Regions of
British Columbia
Experience rich culture, urban centres, and limitless wild spaces
British Columbia is Canada’s westernmost province, bordered by the Alaskan Panhandle and the Yukon and Northwest Territories to the north, and by Washington, Idaho, and Montana to the south. Alberta lies to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Ten mountain ranges push west from the Canadian Rockies, and ancient temperate rainforests hug the coast. In between are rolling grasslands, lush valleys, tens of thousands of lakes, glacier-fed rivers, and even semi-arid desert.
British Columbia’s national and provincial parks protect a wide wilderness which represents the best natural features and diverse environments of the province. Approximately 14% of BC’s land base in protected, and all of this wild nature supports wildlife in abundance, on land and in the sea.
Weather
Winter
Winters on the coast are temperate, and if snow falls it doesn’t stay long. A warm coat and umbrella are sufficient weather protection in these mild coastal climes. Most of BC’s interior, on the other hand, experiences freezing temperatures and snow that lasts from November to March. You’ll need appropriate winter attire: a heavy coat, a warm hat, and gloves or mittens. The north experiences longer, more extreme winters for which you will need heavy duty winter gear.
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Spring and Fall
Spring and fall can be warm and pleasant, especially in June and September. Daytime temperatures—particularly in southwestern BC and the southern interior—can allow for shorts, short-sleeved shirts, and dresses. But be sure to pack sweaters, trousers, and a light jacket as well.
The weather in British Columbia is influenced by latitude, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. Temperature, average precipitation, and hours of sunshine can vary over short distances, but in general temperatures are warmer in the south and milder on the coast, and rainfall is heaviest in coastal communities.
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Summer
Summers are hottest in BC’s interior, where temperatures are often in the 30-40°C/86-104°F range. Nearer the coast, temperatures are milder. Shorts, short-sleeved shirts, and light dresses are recommended, with trousers and sweaters in the evenings.
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