Vancouver B.C.

On their own, mountains can be majestic, and any seashore can be a place of beauty. But when mountains plunge into deep blue waters, the panorama can be breathtaking. Add in tall forests, great rivers, rare birds, whales, salmon, bears, boats and small villages, and you've got an idea of what you'll find along the west coast of British Columbia.
With these attractions, as well as the mountains, forests and lakes that lie inland, British Columbia will prove most irresistible to those travelers who love the outdoors.
But you don't have to be a wilderness kamikaze to appreciate the wonders: The province has lots of boat trips, train rides and well-maintained roads that allow you to see the sights in a good deal of comfort.

Those who have no desire to look at even a single eagle or glacier will find the cities of Victoria and, especially, Vancouver to be urban jewels almost as outstanding as the province's natural resources. Be aware, however, that these cities are still within gazing distance of the mountains and the sea: Escaping the scenery in British Columbia is no easy task.

Vancouver is Canada's emerald jewel. It's simply a beautiful place to be: From downtown you can see the blue-green Pacific Ocean, as well as glacial fjords and steep mountains capped with snow and covered in dense old-growth forest. The other reason we love Vancouver is because of its multicultural flair. The city has long been a home to people from all over the globe, especially from China and other parts of Asia.
The overall atmosphere is relaxed and outdoorsy, yet cosmopolitan:
It's the kind of place where outdoor gear shops coexist with high-fashion boutiques. Add in the city's fondness for the arts and its generally health-conscious and laid-back residents, and you've got a comfortable city that has something for nearly everyone. Only the persistent drizzle and gray skies of winter and spring keep Vancouver from being a total paradise.

GENERAL INFORMATION BRITISH COLUMBIA

Area: 892,677 sq km (344,662 sq miles).
Population: 4,096,000 (2001).
Population density: 4.6 per sq km.
Capital: Victoria.
Population capital: 304,287 (1996).
Language: Although Canada is officially bilingual (English and French), English is more commonly spoken in British Columbia.
Religion: 46.2 per cent Roman Catholic, 17.5 per cent United Church of Canada, 11.8 per cent Anglican, 24.5 per cent other Christian denominations and other religions.
Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style (flat) two-pin plugs are standard.
Time: GMT - 8. Small areas of the province near the Alberta border are GMT - 7.
Currency: Canadian Dollar (C$) = 100 cents.
Country Code: + 1 ~
IDD Access Code: 011 ~