Exploring the Frontier of British Columbia

I’ve been all over the planet. But for some reason, I’ve never felt the same level of awe as I did when I first drove past the mist-cloaked pine forests of British Columbia on the road to Vancouver. Whether you’re headed to the western-most province of Canada in the winter or the summer, you’re destined to be impressed. The dense forests, dramatic mountains, and blazing cerulean rivers and lakes must be experienced.

That's British Columbia. It's perfect.

It’s an excellent setting for both sports and sight-seeing regardless of the season. Research your trip to British Columbia before you go: there’s too much to do there in a single vacation.

In the winter, the most well-known resort for skiing is Whistler. It has an excellent mix of easy trails and advanced courses. What surprised me when I went was the extensive cross-country skiing trails maintained around the resorts. Unlike most other resorts in North America – at least compared to Europe – there’s plenty of well-maintained trials, some of them criss-crossing the golf courses that attract summer time tourists.

During the warmer months, coastal activities become more enticing. Marinas and other ports dot the Pacific coast. Sport fishermen, sailors, sea kayakers, and others can find numerous opportunities for water-borne excitement. Tofino – located on Vancouver Island just south of the sprawling Strathcona Provincial Park – is even renowned for surfing and windsurfing.

While nature tends to be the focus of most vacations to British Columbia, it also happens to be a world center for fine dining. In Vancouver, the Blue Water Cafe specializes in wild seafood and oysters. They offer sushi, sashimi, and cooked dishes pulled straight out of the neighboring Pacific Ocean. The Chambar Belgian Grill – also in Vancouver – serves up pan-European flair with a bold offering of imported Belgian ales. You’ll be sure to work up an appetite on your vacation to British Columbia, so take the time to explore the restaurants while you’re there.