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Travel Guide: British Columbia
Canada's westernmost province, British Columbia is home to sophisticated cities in the south, wilderness parks in the north, the salty spray of the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the snow-cloaked peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the east.
Whether your passion is mountain-climbing, skiing, fishing, beach-combing or hiking, BC is one of the most enticing adventure destinations on the planet.
Here’s why you’ll want your next adventure to be set in Canada’s most beautiful province:
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It's naturally spectacular
When Mother Nature was busy working her magic, it’s likely that she started with British Columbia first. The diverse landscapes and terrain prove that BC’s nickname – Beautiful British Columbia – is 100% accurate. There’s picture-perfect mountains, waterfalls, streams, wooded forests and lush green landscapes for days. Even within the cities you’ll find yourself surrounded by natural wonders, so you never have to travel far to escape to the outdoors.
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Canada's adventure capital is here
It might have a strange name, but Squamish is synonymous with adventure. Nestled between Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish provides an action-packed day trip from the city. Rock climbing, fishing, hiking and mountain biking are all on the agenda in this sprawling green region. Through spring and summer, you can even soak up all the breathtaking scenery from above on the Sea to Sky Gondola.
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The Rockies
The Canadian Rocky Mountains span between British Columbia and neighbouring Alberta and are considered one of Canada’s most awe-inspiring natural attractions. On the sunny BC side, there’s golf, fishing and forests to explore – perfect for the outdoor adventurer. For a dip with a view, you can’t get better than the Fairmont Hot Springs. These natural, mineral-rich waters will warm your soul while you take in the panoramic views over the Rockies.
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There's surf and snow
Yep – you can hit the waves AND the mountains in this diverse province. Grab a board and paddle out for a wave in Tofino on Vancouver Island – a beautiful ferry ride and bus trip away from the bustling seaside city of Vancouver. In the opposite direction within easy reach of the city, you’ll find the famous ski resort town of Whistler. While it’s primarily a winter destination for the unusually long snow season, you can visit Whistler year-round to ride the gondola, hike and bike up the mountain or explore the shops and restaurants of Whistler Village.
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The people
Hands down, Canadian people are some of the nicest on the planet. So it’s no surprise that BC is full of happy, friendly and hospitable locals who will be all too keen to share their love of their home province with anyone who visits. Whether you are heading out on an adventure-filled tour or winding down at a local bar to watch a hockey game, no matter where you go in BC, the Canadian locals will go out of their way to make your stay even more memorable.
Find a Resort
British Columbia
Fairmont Mountainside Vacation Villas
Fairmont Hot Spr/Panorama, British Columbia, CanadaLocated in beautiful Fairmont, B.C., Fairmont Mountainside Vacation Villas offers every visitor an extraordinary vacation experience surrounded by championship golf courses, challenging ski slopes, natural hot springs, pristine lakes and majestic mountains. The resort provides cozy one- and two-bedroom chalet-style villas, nestled among towering pine trees and regal mountains. The villas are designed to offer the best of mountain living, with spacious living areas and all the comforts of home, including a fireplace, gas barbecue grill, high-speed Internet access, fully equipped kitchen, and a washer and dryer. Resort guests are invited to utilize the on-site recreation center, an ideal place to participate in activities, socialize, or just sit back and relax. The recreation center offers amenities for guests of all ages and activity levels, including tennis, squash and racquetball courts, an exercise room, sauna and hot tubs, shuffleboard, billiards, a lounge area, and even a library. Guests are also able to take advantage of discounted rates to golf courses, hot mineral pools, skiing and some local restaurants. The area surrounding the resort contains golf courses, a ski hill, hot mineral pools, fishing, hiking, AV trails and mountain-biking trails. Also in the Columbia Valley are snowmobiling opportunities, beaches and white-water rafting. Whether you're looking for a thrilling adventure or just want a picture-perfect getaway set against nature's most beautiful backdrop, Fairmont Mountainside Vacation Villas is sure to provide a memorable vacation for all.
Sunchaser Vacation Villas at Riverview
Fairmont Hot Spr/Panorama, British Columbia, CanadaLocated on the warm side of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Sunchaser Vacation Villas at Riverview is a purpose-built resort that will meet a variety of vacation needs. Located in the middle of a championship golf course and beside the Columbia River, this resort offers year-round activities and an on-site recreation center. <br /><br />One- and two-bedroom condominiums have kitchens for your comfort and views of the mountains and river to inspire you. Sunchaser Vacation Villas at Riverview is ranked by Vacation Ownership magazine as one of the world's top 20 holiday destinations. Each villas accommodation offers access to all onsite amenities; attractive, comfortable furnishings; decks with barbecues; two televisions per suite; and DVD players. All the comforts of home include washers and dryers and wireless internet at the Recreation Centre and the Riverview villas.<br /><br />The area offers ski trails, triple chairs, and snow-making, with world-class skiing at nearby Banff, Lake Louise, and Panorama. Sunchaser Vacation Villas is set on the warm side of the Rockies, which means the golf season starts far earlier than it does in Banff. Surrounded by award winning golf courses, family friendly and challenging ski hills, natural hot springs, spa and endless outdoor adventure opportunities; Sunchaser Vacation Villas is nestled in the heart of the Canadian Kootenay Rockies. But skiing and golf are just the beginning. Recreational opportunities are available in every season.<br /><br />A comfortable retreat in breathtaking surroundings, Sunchaser Vacation Villas at Riverview is an ideal location for a memorable vacation. Winter or summer, pack your bags for fun!
WorldMark Whistler Cascade Lodge
Whistler, British Columbia, CanadaThe cozy European-style village of Whistler is base camp for access to the two towering snow-crowned kings - Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. WorldMark's Cascade Lodge - nestled snugly in the heart of North America's number-one ski resort - is the ideal getaway for warm and cold weather adventurers alike. The Whistler Cascade Lodge Hotel is a six-story all-suite hotel. Some room highlights include luxurious linens, pillow-top mattresses and LCD HD flatscreen televisions. The Whistler Cascade Lodge Hotel's lovely, landscaped inner-courtyard features one of the largest heated outdoor pools in Whistler and two hot tubs, all with spectacular views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.The Whistler Cascade Lodge Hotel also offers an exercise facility, complimentary ski and bike storage for all guests, common laundry facilities, lobby area and car rental desk, 24-hour front desk reception and heated underground parking. The resort's in a truly ideal location, and visitors enjoy easy access to many of the Village's most popular bars, distinctive shops, and in-demand restaurants. A supermarket, liquor store, post office, and the Whistler Conference Centre are just minutes away by foot. The ski lifts are a ten-minute walk away, while a stop for Whistler's complimentary shuttle is directly across the street.In winter, catch a high-speed lift and enjoy a breathtaking day of skiing and snowboarding. Or speed across the snowy landscape on a dog sled tour. In summer, hike or mountain bike, golf on world-class courses, or make a splash in a white-water raft. Snow or shine, you can always slide into a café for a warm latte or crisp microbrew. Stroll the village's boutiques, then ease into a heated spa to rejuvenate for the next day. Whether you crave rugged extremes or soothing quiet, Cascade Lodge has it all.
Panorama Vacation Retreat at Horsethief Lodge
Fairmont Hot Spr/Panorama, British Columbia, CanadaNestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia, Panorama Vacation Retreat at Horsethief Lodge is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. <br /><br />The resort offers studio, one- and two-bedroom condos with flat-screen TV, fireplaces, full kitchens, DVD players, covered parking and private barbecues on every deck. Accommodations are comfortable and provide the ideal retreat after a day on the mountain or exploring the area. <br /><br />Guests will experience all that Panorama Mountain Village has to offer - contemporary ski culture in a warm, inviting western town. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding on a variety of trails, explore the area by snowmobile, or just enjoy an afternoon of family fun in the tobogganing and tubing park. For a relaxing experience, take a swim in the heated outdoor pool, unwind in the sauna or venture out to nearby natural hot springs. Summer in the Panorama Mountain Village brings other area activities to life such as river rafting, golf, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking or exploring the landscape on ATVs. Visit village and area shops and restaurants to experience the tastes and styles of the region for the ultimate Canadian vacation experience. <br /><br />Winter, summer or in between, Panorama Vacation Retreat offers nature at her finest and a host of fun activities for everyone!