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The first Monday in August every year is British Columbia (B.C.) Day and this year it falls on tomorrow, August 4th. It’s a day to celebrate this beautiful province that I get to call home. Years ago, as part of their tourism marketing campaign, Destination B.C. used the slogan “The Best Place on Earth.” While I certainly haven’t been everywhere around the world, I do have to say that this part of Canada that I’m lucky enough to call home is most definitely stunning.
And to celebrate this beautiful province on B.C. Day, I’m sharing with you 20 stunning images of why British Columbia is the Best Place on Earth. Some of these are my images, but others have been curated from all around the web and have been credited appropriately.
So why is British Columbia the best place on Earth?
Because of amazing sunrises.
Sunrise over Vancouver as seen from Stanley Park Photo: Bruce Irschick
Because of Whistler and fantastic skiing opportunities
Skiing down Whistler mountain Photo: Dan Zelazo
Because of our wine country.
View from Quail’s Gate Winery towards Okanagan Lake
Because of the beautiful Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida Gwaii)
Queen Charlotte Islands from above Photo: Province of British Columbia
Because you are spoiled for choice when it comes to food.
So much good food!
Because you can go surfing in Tofino with some of the most amazing waves on the planet.
Because you can relax in beautiful and comfortable hot springs.
Liard Hot Springs in Northern BC. Photo: Gerry
Because if you’re lucky, you might spot an orca in the wild.
A curious orca breaches to have a look around. Photo: Ray Morris
Because of Victoria’s gorgeous inner harbour.
Looking at the harbour with a view of the Parliament building
Because of the West Coast Trail – an amazing challenge.
Exploring a cave along the West Coast Trail Photo: Paxson Woelber
Because you have so many fantastic (and isolated if you wish) places to go camping.
Camping lakeside under the stars at Roche Lake park near Kamloops, BC. Photo: James Wheeler
P.S. If you want more fabulous photos of BC check out this guy’s stunning Flickr feed.
Because you can see the Northern Lights (if you’re lucky!).
The Northern Lights seen on Idaho Lookout in the West Kootenays Photo: Stefan Klopp
Because of our beautiful bright blue glacial lakes.
Emerald Lake Photo: Kevin Smith
Because of cute little towns with big mountain views.
Fernie Photo: Mark Stevens
Because of stunning waterfalls
Bridal Veil Falls – a great road trip from Vancouver
Because of the Vancouver Public Library
Modeled after the Colosseum in Rome. Photo: Patrick Lauke
Because of the elusive Spirit Bear. It’s not an albino bear, it’s a black bear that is pigmented white.
Because you can go white water rafting through a canyon.
White water rafting on Nahatlatch River Photo: Duncan Rawlinson
Because you can see this within a 30-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver.
Lake Capilano, Vancouver BC Photo: Jason Mrachina
Because of our stunning sunsets.
Inukshuck in English Bay, Vancouver
Want more gorgeous photos of BC? I found so many great shots and couldn’t choose my favourites so I started a gallery on Flickr.
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This is such a great list, and extremely convincing! I’ve always wanted to see an Orca free in the wild, and I had no idea about the black (white) bear. Of course all the beautiful nature and harbors… if only it didn’t get so cold! haha!
I’ve seen a few of them on the ferry ride between Vancouver and Victoria which is always surprisingly. There are also tons of whale watching tours around. See an orca in the wild is so cool. They’re so majestic!
I dont think it gets that cold. Nanaimo is known for some of the mildest weather in the world. Im in southern ontario and it gets cold… -40 celcius. I need to find a place with the year round grow season and an excellent organic market
I had never heard of the Spirit Bear until now. Thanks for that and the sunrise is breathtaking.
What amazing images. Every bit of nature looks perfect and so inviting! Bron
BC sure looks wonderful through your eyes. Actually, I was in BC about a year ago, and it’s the first time in a while that I thought I could live in.
BC has great livability! If only it didn’t rain so much.
…Ah–PLEASE take me there!!…You should work for the B.C. tourism bureau–so persuasive, you are, :-)…
Hahaha, that would be the DREAM job.
Did you put this together JUST to me me jealous? Cuz it worked and you’re a jerk face. 😉 If I could convince my bf to move to Vancouver my life would be complete.
Haha, only doing a little bragging about my home 🙂 Good luck on convincing your bf!
B-E-A-UUUtiful in the words of Bruce from Bruce Almighty 🙂
I like the idea of White water rafting 😀
I’m here in less than a month for the first time and I cannot wait! These pictures make me want to be there now!
Awesome! Have a great time and let me know if I can be of any help 🙂
Holy wow! BC is STUNNING! I have never seen such beautiful pictures compiled together. BC might just top my list of places I must visit on my first CanadaTrip 😀
Yay! I hope you make it out to the west (aka best) coast 🙂
This really is a picturesque and unique part of North America – I can’t believe I haven’t made it yet! I had never heard of the spirit bear, but now I need to head to BC to see one in the wild.
Most people head East when they come to Canada which is okay, but the west is so beautiful and lots of cool things to do outdoors.
These pictures really make me want to go to Vancouver ASAP!!! Hot springs, orcas, and Northern Lights… think you’ve really convinced me to go there!
Yay 🙂 There is a surprising amount of really cool experiences in the province.
Wow. I remember going to Victoria when I was very young and on my way to Alaska, and I absolutely loved it. British Columbia has some amazing landscapes and sights – really must head back up that way now as an adult. I’m totally sold!!
Simply stunning. I would love to visit Canada one day!!!
I know what you are saying, Adelina. We’ve been in Banf and experienced British Columbia at its best. Beautiful collection of pictures.
Thanks Anda. I haven’t been to Banff in years and would love to see more of Alberta. Next year perhaps 🙂
What a fantastic way to sum up BC! I’ve travelled there several times over the last few years to visit one of my best friends, and she’s just as proud of it as you are – and rightly so! I love this part of the world, and look forward to returning … Maybe even to live, who knows? (my friend is always asking me to move there 🙂
Awesome! Hopefully you get a chance to come for longer than a visit 🙂
This makes me want to visit BC soooo much! if we do go, I’d schedule it for a time where we could see the Northern Lights.
Seeing the Northern Lights here is pretty rare. I’ve never seen them, but pictures have proven that they’re here sometimes.
All great photos!
Couldn’t agree more Adelina! Also your site’s makeover looks great!
Thanks Calli 🙂
I’ve only been to BC on short visits while I’m traveling to and from Alaska or the Yukon – I definitely need to change that. The scenery looks beautiful – and I’d love to see a spirit bear!
I think in many ways the BC scenery is quote similar to the Alaskan based on the images you’ve been posting. Maybe less snow and cold 🙂
Hey, on behalf of Christa, Host of The Sunday Traveler, I was stopping by to check out your article. All I can say to best sum it up is BEAUTIFUL… <3
Not sure if I agree (never been), but wow, some wonderful things about BC! Love the spirit bear and Northern Lights, we certainly don’t have these in California.
Yes British Columbia is best place in this world.
I am looking to live and work in British Columbia
I’ve only been to BC once but would happily go back. The same goes for my son. I would really love to see the Northern Lights one day and didn’t realize that you could see them from BC — much closer than Iceland or Norway which I had been considering. Of everything that you show, I think that the Victoria Inner Harbour is the only thing I’ve seen in person. Looks like I have 19 more things to see!
Wow BC is pretty awesome alright. Where is that cute little town with the mountain view?
Fernie is in the interior, close to the Alberta border. Google says its a 11 – 12 hour drive from Vancouver.
Stunning images, I’m sold on British Columbia 🙂 Now, those Northern lights is something I would love to see.
Not so sure about the best place on EARTH>. But yes, it does look like a fab spot.
Wow, your pictures are amazing! British Columbia looks like a great place to live or visit.
Thanks Jonathan! I hope you get to BC one day 🙂
This is amazing ! I have 18 years old, and me and my friend will move from Quebec to BC because we want to start a new life ! I never went in British Columbia, but we decided to go to Kelowna. Is it a good choice ? 🙂
Hi Jeremie! Kelowna is a small town but it really is beautiful. Lots of things to do in the summer and there are great skiing options in the winter. Here are a few posts I have on the region: Myra Canyon Trestle Bridges & Visiting the Okanagan . I hope you enjoy BC!
Tank you ! I’m just more excited to move there now !!!
You’re welcome 🙂 Let me know if you have any more questions. Enjoy Kelowna & BC 🙂
Considering moving from Cape Town, South Africa to BC. Daunting and exciting at the same time! Any recommendations on best places for new immigrants? Thanks 🙂
Hey Chandre! That’s a great question and really depends on what you’re looking for. Vancouver has a huge immigrant population making the transition easier. However, if you’re after quieter and more scenic areas then other cities could be a better option.
Great photos and blog. My wife is from BC and we are moving over there in the near term so it was nice to see your blog.
Thanks John! I hope the two of you enjoy your move back to this fabulous province!
Hi
I am looking to move to BC from Ontario. I am looking for a place that doesnt have snow or too much rain in the winter time. Can you suggest places I am from a smallish town and would prefer to be close to all amenities.
Thanks
Hi Beth! A lot of the province gets snow in winter so the best place would probably be along the coast. I think a great option for you might be Victoria. It’s the most southerly point in BC so in theory it is the warmest city. However, it’s hard to escape rain completely, but it hardly ever snows. I lived there for 5 years and I only saw snow once. The city is smaller than Vancouver and has all the amenities that you would require. It’s quiet, friendly and super gorgeous in the summer. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Love this! I grew up near Seattle, and my family visited BC often during the summers. I just finished writing about a trip up to Victoria in the spring. Such a gorgeous city, and I can vouch for the tasty food as well! 🙂
Victoria is fantastic! Such a gorgeous city and agreed, full of great food.
British Columbia is famous for its beauty and have many beautiful places where you can visit with your friends and family. Last year i visit there and see many interesting and beautiful places. Whistler is my best adventure place Where i enjoyed so much