Five Reasons to Visit British Columbia

Easily accessible from all corners of the world via the bustling yet beautiful, modern Vancouver International Airport, the magnificent and varied terrain of British Columbia offers a wide range of activities and sights to surprise and delight even the most eccentric of travellers. There are hundreds of reasons to visit Canada's westernmost province, but we've narrowed it down to just five. Book your airline tickets now!

1. Walk into History

British Columbia is proud of both its aboriginal and pioneer past. All of British Columbia's regions pay homage to their aboriginal ancestors through key heritage sites and interactive museums. For the pioneer experience, tourists can view wonderfully preserved neighbourhoods and buildings in Vancouver and Victoria. The Gold Rush and boomtown years come to life in the fascinating towns of Bakerville and Fort Steele. Find your fortune: try panning for gold.

2. Take a Wine Tour

Canada may not be known for its wines, but with more that 130 wineries producing 60-plus varieties of grapes, even the most discerning of wine tasters is bound to be pleasantly surprised. Plan a day trip or spend a week touring the vineyards in the Okanagan Valley or on Vancouver Island. High season is between April and September and most wineries welcome visitors, but for some you may have to call ahead. For the adventurous, why not combine a wine tour with cycling and head off into the grape-lands by bike.

3. Shop 'til you drop

British Columbia is primarily known for its great outdoors, but shopping is also a popular pastime. Vancouver is home to high fashion and funky trends. British Victoria provides a mish-mash of shops catering to every taste. For a relaxed feel, hit the boutiques of Whistler's pedestrian-only village. On the islands, the Kootenay Rockies, you will find a whole range of handcrafts produced by local artisans. And for the gastronomically-enticed, head to the farmers markets of Vancouver is of the most desirable cities on the planet to explore. There are wild trail rides, quiet hikes and fishing rivers, not to mention the snowy capped mountains of Whistler, ranked number one out of America's ski resorts.

4. Watch nature at its finest

Whale watching in British Columbia is the experience of a lifetime. Orcas, Gray, Minke and Humpback, thousands of whales migrate along the British Columbian coastline en route or back to Mexico. Viewing opportunities abound May through October, near major cities such as Vancouver and Victoria, and in more remote (yet easily accessible) locations off the north and west coasts of Vancouver Island and in Northern British Columbia.

If you're flying from the UK Dialaflight.com is a good first port of call for flights to Canada. Gatwick to Vancouver starts at £394 inc. tax.