Carmine

Canadas sheer size can be a bit intimidating, but when its time to plan a vacation travelers would be foolish to shy away from visiting this northern neighbor. Focus on Western Canada for a chance to experience a little bit of everything, letting the scenery and the diversions of this wide-ranging region dazzle and delight you into a state of contentment.

British Columbia is Canadas western province, enjoying a temperate climate and miles of luscious Pacific Coastline. Between the ocean, the mountains and the three bustling cities, the region can boast more variety, beauty and excitement than most other destinations. If you enjoy choices and unusual contrasts, like playing golf and skiing in the same day, then its definitely in your best interest to give British Columbia a whirl.

To whet your appetite for adventure and wildlife, its practically a requirement to take advantage of one of British Columbias nature trails. Canadian forest hikes tend to reveal the kinds of wonders that actually take your breath away; ancient cedar trees, gurgling streams, rarified mountain air, and views of the distant ocean all work together to wake up your senses and ignite your zest for life. Forget about your office and your responsibilities for a while and rediscover the feeling of filling your lungs with fresh air.

In addition to traversing the land by foot, backcountry trails are also great for mountain biking and horseback riding. Various resort areas offer challenging downhill courses for adrenaline junkies, but intermediate and beginning options are also available. From the Kootenay Rockies to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, youll find sand dunes, volcanic mountains, and thousands of lakes, rivers and streams to explore. Bears, eagles, bighorn sheep and coyotes as well as alpine flowers and towering trees will provide the backdrop as you whiz by in a kayak or climb a snowy peak, reminding you again and again that youre a long way from home.

If youd like to spend some quality time on the beach, theres no shortage in BC. July and August make the best times for catching the suns warmest rays and experiencing the finest water, but any time of year is perfect for gazing out across the vast expanse of the Pacific. Also, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are perfect spots for swimming, boating and fishing, as are the many warm-water lakes that dot this province. In other words, dont forget your bathing suit when you head this way.

Rounding out your vacation with a bit of culture wont be too hard. British Columbias history as a Gold Rush region and its aboriginal influences can be traced by stopping into towns like Barkerville and Nelson. Museums, architecture and several heritage sites will fill you in on all the details. Also, if you have an eye for art, visit one of the fine galleries or artisan communities born thanks to the inspiration of this visually stunning corner of Canada. For the full effect, tour a studio to see artists in action and take home a unique souvenir to remember your trip by.

Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler are the three major cities, and provide opportunities for cosmopolitan escapades without losing sight of the lush landscape. Youll be able to live a life of luxury by attending a spa and dining on top-notch cuisine, but youll also still have access to walking trails, skiing, beach combing and boating along the shoreline. Vancouver is known for its big-city feel and selections of live shows, art and sporting events, but promises not to overwhelm you. Victoria visitors will be drawn to the world-renowned flower gardens and coastal blessings, and as for Whistler, be prepared to strap on a pair of skis in order to enjoy the award-winning downhill terrain.

If this brief overview has been enough to spark an interest in Western Canada, be advised that the more you learn, the more tempting it will be to pack your bags and call the house sitter. To make things even more palatable, consider the option of renting a vacation property so that your trip will be comfortable as well as amusing. There are loads of mountain lodges, beach front homes, and charming cottages nestled throughout this area, making it a near-certainty that your perusal of the offerings will uncover a place that would perfectly suit your needs. Vacation rentals are known for special amenities and a general atmosphere of tranquility; after all, how often are you able to settle into an alpine retreat or city condo as if its your very own?

Do yourself a favor and take a look online at all the British Columbia Vacation Rentals and see what you uncover. At the very least, this will help you narrow down the scope of your trip, and its likely that youll soon find yourself exploring the bounties of BC with the benefits of an amazing home base to guide you.

HomeAway.com is the place to go for all your vacation rental questions and queries.