Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, British Columbia is a province that crosses five mountain ranges, plus ice fields, lush vineyards and valleys filled with wildlife and rainforests. It shares a southern border with Washington State, which for many people makes British Columbia an easy destination for world-class golf, winter sports and getting back to nature.
The very cosmopolitan city of Vancouver is located on the Canadian mainland, and is quite close to the United States. It’s easily one of the most beautiful cities in the world, where mountains and ancient evergreens fill the horizon and Stanley Park teems with fun recreation options and marine life. You can see Vancouver’s casual diversity everywhere, from the trendy pubs of Yaletown to the art district on Granville Island to the cobblestone streets of historic Gastown.
Vancouver Island is where you can discover whale watching and kayaking, and view MacMillan Provincial Park’s massive fir trees and totem poles. Victoria, a vibrant city with a touch of tradition, is located on the southern tip of the island just a few hour’s boat ride from the U.S. or a beautiful ferry ride from the Canaidan mainland. The popular Butchart Gardens is known as much for its entertainment and lighting displays as for its copious plant life. Victoria’s trendy and historic villages present a British touch with afternoon teas and Victorian houses. In this city of antique shops, outdoor cafes and rare book stores, stress is the rarest commodity.
Vancouver will play host to the 2010 Winter Olympics along with nearby Whistler, a four-season retreat that is also one of the world’s elite ski resorts. In addition to endless winter athletics, the area sports many golf course and three glaciers that you can explore. In the summer you can get to know the area with a hiking, ATV or zip-line excursion. Whistler Village winds around town and is an enjoyable gathering place with great shopping, restaurants and nightclubs.
Victoria is all about historic architecture, glorious gardens, premier museums, and distinctive neighborhoods. A popular stop for gay and lesbian vacationers, you won't want to miss historic Chinatown, the shops of Market Square and Antique Row’s rare finds. This is a city of craftspeople and artists, which of course attracts gays from all over to visit or even settle down.
Gorgeous Vancouver boasts one of the largest LGBT populations in Western Canada. The gay scene centers primarily around two neighborhoods - the West End and Commercial Drive. Davie Street takes you into the heart of West End’s restaurants and electrifying gay and lesbian nightclubs. Join the locals at nearby English Bay for stunning views, and for ever-popular gay cruises. The Commercial Drive area is a diverse neighborhood - a center of world beat culture, and funky shops that’s also a meeting place for the Vancouver Dyke March and Festival held during Vancouver's Pride Week.
Just a two-hour drive from Vancouver, the Whistler resort area is one of best places for rest or play. After hours of recreation, you can melt your tired muscles at a pampering spa. Don’t forget February’s WinterPride week, where there are a slew of ski celebrations geared toward gay visitors. | 
