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.
Breathtaking Beauty and Adventure along the Canadian Pacific Coast
Vancouver Island lies to the west of the Canadian mainland where the nation touches the United States. Coming into Port Angeles from the west, Vancouver Island lies on the left representing Canada, and Washington State is on the right. The island's close proximity to the mainland allows the west side more aptly to serve as the Canadian coast.
Located on the island, Strathcona Provincial Park is the oldest one in British Columbia. The island and park are frequented by hikers and mountain climbers, along with swimmers, kayakers, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The Elk River Mountains are located within the park and they are a scenic part of the glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls. Della Falls is the highest in Canada at almost 1450 feet.
Victoria, which is the southernmost city in Canada, is located on Vancouver Island. The city has approximately 80,000 residents, but the immediate area is home to over 300,000. Victoria is also the capital of British Columbia. Traveling through Port Angeles leads to the Salish Sea, which separates the island from the mainland cities of Surrey, Richmond, and Vancouver.
Further north, the island group Haida Gwaii is the second largest island mass on Canada's Pacific coast. Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve is located at the southern end. There are 138 islands under the umbrella of Haida Gwaii. The largest island is Moresby Island. At one time, the group was called the Queen Charlotte Islands.
North of the Vancouver area, a large portion of the land is taken up with Provincial Parks and protected areas. Much of British Columbia's coast is made up of islands and areas separated by waterways. Accessibility of many of these areas is by boat or light aircraft.
Sights and Attractions of Canada's Pacific Coast
At first glance, it might seem that British Columbia has little more than parks and farmland, but there is much more. Beautiful mountains and endless beaches represent the travel brochures for the area, but you can also find historic sites, markets, museums, amusement parks, galleries, sports stadiums, and casinos.
Urban Areas
Vancouver is the largest city and surrounded by suburbs of Surrey, Burnaby, West Vancouver, and Richmond. It represents all the attractions and activities you could want in a highly populated area. If you look for art exhibitions or galleries, theatres, opera, science centers, libraries, zoos, or just metropolitan shopping, Vancouver has what you need.
Okanagan Valley
Wine lovers will be very impressed with the Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. It contains an educational center and an underground wine cellar. From the moment you pass through the arched entryway, you will know you are in a special place. Features include a 12-story bell tower and an outdoor amphitheatre.
The valley is home to more than 80 vineyards and their wineries. Most wine related areas are around Summerland, Osoyoos, Westbank, Penticton, and Naramata.
Traveling in Canada from the U.S. is a simple matter as long as visitors are honest about their purposes for entering the country. No passport is necessary due to the excellent relationship between the two countries.
Tourists should plan their visits so they are sure to have accommodations. Travel to some areas requires significant preplanning to avoid time-consuming delays, so travel assistance is highly recommended.
Travel Tips
Long Term Airport Parkin Deals for Week or more: Airport hotels will oftentimes offer one, two or even 3 weeks free parking with a single night stay on departure. Call the airport hotel reception desk direct and ask for the best park & fly deal for your circumstances. You must deal direct with the airport hotel - NOT the 800 toll free reservation center. I was recently quoted $235 for 16 days in non-covered airport parking lot. I called direct to airport hotels offering parking deals and ended up with nice room for rest before flight, free airport shuttle and 16 days free parking for $139!!!
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.
