Page 34 - 2026-2027 Travel Guide to Canada

BC
32 5,658,528
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
BRITISH COLUMBIA
HIKING ON TOP OF WHISTLER MOUNTAIN • DESTINATION BC/BLAKE JORGENSON
Beautiful by Nature,
Playful by Design
BY JOANNE SASVARI
“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
Instagrammable one.
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 Indigenous to the
joyful blend of European and Asian influences
in the cuisine.
British Columbia steps into the global
spotlight in 2026 as FIFA World Cup 2026
lands in Vancouver with seven electrifying
matches across June and July. The city
pulses with energy—anchored by a free, all-
ages FIFA Fan Festival packed with live
music, culture, and celebration—turning
every match day into a province-wide affair.
Beyond the stadium, B.C. reveals its true
draw. With seamless Same Day, Game Day
travel, visitors can stay outside Vancouver
and trade crowds for coastlines, vineyards,
and mountain air—arriving match-ready,
then slipping back into the province’s
“beautiful seats” just hours later.
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.
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.
ISLAND HOPPING
Escape to the idyllic isles along the Pacific
coast. The largest is Vancouver Island, a
ninety-minute ferry ride from the mainland.
Or try the high-speed ferry, Hullo, connecting