Replete with mountains, gorgeous forests, and even a coastline bordering the Pacific Ocean, it’s safe to say British Columbia is one of the best-loved vacation destinations for people who want to get back to nature. Home to skiing and glacier spotting, too, there’s lots to dig into here. If you’re planning a trip in the future, here are some fun facts about British Columbia that might inspire you.
1. It’s on the west coast of Canada.
British Columbia is a province in Canada. It is located on the west coast and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Alberta to the east, the US states of Alaska to the northwest, and Washington, Idaho, and Montana to the south.
2. Victoria is its capital city.
Victoria, not Vancouver, is the capital city of British Columbia. It is located on Vancouver Island, and is home to over 92,000 people. It’s less populated than areas such as Saanich and Kelowna.
3. Vancouver is its largest city.
Believe it or not, Vancouver – probably the best-known of British Columbia’s cities – isn’t actually the capital. However, Vancouver, situated on the mainland, is the largest city in the province and one of Canada’s most populous cities.
4. It is known for its natural beauty.
British Columbia is known for being a very naturally beautiful place! That’s largely thanks to its stunning natural landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, Pacific coastline, rainforests, and numerous lakes and rivers.
5. It has a diverse climate.
The climate in British Columbia is known for varying a lot from temperate rainforests on the coast to a more arid climate in the interior and alpine conditions in the mountainous regions. It’s a rare territory where you can go skiing in the morning and trekking through humid forests in the evening!
6. People speak multiple languages here.
English is the primary language spoken in British Columbia. However, a significant population also speaks other languages, reflecting the province’s multiculturalism. For example, you’ll find there are communities speaking French, Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, German, Farsi, Korean, Punjabi, and Cantonese!
7. It has a diverse economy.
British Columbia also has a very diverse economy with key sectors. These include natural resources (forestry, mining), technology, film and television production, tourism, and agriculture.
8. It has a big salmon industry.
British Columbia is well known for its salmon fishing industry. This is thanks to the various species of salmon migrating through its rivers. Believe it or not, it exported over $512 million worth of Atlantic salmon in 2017 alone!
9. It has a growing wine industry, too!
Believe it or not, British Columbia is also becoming well-loved for its wines! The industry is particularly bustling in the Okanagan Valley, known for its vineyards and wineries.
10. It has plenty of natural popular areas.
Stanley Park, located in Vancouver, is one of the largest urban parks in North America and a popular destination for locals and tourists. Whistler Blackcomb is another natural area near Vancouver, is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, and hosted the alpine events of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
The area also has a wealth of national and provincial parks, including Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Yoho National Park, and Garibaldi Provincial Park, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
11. It has an archipelago of its own!
The archipelago of Haida Gwaii, previously known to many as the Queen Charlotte Islands, belongs to the territory of British Columbia. Like the mainland, it plays host to some diverse ecosystems, and is home to the indigenous Haida people.
FAQs about British Columbia
What is the difference between Canada and British Columbia?
British Columbia is part of Canada. In fact, it is the most western province in the country.
What is British Columbia famous for?
British Columbia is popular for its natural beauty, countless outdoor activities, and for being a skiing haven for professionals and vacationers alike.
Is British Columbia French or English speaking?
Most people in British Columbia speak English. However, other common languages in the area include Tagalog, Spanish, French, Mandarin, Punjabi, and German.
Further reading:
https://facts.uk/tag/Canada
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/home
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/canada/british-columbia
Do you know any interesting facts about British Columbia? Share them in the comments below!