BritishColumbiae Best Place on Earth

Beautiful British ColumbiaVacation Planner 2013

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In this travel planning guide, youll find all the information and tools to plan and book the perfect BC holiday. Youll be able to experience BCs breathtaking scenery, exciting cities and resorts, and do it all your own way.

FestivalsFlip to page five to find out about BCs year round activities and festivals. Music lovers, foodies, creative types, sports fans, and all those inbetween will be satisfied with British Columbias endless possibilities. Whether youre visiting our province with the entire family or as an adventurous twosome, youll find ideas tailored to fit in with any itinerary that are scattered all across the regions of beautiful British Columbia.

ActivitiesRead about our provinces coast, waterways, and mountains, and how they are perfect for fishing, kayaking, river rafting, skiing, and a number of other adventures.

SightseeingAcross BC, you can gaze up at majestic mountains and explore ancient old-growth forests. Discover caves and amble along long sandy beaches. Youll find out how and where on page seven.

Events & EntertainmentThere are always exciting things to do in British Columbia. In fact, the challenge in British Columbia is not figuring out what do to, but how to do it all. Thanks to a temperate climate, outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in their passions nearly year round. From hockey games to festivals of light, British Columbia has no shortage of entertaining events. So check out page four for all that our beautiful province has to offer. Youll find event schedules, top ten lists, great weekend getaway ideas, and tips on how to make your travels more enjoyable.

Northern BC

Vancouver Coast

Cariboo

Vancouver Island

Thompson Okanagan

Kootenay

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

British Columbia By Region

Winter Wine FestSet amidst the charming village of Sun Peaks Resort, the annual Winter Festival of Wine is a unique marriage of culinary events, wine tastings, and educational seminars, showcasing the famous wine varietals of BCs Okanagan Wine Country. Whether you are a wine rookie or a sommelier in disguise, this festival has daily events to entice every palette. Talk about aprs-ski taken to new heights! Tofino Food & Wine FestivalThe Tofino Food & Wine Festival celebrates the marriage of food and wine in the beautiful Tofino Botanical Gardens. T he festival is both a destination weekend for out of town guests and a favourite for locals. The main event, Grazing in the Gardens, showcases local culinary talents and BC wines.

Granville IslandWhere else in the world can rusty tin-sided factories boast rebirth as a Public Market, shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries, a hotel, and so much more? Granville Islands ambiance is uniquely amazing. Performers, artists and great food await. Science WorldScience World awaits you with popular, hands-on interactive displays, inspirational feature exhibitions, and awesome shows. Watch a giant-screen film in our OMNIMAX Theatre, or engage in a live science demonstration. Spark your imagination in galleries featuring nature, physics, and life sciences. When the weather is nice, explore our new outdoor Ken Spencer Science Park. Located near downtown Vancouver, the entire family is sure to be entertained by a day at Science World.

Fireworks FestivalThe Celebration of Light is not only Vancouvers biggest event, but its also the largest offshore fireworks competition in the world and attracts up to 400,000 spectators along English Bay each evening. Owned by the Not For Profit Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society, 2012 marks the 22nd consecutive year of the event. The event features three new and unique countries competing over three nights in July. All shows start at 10pm. Folk Music FestThe Vancouver Folk Music Fest is an outdoor music festival. It takes place annually, on the third weekend of July. Founded in 1978, this annual festival uses eight outdoor stages, located at Jericho Beach Park. It has attracted artists from all over the world and from all walks of life, including Ani Difranco, Feist, Knaan, and many others.

CanucksHockey fan or not, you probably know that Vancouver is home to the citys beloved NHL team, the Vancouver Canucks. A visit to British Columbia isnt complete without taking in a game or two at Rogers Arena. Tickets sell out quickly though, and can often be tricky to nail down, so be sure to look out for them well in advance. You wont regret cheering along in green and blue with 18,000 other excited fans. Go Canucks Go! BC LionsThe BC Lions and their fans know that their games offer a memorable, fun, and thrilling experience. So gear up in our football teams famous orange and black, grab a few beers, and enjoy an afternoon relaxing in Vancouvers BC Place Stadium. Locals and visitors mix at this huge, newly renovated stadium, with its open air construction and decorative light fixtures.

SPORT TEAMS FESTIVALS FAMILY FUN FOOD & WINE

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EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENTFrom rowdy sporting events to formal win festivals, youll never findyourself without something to do in Beautiful British Columbia

Pacific Rim KitesCome join the British Columbia Kitefliers Association for two days of kite flying at the 37th annual Pacific Rim Kite Festival! Watch individual and team kite demonstrations, Rokkaku kite battles, as sail boarders and sailboats pass offshore. Your child can build his or her own kite at the Childrens Kite Making Workshop. Pack a picnic lunch or try one of the offerings from the many local restaurants and cafs. Come June 9th, rain or shine! Hastings RacecourseFew sports offer as much excitement or international appeal as thoroughbred racing. Thats one reason Hastings Racecourse has been capturing the imagination of Vancouverites and visitors alike since 1889. Featuring live thoroughbred racing from many of the worlds most prestigious tracks, Hastings is a legendary location with spectacular mountain and waterfront racing views. Were open for live thoroughbred racing every weekend from April to November. Whether youre visiting as a couple or as a group, our staff is committed to ensuring that your day at the track is a runaway success and a truly memorable experience.

Richmond Night MarketWith 250 booths offering cool merchandise, 80 vendors serving mouth-watering food and desserts (with a different specially-featured-and-priced vendor each night) a diversity of family-friendly entertainment, and more than a thousand nearby parking stalls, the Richmond Night Market cant be beat. This years market will also feature carnival rides and a childrens amusement zone, adding thrills and chills to this nightly, family-oriented experience. Christmas MarketThe Vancouver Christmas Market is an annual cant-miss Vancouver Christmas event running from November 24th to December 24th each year. Vancouver Christmas Market, located on the Plaza at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, is guaranteed to get you in the festive mood! Stroll through the festively decorated outdoor Christmas village and be treated to row upon row of illuminated wooden huts offering handmade gifts and tempting treats. Listen to the sounds of bells, trumpeters and carolers. As day becomes night, thousands of Christmas lights sparkle and delicious aromas of mulled wine, spicy gingerbread, and fresh waffles waft through the crisp winter air.

MARKETS CONTESTS Top 5 iPhone Travel Apps

Why not make traveling easy? visit the apple app store

Packing Pro No matter where youre going, youll need to pack, and Packing Pro is the essential app for that.

Kayak Find the right flight, the perfect hotel, and even manage your itinerary or track your flight status.

Instagram A fast and fun way to share your photos with friends while placing your memories on a photo map.

TripIt Turns all your flight and hotel confirmation emails into simple, mobile travel itineraries.

Urbanspoon Discover great new places to eat, see whats nearby in your hood, or browse a long list of restaurants.

iPhone 5never travel without one

Red MountainAt Red Mountain Resort, downhill skiers and snowboarders gain amazing access to two mountains- Red Mountain and Granite Mountain. Red Mountain Resort boasts amazing terrain, vertical, and a total of 88 marked runs for skiing and snowboarding. A popular option for powderhounds, the annual snowfall at Red averages 750cm. Red Mountain also offers cross country skiing loops. WhistlerLocated in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, and just two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is Canadas premier, year-round destination. Consistently ranked the number one resort in North America, Whistler features two majestic mountains with epic skiing and snowboarding. Located in the Coast Mountain Range of BC, Whistler consistently offers the most reliable snow conditions, receiving an average annual snowfall of 11.9 metres based on the past ten years.

Bowen IslandBowen Island is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. The forested island lives up to its slogan of Within Reach. Beyond Comparison. Water lovers enjoy kayaking around the islands sheltered bays, swimming at sandy beaches, and mooring their boats at local marinas. Hiking and mountain biking options also offer both hilly challenges and pure relaxation. After a full day spent on the water, shopping and dining on the island are a short stroll away from the ferry port and kayak rental shops in Snug Cove. Bowron LakeBowron Lake offers a world renowned canoe circuit encompassing over 100 kilometers of lakes, waterways, and portages. 54 wilderness campsites and 25 vehicle-accessible campsites are available. Those attempting the canoe circuit must have some previous wilderness canoeing experience.

West Coast TrailThe West Coast Trail is a challenging 75 kilometer historic hiking route along sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and beaches. Features include sand beaches, an island archipelago, old-growth coastal temperate rainforest, and significant archaeological sites. Juan De Fuca ParkJuan de Fuca Provincial Park offers scenic beauty, marine and wildlife viewing, and roaring surf along the 47 kilometer wilderness trail. Ranging from easy to strenuous, day or multi-day hiking and camping trails are offered along this rugged Pacific coastline. Naikoon ParkHere lay broad, sandy beaches that stretch for miles. Naikoon lies within a natural trough, and is perfect for hikers and adventurers looking for their next physical challenge.

KAYAKING ALPINE SKIING HIKING

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BCS Best FestivalsBard on the Beach Festival Filberg Festival Sunshine Coast Festival Pacific Rim Summer Festival Summer Okanagan Wine Festival ArtsWells Festival Kaslo Jazz Summer Music Festival Edge of the World Music Festival

BCS Best RestaurantsBlue Water Cafe Lupo Restaurant & Vinoteca RainCity Grill Chambar Belgian Restaurant Le Bistro Chez Michel Simply Thai Glowbal Restaurant Provence Marinaside Salade De Fruits Cafe La Terrazza Restaurant & Lounge

BCS Best Hot SpringsAinsworth Hot Springs Resort Canyon Hot Springs Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Halcyon Hot Springs Village & Spa Gandll Kin Gwaayaay Springs Harrison Hot Springs Hot Springs Cove Liard River Hot Springs Lussier Hot Springs Nakusp Hot Springs Radium Hot Springs

BCS Best MicrobreweriesDriftwood Brewery Central City Brewing Co. Howe Sound Brewing Russell Brewing Lighthouse Brewing Co. Phillips Brewing Co. Coal Harbour Brewing Co. Townsite Brewing Inc.

BCS Best Farmers MarketsCottonwood Community Market Comox Valley Farmers Market Penticton Farmers Market Moss Street Market Jaffray-Baynes Lake Market Whistler Farmers Market Kitsilano Farmers Market

BCS BEST

ACTIVITESHome to avid adventure seekers, the possibilites are endless when it comes to the adventures BC has to offer

Cypress MountainCypress provides skiers and sliders with the most vertical drop and best snow conditions on the North Shore Mountains. With cross country skiing, snowtubing, and snowshoeing areas, Cypress has something for everyone. Silver StarSilver Star Mountain is the ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. Champagne powder and awesome terrain draw people in winter for skiing, while that same terrain attracts mountain bikers and hikers alike during the warm summer months. FernieSituated halfway up the western slope of the Crowsnest Pass and surrounded by snowcapped peaks, Fernie has a timeless charm. Offering everything from mountain biking to river rafting, Fernie is the perfect destination.

Spanish BankThis impressive stretch of clean sandy beach has earned Spanish Bank a place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Grassy areas abound, making a sand-free encounter with a good book possible. Spanish Bank is located just 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver, with views of the city skyline, passing cruise ships, and surrounding mountains and forests.

English BayA popular venue for outdoor activities like cycling, running, rollerblading, and jogging, English Bay is one of Vancouvers most diverse neighbourhoods. Located in downtowns West End, its where the energetic action of Denman street and Davie street converge. Besides offering fun in the sun and the sand, its also home to some of the citys best dine-with-a-view restaurants and an eclectic fusion of culinary arts and diverse eateries. An all ages area, English Bay is sure to satisfy.

Prospect PointOne of Vancouvers most glorious lookouts, Prospect Point is located in Stanley Park. In summer youll be jostling for elbow room with the tour groups as you angle for a view of the passing cruise ships, surrounding mountains, and ocean.Harbour CentreWhere else can you enjoy a 360 aerial view of Vancouver? Your adventure starts with a 40 second glass elevator ride, whisking you 168 meters skyward to the panoramic observation deck.

VIEWPOINTS

click through or hit play to see some of BCs native insects, animals, birds, and sea creatures

BEACHES MOUNTAINS

BCS TOP FIVE SCENIC DRIVES

NAME REGION

1. Glacier National Park Thompson Okanagan

2. Yoho National Park Kootenays

3. Kootenay National Park Kootenays

4. Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park West Kootenays

5. Sea to Sky Highway Vancouver Coast

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SIGHTSEEINGBC is home to some of the most beautiful plant and animal species, as well as breathtaking views, vistas, and attractions

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