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Western Canada has always been a land of colorful characters and bold adventurers. The experiences are as endless as they are unforgettable.
Terrain
Don't just get away from the everyday. Escape to the extraordinary. See the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. Raft roaring rivers. Walk amongst the treetops. Hike on our glaciers. Or ski our magnificent mountains. Gallop across wide, open plains. Sail away in the sunset. Watch Orcas at play. Go surfing. Or panning for gold.
From magnificent blue seas and freshwater lakes to wilderness waterways, there's something here for everyone. We've got some of the most celebrated and beloved mountain ranges in the world. Like great rivers of ice, our glaciers have sculpted the flow and shape of our landscape. Located in Jasper National Park, the Columbia Icefield once mantled most of western Canada's mountains.
Fast Facts
Population
British Columbia:
Approximately 4.3 million
Alberta:
Approximately 3.3 million
Climate
British Columbia
Known for its temperate climate, summers tend to be dry and warm with the winters mild in the south and colder in the north.
Alberta:
While there is a large variation within the region, Alberta generally has a cool, continental climate.
Location
British Columbia:
Located between the Pacific Ocean and Alberta.
Alberta:
Lies between Saskatchewan on its east and British Columbia on its west.
Currency
Culture
Western Canada has always been a land of colorful characters and bold adventurers. From the proud heritage of the Aboriginal peoples to the early explorers who struggled against fear and famine to open the West. Refined Victorians of the British Empire. Swaggering lumberjacks. Wild West cowboys. And silk-swathed settlers from the Far East. Today, past and present mingle to create a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, tastes and traditions from virtually every country and culture in the world.
Our cities offer up a dazzling array of urban adventures. The latest Broadway shows share centre stage with smaller, more avant garde theatre groups. Five-star restaurants and neighborhood bistros are around every corner. Renowned for its succulent salmon and fresh berries on the coast and famous Alberta beef further east, western Canada is a culinary hotspot with an incredible array of ethnic cuisines from China, Thailand, Japan, India and Europe.
Symphonies are performed in the park, Shakespeare on the beach and for those who want the best of both worlds: fabulous shops, galleries, spas and museums are just steps away from wilderness trails. Although the majority of the population is from English origin, there are also a large number of people from Germany, Scandinavia, Scotland and Ireland.
Western Canada is rich in live performances, from theater and dance to music and stand-up comedy. Famous for its outstanding museums and many historic sites, western Canada offers a variety of traveling exhibits, special events and tours. While you can taste a wide variety of international cuisine, we make the most of our local ingredients including fresh berries, cheeses and seafood.
Canada Passport Requirements
When traveling to Canada by air, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require all travelers to the US to show passports (including returning US citizens). And, beginning in January 2008, traveling to Canada by land or sea travelers will also be required show passports.
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