"Adventure Tourism Information About Places Ya'Gotta Go To!"
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Canada's most westerly province, British Columbia lies on the Pacific coast of North America and has abundant opportunities for adventure travel and trekking. East of B.C. is the Canadian province of Alberta, divided by a border 1,545 kilometres (960 miles) long, that runs through the Canadian rocky mountains.
The Alaskan panhandle (U.S.A.) and the northern Canadian territories of Yukon and Northwest Territories share British Columbia's northern borders, while the states of Washington, Idaho and Montana run along the province's southern border for 640 kilometres (397 miles).
British Columbia's rugged coastline stretches for more than 27,000 kilometres (16,780 miles) including thousands of islands and mountainous fjords. Vancouver Island, a unique region of British Columbia, is 451 kilometres (280 miles) long and lies off the southwest corner of the province's mainland.
Vancouver is the Province's biggest city and Canada's third largest. Its naturally deep harbor has been an international trade destination for more than 100 years. Today, the Port of Vancouver is the busiest port on the continent, and the top North American port for foreign export tonnage. It is also the home port for sailing the Inside Passage to Alaska, one of the world's most popular cruises.
During the summer months sites in National Park campgrounds in British Columbia are at a premium and it is suggested that campers should use Parks Canada's online Campground Reservation Service. Travelers using hotels, motels, hostels and bed and breakfast are also encouraged to make reservations.
The climate of British Columbia varies greatly, influenced by latitude, the province's mountainous topography and distance from the Pacific Ocean. This diversity causes wide variations in average hours of sunshine, rainfall, snow and temperatures, sometimes over remarkably short distances.
For example, the average yearly precipitation in White Rock, a small community just south of Vancouver, is 1,092 millimetres (43 inches). Less than 50 kilometres (30 miles) away in North Vancouver, the North Shore mountains force clouds to rise and release their moisture, producing an annual average of 1,859 millimetres (73 inches). Yet in the Okanagan Valley, annual rainfall drops to 347 millimetres (14 inches) or less.
In summer, temperatures in B.C.'s interior frequently surpass 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit); nearer the coast and in other regions, readings will range from 23 to 28 degrees Celsius (73 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit). In winter, the Lower Mainland and Greater Victoria enjoy a temperate climate, and if snow falls, it doesn't stay long. But wrap up warmly if you're heading for Whistler, the interior, or Northern British Columbia. Although temperatures are mild when compared to the rest of Canada, there's a reason these regions are known for their spectacular winter activities.
British Columbia's varied climate makes it possible to find the best of a wide range of outdoor activities within the same province, or even the same city. For example, visit Vancouver and you can ski, play golf, and then relax in a downtown bistro, all in one fun-filled day. Where else can you experience so many different climates in a matter of hours?
The climate and mountains serve up superlative skiing and other winter snow sports, while B.C.'s coastal weather creates excellent conditions for sailing and motor cruising, not to mention a habitat that supports an abundant and diverse wildlife.
You can find out current weather conditions for British Columbia at Environment Canada's website.
You can find out British Columbia's (Vancouver) sunrise and sunset times, at timeandate.com.
Summer Activities: Alaska cruises, backpacking, camping, canoeing, caving, climbing, cycling, dragon boat racing, fishing, hiking, horse riding, orienteering, sailing, surfing, scrambling, triatathalon and water sports.
Winter Activities: Biathlon, mushing, snow shoeing, skiing (x-country and downhill), tobogganing, winter camping, ice climbing and ice fishing.
Border crossings between the U.S. and Canada are considered the most friendly in the world. Highway 99 is the extension of Interstate 5 down the Pacific West Coast. Access from Idaho and Spokane, Washington is via Interstate 97 and 95 respectively.
Major roads and most secondary roads are paved and well-engineered although you might be tempted to explore some backcountry roads. Check your travel plans ahead of time. Access to these roads might be by four-wheel-drive vehicle only, and are often seasonal. Visitors to some areas will need to check in with provincial forestry officials first.
Considered part of British Columbia's highway system, BC Ferries operates a total of 40 vessels on 25 different routes. Destinations include the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, the Sechelt Peninsula, and the Queen Charlotte Islands. In addition, BC Ferries provides access to many less populated communities of the southwest and northern coastal points, many of which are inaccessible by any other means.
BC Ferries, a government-owned vehicle and passenger fleet, operates one of the largest and busiest ferry systems in the world. Some carry as many as 470 cars and more than 2,000 passengers. Ferries depart frequently (hourly at peak summer periods on some routes) between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.
For cyclists, British Columbia's highways are a scenic pleasure, however, with a large portion of the province being mountainous it can be a strenuous ride. For a leisurely trip many cyclists choose to travel the gulf islands. One popular destination is Salt Spring Island.
Speed limits and distances are measured in kilometres (Miles = Kms x .6). Many major highways, in central northern and southern areas are twinned, with many having a maximum posted speed limit of 100 km/h. (60 mph). In the National Parks traffic is limited to 90 km/h. (54 mph.) and most urban speed limits are 50 km/h. (30 mph.), however speed limits will increase on freeways. Both traditional radar and photo radar are used and major urban centres use cameras to ticket for red-light infractions.
Gasoline for vehicles is sold by the litre (3.78 litres = 1 US gallon). Diesel and propane fuel is also available in major urban and tourist centers.
In the northern parts of the province, during the winter months vehicles should be appropriately tuned and equipped with block heaters, snow tires and emergency supplies, clothing and equipment. Distances between centers and services can be long, especially in the northern and isolated parts of the Province.
Greyhound provides excellent bus service throughout the province, as well as to and from many other Canadian and U.S. cities.
In Vancouver, buses include more than the wheeled variety. Hop aboard the SeaBus, a
commuter catamaran that skips across the harbour, linking the downtown core and
SkyTrain to the North Shore. It's one of the best value mini-cruises around.
Rail
Canada's heritage is built on the railway and today it's still a popular mode of transportation. VIA Rail provides passenger services on Vancouver Island, and from Vancouver and Prince Rupert to Alberta and the rest of Canada. It connects with the U.S. Amtrak services in many cities, including a Vancouver-Seattle run.
E&N Rail, traveling between Victoria to Courtenay, provides front row seats to some of Vancouver Island's most spectacular scenery.
Looking for pampered luxury? Vancouver's the starting point for the popular Rocky Mountaineer, which travels through the Rocky mountains (try for the domed cars) to Calgary or Jasper/Edmonton. It's a two-day, all daylight rail odyssey with many add-on travel options.
Or stay urban. Ride aboard the famed Royal Hudson steam locomotive
(Vancouver-Squamish), enjoy an evening of romance along the shores of Howe Sound
aboard the Pacific Starlight Express dinner train, and be sure to catch Vancouver
by SkyTrain, the city's light rapid transit system that takes you from countryside
farmers' markets to downtown in less than 30 minutes.
Air
Many parts of British Columbia are air accessible, although most airlines use Vancouver as their national and international hub. Vancouver International Airport operates more than 890 scheduled departures per week to 33 international destinations. Nearly all major airlines are represented with regional carriers providing approximately 176 daily flights to 30 destinations throughout the province.
For shopping, British Columbia has cosmopolitan downtown areas is its major cities, shopping centres or "malls" in the suburbs and great opportunities for poking around small and resort towns.
Here are a list of treks, tour and adventure travel accomodations in British Columbia that you can book online through Ya'Gotta:
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