is out of Seattle; instead of flying into BC, fly into Seattle and either take the train, ferry or drive two hours north. Read Getting to Vancouver from Seattle.

With all that coastline, ferries are a major mode of transportation among BC destinations - especially the islands. BC Ferries sail up the BC Pacific Coast to Prince Rupert stopping at islands along the way. Negotiating the BC Ferries schedules takes some planning.

Train travel is popular given the scenic geography of BC. The Rocky Mountaineer has several famous routes.