Washington State, Idaho and Montana border B.C. to the south, Alberta to the east, the Northwest and Yukon territories to the north, and Alaska to the northwest.

British Columbia's Provincial Flag
Adopted in 1960, the flag duplicates the design of the shield of arms of the province. Its proportion is five by length and three by width.

Spirit Bear - Provincial Mammal
The Spirit Bear (also known as the Kermode Bear) was added to the list of B.C.’s official symbols in April 2006. The greatest concentration of Spirit Bears can be found on the Central Coast and North Coast of British Columbia. The Spirit Bear is not albino, but rather it is a black bear that has white fur due to a rare genetic trait.

Pacific Dogwood - Provincial Flower
The Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) was adopted in 1956 as British Columbia's floral emblem. The Pacific dogwood is a tree that grows six to eight metres high and flowers in April and May. In the autumn it is conspicuous for its cluster of bright red berries and brilliant foliage.

British Columbia's Coat of Arms
The shield of the province of British Columbia was originally granted by King Edward VII in 1906; the remaining elements of the Coat of Arms were subsequently granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on October 15, 1987.
The Union Jack on the shield symbolizes our colonial origins. Our geographic location between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains is represented by the wavy blue and silver bars and the setting sun.
The supporters, the stag and the ram, represent the former colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia.
The royal crest (the crowned lion standing on the crown), wears a collar of dogwood flowers, and sits atop the golden helmet of sovereignty. Traditional heraldic elements of a wreath and mantling are in Canada's colours.
Our provincial flower, the dogwood, appears a second time entwining the motto which translates as Splendour without diminishment.

Steller's Jay - Provincial Bird
The Steller's jay (Cyanacitta stelleri) became the province's official bird on December 17, 1987. Coloured a vibrant blue and black, it is found throughout the province. This lively, smart and cheeky bird was voted most popular bird by the people of British Columbia.

Jade - Provincial Gemstone
Jade became the official mineral emblem in 1968. Consisting mostly of nephrite, B.C. jade is prized by carvers of fine jewellery and sculptures at home and particularly in the Orient. It is mined in many parts of British Columbia.

Western Red Cedar - Provincial Tree
The western red cedar (Thuja plicata Donn) was adopted as the official tree of the province on February 18, 1988. Historically, the tree has played a key role in the lives of west coast aboriginal people, and continues to be a valuable resource for the province.

British Columbia's Provincial Tartan
The provincial tartan has five colours, each with its own significance: blue for the ocean; white for the dogwood; green for the forests; red for the maple leaf; and gold for the crown and sun on the shield and flag. The tartan was adopted in 1974.

B.C. entered Canadian confederation in 1871.

Our provincial motto is "splendor without diminishment."

Our capital is Victoria on Vancouver Island.

Our premier is Gordon Campbell, leader of the B.C. Liberal Party.  He is the province's 34th premier.  Click here for a list of all the premiers of British Columbia, from 1871 to today.

In the last five years, 41 new Class A parks, 24 conservancies and 8 protected areas have been established, in addition to 36 parks and 6 ecological reserves that have been expanded.

More than 13.09 million hectares — 13.8 per cent of the province — have now been set aside.

For more information on B.C. parks, visit their website.

In July 2003, B.C. was selected to host the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver and Whistler.

In 2006, B.C. played host to elite events such as the Curling Canada Cup, the World Athletics Masters Championships, the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, the Canadian Legion Track and Field National Championships and the World Junior Hockey Championships.

In 2007, the province will be proud to host international events including the Union Cycliste Internationale BMX World Championships in Victoria and FIFA Men's World Youth Championships 2007 in both Victoria and Vancouver.