Living in British Columbia
British Columbia, BC, Canada’s westernmost province, is home to over 5.2 million people and offers an exceptional quality of life. From its breathtaking landscapes and clean, dynamic cities to its welcoming and diverse communities, BC is a place of opportunity and adventure.
Beyond its natural beauty, BC excels in safety, job satisfaction, and quality health care. We take pride in our rich Indigenous history that stretches back more than 10,000 years, and in the province’s blend of cultures and backgrounds that make up its population.
With a thriving economy spanning various industries and a wide range of lifestyles to explore, BC truly has something for everyone.
The Quality of Life
British Columbia offers a high standard of living, with free universal healthcare and public K-12 education available to all residents. Its neighbourhoods are inclusive, culturally rich, and secure, making it an ideal place to build a life or raise a family. In BC, well-being and belonging are at the heart of daily living, with opportunities to pursue a rewarding career and discover a remarkable variety of lifestyle options and preferences.
The Great Outdoors
British Columbia is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering an abundance of activities amidst breathtaking natural beauty. In the warmer months, the province’s varied terrain invites hiking, cycling, kayaking, surfing, and camping in lush forests, tranquil lakes and scenic beaches. In the winter months, parts of BC become a destination for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. No matter the season, BC delivers an unparalleled outdoor experience, making it easy to stay active and experience the great outdoors.
The People
British Columbia is located on the traditional territories of more than 200 First Nations, whose unique traditions, art, and cultural heritage are deeply valued throughout the province. With strong Indigenous roots and multicultural cities, BC is Canada’s most culturally rich province. Nearly 30% of the population was born outside of Canada, contributing to a vibrant mix of communities and neighbourhoods where different beliefs, faiths, and cultural traditions are honored and celebrated.
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 stunning and bountiful region of BC, featuring large urban centers, scenic landscapes, and fertile farmland.
Home to some of the fastest-growing and largest cities in BC, and accounting for over half of the province’s agricultural activity, it is a hub for farm-fresh produce, as well as new restaurants, microbreweries, golf courses, and a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational activities.
The area also offers world-class campsites, beaches, and nearly 30 vineyards. With endless opportunities for adventure, the Fraser Valley perfectly blends urban, suburban, and rural life.
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 between 20°C and 25°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 is home to one of the world’s most varied ecosystems, ranging from rugged rainforests to tranquil coastlines and 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 Nations, 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 time immemorial to present day.
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.
Resources
Thinking about moving to BC? Whether you’re exploring different regions, looking for support services as a newcomer, or wondering what life is like here, the right resources can make all the difference. From housing and healthcare to employment and community connections, there are plenty of services available to support your transition. To help you get started, we’ve gathered resources with useful information about BC and the programs designed to make your move easier.
