Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/1520274
BC 40 great urban parks. But Vancouver is also the glittering glass towers of downtown; the multicultural neighbourhoods of Chinatown, Little Italy and Little India; the hipster cool of Gastown and the trendy restaurants of Kitsilano; as well as attractions including Science World, the North Shore ski hills and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (www.destinationvancouver.com). Across the Strait of Georgia, at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is a city of historic charm, passionate foodies and endless outdoor activities. It is consid- ered by many to be Canada's most cycling- friendly city, and is home to several spectacu- lar gardens, including the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, which celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Many of the city's attractions cluster around the bustling Inner Harbour, including the floating homes of Fisherman's Wharf, the Royal BC Museum and the neo-baroque BC Parliament Buildings (www.tourismvictoria.com). Head inland to the Okanagan Valley and you'll come to Kelowna, a bustling centre of commerce, technological innovation and wine culture (www.tourismkelowna.com). THE GREAT OUTDOORS In British Columbia, the great outdoors truly is just that—great: from ocean playground to mountain peaks, windswept plains and fertile farmland. Head for the hills. This mountainous province boasts 13 major ski resorts (and many smaller ones) with epic powder, heart-stopping descents and pristine backcountry bowls, as well as miles of trails for those who prefer skinny skis and snowshoes. In summer, the resorts turn their lifts and trails over to daredevil mountain bikers and hikers eager to explore the alpine meadows. But you don't have to climb a mountain to find adventure here. Awash as it is with rivers, lakes and the Pacific Ocean, B.C. is popular for water sport enthusiasts. You can sail alongside orcas in Desolation Sound, paddle the Bowron Lakes, raft down the Fraser Canyon, surf the waves near Tofino or cast for trout in Lake Country. Those who prefer to stay on dry land can also hike through dozens of national and provincial parks or ride a horse under the endless skies in the grasslands. Even city slickers can find mountains to climb and waters to sail right in their own backyard. HERITAGE AND CULTURE First there were the Indigenous Peoples who fished, hunted and traded for some 10,000 years in what is now British Columbia. Then the Europeans arrived, followed by newcomers from Asia. Today, the three cultural strands are woven together here, vibrantly and indelibly. First Nations culture is preserved in many galleries and museums, including the renowned UBC Museum of Anthropology (www.moa.ubc.ca), and thrives in www.HelloBC.com/things-to-do/events Special Events JANUARY – FEBRUARY • DINE OUT VANCOUVER MARCH • PACIFIC RIM WHALE FESTIVAL, TOFINO/ UCLUELET APRIL • SURREY VAISAKHI PARADE, SURREY • VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL • WORLD SKI & SNOWBOARD FESTIVAL, WHISTLER MAY • CLOVERDALE RODEO & COUNTRY FAIR • WINGS OVER THE ROCKIES NATURE FESTIVAL, INVERMERE MAY – JUNE • VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL MAY – OCTOBER • RICHMOND NIGHT MARKET JUNE • OKANAGAN SPRING WINE FESTIVAL SKA & REGGAE FESTIVAL, VICTORIA • VICTORIA INDIGENOUS CULTURAL FESTIVAL JUNE – JULY • TD VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL • WILLIAMS LAKE STAMPEDE JUNE – SEPTEMBER • BARD ON THE BEACH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL, VANCOUVER JULY • HONDA CELEBRATION OF LIGHT FIREWORKS COMPETITION, VANCOUVER • NANAIMO MARINE FESTIVAL & WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BATHTUB RACE AUGUST • FILBERG FESTIVAL, COMOX • KAMLOOPA POWWOW, KAMLOOPS • PRIDE, VANCOUVER SEPTEMBER • VANCOUVER FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL OCTOBER – NOVEMBER • OKANAGAN FALL WINE FESTIVAL NOVEMBER • CORNUCOPIA, WHISTLER NOVEMBER – DECEMBER • CANADA'S NATIONAL GINGERBREAD SHOWCASE, VICTORIA GROUSE MOUNTAIN GRIZZLY BEARS • DESTINATION VANCOUVER/GROUSE MOUNTAIN HUNDREDS OF SPECIES OF BIRDS VISIT B.C. EACH YEAR—INCLUDING THE DESIGNATED IMPORTANT BIRD AREA (IBA) BOUNDARY BAY—WHEN THEY MIGRATE ALONG THE PACIFIC FLYWAY FROM ALASKA TO PATAGONIA. Quick Fact