Canada has four western provinces; Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.  British Columbia, on the west coast, is culturally, economically, geographically, and politically distinct from the other provinces of Western Canada and is often referred to as the ‘west coast’ or ‘Canada’s California’. 

Vancouver sits at the southern border of British Columbia, above the US state of Washington, and this comparable metropolis is a great stop for a 24-hour dose of city life whilst exploring the pristine wilderness that stretches along much of Canada’s west coast.   Vancouver is culture-rich with museums, elaborate Michelin-starred restaurants and a plethora of retail options.

The 460km long Vancouver Island lies just off Canada’s Pacific west coast and is known for its mild climate and thriving arts community.  On its southern tip is Victoria, British Columbia’s capital, which is a laid-back city with artisan coffee shops, many bars and restaurants and colourful, creative neighbourhoods.  Victoria’s boat-lined Inner Harbour, neo-baroque Parliament buildings and English-style gardens are popular with visitors.

Whistler, slightly more inland and north of Vancouver, is home to Whistler Blackcomb, one of the largest ski resorts in North America.  The hub of Whistler is a compact, chalet-style pedestrian village and besides skiing and snowboarding, try your hand at tobogganing and ski jumping at the Olympic Park which hosted the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.  In the summer, snow melts to reveal more than 150 miles of mountain bike trails, seemingly endless hikes through alpine meadows, and the opportunity to explore Whistler’s River of Golden Dreams by kayak or stand-up paddleboard.