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Useful Information

Temperature:

1°C - 23°C

Currency:

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time zone:

EST -08:00

Climate:

Mild year round

When we visit:

British Colombia Cruises

Mountain ranges, snowy peaks and wild forests cause inevitable reactions of wonder and joy for anyone on our British Columbia cruises. 

A west coast province, this Canadian region tops many a bucket list for those who love the outdoors, while the cosmopolitan cities provide much in the way of art, history, culture and cuisine, interweaving influences from the neighbouring continent of Asia.

Stretching along the Pacific coast, the area is home to many natural wonders including the Pacific Rim National Park, where bright blue waters abound as well as magnificent greenery that delights the senses. 

Top 5 interesting facts

  • British Columbia is named after the Queen who created the province.
  • One in four North American grizzly bears are found here.
  • The province’s motto is ‘splendour without diminishment’.
  • People have reported seeing sasquatches here for over 200 years.
  • The province enjoys the sport of bathtub racing.
 

Highlights

Populous Ports

Vancouver and Victoria are two of Canada’s most populous ports and bring visitors into the heart of Canadian life. Both are vibrant cities set against a backdrop of enchanting hills and glittering lakes.

Vancouver’s cruise ship terminal is only a few minutes from Granville Island where you’ll find many boutique shops and markets. Nearby, learn about the original natives’ way of life at the Museum of Anthropology, or sample the city’s Asian influence at the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. There are some unique shops to be found in the quirky neighbourhood of Gastown – the perfect spot for a little souvenir for your loved ones, and for yourself. 

Places to go

At the southern end of Vancouver Island lies Victoria. This city also offers many pretty views of the impressive harbour, as well as Victorian architecture and an abundance of exotic flora. 

Craigdarroch Castle is a short drive from the port and showcases the strong Scottish influence the area has with the Scottish baronial mansion and gardens. Beacon Hill Park is made up of nature trails, ponds, landscaped gardens and woodland creatures, making it popular with those wishing to see a combination of the area’s natural beauty and heritage.  

 

History

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This region has such a long and storied history that learning a bit about its past can only enrich your cruise here.

 The anthropological roots of this remote place are astoundingly varied, with more than 200 ‘First Nations’ Aboriginal tribes calling this place home, the earliest arriving as far back as 20,000 years ago.

As the name more than hints, British Columbia used to be part of the British Empire throughout much of the 19th century. As one of the farthest-flung regions of the Empire, the area came into greater prominence as a major trading outpost, mainly for fur. The Europeans’ arrival onto the scene had an unintended consequence however – they brought with them the smallpox virus, which killed off about half the indigenous population due to lack of immunity. Thankfully those times are long gone and nowadays visitors are more than welcome.

 

Ports in the country

 

Cruises visiting Canada

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