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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main languages spoken in British Columbia?
English is the main language spoken in British Columbia, followed by Cantonese and Mandarin. More than half of all school-age children in Vancouver are raised speaking a language other than English.
What’s the climate like?
Because of its size, the climate in British Columbia is quite varied, but generally temperate. It is largely influenced by the Pacific Ocean, which brings a mild oceanic climate to the southern coastal regions. Its mountain ranges also block a lot of rain, resulting in a semi-arid climate in some of the interior regions.
Why is it called British Columbia?
The name ‘British Columbia’ was chosen by Queen Victoria, and officially proclaimed in 1858. The area was originally known as the Columbia District, before disputed lands were divided into British Columbia and American Columbia. Ultimately, the ‘Columbia’ element of its name was taken from the Columbia River that flows through the area, which was named after the famous Columbia Rediviva ship that traded in the area, which in turn was named after Christopher Columbus and his discovery of the ‘New World’, also named Columbia.
Canada’s third largest province boasts the mildest weather and some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Lovers of the outdoors flock to Whistler, but that’s by no means the only place for adventure in British Columbia. Head a little off the beaten track and discover the true wild beauty of this unforgettable destination.
Why you’ll love British Columbia…
• Marvelling at Canada’s highest waterfall, the Della Falls in Strathcona Provincial Park
• Gazing up at the Hanging Garden Tree on Meares Island
• Riding on the world’s longest unsupported cable car in Whistler
• Spotting the native spirit bear, a rare subspecies of the black bear, which has white fur
• Sampling a delicious glass of the local ice wine
• Seeing a film at the Patricia Theatre in Powell River, Canada’s longest running cinema
• Admiring the First Nations totem pole art in Vancouver’s Stanley Park
• Walking among the treetops across the Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Enjoying Vancouver’s gourmet food scene
• Whale watching along the Haro Straits, home to orcas and sealions
• Embracing the great outdoors, in one of the six national parks and over 400 provincial parks
• Cheering the home team at an ice hockey game, Canada’s national winter sport
Did you know?
• Canada’s wettest city is in British Columbia. Prince Rupert is appropriately nicknamed The City of Rainbows. On average, Prince Rupert’s annual precipitation is around 2,590 millimetres (102 in)
• The coastal city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island is home to the sport of bathtub racing, with the first race dating back to 1967
• Sightings of the legendary Sasquatch have consistently been reported in BC for over 200 years
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