British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia is the third-largest province in Canada and is located in the western part of the country. The province faces the Pacific Ocean to the west and is bordered by Yukon and the Northwest Territories to the north, Alberta to the east, and the U.S. states of Washington, Idaho, and Montana to the south. In the northwest, British Columbia also shares a coastal border with the U.S. state of Alaska. The province covers an area of about 365,000 square miles.

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, while Vancouver is its largest city. Positioned between the Pacific coastline and the Rocky Mountains, the province has an exceptionally long and complex coastline, estimated at around 17,000 miles. This coastline is marked by numerous islands, fjords, and sheltered inlets, making it one of the most geographically diverse regions in Canada.

British Columbia is known for its rich natural landscapes, which include snow-capped mountains, dense forests, open plains, and abundant freshwater systems. The province is home to diverse flora and fauna, significant natural resources, well-developed infrastructure, and a distinct local culture. Its varied geography also makes it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as skiing, kayaking, ice sailing, trekking, and hiking.

The province contains a large number of protected natural areas, including both national and provincial parks. Notable examples include Kootenay National Park, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Yoho National Park of Canada, Glacier National Park of Canada, Nairn Falls Provincial Park, Golden Ears Provincial Park, Cypress Provincial Park, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, and Goldstream Provincial Park.