British Columbia: A Virtual Paradise  

Located on the west coast of Canada, British Columbia is the third largest province in the country. Although two-thirds of British Columbia is covered with forest, do not let that fool you: the cities and towns of this region are exciting and versatile. No matter which community you visit, you can find opportunities to indulge in indoor and outdoor activities of every kind. Indeed, the challenge in British Columbia is not figuring out what do to, but how to do it all.

With its mild climate, British Columbia has become a virtual paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Cycle, hike, camp, kayak, golf, ski and snowboard - the recreational activities are endless and you can enjoy them nearly all year long.

Vancouver Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations as the region boasts one of the world's most diverse ecosystems. Imagine being able to walk through rainforests, marshes, beaches, and mountains all in one day. Take your adventure one step further by catching a ferry to some of the world's premier locations for whale watching, birding, as well as salmon and trout fishing.

The beauty and tranquility of British Columbia’s numerous provincial parks and lush gardens has long been a draw for artists and tourists from across the globe. The gardens and city parks of the province's southern regions boast spectacular displays of flowers and green space - some of which are world famous like Victoria's Butchart Gardens and Stanley Park in Vancouver.

Looking for culture? Visit Victoria and witness an impressive display of carefully preserved historical architecture. Catch a flight to Vancouver and find out first hand why this city continually receives international recognition as one of the most exciting destinations in North America.

From costal arts communities, to heritage and culture sites, to cosmopolitan cities, British Columbia offers unmatched variety.

Holidays:
  • Jan. 1: New Year’s Day
  • April 9: Good Friday
  • April 11: Easter Sunday
  • May 24 (or closest prior Mon.): Victoria Day
  • July 1: British Columbia Day
  • Sept. (1st Mon.): Labour Day
  • Oct. (2nd Mon.): Thanksgiving
  • Nov. 11: Remembrance Day
  • Dec. 25: Christmas Day
  • Dec. 26: Boxing Day
Further Information for Visitors:
http://www.hellobc.com/
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Fast Facts
Population: 3,907,738
Size: 944,735 sq. km. (364, 762 sq. mil.); ranks 5th
Capital City: Victoria
Time Zone(s): Mountain/Pacific, DST in portions of the province
Minimum Age for Unrestricted Driver’s License: 16 years, 3 months
Minimum Age for Gambling: 19
Alcohol Consumption: Legal age is 19
Taxes: British Columbia’s provincial sales tax is 7.5 percent. There is also a provincial room tax of 8 percent to 10 percent on lodgings. A 7 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) is also levied.
Highest Point: 4,663 m/15,295 ft., Mount Fairweather
Lowest Point: Sea Level, Pacific Ocean  
  External links
  British Columbia
865, Hornby Street ­ 8 th Floor, Vancouver,
British Columbia V6Z 2G3
1 800-663-6000

http://www.hellobc.com/


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