Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/1471704
BC 40 5,264,485 Victoria www.hellobc.com Victoria International Airport, 25 km (16 mi.) from downtown Vancouver International Airport, 15 km (9 mi.) from downtown Abbotsford International Airport, 9 km (6 mi.) from downtown and 77 km (48 mi.) from Vancouver Kelowna International Airport, 15 km (9 mi.) from downtown All that natural beauty offers plenty of opportunity for adventure, skiing, sailing, surfing and simply soaking in the scenery. But there is also a dynamic cultural life here, from the ancient traditions of the First Nations Peoples to the joyful blend of European and Asian influences in the cuisine. Canada's westernmost province is a gateway between Asia to the west and the rest of the country to the east. It is an important centre for trade and commerce with vibrant cosmopolitan cities and flourishing creative industries. It is, above all, a place where work and play, nature and culture, coexist beautifully. GETTING VANGROOVY Vancouver is the province's biggest city, a modern, multicultural metropolis that is regularly rated one of the world's most livable cities. Bordered by mountains and ocean, it has an easygoing lifestyle that combines outdoor adventure with urban sophistication. Vancouver is home to Canada's largest and busiest port, as well as thriving film, tech, tourism and green businesses. It is also a centre for culinary excellence, celebrated for its obsession with fresh, seasonal farm-to-table ingredients. From Vancouver, it is just a short drive to the farming communities of the Fraser Valley, the exceptional Asian cuisine of Richmond and the seaside communities of the Sunshine Coast. ISLAND HOPPING Escape to the idyllic isles along the Pacific coast. The largest is Vancouver Island, a ninety-minute ferry ride from the mainland. It is home to B.C.'s historic capital city, Victoria, as well as vineyards, mountain parks and the surfing mecca of Tofino. Between Vancouver Island and the mainland are the Gulf Islands, populated by a quirky mix of artisans and fisherfolk. Further north is Haida Gwaii, a remote archipelago of BY JOANNE SASVARI BRITISH COLUMBIA Canada's Glorious Gateway VANCOUVER SKYLINE • SHUTTERSTOCK/F11PHOTO "Beautiful British Columbia," the licence plates read. And who can argue with that? Towering mountains, lush valleys, crystalline waters, vibrant cities—every corner of the province, it seems, is an Instagramable one.