Key Takeaways:
- British Columbia started to market its natural assets aggressively in the early 1900s
- Young people will enjoy BC’s attractive cities, charming neighborhoods, and the diverse cultural backgrounds
- Tourism is a key industry in BC, with more than 100,000 new job openings across different professions in the travel and tourism in the next six years
The province of British Columbia (BC) in Canada showcases the perfect marriage of urban thrills and natural wonders. Because of this, the province is often a preferred destination by international students.
In the early 1900s, the local government with other organizations decided to tap into BC’s natural assets and promoted the province as a natural retreat which offers grandiose natural sights and sounds.
Thrillseekers will be pleased to know that this Canadian province has numerous natural wonders like its mountains, lakes, rainforests, and coastlines to explore. In fact, BC is home to some of the best skiing sites in the world.
Young urbanites will look forward to attractive cities, charming neighborhoods, and the diverse cultural backgrounds that influence lifestyle offerings, from food and music to art and fashion.
International students who are in BC for the first time usually start their journey in the city of Vancouver. From this point, there are a handful of top tourist spots that are worth visiting.
Here are our picks for BC’s top tourist destinations:
Whistler
If you like winter sports or just want to experience what snow is like in Canada, then you should visit the world-class ski resort located at the foot of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
It’s not only a winter attraction but also a great summer stop with its slew of hiking trails, biking trails, and beautiful scenery.
If you’re not into the active lifestyle, you can try the Peak 2 Peak Gondola which joins the two mountains. In under 12 minutes, you will be treated to a magnificent view of the area. There’s even luxury shopping down in Whistler Village.
Vancouver Island
If you like surfing or chilling at the beach or checking out the mountains and lakes, then Vancouver Island is the place for you. The largest island on the Pacific coast of North America showcases one of the most popular, multi-day hiking trails in the country: the West Coast Trail.
Camp out under the stars and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life here on Vancouver Island. One can go reach the island from the city of Vancouver via a short flight or ferry ride.
Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Are you in BC with a special someone? Then the remote tourist town of Tofino and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve are a must-visit! There are beaches to experience, forests and camping sites to check out, and luxury resorts and lodges to explore.
Activities here include kayaking and whale watching, among others.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a great asset to the city of Vancouver. The huge green area in downtown Vancouver is packed with ancient cedars and gigantic Douglas fir trees. There’s the seawall, which offers park-goers a scenic path for walking, jogging, or biking.
Another addition to the park is the Vancouver Aquarium, while other Instagrammable stops are the park’s gardens and beaches.
Victoria and the Inner Harbour
Do you want to meet new friends and learn more about the city through its people and culture? Visit the capital of British Columbia, Victoria, on Vancouver Island.
There are tons of tourist attractions here and the city is known as one of the warmest cities in the country. Because of the relaxing environment, people here are welcoming of tourists.
Once in Victoria, visit Inner Harbour. There’s the historic and majestic Empress Hotel which attracts hundreds of visitors throughout the year. During summer, restaurants offer outdoor dining, and customers are treated to live music presented by street performers.
BC tourism is thriving
Tourism in BC is a main economic driver in Canada.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic (2017), tourism in BC contributed over $9 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. In the next five to six years, the province projects more than 100,000 new job openings across different professions in the travel and tourism industry.
In 2020, BC tourism generated $7.1 billion in revenue, making the province a formidable player in the international tourism scene. The best part of this is that most businesses in travel and tourism are locally owned and operated by small and medium businesses. This makes for a healthy and sustainable local economy for the community.
Study and work in BC
International students can grab the opportunity to study in BC. By enrolling in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), one can work his way toward securing a Study Permit and a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). International students should also ensure that they study at a higher education institution that has the Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation. This ensures that they are studying in an institution that meets or exceeds institutional quality assurance standards set by the province.
Eton College Canada has been providing domestic and international students with a rich and diverse learning environment since 2003. It has the province’s EQA designation and is approved as DLI by the government of Canada.
Students who are interested in taking up quality courses and programs covering the fields of travel and tourism might like to check out Eton College’s Travel and Tourism Management, Hospitality, and other related courses.
Enrolling in an institution like Eton College will help students tap into a world of opportunities in the multibillion-dollar travel and tourism industry. Students can expect to understand more about the tourism industry as a business while developing a service-driven attitude and exceptional communication skills.
