British Columbia

Souvenirs from British Columbia

There are few places on Earth more beautiful than British Columbia. It's a land where the Rocky Mountains seem to plummet right down to the Pacific Ocean. You can watch the sun set over Vancouver Island or sip wine in the verdant Okanagan Valley. The streets of Vancouver hum with energy, while the wilds of the interior make the city feel worlds away. British Columbia is also home to some of Canada's best ski resorts - a trip to Whistler or Fernie is a must in the winter! However you spend your time in this wonderful place, celebrate your visit with mugs, magnets, and souvenir plates depicting its most famous scenes. Local expressions emblazoning T-shirts make fun souvenirs, and keepsakes bearing the provincial flag or local wildlife will always remind you of British Columbia.

So Much to Do in Vancouver!

The province's largest city, Vancouver, is a true urban destination. Only in Vancouver, nestled between the mountains and the sea, can visitors enjoy the bustle of urban streets one minute and set out in a canoe over crystal-clear waters the next. Vancouver's famous skyline, framed by rocky peaks, adorns souvenir magnets, key rings, and other keepsakes. Stanley Park is a popular Vancouver attraction. A true wilderness in the heart of the city, this park is famous for its cedar and fir trees, its picturesque pacific seawall, and its enormous heated swimming pool. Spend a day in this magical urban haven and purchase a souvenir from one of the many artists who display their wares along the park's pedestrian avenues. You might also visit Vancouver's famous aquarium, and buy some souvenirs celebrating its famous marine life. After your big day, be sure to enjoy some local cuisine along the waterfront. Themed tableware, T-shirts, and beer mugs from the area's famous bars and taverns are a way to bring a little piece of Vancouver's charm home with you.

Victoria's Island Charm

Victoria is British Columbia's quaint capital city. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, the city is famous for its bustling harbours and its vibrant flower gardens. Art, clothing, and souvenir plates depicting sailboats or paintings of the gardens make great souvenirs for visitors. Victoria has one of the mildest climates in Canada, so there are plenty of outdoor activities that you can enjoy year round. Golf, hiking, and fishing are especially popular. Fishing enthusiasts might even charter a boat for deep sea fishing, hopefully landing a big one! Also, in the waters off Victoria, hundreds of orca gather each year to feed. Whale-watching expeditions make an unforgettable part of many tourists' trip. Miniature or toy whales will help you commemorate the majestic animals you encountered. The city is also renowned for its cultural treasures. Take in a ballet, view aboriginal art at the Royal BC Museum, or visit one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America. Postcards, magnets, and photographs will be sure to remind you of all you saw there!

The Culinary Bounty of the Okanagan Valley

British Columbia's Okanagan Valley is heaven for the food and wine enthusiast. This fertile farmland has been carefully tended by vintners, brewers, and farmers, and yields some of the country's finest cuisine. Stroll through fertile fruit orchards, and purchase some preserves to bring home to appreciative friends. Then, relax at the end of the day at one of the region's hundreds of vineyards. Over the past twenty years, British Columbia has produced some world-class wines, many of which have won top honours at international competitions. Wine tours and wine tastings are a great way to learn more about the region's offerings. Of course, a few bottles of British Columbia's finest are the perfect souvenir for the visiting connoisseur. The region's beverage production isn't limited to wine, however: local breweries produce some excellent beers, and a case of boutique brew is always a welcome memento! Cookbooks and local spices and sauces offer even more opportunities for you to continue the region's culinary traditions.

British Columbia: Fun Facts!

• Vancouver has been ranked "The World's Most Livable City" three times in a row. Come see what all the fuss is about!
• British Columbia hosted the 2011 Olympics. You can visit the Olympic Park and collect Canadian and Olympic-themed clothing, key rings, and other souvenirs.
• British Columbia has such mild winters, and yet so much snow, that you can ski and golf on the same day! This is called a "West Coast Special" and is commemorated on many souvenirs from the province.
• The provincial gemstone is jade. Brilliant green jewelry made of jade makes a beautiful and memorable keepsake from British Columbia.
• British Columbia is larger than France and Germany combined. Be sure to plan a long trip to experience all this province has to offer!