Vast and Beautiful BC - Penny Elmsford. Date of travel: Jul 2006
British Columbia is enormous (it is the size of France, the Netherlands and Germany combined to give you some idea) and breathtakingly beautiful. There is so much to see and do beyond the spectacular city of Vancouver (in itself a must) and it is well worth exploring the province by hiring a car. The Sunshine Coast heading north from Vancouver is a wonderful place to camp (especially near Sechelt) and offers beautiful views, forests and quaint harbourside towns. The Gulf Islands in the Straight of Georgia are my absolute favourite and offer peace and tranquility. Newcastle Island is a gem (a provincial park that doesn't allow cars) - brilliant camp sites, great beaches and one can circle the island in about 3 hours or less. Spot deer, woodpeckers, bald eagles... just beware the rabid raccoons and lock everything away in the boxes provided (though Newcastle is famous for its 'champagne raccoons' that are a ghostly yellow-white colour). Galiano Island is also spectacular, covered with rainforest, and kayaking here is a must to see the seals and sea otters, or to stop off on a deserted island for a breather. Bowen Island is great for a short visit and has some wonderful bed and breakfasts and a great restaurant called Tuscany's. Heading into the mountains, Whistler is worth an adventure, especially for ski buffs and of course there are the Rocky's, the Coast Mountains, the Inside Passage and so much more to explore. Do yourself a favour, and take some time to enjoy the wonders of BC - a place whose motto - 'Splendour without diminshment' - is totally apt.