5 Fun Facts about British Columbia
1. MOUNTAINS OF MOUNTAINS:
Vibrant rainforests, craggy mountain peaks, glacial lakes and an expansive coastline make British Columbia a playground for nature lovers.
Given its varied terrain, British Columbia has long been enjoyed for pursuits like hiking and camping, watersports, rock climbing and skiing.
2. WONDROUS WILDLIFE:
By land and sea,British Columbia is amazingly ecologically diverse. The forests are home to grizzly and other bears, including the elusive white Kermode (Spirit) bear, as well as bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elks, wolves, cougars,eagles, moose, and caribou.
On the coast, harbour seals and river otters are common and Cetacean species native to the coast include the orca, humpback whale, grey whale, harbour porpoise, Dall’s porpoise, Pacific white-sided dolphin and minke whale.
3. SPAWNING SALMON
Salmon are a nourishing source for the whole British Columbia ecosystem and the annual spawning cycle of rebirth is a natural wonder that plays out across the province.
Known as the ‘Salmon Run’, millions of adult salmon attempt the precarious swim upstream returning to where they were born in order to spawn the next generation, leaping and frolicking, and attracting predators such as grizzly bears and eagles along the way.
4. TOWERING TOTEMS:
Towering totems, ceremonial regalia, salmon feasts, and contemporary art—these are all part of the province’s Indigenous heritage. With more than 200 distinct First Nations, British Columbia is the most diverse province in Canada for Indigenous Peoples.
Throughout BC, galleries, studios, cultural centres, and First Nations-run
hotels and resorts offer insights into these ancient cultures. Wildlife viewing
tours and cultural experiences led by Indigenous knowledge keepers are among
the most exciting activities. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler,
the Haida Heritage Centre in Haida Gwaii, and Museum of Anthropology in
Vancouver are popular attractions.
5. VIBRANT VANCOUVER:
Vancouver, a bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia, is among Canada’s densest, most ethnically diverse cities. Half the population of British Columbia lives in the Metro Vancouver area…and it’s not hard to understand why!
The city has a thriving food scene, mountain views and is surrounded by sparkling
waters.