Travel Guides: All Countries / North America / Canada / British Columbia
 |  | Travel Reviews : British Columbia |
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| | | | Hire a car to explore
We booked a recreational vehicle and had a fabulous time touring all over, staying at campgrounds that ranged from hotels where you brought your own room, to overnight stops in the wilderness.
Each had something to recommend it. The people we met were friendly and assumed the role of tour guides, recommending places to visit and things to do all along the route.
Driving such a big vehicle was no problem because the roads are mainly empty outside of the towns.
Next time, we may hire bikes as well so that we can make the most of each location we visit. A canoe wouldn't go amiss, either.
Travel guide: British Columbia
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| | Destination Guide : British Columbia |
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| | | Sporting outdoor adventures |  | Why go on holiday to British Columbia?
It's a great place to get back to nature, see wildlife and burn off zillions of calories while enjoying a range of outdoor adventures, from skiing to white-water rafting and sea kayaking. Looking for something more restful? Indulge in open-air pursuits like golf and fly-fishing or just crash out in a spa in mineral springs countryside.
Shop, dine and soak up some culture in the cities of Vancouver and Victoria. Explore the heritage of the native Canadian peoples and find out what a totem pole was really for.
How much will it cost?
A seven-night package to Vancouver including flight, car hire and hotel with breakfast starts from £669 per person. Return flights to Vancouver cost from £328pp. Hotels cost from £17 a night. A seven-night ski package to Whistler starts from £555pp.
When should I go?
It's good all year round - with sightseeing, camping and swimming in summer, skiing and snowboarding in winter, wildlife watching all year round and a host of cultural activities.
Who's it for?
Nature lovers - get into the great wide open in the Thompson Okanagan region and explore the wilderness of Northern BC with its clear lakes, lungfuls of pure fresh air, and excellent parks and nature reserves.
Ski nuts of all abilities will also want to go there. The resort of Big White is particularly good for children, Kicking Horse has the highest vertical drop in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Washington has the deepest snow base plus ocean views, and Whistler Blackcomb will be the home of the 2010 Winter Olympics – you can't ask for a better pedigree than that.
Want to live like an old-timer? Follow the gold rush trail, join in a cattle drive or canoe through the wilderness in Cariboo Chilcotin Coast country.
Heritage junkies can visit a First Nations reserve to explore native Canadian culture and crafts in Northern BC, which is also home to a large population of black bears.
Worn out from all that activity? Unwind at a spa in the mineral hot springs region of the Kootenay Rockies. They include Nakusp Hot Springs where a family of two adults and two children can chill out from CN $30 (£12.80) for a full day.
What are the must-sees?
Check out sophisticated Vancouver (famous sons include rock star Bryan Adams) in its attractive coastal setting with a mountain backdrop. Shop and dine in quaint old Gastown. In massive Stanley Park you can hike, jog, cycle or hit the beach.
Visit historic BC capital Victoria on Vancouver Island with its old world charm. Take high tea at the famous Empress hotel (pricey but deliciously decadent – best to book ahead), see native art at Thunderbird Park, stroll in colourful Butchart Gardens or go on a whale watching trip. In March and April some 20,000 Pacific grey whales go swimming by on their way to Alaska. Cruise the Inside Passage to spot seals, sea lions and narrow fjords. The stretch between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert is one of the world's most scenic boat trips.
Take the Royal Hudson steam train excursion from North Vancouver to mountainous Squamish from June to September or take the privately owned and upmarket Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver to beautiful Banff just over the Rockies into neighbouring Alberta.
Drive the Sea to Sky Highway, otherwise known as Highway 99 in the Whistler region and one of BC's most scenic routes with mountain vistas to rival The Rockies.
What will I spend?
Canada is generally good value and your pound will go a long way. In Vancouver, a three-course meal with wine starts from CN$25 (£10.75), a beer starts from CN$2 (85p), a one-zone ticket using the bus, SeaBus or SkyTrain in Vancouver costs from CN$2.25 (96p). In the swish ski resort of Whistler, a cup of coffee will set you back about £1.
Any special events?
BC has events year round. Among the highlights are the Pacific Rim Whale Festival on Vancouver Island in March when free public viewing platforms are set up to watch the migrating mammals cruising up the coast and host villages stage scores of events such as the seafood chowder cook-off competition and art exhibitions.
Also popular are the night Illuminations at Victoria's Butchart Gardens between June and September and the Dragon Boat Festival in Vancouver in June which attracts more than 150 entries from around the world.
Fancy a tipple? Join in the ten-day Okanagan Valley Wine Festival in late September/early October which features over 150 events and includes vineyard tours, gastronomic feasts and a chance to learn about wine making.
Why go on holiday to British Columbia?
It's a great place to get back to nature, see wildlife and burn off zillions of calories while enjoying a range of outdoor adventures, from skiing to white-water rafting and sea kayaking. Looking for something more restful? Indulge in open-air pursuits like golf and fly-fishing or just crash out in a spa in mineral springs countryside.
Shop, dine and soak up some culture in the cities of Vancouver and Victoria. Explore the heritage of the native Canadian peoples and find out what a totem pole was really for.
How much will it cost?
A seven-night package to Vancouver including flight, car hire and hotel with breakfast starts from £669 per person. Return flights to Vancouver cost from £328pp. Hotels cost from £17 a night. A seven-night ski package to Whistler starts from £555pp.
When should I go?
It's good all year round - with sightseeing, camping and swimming in summer, skiing and snowboarding in winter, wildlife watching all year round and a host of cultural activities.
Who's it for?
Nature lovers - get into the great wide open in the Thompson Okanagan region and explore the wilderness of Northern BC with its clear lakes, lungfuls of pure fresh air, and excellent parks and nature reserves.
Ski nuts of all abilities will also want to go there. The resort of Big White is particularly good for children, Kicking Horse has the highest vertical drop in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Washington has the deepest snow base plus ocean views, and Whistler Blackcomb will be the home of the 2010 Winter Olympics – you can't ask for a better pedigree than that.
Want to live like an old-timer? Follow the gold rush trail, join in a cattle drive or canoe through the wilderness in Cariboo Chilcotin Coast country.
Heritage junkies can visit a First Nations reserve to explore native Canadian culture and crafts in Northern BC, which is also home to a large population of black bears.
Worn out from all that activity? Unwind at a spa in the mineral hot springs region of the Kootenay Rockies. They include Nakusp Hot Springs where a family of two adults and two children can chill out from CN $30 (£12.80) for a full day.
What are the must-sees?
Check out sophisticated Vancouver (famous sons include rock star Bryan Adams) in its attractive coastal setting with a mountain backdrop. Shop and dine in quaint old Gastown. In massive Stanley Park you can hike, jog, cycle or hit the beach.
Visit historic BC capital Victoria on Vancouver Island with its old world charm. Take high tea at the famous Empress hotel (pricey but deliciously decadent – best to book ahead), see native art at Thunderbird Park, stroll in colourful Butchart Gardens or go on a whale watching trip. In March and April some 20,000 Pacific grey whales go swimming by on their way to Alaska. Cruise the Inside Passage to spot seals, sea lions and narrow fjords. The stretch between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert is one of the world's most scenic boat trips.
Take the Royal Hudson steam train excursion from North Vancouver to mountainous Squamish from June to September or take the privately owned and upmarket Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver to beautiful Banff just over the Rockies into neighbouring Alberta.
Drive the Sea to Sky Highway, otherwise known as Highway 99 in the Whistler region and one of BC's most scenic routes with mountain vistas to rival The Rockies.
What will I spend?
Canada is generally good value and your pound will go a long way. In Vancouver, a three-course meal with wine starts from CN$25 (£10.75), a beer starts from CN$2 (85p), a one-zone ticket using the bus, SeaBus or SkyTrain in Vancouver costs from CN$2.25 (96p). In the swish ski resort of Whistler, a cup of coffee will set you back about £1.
Any special events?
BC has events year round. Among the highlights are the Pacific Rim Whale Festival on Vancouver Island in March when free public viewing platforms are set up to watch the migrating mammals cruising up the coast and host villages stage scores of events such as the seafood chowder cook-off competition and art exhibitions.
Also popular are the night Illuminations at Victoria's Butchart Gardens between June and September and the Dragon Boat Festival in Vancouver in June which attracts more than 150 entries from around the world.
Fancy a tipple? Join in the ten-day Okanagan Valley Wine Festival in late September/early October which features over 150 events and includes vineyard tours, gastronomic feasts and a chance to learn about wine making.
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| | Fact File : British Columbia |
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| | | British Columbia | | Did you know?
Trivial Pursuit was devised by two Canadians in the 1980s - since then more than 50 million games have been sold.
Language
English, French and 53 native languages
Visas
None required for UK residents.
Getting there
There are regular flights from London to Vancouver
Flying time from London
Nine hours.
Getting around
In Vancouver there's a good transport network of buses, automated light rail and SeaBus ferries. Coastal BC has a good boat network centred on the blue and white BC Ferries. Internal flights are not cheap but if you want to cover a lot of ground, they'll save you some time. Otherwise, the best way of getting around is by car.
Currency
Canadian dollar.
Costs
BC like the rest of Canada is generally good value and your pound will go a long way. In Vancouver, a three-course meal with wine is from CN$25 (£10.75), a beer CN$2 (85p), a one zone ticket using the bus, SeaBus or SkyTrain in Vancouver is from CN$2.25 (96p). In the swish ski resort of Whistler, a cup of coffee will set you back about £1.
Weather
On the coast it's mild with warm, mostly dry summers and cool, wet winters. Inland in the Okanagan Valley it's drier and you tend to get crisp cold winters and hot summers.
Time difference
Pacific Standard Time is eight hours behind GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
Country code: 001.
Area codes: Vancouver 604, Victoria 250.
Voltage
110V - bring an adaptor.
Opening hours
Shops are similar to the UK. In shopping malls some stores will open until 9pm. Sunday opening varies. Banks open Mon-Thurs 10am to 4.30pm and until 5 or 6pm on Friday. Post offices open Mon-Fri usually from 9am to 5pm.
Health – Before you go
No jabs needed. Take out good travel insurance.
Health – When you are there
No major problems here. If you're out in the wilds don't drink lake and river water without asking the ranger about the quality (if you're in a national park) or purifying it.
Warnings
Be polite to bears. Don't leave food in your tent which will attract them and other critters.
Emergency
For police/medical, call 911.
Customs
If you need the loo, ask for the bathroom, washroom or restroom - don't use that nasty word toilet!
Pets
Canada is now part of the PETS travel scheme so you avoid subjecting your pooch to six months in quarantine on return to England. That said, it's not as easy as just turning up at the airport. Speak to your vet as it can take a few months to set up.
Tipping
10-15% of the bill. Particularly useful for winning good service in bars. If a service charge is on the bill, no tip is necessary.
Tourist Office
Visit Canada, PO Box 5396, Northampton, NN1 2FA. Tel. 0906 871 5000 (60p a minute).
Did you know?
Trivial Pursuit was devised by two Canadians in the 1980s - since then more than 50 million games have been sold.
Language
English, French and 53 native languages
Visas
None required for UK residents.
Getting there
There are regular flights from London to Vancouver
Flying time from London
Nine hours.
Getting around
In Vancouver there's a good transport network of buses, automated light rail and SeaBus ferries. Coastal BC has a good boat network centred on the blue and white BC Ferries. Internal flights are not cheap but if you want to cover a lot of ground, they'll save you some time. Otherwise, the best way of getting around is by car.
Currency
Canadian dollar.
Costs
BC like the rest of Canada is generally good value and your pound will go a long way. In Vancouver, a three-course meal with wine is from CN$25 (£10.75), a beer CN$2 (85p), a one zone ticket using the bus, SeaBus or SkyTrain in Vancouver is from CN$2.25 (96p). In the swish ski resort of Whistler, a cup of coffee will set you back about £1.
Weather
On the coast it's mild with warm, mostly dry summers and cool, wet winters. Inland in the Okanagan Valley it's drier and you tend to get crisp cold winters and hot summers.
Time difference
Pacific Standard Time is eight hours behind GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
Country code: 001.
Area codes: Vancouver 604, Victoria 250.
Voltage
110V - bring an adaptor.
Opening hours
Shops are similar to the UK. In shopping malls some stores will open until 9pm. Sunday opening varies. Banks open Mon-Thurs 10am to 4.30pm and until 5 or 6pm on Friday. Post offices open Mon-Fri usually from 9am to 5pm.
Health – Before you go
No jabs needed. Take out good travel insurance.
Health – When you are there
No major problems here. If you're out in the wilds don't drink lake and river water without asking the ranger about the quality (if you're in a national park) or purifying it.
Warnings
Be polite to bears. Don't leave food in your tent which will attract them and other critters.
Emergency
For police/medical, call 911.
Customs
If you need the loo, ask for the bathroom, washroom or restroom - don't use that nasty word toilet!
Pets
Canada is now part of the PETS travel scheme so you avoid subjecting your pooch to six months in quarantine on return to England. That said, it's not as easy as just turning up at the airport. Speak to your vet as it can take a few months to set up.
Tipping
10-15% of the bill. Particularly useful for winning good service in bars. If a service charge is on the bill, no tip is necessary.
Tourist Office
Visit Canada, PO Box 5396, Northampton, NN1 2FA. Tel. 0906 871 5000 (60p a minute).
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| | Available rental properties in British Columbia |
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