Aboriginal people have lived in this region for thousands of years. It wasn’t until 1778 that England’s Captain James Cook became the first known Caucasian to set foot in what is today known as British Columbia. In 1792, Captain Vancouver charted the coast in detail. Vancouver Island became the first crown colony in 1849. Its city, named after Queen Victoria of England, later became the capital of the province. The Queen Charlotte Islands were added to the Colony in 1852, and the mainland was declared a Colony in 1858, given the name British Columbia by Queen Victoria.

In 1871, this huge territory, with its diverse mix of climate, geography, products, and people, joined the Confederation. Its steady progression can be traced through fur trading and gold rushes to urban development. Bordered on the south by Idaho, Washington, and Montana, and on the north by the Alaskan panhandle, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories, the province has a varied topography including a rugged coastline stretching more than 16,780 miles (27,000 kilometers) including thousands of islands and many fjords. Vancouver Island, 280 miles (451 kilometers) long, is located off the southwest corner of British Columbia’s mainland.

With such a varied landscape the province is also prone to a wide range of weather conditions, from the warm, balmy breezes in Victoria to cold arctic winds in the far north. The two variables result in many recreational possibilities, including skiing, sailing, swimming, spelunking, and river rafting. Vacation choices range from shopping for indigenous art to gold panning to flying over the magnificent wilderness of the Queen Charlotte Islands.

No trip to British Columbia would be complete without a visit to Vancouver and Victoria. International in character, Vancouver boasts all the attractions of a modern city while preserving its vital past. Museums, galleries, parks, gardens, and fine dining blend well with beaches and marinas in this lovely peninsular city. Victoria, the capital, is located on Vancouver Island and is noted for its many gardens and parks. Victoria's sights include the Parliament buildings, the Royal British Columbia Museum with its Natural History Gallery, and reconstructed areas that reflect the past.

Most of British Columbia is on Pacific Standard Time and observes Pacific Daylight Saving Time in summer. Tourists should note that there is strong anti-litter legislation in British Columbia that applies to boaters and hikers as well as drivers and pedestrians.

In addition to national holidays, British Columbia observes British Columbia Day (the first Monday in August).

Safety belts are mandatory for all persons anywhere in a vehicle. Children under 40 pounds in weight must be in approved passenger restraints anywhere in a vehicle: children 20-39 pounds may use approved safety seats facing forward if in a parent's or guardian's vehicle, or regulation safety belts if in someone else's vehicle. Babies under 20 pounds must be in approved safety seats facing the rear.