British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia, the Canadian province that spans Washington's northern border, is known as the Gateway to the Pacific Ocean and Asian Rim. Bigger than every U.S. state except Alaska, British Columbia is home to 12% of Canada's population, totaling around five million people. The First Nations people inhabited B.C. originally, spreading throughout the region and using the abundant natural resources of the region to fish, farm, and hunt for survival. The cultural practices of the First Nations groups are still important aspects of the culture of British Columbia and there are multiple opportunities throughout the province to learn about and experience their lifestyle and culture.

British explorer James Cook charted B.C. in 1778, but Spain and Russia originally lay claim to the region. The British established Fort Victoria in 1843 at the site of the present-day capital city. Vancouver Island became a British colony six years later. Mainland British Columbia experienced slower population growth during this time, due much in part to its vast, uncharted territories. However, in the early 1850's, the discovery of gold led to the sudden and dramatic transformation of the mainland. The British crown welcomed Mainland British Columbia as a colony two years later. Vancouver Island and Mainland British Columbia were united under the Imperial Act of 1866 with Victoria as the capital. British Columbia joined the Canadian Confederation upon the promise of construction of a trans-continental railroad that would unite British Columbia with the rest of Canada. This railroad is still in use today. Over the next several decades, British Columbia established the borders of its new province - the U.S designated the San Juan Islands as US territory in 1872 and declared the Alaskan boundary in 1903.

The weather in British Columbia is temperate and dry during the summers, with Vancouver Island boasting the lowest rainfall on the west coast. In the wintertime, there is plenty of snow in the mountains and in the north for winter sports enthusiasts throughout the region. There are six distinct geographical regions in British Columbia:

Northern British Columbia boasts some of the best natural wonders of the area. Drive along the Alaska Highway, take in the awesome views of the Inside Passage, or enjoy numerous wilderness parks that boast excellent fishing or boating opportunities. There are also a few First Nations villages in the region to visit as well.

The Vancouver Coast has wonderful beaches, including the Sunshine Coast, which is a popular tourist getaway. White-water rafting is also a popular sport along the coast.

Another fun section of British Columbia is Thompson Okanagan. As the wine country of the province, there are ample lakes and orchards, not to mention numerous vineyards. Golf and skiing are popular sports.

Moving on to the Kootenay Rockies, the real outdoor adventures begin. With hot springs and ghost towns, this is an area able to be enjoyed during summer or winter. Summer days allow for wonderful hiking and wilderness sightings, while winter opens up the area for skiing and other winter sports.

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is also another important area of the province. Known as rodeo country, this area has several historic landmarks of the Gold Rush Trail, plenty of camping choices, and beautiful lakes.

Vancouver Island is fun place to escape to by ferry from Seattle, Anacortes, or Tsawwassen BC just north of the border crossing at Blaine, WA. Enjoy some whale watching, fishing, golfing, or spend some time island hopping or visiting Victoria, BC's capital.

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