British Columbia Travel Guide

Whistler Blackcomb

Consistently rated as the number one ski resort in North America, and among the best in the world, Whistler Blackcomb is just a two-hour drive from the city of Vancouver in the Coast Mountain range. The Village of Whistler lies cradled in a valley between two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, that rise up 5,280ft (1,609m) to provide more than 8,100 acres of prime mountain terrain, including 12 alpine bowls, three glaciers and more than 200 marked ski trails to enjoy while on vacation. In fact, the state-of-the-art facilities at Whistler provided the cross-country, biathlon, Nordic combined, and ski jumping venues for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The resort offers state-of-the-art lifts that can carry 60,000 skiers per hour to jump-off points throughout the area. With two million visitors coming on vacation to Whistler Blackcomb every year, such lift capacity becomes a necessity! Skiers and snowboarders flock here from the world over, not for the weather (which can often be wet and foggy) but for the exceptional variety of skiing.

The village of Whistler is set around a cluster of small lakes and is British Columbia's fastest-growing municipality. It boasts a quaint village atmosphere and offers shopping areas and après-ski restaurants bordered by squeaky-clean streets. In summertime, Whistler Blackcomb is a popular vacation destination when the focus shifts to outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking and fishing.

Snowfall is rare in the city of Vancouver, but is more than adequate for the ski slopes on the Coast Mountains to the north where Whistler is situated. As with all Canadian ski resorts, Whistler can get very cold. Go prepared for the occasional blizzard. In general though, temperatures are moderate throughout the winter season, rarely dipping below 12°F (-10°C) in the valley and 5°F (-15°C) on the peaks during the coldest part of the year. Average daily alpine temperature during most of the winter months is 22°F (-5°C).

Mount Washington

The Mt Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island is the second busiest recreational winter vacation destination in British Columbia after Whistler Blackcomb, with an average snowfall of 30ft (9m) that usually lasts from early winter to after Easter; 50 marked ski runs, snow tubing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing trails and a snowboard terrain park. The Mt Washington vacation and ski resort is also set in a spectacular location, looking out across the Strait of Georgia with vistas of the Sunshine Coast and the peaks of the Coast Mountains. Nearby Comox Valley hosts many of the vacation visitors to Mt Washington in its variety of hotels, motels and B&Bs that offer special ski packages during winter months. The ski resort is located 20 miles (32km) northwest of Courtenay, about three hours drive from Victoria, on Vancouver Island.

Fernie Alpine Resort

Fernie Alpine Resort, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in the south east of British Columbia, is one of the largest ski resorts in the country and very popular with vacationers. Spread along the Lizard Range, Fernie boasts excellent powder, five bowls, picture perfect scenery and some highly challenging skiing. Its steep terrain has garnered a serious reputation, as well as a certain mystique - it is the kind of resort that die-hard snowsport fans seek out to set their pulses racing. Tucked away as it is, over three hours from Calgary, perhaps the best part of Fernie is the lack of crowds; Fernie regulars try to keep its magic to themselves. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy people-free open runs and over 2,500 acres (1,011ha) of skiable terrain. Those taking a break from the slopes can explore the picturesque town of Fernie, three miles (5km) from the resort, or indulge in some fire-side drinks and a post-mortem of the day's runs.

Tofino

Once a fishing and logging town, Tofino, on the Pacific Rim of Vancouver Island, is swiftly becoming a popular vacation destination for travelers from around the globe. Tucked away at the entrance of the Clayoquot Sound, the area is home to the Pacific Rim National Park, gorgeous sandy stretches of beach, islands with spectacular old growth forest (still under threat from logging companies), hot springs, and Long Beach, Canada's premier surfing spot. Home to just under 2,000 locals, Tofino, with its mild climate, is resplendent with natural beauty. The area boasts plenty of activities for the visitor, including kayaking, whale watching, surfing and fishing. Hot Springs Cove, accessible only by air or sea, is open year round and visitors can soak in rock pools filled with boiling spring water cooled by ocean surf. Other popular sights include the Eik Cedar, an 800-year old tree that was rescued by residents after it was condemned to be felled; the Tofino Botanical Gardens with acres of forest, shoreline and gardens and the Whale Center Maritime Museum housing fascinating artifacts. The Wickannish Interpretive Center, containing interesting information about the region and the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, the area's original inhabitants, is well worth a visit. Tofino offers visitors the perfect combination of a range of activities, as well as a chance to relax and put their feet up, surrounded by unparalleled beauty.