Vancouver Sun

A LAND OF UNLIMITED ADVENTURE

Anthony Everett, CEO of Northern British Columbia Tourism Associatio­n explains why northern British Columbia is a trip worth making.

- editorial@ mediaplane­t. com

Question Why should Canadians visit northern B. C. for their next vacation?

Answer Northern British Columbia has wide- open spaces, mountain ranges and wilderness, and welcoming and unique small communitie­s. People come for a break from urban life and to have genuine wilderness experience­s. Friendly locals share their knowledge of pristine lakes, rivers and favorite trails, and wildlife encounters are almost a given. Cultural, First Nations and pioneer history are valued here, and hands- on

heritage sites give visitors insight into what makes Canada an amazing nation.

Q What is unique about northern B. C. as compared to the rest of B. C.?

A Northern British Columbia is unique in the province for its sheer size and geographic diversity. From the rugged Pacific coast across the Coast Mountains to the prairie of the Peace Country and natural border of the Rocky Mountains, no other area of the province has the range of geographic features present in the north.

Q What are some popular activities that people can enjoy when they visit the region?

A Northern B. C. has a wide range of activities that mirror our size and geography. Visitors come from all over the world to fish, hike, camp and hunt. Americans RVers consider driving the Alaska Highway a bucket list trip. Travellers come to learn about Aboriginal culture, or learn about unique projects that have influenced history such as the Alaska Highway.

Q Is there a best time to visit northern B. C.?

A While many people plan road trips throughout northern B. C. during the summer months, we also have incredible winter experience­s, including heli, cat, alpine and nordic skiing as well as snowmobili­ng touring.

Q Where are some of the best tourist destinatio­ns located in the region?

A Northern B. C. is blessed with the mystic islands of Haida Gwaii; coastal communitie­s like Stewart, with easily accessible glaciers; alpine meadows in the Bulkley Valley; and amazing mountain biking trails. As the largest community in the region, Prince George has urban amenities that offer a surprising departure from the wilderness. The Peace Country communitie­s offer rodeos and ranchlands, tied together by the world famous Alaska Highway. The dinosaur fossils and waterfalls in Tumbler Ridge and the rugged wilderness of the Northern Rocky Mountains are experience­s that people should add to their travel plans.

Q What are some of the different kinds of tourism that visitors can engage in when they visit the region?

A Northern B. C. offers a unique travel experience of small communitie­s interconne­cted with vast wilderness. We are a developing industry, which has worldclass cultural experience­s and eco- adventures like bear- watching and whalewatch­ing. Northern B. C. is the last true frontier in the province and travellers come to experience rugged nature and to satisfy their thirst for adventure.

 ?? PHOTO: DESTINATIO­N BC/ ALBERT NORMANDIN ?? RIGHT: RUGGED WILDERNESS Monkman Provincial Park provides a unique viewpoint for hikers.
PHOTO: DESTINATIO­N BC/ ALBERT NORMANDIN RIGHT: RUGGED WILDERNESS Monkman Provincial Park provides a unique viewpoint for hikers.
 ??  ?? LEFT: ACTIVITIES GALORE Canoeing on Muncho Lake Provincial Park is a fun way to get your heart rate up and take in the sites.
LEFT: ACTIVITIES GALORE Canoeing on Muncho Lake Provincial Park is a fun way to get your heart rate up and take in the sites.

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