British Columbia

British Columbia is Canada’s Pacific province, where mountains drop straight into the sea. Vancouver pairs modern neighbourhoods, Stanley Park and Gastown with views of snow-capped peaks, while Victoria, on Vancouver Island, keeps a distinctly British character. On the island’s west coast lies Tofino: surf, Pacific storms and the rainforests of Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Further north, among the channels of the Discovery Islands, wilderness lodges set out to watch whales and bears. Whistler, a few hours’ drive from Vancouver, is one of North America’s largest ski resorts, spread across Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

The coast has Canada’s mildest climate, with winters that are wet rather than freezing, and Whistler skis from roughly December to April. Summer is the time for whales, bears and the remote lodges, some of which open only in the warmer months, while winter brings storm-watchers to Tofino. The region suits nature lovers, skiers, families and honeymooners.