Explore a destination located in British Columbia, Canada
British Columbia is located on the western side of Canada. The Rocky Mountains take up a large portion of the southeastern side of the province and include Vancouver Island on the west coast. The vegetation in British Columbia is primarily dominated by coniferous forests, though there are plains and mountains within its limits as well.[6] Many woodland animals live in these places including bears, wolves, deer, moose, and more.[5] The capital of British Colombia is Victoria, which is found on the southern end of Vancouver Island, and the most populated city in the province is Vancouver.[2] There are a wide variety of cultures that have influenced the creation of British Columbia. The First Nations were various tribes that lived in the region before the European settlers, and there are still many places that uphold their culture.[8] The 2010 Winter Olympics were held in the city of Vancouver, and Whistler was one of the mountains that hosted the downhill ski events.[1]
British Columbia is estimated to have over 5 million people living within its boundaries. There has been a steady increase of 5% - 7% to the population every five years, starting from 2001.[2] The province is found on the west coast and is also considered part of the Pacific Northwest. Two states of The United States of America are also part of the Pacific Northwest, namely Washington and Oregon. British Columbia is the westernmost province of the country and is flanked by the Pacific Ocean to the west and Alberta to the east. The Northwest Territories and Yukon are located to the north, the US state of Alaska is found to the northwest, and the US states of Montana, Idaho, and Washington meet British Columbia on its southern border.[12]
Before it was called British Columbia, it was broken into smaller parts. The southern part of the area was named after the Columbia River and was simply called "Columbia." The central area was called "New Caledonia" by an explorer who went by the name of Simon Fraser. There were already places with the same or similar names, such as Colombia in South America and an island in the Pacific Ocean called New Caledonia. So, when the British Columbia area became a colony in 1858, Queen Victoria called it British Columbia. The city of Victoria, the state capital, is also named after Queen Victoria.[11]
There is an abundance of mountains in British Columbia that offer winter sports on their slopes. Of these many mountains, Whistler Mountain is perhaps the most popular and well-known. Back in 2010, the Winter Olympic Games were held in Vancouver. Whistler's ski resort was able to host the downhill ski events while the games were taking place. For those that are unable to or don't want to ski or snowboard down the mountain, there are other activities available at Whistler Mountain. Peak 2 Peak Gondola is a gondola ride that takes riders between the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. If there isn't enough snow on the ground for winter sports, visitors can find hiking trails, mountain biking trails, golfing, and more. Whistler Village is a town approximately two-hour drive from Vancouver and offers hotels, upscale shopping, and fine dining.[1]
Vancouver Island is another attraction that is located in British Columbia. On the western side of the province, one can find small towns, as well as the capital of the province, Victoria. The beaches of Vancouver Island offer surfing, which can be done year-round, and visitors can spend time at the town of Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park. Tofino is located at the edge of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. As a small tourist town, many visitors tend to find things to do in the surrounding area like camping near the oceanfront, hiking through the forests or along the beaches, and taking tours of the area, including whale watching.[1]
British Columbia has a mountainous region across most of the land within its borders, while a plateau rests in between the two mountain ranges in the east and west. The northeastern side of the province is more level and has more forested areas. In places like Vancouver, the summers tend to be short and comfortable with a few clouds, while the winters can be long, cold, and wet with much more cloud coverage. The temperatures tend to vary between 35 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit, about 1.6 to 22.7 degrees Celsius, throughout the year. For the city of Vancouver, it is rare that temperatures drop below 24 degrees Fahrenheit, -4.4 degrees Celsius, or go above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, about 26.6 degrees Celsius. The hottest month of the year is typically July and the coldest month of the year is usually December. According to Weather Spark, the best time for people to visit the area tends to be mid-July through late August.[3]
Much of the vegetation that grows naturally in the province is capable of withstanding the average temperatures in the summers and the frigid temperatures in the winter, which is especially true for the plants that grow in higher elevations. Coniferous forests are the most common type of biome in British Columbia and can be found at various elevations, both higher and lower. Western hemlock and western redcedar are most often found in the low and medium heights. Douglas-fir, western larch, and grand fir are several trees that grow primarily in the higher elevations. Trembling aspen are among the most common tree species in the deciduous forest. Aspen stands are the most common tree in the plateaus and are not usually seen at higher elevations. The lower elevations, such as in the grasslands, have many shrubs growing throughout the land. In the drier areas, big sagebrush and rabbit-brush are easier to find, and in the north, one can encounter dwarf evergreen shrubs and Labrador tea.[6]
Due to the elevation differences between the mountains and plateaus, there are a wide variety of animals that can be found. Commonly found in many areas, regardless of the elevation difference, are deer, elk, marmots, and groundhogs. However, there is a more considerable disparity between the kinds of animals that are found in certain areas. Moose are large, forest-dwelling animals that are most often found in the northern forests and at higher elevations. Bears are also more common in dense and more mountainous areas. Wolves, lynxes, and cougars tend to be where there are an immense amount of trees and a cooler climate. There are many animals that can be found on and off the province's west coast. Harbor seals can be found resting on beaches, rocks, and even glacier ice when they aren't hunting for food in the water. There are also a variety of whales that migrate through the waters off the coast of British Columbia. Gray Whales are known for approaching whale-watching boats out of curiosity. Humpback whales are another type of whale that can be seen from boats further out in the harbor. Dolphins, such as the northern right-whale dolphin and killer whales, inhabit the waters as well.[5]
The early civilizations consisted of Indian peoples that numbered about 80,000 living in what is now known as British Columbia. Some of the tribes and nations that lived in the area include Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, Tsimshian, and Haida. These peoples had established along the coast and in the plains of the area and learned how to utilize the products they hunted and gathered from both the sea and mountains. They were expert fishermen, using nets, hooks, and are known even to hunt whales. The clothing they wore was often made from the skins of animals in the area and kept themselves warm with blankets made from woven wool of mountain goats. The people that lived in the area often traded with their neighbors. Many of the things they exchanged included elk hides, furs, shells, candlefish oil, copper, and more.[4]
It wasn't until the late 18th century that European travelers first began exploring what is now British Columbia. One of the first recorded fleet of ships to visit the coast was from Spain in 1774. Not long after, a British explorer named James Cook came through on a personal quest to find the Northwest Passage. When it became more common knowledge that the Indians had an abundant amount of trade in furs, British and American traders began arriving to trade with them for one of the most prized pelts in the area: sea otter pelts. Later, Great Britain sent a navigator by the name of George Vancouver, who managed to circumnavigate and chart the whole coastline of what is now Vancouver Island.[4] He was also able to successfully create a trading relationship with the Nuu-chah-nulth tribe.[8]
Before European Settlers came to British Columbia, the First Nations lived in relative peace for hundreds of years. Long ago, the First Nations lived together in harmony. Then everything changed when the Europeans arrived. The fur-trading businesses were very successful, although they weren't the main reason people began arriving. In 1858, The Fraser Canyon gold rush occurred, and in 1862, the Cariboo gold rush started. It was when these gold rushes came into fruition that British Columbia saw a massive increase in the population. Many aspects of the history are depicted and can be seen at the Royal British Columbia Museum.[8]
There are a wide variety of successful businesses that are based in British Columbia. A majority of the companies are part of the natural resources industry, with the next most common type of business being in manufacturing and transportation. Telus Corp. is a corporation that is worth 16.5 billion dollars in revenue.[7] Telus has operated since 1906 and started out as a public company before being privatized in the 1990s. The company changed its name to Telus Corporation, or Telus Corp., in 1996. They primarily serve in the Telecommunication and Information Technology Industry. Over the years, there has been an expansion to cover health solutions, real estate, and financial solutions.[9] Another successful company that is headquartered in British Columbia is called Jim Pattison Group. The Jim Pattison Group has a diverse amount of influence in many different industries, including media, food sales and distribution, entertainment, magazine distribution, and more.[10] Based in Vancouver, the company has made about 12.7 billion dollars in revenue.[7]
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Explore a property in British Columbia
The Peachland Eagles Nest Bed and Breakfast is located in Peachland, British Columbia. The property looks out over the Okanagan Lake and backs up to the bush country of British Columbia. There are four separate rentals at the bed and breakfast. Orchard House can sleep up to seven people and is separate from the rest of the suites. The Treehouse and Blue Horizon Suites are in the same house but on different levels. Each suite has a private entrance, full kitchen, and private deck with views of the nearby villages, forest, and lake. The property is open year-round, with a rise in guests during the summer months. Children are only permitted at Orchard House and the glamping site on the property. There is ample parking on the two-acre property, with space for additional cars and boat trailers.
Learn MoreNosy Point is located on Pender Island in British Columbia, Canada. Three rooms can be used by those who would like to stay at the property, all of which are on the home's second floor and accessible by a separate guest entrance. The bed and breakfast encompasses three acres in total, and the grounds are characteristic of gardens, a small pond, and an abundance of trees that surround the building. A lawn is available for guests to utilize, and one of the owners, Stephen, says that the trees open up there, which provide a view of the bay for those lounging on the grass. The owners hope their patrons feel relaxed and valued while staying with them, and they strive to help them by providing recommendations for things to do in the area. The owners also hope to anticipate the needs of their guests and they strive to keep the property up-to-date and accommodating for visitors.
Learn MoreBostrom's Bed and Breakfast is located in Ucluelet, British Columbia. The establishment has been in operation since 2004, under the management of Judy Bostrom. There are three units on-site, including the Wild Room, the Trail Suite, and the Pacific Room. Ucluelet is a district municipality that means "people of the safe harbor" in the Nootka language. It sits at around 1,700 residents as of 2016.
Learn MoreThe bed and breakfast, known as 4 Beaches Bed & Breakfast, is located outside of the town of Sooke, British Columbia, which is found on the southern end of Vancouver Island in Canada. The two guestrooms, Sandcut Beach Suite and China Beach Suite, are available for reservation from March to December. An informational sheet and a list of restaurants can be found in the rooms when occupants arrive. Breakfast is provided to patrons every morning. The business is located near several beaches, and there are various companies that offer tours of the area and can rent out equipment to visitors, such as kayaks, paddle boards, and bicycles. Walking trails, including Whiffin Spit, can also be found in the vicinity. One of the suites at the bed and breakfast is pet-friendly, though there is an extra fee for patrons that bring their dogs. The owners, Alison and Pat, have been running the bed and breakfast since 2014.
Learn MoreNoble House Suites is found against the Granby River at the edge of Grand Forks, British Columbia, close to the Canada-U.S. border. The bed and breakfast is unique for its range of activities as guests can access the above-ground pool or hot tub, use the movie theater, play table tennis, bocce ball, foosball, and about 150 board games. They can hike, swim, or fish around the river next to the property. Noble House Suites is also an hour away from three large ski resorts and 12 miles from Christina Lake, a common boating destination in British Columbia. Grand Forks was formerly a mining area and one of the sites at which the Doukhobors settled upon their arrival from Russia.
Learn MoreThe Montana Hills Guest Ranch is located in the forests of British Columbia, Canada. The property has been functioning as a guest ranch since 2017, under the direction of owners Al and Elaine Dillabaugh. The property sits on 137 acres of land and has 5 cabins for patrons to stay in. Open year-round, the ranch has many different activities depending on the season, including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ATVing, and horseback riding. Each cabin has a queen-sized bed as well as a pull-out double bed. They also have private hot tubs on their patios and kitchenettes. Upon arrival, there are farm-fresh eggs from the chickens on the property. Due to the secluded area surrounding the property, owners recommend that guests bring their own food with them.
Learn MoreCormier Studio Bed and Breakfast
The Cormier's Studio Bed and Breakfast is located in Penticton, British Columbia. This ninety-mile valley is filled with over three hundred wineries and orchards. The bed and breakfast is a two-story building with all of the guest rooms on the entry-level. The building was remodeled in 2019 and features modern architecture. Three rooms are available for reservation at Cormier's Studio Bed and Breakfast. Breakfast is brought to the guest's room every morning with coffee and pastries. There is a two-night minimum at each room in Cormier's Studio Bed and Breakfast.
Learn MoreA View to Remember Bed and Breakfast
A View to Remember Bed and Breakfast is a house in a residential part of West Kelowna, British Columbia. The home sits on a ridge overlooking Lake Okanagan and several vineyards below. The bed and breakfast has three suites for visitors to rent, each decorated and color-coded according to its theme. Standard amenities include ensuite bathrooms, sitting areas, TVs, refrigerators, irons, and ironing boards. The house also has a deck, patio, and gazebo, with spaces to sit and see the views of the area. Various wineries are within a 20-minute walk of the bed and breakfast; some are across the street or around the corner. Additionally, Lake Okanagan is commonly visited to participate in aquatic activities, and several locations around the lake offer boat rentals. Other attractions include Lake Okanagan beaches, restaurants, and farmers' markets.
Learn MoreMoney Pennies Bed and Breakfast
Money Pennies Bed and Breakfast, located in Campbell River, British Columbia, has two guestrooms available throughout the year. Each of the rooms has an en-suite bathroom, one with a walk-in shower and the other with a bathtub and shower. The owner, Lorrie, describes the interior of the home as "modern," with each of the rooms having a different theme. The exterior of the bed and breakfast features a covered patio area where guests can watch the sunset over the mountains. Breakfast is occasionally served on the patio, but more often in the dining room inside the home. Breakfast varies each day and includes fresh fruit, yogurt, juice, and guests' choice of coffee or tea. According to Lorrie, her blueberry pancakes have proven to be quite popular among visitors.
Learn MoreAshby House Bed & Breakfast is in northwest Vancouver, British Columbia, in the heart of Vancouver’s downtown peninsula. It is within a ten-minute walk of the central business district, Stanley Park, Coal Harbour, English Bay, the ferry to Granville Island, and Science World. The home is located in a heritage area of Vancouver and is within minutes of several local restaurants. Ashby House Bed & Breakfast is a four-story Victorian-era home with three year-round accommodations and a fourth one that opens during the summer. The property owner, Robin Richardson, engages in several community events from his bed and breakfast, such as assembling a pirate ship on his front porch for trick-or-treaters on Halloween or setting up lights on Christmas, Valentine's Day, Canada Day, and other holidays.
Learn MoreA View of the Lake Bed and Breakfast
A View of the Lake Bed and Breakfast is an adults-only establishment located in Kelowna, British Columbia, on a hill overlooking both the city and Okanagan Lake, as the name would suggest. There are a total of four suites that guests can reserve, with the most popular being the Grand View Suite due to its panoramic views. Each room features Wi-Fi connectivity, an en suite bathroom, and a 500-square-foot living area with chairs to sit in. Breakfast is served each morning by Steve, one of the owners of the bed and breakfast, who is an executive chef. This breakfast contains three courses and is often directly mentioned in guest reviews of the bed and breakfast. Chrissy, the house’s other owner, says that many guests have come for activities in the area, such as visiting local wineries, hiking on nearby trails, or going out on Okanagan Lake.
Learn MoreLakeside Country Inn is a bed and breakfast in Savona, British Columbia, on the edge of Kamloops Lake. The inn offers nine guest accommodations. The rooms are located on three floors of the house, and almost all have views of the lake from private balconies, while others have bedrooms separate from their kitchenettes. All units have bar fridges, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. An optional continental breakfast is available for visitors, who can lounge in the backyard at the seating areas or on the dock. People can swim or fish at Kamloops Lake or walk along the shore. Some area attractions include Tobiano Golf Course, Mt. Paul Golf Course, Deadman Valley, and Savona Balancing Rock, as well as places to bird-watch or learn about the region's history.
Learn MoreAlexandria House Bed and Breakfast
Alexandria House Bed & Breakfast is located in West Kelowna and is found close to Okanagan Lake and Shannon Lake. There are two rooms that can be reserved throughout the year, though if one is committed by a group, the other one is unavailable until the claimed suite is no longer in use. Breakfast is provided to guests each morning. A few other amenities located on the property include a hot tub, gazebo, and patio. Shannon Lake is found nearby and allows patrons to go fishing and boating as well. The owners of the business would like their visitors to feel “at home.” Suzanne, one of the owners, explains that the bed and breakfast is “adult-oriented” and typically does not have any features that children would be able to use. Suzanne and her husband opened the business in 2000 and have been running it ever since.
Learn MoreCobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guesthouses & Suites
Cobble Wood & Bird Sanctuary Guesthouses & Suites, located in Tofino, British Columbia, offers accommodations across multiple buildings. Each unit has a different layout, some with kitchenettes and others with full kitchens. The owner of the property reports that the most popular unit is a two-bedroom suite, providing around 1,200 square feet of living space. Communal amenities include barbecues, garden areas, and a fire pit. The property's gardens attract a variety of birds. Ken, the owner, says they try to prioritize a "home away from home" experience. Positioned away from the highway, the property is generally close to local attractions. Its history dates back to a community-driven effort in the late 1990s and early 2000s to transform an old sawmill site into a residential community. Ken has played a role in the guesthouse's development since 2000, as he was previously a contractor. Future plans focus on maintaining the property's integrity and preserving its peaceful ambiance.
Learn MoreMisty Meadows Bed and Breakfast
Misty Meadows Bed and Breakfast is a rural property located about a 20-minute drive from Victoria, British Columbia. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, namely kayaking, hiking, and whale watching. According to Cathy, one of the owners, the bed and breakfast is "family-friendly," with policies in place that intend to "ensure a quiet and respectful atmosphere." Guests have mentioned that breakfast is a highlight of the stay, with a menu of organic produce and a variety of dishes that cater to different dietary restrictions. The property is relatively close to attractions such as Butchart Gardens and the West Coast Trail.
Learn MoreCrystal's View Vancouver Bed and Breakfast
Crystal's View Bed and Breakfast is located in North Vancouver, featuring an ocean view of the Vancouver Harbor and downtown Vancouver. The bed and breakfast has been operating for approximately 26 years under the management of Crystal, who is also the property's original owner. Crystal's View Bed and Breakfast is a boutique-style hotel with three suites available for guests. Common areas such as the dining room, living room, and garden with a gazebo are available for guests to lounge in during their stay. As mentioned by the owner, Crystal, the property strives to provide its visitors with a "five-star, tranquil, relaxing" atmosphere in the city of North Vancouver.
Learn MoreBirds of a Feather Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast & Vacation Rental
Rising Moon Bed and Breakfast, Tomslake, British Columbia
The Peachland Eagles Nest Bed and Breakfast is located in Peachland, British Columbia. The property looks out over the Okanagan Lake and backs up to the bush country of British Columbia. There are four separate rentals at the bed and breakfast. Orchard House can sleep up to seven people and is separate from the rest of the suites. The Treehouse and Blue Horizon Suites are in the same house but on different levels. Each suite has a private entrance, full kitchen, and private deck with views of the nearby villages, forest, and lake. The property is open year-round, with a rise in guests during the summer months. Children are only permitted at Orchard House and the glamping site on the property. There is ample parking on the two-acre property, with space for additional cars and boat trailers.
Learn MoreNosy Point is located on Pender Island in British Columbia, Canada. Three rooms can be used by those who would like to stay at the property, all of which are on the home's second floor and accessible by a separate guest entrance. The bed and breakfast encompasses three acres in total, and the grounds are characteristic of gardens, a small pond, and an abundance of trees that surround the building. A lawn is available for guests to utilize, and one of the owners, Stephen, says that the trees open up there, which provide a view of the bay for those lounging on the grass. The owners hope their patrons feel relaxed and valued while staying with them, and they strive to help them by providing recommendations for things to do in the area. The owners also hope to anticipate the needs of their guests and they strive to keep the property up-to-date and accommodating for visitors.
Learn MoreBostrom's Bed and Breakfast is located in Ucluelet, British Columbia. The establishment has been in operation since 2004, under the management of Judy Bostrom. There are three units on-site, including the Wild Room, the Trail Suite, and the Pacific Room. Ucluelet is a district municipality that means "people of the safe harbor" in the Nootka language. It sits at around 1,700 residents as of 2016.
Learn MoreThe bed and breakfast, known as 4 Beaches Bed & Breakfast, is located outside of the town of Sooke, British Columbia, which is found on the southern end of Vancouver Island in Canada. The two guestrooms, Sandcut Beach Suite and China Beach Suite, are available for reservation from March to December. An informational sheet and a list of restaurants can be found in the rooms when occupants arrive. Breakfast is provided to patrons every morning. The business is located near several beaches, and there are various companies that offer tours of the area and can rent out equipment to visitors, such as kayaks, paddle boards, and bicycles. Walking trails, including Whiffin Spit, can also be found in the vicinity. One of the suites at the bed and breakfast is pet-friendly, though there is an extra fee for patrons that bring their dogs. The owners, Alison and Pat, have been running the bed and breakfast since 2014.
Learn MoreNoble House Suites is found against the Granby River at the edge of Grand Forks, British Columbia, close to the Canada-U.S. border. The bed and breakfast is unique for its range of activities as guests can access the above-ground pool or hot tub, use the movie theater, play table tennis, bocce ball, foosball, and about 150 board games. They can hike, swim, or fish around the river next to the property. Noble House Suites is also an hour away from three large ski resorts and 12 miles from Christina Lake, a common boating destination in British Columbia. Grand Forks was formerly a mining area and one of the sites at which the Doukhobors settled upon their arrival from Russia.
Learn MoreThe Montana Hills Guest Ranch is located in the forests of British Columbia, Canada. The property has been functioning as a guest ranch since 2017, under the direction of owners Al and Elaine Dillabaugh. The property sits on 137 acres of land and has 5 cabins for patrons to stay in. Open year-round, the ranch has many different activities depending on the season, including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ATVing, and horseback riding. Each cabin has a queen-sized bed as well as a pull-out double bed. They also have private hot tubs on their patios and kitchenettes. Upon arrival, there are farm-fresh eggs from the chickens on the property. Due to the secluded area surrounding the property, owners recommend that guests bring their own food with them.
Learn MoreCormier Studio Bed and Breakfast
The Cormier's Studio Bed and Breakfast is located in Penticton, British Columbia. This ninety-mile valley is filled with over three hundred wineries and orchards. The bed and breakfast is a two-story building with all of the guest rooms on the entry-level. The building was remodeled in 2019 and features modern architecture. Three rooms are available for reservation at Cormier's Studio Bed and Breakfast. Breakfast is brought to the guest's room every morning with coffee and pastries. There is a two-night minimum at each room in Cormier's Studio Bed and Breakfast.
Learn MoreA View to Remember Bed and Breakfast
A View to Remember Bed and Breakfast is a house in a residential part of West Kelowna, British Columbia. The home sits on a ridge overlooking Lake Okanagan and several vineyards below. The bed and breakfast has three suites for visitors to rent, each decorated and color-coded according to its theme. Standard amenities include ensuite bathrooms, sitting areas, TVs, refrigerators, irons, and ironing boards. The house also has a deck, patio, and gazebo, with spaces to sit and see the views of the area. Various wineries are within a 20-minute walk of the bed and breakfast; some are across the street or around the corner. Additionally, Lake Okanagan is commonly visited to participate in aquatic activities, and several locations around the lake offer boat rentals. Other attractions include Lake Okanagan beaches, restaurants, and farmers' markets.
Learn MoreMoney Pennies Bed and Breakfast
Money Pennies Bed and Breakfast, located in Campbell River, British Columbia, has two guestrooms available throughout the year. Each of the rooms has an en-suite bathroom, one with a walk-in shower and the other with a bathtub and shower. The owner, Lorrie, describes the interior of the home as "modern," with each of the rooms having a different theme. The exterior of the bed and breakfast features a covered patio area where guests can watch the sunset over the mountains. Breakfast is occasionally served on the patio, but more often in the dining room inside the home. Breakfast varies each day and includes fresh fruit, yogurt, juice, and guests' choice of coffee or tea. According to Lorrie, her blueberry pancakes have proven to be quite popular among visitors.
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