Vancouver West

British Columbia (5.4 million inhabitants, 944,735 km², Canada's third province by area) is the country's westernmost province — wedged between the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Rocky Mountains chain to the east. Its spectacular geography mixes temperate rainforests (the world's most northern), deep fjords, glaciers, coastal islands (the Salish Sea counts 450 islands, including the immense Vancouver Island), volcanoes (Mount Garibaldi) and the Coast Mountains (coastal range culminating at 4,016 m at Mount Waddington). It's the most ecologically diverse province and one of the country's most beautiful.

Vancouver (2.8 million inhabitants with its metropolitan area) is the economic and cultural metropolis — frequently ranked among the world's most liveable cities (Mercer Quality of Living, world top 5 over the past decade). Wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore mountains (often snow-capped), with its glass skyline facing the sea and exceptional urban parks, Vancouver is one of North America's most beautiful cities. Assumed multiculturalism (40% Asian origin, 2nd Chinatown in North America after San Francisco), top gastronomy (exceptional Asian-fusion, Pacific seafood), integrated outdoor life (cycling, kayaking, hiking 30 min from downtown).

Whistler (2h north of Vancouver via the Sea-to-Sky Highway, one of Canada's most beautiful scenic drives) is the legendary West Coast ski resort. With its partner Blackcomb, Whistler-Blackcomb forms the 2nd largest ski area in North America (3,307 hectares after Park City in Utah), with 200 runs, 16 summits, 3 ski glaciers up to 2,284 m, and annual snowfall among the most abundant on the continent (9-12 metres). Host of the 2010 Winter Olympics with Vancouver, Whistler is also a major summer destination — mountain biking (Whistler Mountain Bike Park, one of the world's largest), hiking, golf, climbing, lively pedestrian village.

Vancouver Island (32,134 km², 8th largest island in Canada, 870,000 inhabitants) forms the oceanic and wild dimension. Victoria, its capital (and capital of British Columbia), retains a strong British identity — neo-baroque provincial Parliament, Fairmont Empress Hotel (afternoon tea), Butchart Gardens (one of the world's most beautiful, 12 ha), preserved historic centre. The west coast of the island shelters Pacific Rim National Park (Tofino, Ucluelet, Long Beach 16 km of sand and surf, temperate rainforest), orca watching (Killer whales, present May to October, resident and migratory populations), world-class surfing, winter storm watching (mid-November to February). East of Victoria, the Southern Gulf Islands (Salt Spring, Galiano, Mayne) offer off-the-beaten-path travel.

The pitch is clear: combine over 7-10 days Vancouver (3-4 nights) + Whistler (2 nights) + Vancouver Island-Victoria (3-4 nights) for a complete West Canadian trip. Ideally combine with the Canadian Rockies for a 14-day trip.