British Columbia
"Splendour without diminishment"
British Columbia has sophisticated cities in the south, wilderness parks in the north, the salt-sea spray of the wide open ocean to the west, and the snow-cloaked peaks of the mighty Rocky Mountains in the east. British Columbia is perhaps Canada's most diverse province. Central and Northern British Columbia are known for their excellent hunting and fishing opportunities and offer a glimpse into the aboriginal and rural cultures of Canada. The Sunshine Coast and Fraser Valley each boast spectacular scenery and small-community hospitality while still being in close proximity of the lower mainland metropolis. Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia will be host cities to the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Vancouver Island is considered by many to be a piece of Canadian paradise. It is known for its laid-back artistic culture, stunning coastal scenery and flowers, which are in bloom year round. Known locally as "The Island", this sought after destination is separated from southwestern mainland British Columbia by the Straight of Georgia and is accessible by ferry from Vancouver. At the southern tip of the Island is British Columbias capital city, Victoria, a city whose streets and lanes are dotted with pubs and gardens, which is why it has a reputation of being a little piece of Britain. Historic Nanaimo is the second largest city and gives way to the picturesque Oceanside Region. Campbell River is a famous whale watching spot, while the waves of Tofino and Ucluelet are not to be missed. The Island is one of those rare places where one can both ski and golf in the middle of winter!
Located west of the Canadian Rockies in southern British Columbia, just north of the U.S.A. border, the Kootenays is a forested region surrounded by the Purcell, Valhalla and Monashee mountain ranges. Filled with treasures, both literally and metaphorically, people have flocked to the Kootenays for over a century. Since the late 1800s, gold and minerals were the riches. Today the area is treasured for its abundance of scenic beauty and area activities. Valleys, rivers, lakes and mountains provide a playground for sport enthusiasts. Areas such as Nakusp and Ainsworth offer hot springs, while towns like Nelson, Crawford Bay and Castlagar are known for their artisans who create such treasures as mouth-blown glass and hand-made pottery.
The Central British Columbia region is vast and diverse. The western side of the region is dominated by rich rain forests and the Cascade Mountain range. In the streams that spill from the mountainside, salmon spawn, head out to sea and ultimately for fishers. Farther inland, the landscape rises dramatically. In these cool mountains, fishing cabins sit at the base of ominous glaciers and clear lakes. Deeper into the region the terrain changes drastically. Mountains melt away into the plains and grasslands of the Central BC plateau, with towns such as Williams Lake benefitting from the varied terrain, attracting visitors with the incredible options they can offer for outdoor enthusiasts. Ranching is strong here, and is reflected in the amount of guest ranches found here. This central plateau was also the main route for prospectors heading north during the Gold Ruch, and historical towns such as Barkerville remain to retell the story.
The Fraser Valley is a beautiful strip of land that extends northesast from Langley, a vibrant town located just east of Vancouver to Boston Bar, a picturesque former mining town that owes its name to the large amount of American prospectors that flocked there during the 1800s. The Fraser Valley traces the path of the mighty Fraser River as it winds itself toward the Pacific. Fishing for pacific salmon, sturgeon and trout is especially lucrative on the Fraser River, and the powerful waterway also offers plenty of chances for rafting the boating.
The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest temporate rainforests left on the planet, a total of 6,950 square miles of land and sea. It is comprised of some of the oldest and largest trees in the world, sheltering coves and coastlines, which return the favour in the form of winds and rain created by the ocean's currents. In 2006, loggers, First Nations people and environmental groups came together to ensure the protection of the biodiversity of the thousands of species that have made the land home. The forest takes its name from its most mystic resident, the Kermode, or "spirit" bear, a unique white subspecies of the balck bear whose territory ranges from Prince Rupert and Stewart to the north, Hazelton to the east, and Kitimat and Bella Coola to the south.
The Gulf Islands and Discovery Islands lie in the Georgia Strait, between Vancouver Isand and Vancouver's mainland. Encompassing hundreds of little islands, some more populated than others, each as intriguing and magnificent as the next. Idyllic landscapes, wildlife viewing, boating, rocky beaches and astonishing ocean views are typical of each, but their individual character, history and culture are what makes them so special. Salt Spring Isand is laden with artists and therefore decorates its street corners with art studios and craft vendors. Rolling Orchards are common on the Mayne Island, while three provincial parks are the big attraction of Galiano Isand. Further north, Quadra Isand is the most populated of the Discovery Isands and is deep-rooted in native history. For a quieter experience, visit Gabriola Isand, a peaceful community of artists, writers, crafts people and retirees.
Northern British Columbia is the region's intricate park system which was established to help conserve some of the world's most endangered wildlife and habitat. Here, wildlife can be witnessed in its purest form. Due to the remote nature of the region, transportation to many of the parks and attractions can be difficult.
In British Columbia's coastal region, Sea to Sky Country's comfortable winter climate and superb snow conditions make it a great place for a variety of winter activities. Whistler Blackcomb, which is comprised of two seperate mountains, is considered one of the best ski and snowboard resorts in the world. Whistler Blackcomb, along with Vancouver will play host to the world during the 20210 Winter Olympics. The town of Whistler is an alpine paradise that also thrives in the summer. The area is home to some of the world's best mountain biking, with an abundance of bike parks and trails.
The Sunshine Coast regions begins slightly north of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland and stretches north all along a coastline that encompasses naturally sandy beaches and lush unexploited wilderness. The Sunshine Coast is a great place for Kayaking, canoeing, biking, golfing and fishing, and also boasts an active art community that is strongly influenced by Aboriginal history and traditions.
British Columbia's Thompson Okanagan is renowned for its moderate climate and stunning mountains, lake, and desert terrain. The region is also famous for its abundance of freshly grown fruit, such as the sweet, juicy Okanagan peaches. Grapes are another hot commodity, with 50 vineyards and wineries that produce some of Canada's finest wines.
Some Facts...
-B.C. is the most western province in Canada and the third-largest.
-Alberta is to the east, and the Yukon and NWT are north .
-The Pacific Ocean is to the west.
-There are many islands off the coast that are also part of B.C.
-Victoria, the capital city is on Vancouver Island.
-Vancouver is the third largest city in Canada.
-B.C.'s flower - Pacific Dogwood, bird - Stellar's Jay, tree - Western Red Cedar.
-motto - "Splendour without diminishment"
Pictured Above: B.C.'s provincial flower: Pacific Dogwood
flickr.com/photos/21202718@N00/158005404/
Land and Water
-The Fraser River is one of the largest rivers in Canada.
-Both the Fraser and the Columbia River flow into the Pacific Ocean.
-Ferry boats take people to and from the Islands off the coast.
-There are six national parks in B.C.
-Coastal Mountains and Rocky Mountains are two large mountain ranges.
Pictured Above: Apex of the Fraser delta at New Westminster. The Fraser River splits here into two distributary channels, the North Arm and Main Channel.
http://gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/urbgeo/vanland/river_e.php?p=1
Flag
Adopted in 1960, the flag duplicates the design of the shield of arms of the province. Its proportion is five by length and three by width.
http://www.gov.bc.ca/bcfacts/
People and Places
-Emily Carr (1871-1945) - painted the West Coast Aboriginal people
-Terry Fox (1958-1981) - tried to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research
-Chief Dan George (1899-1981) - actor and poet -Stanley Park in Vancouver is one of Canada's biggest city parks with an aquarium, gardens, beaches, trails and totem poles carved out of wood by the native people of the west coast.
-Tourists come to ski at Whistler Mountain and other ski resorts in B.C.
-Okanagan Valley is known for the warm weather, wineries and as a fruit-growing region.
Pictured Above: Okanagan Valley, B.C.
www.aircanada.com/.../july2007/foodanddrink.html
History
-The first people to live in BC : Tlingit, Sekani, Haida, Nootka, Chilcotin and Shuswap.
-They fished for salmon and seals and hunted deer and elk.
-They built large wooden houses and carved totem poles. -(1778) Captain James Cook a British explorer sailed to B.C.
-George Vancouver mapped the coastline.
-Fur trading posts were built.
-(1857-1858) Fraser Valley Gold Rush brought many people.
-B.C. became a province in 1871.
-Canadian government promised to build a railway to B.C.
-Thousands of Chinese labourers arrived to help build the railway.
-Many stayed when the railway was finished.
-British settlers came by train to the west coast.
Pictured to the Left: The Tsimshian, Inuit, spirit doctor
www.shannonthunderbird.com/Pacific%20Northwes...
Resources/Industries
-Forestry is the largest industry. Forest covers half of B.C.
-B.C, has the largest and oldest trees in Canada.
-B.C.'s mountains, parks and beaches attract many tourists.
-Mining is the third-largest industy.
(copper, coal, gold, silver, zinc, sulphur, asbestos)
-B.C. has the largest fishing industry in Canada.
(salmon, halibut, clams, cod, crab, oysters, rockfish, shrimp and herring)
-Fraser Valley has cattle and dairy farms and farms that grow fruit and flowers.
-There are many orchards in the Okanagan Valley.
( apples, cherries, peaches, apricots, and plums)
-The province is Canada's third-largest generator of hydro electricity.
-B.C. is Canada's second-largest natural gas producer.
-B.C. is the third-largest film and television production centre in North America (after New York and Los Angeles).
Picture to the Left: Logs in River
courses.forestry.ubc.ca/.../en-US/Default.aspx
The People
-B.C. is the home to over 4.2 million people. (2005 population)
-The largest city is Vancouver. (population 2.1 million in 2005)
-The Northwest Coast Native peoples live in B.C.
-People came from Britain, Western Europe, East and Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
-B.C. has the largest Chinese community in Canada.
-The top 10 languages spoken are English, Chinese (including Cantonese and Mandarin), Punjabi, German, French, Tagalog, Spanish, Italian, Korean, and Dutch.
-Approximately 35,000 immigrants from around the world arrive each year.
Pictured to the Right: City of Vancouver
www.rivieraonrobson.com/