Travel to Canada and and discover British Columbia. Explore the popular coastal attractions of British Columbia - a magnificent ode to the outdoors. Cycle, hike, camp, kayak, golf, ski and snowboard - the recreation activities are endless and you can indulge in them nearly all year long. In fact, the mild climate is such that you can often accomplish a "West Coast" special: ski in the morning, then golf or sail in the afternoon.
Canada is served by Quebec International Airport (YQB ) in Quebec, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in British Columbia, Victoria International Airport (YYJ) in British Columbia and several others which may be found in our Airports & Airlines section. Quebec and British Columbia are served by all major airlines. Visit our Airports & Airlines section for more information.
Explore Vancouver Island. The island is anchored by Victoria, the province's capital and a city that pays tribute to its English heritage through architecture, shops and the tradition of high tea. The western coast towns of Vancouver Island are of a breathtaking, untamed beauty, with communities boasting easy access to hiking, wildlife viewing -particularly whale watching- and kayaking. Some of the best fishing (appropriate license(s) required) and warmest swimming waters can be found in communities on the island's eastern shores.
The cities and towns of this region have it all: the energy, multiculturalism, arts and culture, shopping, dining, professional sports and luxuries of sophisticated city living as well as easy access to the parks, ocean and mountains of major outdoor recreation centers.
No matter which community you visit, you'll find opportunities to indulge in indoor and outdoor activities of every kind. Immerse yourself in Asian culture and cuisine. Explore thriving coastal arts communities. Experience westcoast gourmet dining. Visit fascinating museums and heritage sites. Enjoy world-class skiing and mountain-biking at Whistler and on Vancouver's North Shore mountains.
Visit Hello BC, the official state tourism site for British Columbia or Explore Travel Canada, the official tourism guide for Canada.
Passport, Visa & Embassy Informatoin
From USA: Although a passport is the ideal identification, you do not need a passport or visa to enter Canada. Just make sure you carry identification to establish your citizenship such as a Birth Certificate and least one ID card with photo. If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, you should carry this certificate. Permanent residents of the U.S.A. must bring their "Green Card".
From Europe: European passport holders do not require a visa to visit Canada. All you need is a valid passport, a return ticket and sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependents during your stay in Canada. European visitors to Canada who wish to also visit the United States must possess valid passports to be admitted; residents of Portugal are further required to have a visa. Find out more about Canada immigration.
Canada maintains an Embassy in the United States at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001 (tel. 202-682-1740).
The U.S. Embassy in Canada is located at 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1G8 (tel. 613-238-5335).
Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings also are available on the Consular Affairs Internet home page: http://travel.state.gov. Consular Affairs Tips for Travelers publication series, which contain information on obtaining passports and planning a safe trip abroad, are on the Internet and hard copies can be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, telephone: 202-512-1800; fax 202-512-2250.
Travelers can check the latest health information with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. A hotline at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) and a web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm give the most recent health advisories, immunization recommendations or requirements, and advice on food and drinking water safety for regions and countries.
U.S. citizens who are long-term visitors or traveling in dangerous areas are encouraged to register their travel via the State Department’s travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov or at the Consular section of the U.S. embassy upon arrival in a country by filling out a short form and sending in a copy of their passports. This may help family members contact you in case of an emergency.
