Living in British Columbia
British Columbia, often referred to as BC, is Canada’s westernmost province and boasts a vibrant population of over 5.2 million residents. This stunning region is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, clean and well-planned cities, and the warmth and friendliness of its people. Beyond its natural beauty, British Columbia excels in safety, job satisfaction, and healthcare services, making it an attractive place to live and work.
We take pride in our diverse economy, which encompasses a wide array of industries, reflecting the province’s rich history that spans over 10,000 years. Our multicultural population contributes to a dynamic community where various cultures and traditions flourish. Whether you’re drawn by the majestic mountains, the serene coastline, or the thriving urban centers, British Columbia offers something for everyone, making it a truly exceptional place to call home.
The Quality of Living
A harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity and robust social services make the quality of life in British Columbia (BC) exceptional. Residents benefit from free public healthcare and K-12 education as well as one of the strongest economies in the world. BC’s communities are not only culturally vibrant but also safe and welcoming, making them ideal environments for building a life, raising a family, and pursuing a fulfilling career. Whether enjoying the breathtaking landscapes, engaging in community activities, or accessing top-tier education and healthcare, life in British Columbia is characterized by a harmonious balance of work and leisure. Here, you have the opportunity to cultivate a fulfilling life in a province that values well-being and inclusivity and caters to a diverse range of lifestyles and preferences.
The Adventure
For outdoor enthusiasts, British Columbia offers an abundance of opportunities, making every season an invitation to explore! Residents and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the province’s stunning natural beauty and engage in a diverse range of recreational activities year-round. During the warm summer months, the province’s stunning beaches, pristine lakes, and numerous provincial parks beckon for exploration. When winter arrives, the mountains and trails transform into a playground for skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, and snowshoeing. With award-winning ski resorts, exceptional golf courses, and top-notch athletic facilities, there’s always something new to discover and experience in BC’s breathtaking landscapes.
The People
British Columbia is home to over 200 First Nations, each with unique traditions, art, and cultures that enrich the province’s cultural landscape. This vibrant Indigenous heritage, combined with the province’s multicultural cities, makes BC the most ethnically and culturally diverse province in Canada. Multiculturalism is deeply embedded in the fabric of life in BC. Nearly 30% of the population was born outside Canada, and more than 40,000 immigrants arrive each year from around the globe. This influx contributes to a rich tapestry of communities where diverse beliefs, religions, and cultural traditions are not only welcomed but celebrated. In BC, you can experience a harmonious blend of various cultures, whether through local festivals, culinary offerings, or artistic expressions. The province’s neighborhoods reflect this diversity, creating inclusive environments where everyone can feel at home. This commitment to multiculturalism enhances the overall quality of life in British Columbia, fostering understanding and appreciation among all residents.
The Climate
British Columbia is known for having one of the mildest climates in Canada, and experiences four distinct seasons. While temperature, average precipitation, and hours of sunshine can vary significantly over short distances, there are generally cooler conditions in the north, warmer temperatures in the south, and a milder climate along the coast. The coastal regions, home to temperate rainforests, experience considerable rainfall, which nurtures a unique and diverse forest ecosystem. This lush environment is characterized by towering trees and rich biodiversity, making it a remarkable feature of BC’s natural landscape. In contrast, the Interior and Northern regions of the province experience a wider variation in climate. Winters tend to bring more snowfall, creating a picturesque winter wonderland, while the summers are often warm and inviting, perfect for outdoor activities. This climatic diversity not only enhances the beauty of British Columbia but also supports a wide range of recreational pursuits throughout the year.
Explore British Columbia
Hover over the map and click on the different regions to learn about British Columbia
CLICK ON THE MAP REGIONS BELOW
- The North
- The Interior
- The Fraser valley
- Vancouver and the Coast
- Vancouver Island and Coastal Islands
- Indigenous history and land
The North
From the rugged Haida Gwaii to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Northern BC is pure, unspoiled nature. The northern portion of the province is vast, and the climate varies considerably, but generally, this region has much colder winters and cooler summers than the rest of the province.
Much of the region is preserved and protected by a world-class system of provincial parks and nature reserves, making it ideal for freshwater, saltwater and ice fishing, paddling, hiking, skiing and snowmobiling.
With major urban centres featuring thriving arts and culture scenes, and smaller communities built around the successful local forestry and mining industries, the North has no shortage of adventure or potential.
The Interior
Home to Canada’s only semi-arid desert, an award-winning wine region, and some of North America’s best backcountry skiing and mountain resorts. The Interior of BC offers an abundance of landscapes to explore and outdoor activities to experience.
This is the perfect place to enjoy year-round fun with beautiful hot summers and activity-filled winters. Throughout the regions of the Interior, you will find abundant hiking and biking trails, fresh fruit orchards, world-class freshwater fishing, towns filled with vibrant arts and culture scenes, and many lakes and rivers, promising not only a beautiful place to visit but to live year-round.
The Fraser Valley
The Fraser Valley is a beautiful, diverse, and bountiful region of BC – boasting large urban centres, natural landscapes and fertile farmland.
With some of the fastest-growing and largest cities in BC found in this region, and over half of the agricultural activity in BC located here, it is the source for anything farm fresh- as well as new restaurants, microbreweries, golf courses, and a wide range of indoor and outdoor recreational activities.
The area also features world-class camping sites, beaches, and nearly 30 vineyards. With an endless amount of adventure to experience, the Fraser Valley embodies the perfect fusion of urban, suburban and rural.
Vancouver and the Coast
Vancouver and the surrounding coastal region boast a mild, temperate climate, making the Greater Vancouver area one of the most enviable climates in all of Canada. Summer days are typically warm, with temperatures averaging around 20° C, and the city’s bustling sidewalks often lead to inviting sandy beaches. While snowfall in the city is infrequent and doesn’t tend to linger long, the nearby mountains offer excellent opportunities for winter sports, with snow-capped peaks serving as a stunning backdrop throughout the winter months. Vancouver and the Coast are among the rare places in the world where you can enjoy a morning of downhill skiing and then spend the afternoon playing golf or sailing on the ocean — all in a single day.
Vancouver Island and Coastal Islands
Vancouver Island is the largest island off the west coast of North America. It also has one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems ranging from rugged rainforest coastlines to rural landscapes.
Whether you are looking for lively surfing towns, large urban centres, or coastal municipalities, Vancouver Island has something to offer you. It is world-renowned for whale watching, birding, and salmon and trout fishing.
Surrounding Vancouver Island, and easily accessible by ferry from several points, are the scenic Gulf Islands with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. These vibrant coastal communities each feature their own particular charm and a deep dedication to environmentally sustainable living.
British Columbia: Indigenous history and land
There are over 200,000 First Nation, Inuit and Métis People living within the colonially-drawn borders of British Columbia. Currently, there are 39 Métis chartered communities in the province and over 200 distinct First Nations, each with their own unique traditions and histories, which span from the present day to time immemorial.
During the colonization of BC, few treaties were signed with local First Nations. Although several Nations have since entered into or finalized treaty negotiations, the majority of land in British Columbia remains unceded and unsurrendered.
We are honoured to be welcomed by our Indigenous hosts and privileged to live on their traditional territories.
To learn more about BC’s Indigenous peoples, history and land, please visit WelcomeBC.
