Top 31 Things British Columbia is Known For

British Columbia is Canada’s westernmost province. Widely known for its stunning mountains, beautiful lakes and picturesque ocean views, British Columbia is ethnically diverse, politically progressive and home to a thriving film and television industry.

Read on to learn more about what BC is known for…

Vancouver, BC

Vancouver, British Columbia’s largest city, is home to over 2.5 million people, nearly half the population of the entire province! It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the mountains, forests, and water that surround the city.

Some popular attractions in Vancouver include the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Granville Island, and the Vancouver Aquarium. The city also has a thriving food and drink scene, with a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and craft breweries to choose from. Vancouver is a popular destination for tourists from around the world, as well as a hub for business and innovation in Canada.

Check out the Top 22 Things Vancouver is Known For here.

East Hastings

Although Vancouver consistently ranks very high on lists of most liveable cities in the world, there are certain neighbourhoods which have fallen through the economic cracks. East Hastings street (one of Vancouver’s oldest and most trafficked roads) cuts through an area called the Downtown EastSide (DTES). Known for high levels of poverty, drug addiction and crime, the DTES is one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Canada, sadly known for its high AID’s infection rate and crumbling infrastructure.

Many organizations are working to address the challenges faced by residents in the area, including providing housing, addiction treatment, and mental health support.

Victoria

Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The city is known for its historic architecture, including the British-style Parliament Buildings, and its beautiful harbor. Visitors to Victoria can also enjoy a variety of museums, galleries, and cultural events, as well as outdoor activities such as whale watching and hiking.

Check out what Victoria is known for here!

Vancouver Island

Spanning over 31,285 square kilometres, Vancouver Island (known by locals simply as ‘The Island’) not only hosts British Columbia’s capital and parliament buildings, but also numerous hot springs, ski mountains and thriving tourist destinations. Tourists often visit BC’s iconic surf town, Tofino. Known for epic waves, eye-catching thunderstorms, and laid-back vibes. Tofino is typically visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists per year.

The Kootenays

The Kootenays is a region in southeastern British Columbia that is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and laid-back lifestyle. The area is home to several charming towns and villages, including Nelson and Rossland, as well as several provincial parks and wilderness areas. Visitors to the Kootenays can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and rafting.

The Rockies

Recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural beauty and iconic hiking trails, The Rocky Mountains (sometimes known as ‘The Rockies’) are a majestic mountain range that runs through western North America, including parts of British Columbia. The range is known for its stunning beauty and diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and elk. Visitors to the Rockies can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing.

Pacific Northwest

Transcending the national boundaries of Canada, British Columbia is part of a greater, international area known as the ‘Pacific Northwest’. Although largely an unofficial designation, the Pacific Northwest (often abbreviated as PNW) generally refers to British Columbia along with the American states of Washington and Oregon. Some broader conceptions of the term also include the Canadian province/territory of Alberta and the Yukon, as well as the American states of Alaska, Idaho and Montana. Broadly, PNW is known for its laid back culture, rainy weather and its breathtaking natural beauty.

Whistler/Blackcomb

Whistler/Blackcomb are the famous twin mountains of the world famous ski resort Whistler located in British Columbia. Known for its part hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler Blackcomb has a height of 2,181 metres and boasts over 3,414 acres of skiable terrain. Off the slopes, Whistler is known for its high end vacation rentals, rowdy nightlife and multitudes of international workers, particularly Australians. Visitors to Whistler/Blackcomb can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year, including mountain biking, hiking, and golfing.

Multicultural

British Columbia (and particularly Vancouver) is known for its international demographics and thriving multicultural communities. South Vancouver and the city of Surrey are known for their large South Asian populations, while a prevalent community of Chinese and other East Asian groups are scattered throughout the city. The presence of these groups have led some truly spectacular festivals – Most famously the celebration of Chinese New Year, an event in Vancouver which typically draws up to 100,000 spectators enjoying a performance by over 3000 participants.

Expensive Housing Market

Expensive Housing Market: British Columbia’s housing market is known for being one of the most expensive in Canada, with high prices in cities such as Vancouver and Victoria. The high cost of housing has led to concerns about affordability, particularly for young people and low-income earners. The provincial government has implemented a variety of measures to address the issue, including taxes on foreign buyers and vacant homes, as well as investments in affordable housing.

UBC

Located in Vancouver’s stunning Pacific Spirit National Park, the University of British Columbia main campus is host to over 55,000 students, with over 11,000 additional students in its smaller Okanagan Campus in Kelowna BC. Furthering BC’s multicultural reputation, over 27% of UBC Vancouver’s students are international, a statistic the Kelowna campus follows with a respectable 20%.

UBC is a top-ranked public research university known for its academic excellence, particularly in areas such as forestry, medicine, and engineering. UBC is also home to several museums and galleries, as well as a botanical garden and a large sports complex.

National Parks

British Columbia is home to several national parks, each with its own unique natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park occupies an area of 1349.3 square kilometres in south-eastern British Columbia. The park is bisected by the Trans-Canada Highway. The park was carved from the rugged Selkirk and Purcell Mountains by glaciers. Today you will find steep mountains, narrow valleys, icefields and glaciers. Many avalanche slopes, caused by heavy snowfall can be seen. There is a unique cave system, including the Nakimu Cave, which is listed in Canada’s top 10 largest cave systems.

Gwaii Haanas National Park

Gwaii Haanas National Park is located on the southern Queen Charlotte Islands in British Columbia and has a size of 1495 square kilometres. Gwaii Haanas is a word of the Haida language and means “Islands of wonder and beauty”. This wilderness archipelago consists of 138 islands situated 640 kilometres north of Vancouver. The park not only protects the legacy of Haida culture, but also features some species of plants and animals not found anywhere else in the world.

Kootenay National Park

The Kootenay National Park is located on the Banff/Windermere Highway, which as a matter of fact bisects it into two eight kilometre strips of land. Bounded by the Banff Provincial Park to the east and the Yoho National Park to the north, Kootenay National Park covers an area of 1406.4 square kilometres. The vegetation is spectacularly varied. There are cactus in the south and glaciers in the north. Wildlife is abundant, with mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, black and grizzly bear.

Check out our travel guide to Kootenay National Park here.

Mount Revelstoke National Park

Mount Revelstoke National Park is located near the community of Revelstoke, bounded by the Trans Canada Highway to the southeast and Highway 23 to the west. The contrasting landscape reaches from dense rain forests and lush alpine meadows to rocky ridges and glaciers. Red cedars, more than 1,000 years of age can be discovered on the Giant Cedars hiking trail.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Pacific Rim National Park is located on the West Coast of Vancouver Island and consists of three sections: Long Beach, the Broken Island Group, and the West Coast Trail. Each unit is different and has its own characteristic. The park sees mild temperatures and heavy rains year round and is home to a dense coastal rainforest.

Check out our travel guide to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve here.

Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park is a stunningly beautiful national park located in southeastern British Columbia, bordering Banff National Park to the east and Kootenay National Park to the south. The park covers an area of over 1,300 square kilometers and is home to some of the Rockies’ most impressive scenery, including soaring peaks, deep valleys, and sparkling lakes.

Takakkaw Falls is one of the must see attractions in Yoho National park and is one of the highest waterfalls in Canada. The falls drop over 250 meters and are accessible via a short hike from the nearby parking lot.

Check out our travel guide to Yoho National Park here.

Haida Gwaii

Haida Gwaii is an archipelago off the coast of British Columbia that is known for its ancient Haida culture and stunning natural beauty. The islands are home to several Haida village sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SGang Gwaay, as well as abundant wildlife and pristine wilderness areas.

Industries British Columbia is Known For

British Columbia’s economy is diverse and relies on a variety of industries, including forestry, mining, agriculture, technology, film, and tourism. The province is rich in natural resources and has a thriving tourism industry, which supports many small businesses and provides employment opportunities for people in a variety of sectors.

Forestry

Forestry has been a cornerstone of BC’s economy for over a century. The province’s vast forests provide a renewable source of wood and pulp that is used for construction, paper products, and other industrial applications. The forestry industry is a major employer in many rural communities throughout the province and is a significant contributor to the provincial economy. BC has implemented sustainable forestry practices to ensure the long-term viability of the industry.

Agriculture

Agriculture is an important industry in British Columbia, with a diverse range of crops grown throughout the province, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and livestock. The Okanagan Valley is one of the most productive agricultural regions in Canada, known for its orchards and vineyards. The agriculture industry in BC provides employment opportunities for thousands of people and generates billions of dollars in revenue each year.

Film

BC has a thriving film industry, with Vancouver and Victoria serving as major filming locations for movies and TV shows. The province’s natural scenery and varied geography make it an attractive location for filmmakers, and the province’s generous tax incentives have made it an increasingly popular destination for film production companies. The film industry is a significant contributor to BC’s economy and provides employment opportunities for actors, crew members, and support staff.

Tourism

Tourism is a major industry in British Columbia, with millions of visitors coming to the province each year to experience its natural beauty and diverse cultural offerings. BC’s national parks, ski resorts, and coastal communities are major draws for tourists, and the province’s growing eco-tourism industry is attracting visitors who are interested in experiencing the natural world while minimizing their impact on the environment. Tourism provides employment opportunities for people in a wide range of sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and retail.

Outdoor Culture

British Columbia’s outdoor culture is deeply ingrained in the province’s identity. The region’s diverse geography and mild climate make it an ideal destination for a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and more. The province’s parks and protected areas are home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world, including glaciers, mountains, and rainforests. The outdoor culture in British Columbia is a major draw for tourists from around the world and is an important part of the province’s economy.

Skiing and Snowboarding

British Columbia is home to some of the best ski and snowboard resorts in the world, including Whistler/Blackcomb, which is consistently ranked as one of the top resorts in North America. Other popular ski resorts in BC include Big White, Sun Peaks, and Revelstoke Mountain Resort. The province’s location in the Rockies, combined with its abundant snowfall, makes it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts. In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding, BC also offers a variety of other winter activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.

Okanagan Valley

The Okanagan Valley is a region in southern British Columbia that is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and world-class vineyards. The area is home to several charming towns and cities, including Kelowna and Penticton, as well as several provincial parks and wilderness areas. Visitors to the Okanagan Valley can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, and boating, as well as wine tasting at some of the province’s best vineyards.

Discover more about cities in the Okanagan below:

Wine Vineyards

British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley is home to a rapidly growing wine industry, with more than 280 wineries in the region. The valley’s warm, dry climate and fertile soil make it an ideal location for growing a wide variety of grapes, including Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. The region is also home to a number of boutique wineries that specialize in unique blends and varietals. Wine tours are a popular activity in the Okanagan Valley, and many wineries offer tastings, vineyard tours, and other events throughout the year. The wine industry in British Columbia is a significant contributor to the province’s economy and is rapidly gaining recognition on the international stage.

BC Trees

British Columbia’s abundant forests are a key part of the province’s natural heritage, providing important ecosystem services as well as wood products for domestic and international markets. The province’s forestry industry is highly regulated to ensure sustainable management practices, including replanting and biodiversity conservation.

Summer Wildfires

British Columbia is prone to wildfires during the summer months, particularly in areas with hot and dry weather conditions. These wildfires can be devastating, causing significant damage to homes, forests, and wildlife habitat. The province has implemented a variety of measures to reduce the risk of wildfires, including forest management practices and public education campaigns.

West Coast Vibes

British Columbia’s location on the Pacific coast has helped to shape the province’s culture and way of life. The region is known for its laid-back, outdoorsy vibe and strong connection to the natural world. This connection is reflected in the province’s love of activities such as hiking, camping, surfing, and kayaking, which can be enjoyed in some of the most beautiful natural settings in the world.

BC Bud

Anyone who has ever visited BC can tell you that on the West Coast smoking marijuana is almost as common as sipping cups of coffee. British Columbia is known throughout the rest of Canada (and certainly other marijuana capitals of the world) to produce some of the highest grade cannabis. Warm weather (for Canada at least), cheap hydroelectric power and a massive influx of hippie ‘Draft-Dodgers’ during the 1970’s Vietnam War created the perfect ecosystem for cannabis production. The rest, as they say, is history.

Hotsprings

British Columbia is home to a wide variety of hot springs, many of which are located in remote and stunningly beautiful locations. These natural hot springs offer visitors a chance to relax and soak in the mineral-rich waters while taking in the surrounding scenery. Some of the most popular hot springs in BC include Harrison Hot Springs, Liard River Hot Springs, and Radium Hot Springs.

Sustainability/Green

BC is known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The province has implemented a number of innovative programs and policies to promote green energy, reduce waste, and protect natural resources. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in the province’s growing eco-tourism industry, which attracts visitors who are interested in experiencing the natural beauty of the region while minimizing their impact on the environment.

Final Thoughts

British Columbia is a diverse and beautiful province with a wealth of natural and cultural attractions. From its stunning national parks to its vibrant cities and unique cultural traditions, BC has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re interested in outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, or simply soaking up the West Coast vibe, British Columbia is a destination worth exploring.

Learn more about British Columbia here.

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