Southern Gulf Islands
T he Southern Gulf Islands are Salt Spring, Galiano, Mayne, Saturna and Pender islands. They lie between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland in the Strait of Georgia. The Islands are part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and feature characteristic dramatic coastal scenery and breathtaking Provincial, Regional and Marine Parks teeming with wildlife. The Southern Gulf Islands are famous for their laid-back lifestyle, vibrant arts scene, pastoral setting, and epicurean produce including lamb, cheeses, poultry, and wine. This area is a creative and cultural hub with galleries and shops featuring local paintings, woodwork, weaving, pottery and jewellery. This area has one of the warmest climates in Canada and this, in combination with the...
Squamish
S quamish is situated at the top of spectacular Howe Sound, between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Its location midway between Whistler and Vancouver is ideal for access to 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games events. Squamish’s popularity as a year-round destination for myriad activities has earned it the title of “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada”. Winter visitors can enjoy backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, fishing and horseback riding, among other activities. The community’s skyline is dominated by the Stawamus Chief, an imposing granite monolith famous for rock climbing. Squamish’s dramatic scenery inspires local artists whose work is on display at numerous venues, along with that of national and...
Surrey
T he City of Surrey is BC’s second-largest municipality and one of the fastest growing major cities in Canada. Surrey is an ethnically diverse city with vibrant South Asian and East Asian populations, providing unique shopping and dining opportunities. Surrey is known as the “City of Parks”. It is home to roughly 2,400 hectares (6,000 acres) of parkland and designated green space that offer many beautiful trails and walkways. Visitors to Surrey can also enjoy the outdoors while discovering the forests and sandy beaches in the area or teeing off at one of its championship golf courses. Population (2006 Census)… 394,976 Distance from Vancouver… 35 km (22 mi) Distance from Richmond… 30 km (19 mi) Distance from Whistler… 163...
TriCities: Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody
T he Tri-Cities refers to the Vancouver suburbs of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. This area is located at the eastern end of Burrard Inlet, which flows from Vancouver, and is one of the city’s fastest growing regions. Within their combined boundaries, the Tri-Cities have well over 1,000ha (2,500ac) of parks and green space. All three of the Tri-Cities boast a stretch of the Trans Canada Trail, the 21,500km recreational trail that links the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans. Port Moody in particular is an outdoor lover’s dream and boasts beautiful mountain and maritime vistas. Port Moody is also the self-described “City of the Arts” and has numerous galleries and arts facilities, as well as a diverse mix of restaurants, cafes,...
Victoria
V ictoria is the capital of British Columbia, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. This dynamic city is a year-round tourist destination surrounded by ocean waters, a bustling harbour and mountainous wilderness. For this reason, Victoria has earned itself quite a reputation. It was ranked number 16 of 100 Top World Destinations in the 2008 TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards. The Inner Harbour and downtown area feature famously beautiful heritage and historic buildings. Downtown Victoria also offers great shopping and dining opportunities, while stunning ocean and mountain vistas can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Victoria has one of Canada’s mildest climates, suitable all year round for golfing, hiking, cycling and fishing, or...
White Rock
Q uick Facts: Population (2006 Census)… 18,755 Distance from Vancouver… 45 km (28 mi) Distance from Richmond… 37 km (23 mi) Distance from Whistler… 176 km (109 mi) White Rock is located on the Semiahmoo Peninsula, about 45-minutes’ drive south of Vancouver, and just minutes from the Peace Arch U.S. border crossing. White Rock is a quaint, ocean-side community with a mild climate and relaxed, holiday atmosphere. White Rock beach is a tranquil 8 km (5 mi) sand playground along the Semiahmoo Bay and is popular with windsurfers, kite fliers and skim boarders. The paved promenade covering part of this distance is a well-known and scenic stroll. Take a relaxing walk along the White Rock pier, out into the bay and enjoy a great view of the...
Vancouver:
