British Columbia: 12 highlights – in pictures

Surf school: Try out your surfing skills at Mystic beach on Vancouver Island's rugged west coast all year round. Or take a surfing class in Tofino where all ages and standards are catered for – over 60s go free! Photograph: Aaron Black/Digital Vision

Search for bears: British Columbia is home to approximately 15,000 grizzly bears and is one of the best locations in the world to spot these amazing beasts at one of the province's wilderness lodges. In summer you may be lucky enough to see groups of mothers and cubs stocking up on food for winter. Photograph: Tourism BC

Take a hike: People travel far to heli-ski in the Bugaboos in south-east British Columbia, but the fun doesn’t stop at the end of the winter season. In the summer months go and admire the range’s sculpted granite spires and rock-climb or heli-hike around them. Photograph: Stefano Amantini/Corbis

Into the wild: The vast landscapes of British Columbia are ideal for riding – there aren't many places in the world you can safely roam free for such long stretches. You'll find plenty of outfits to take you into the great outdoors. Prepare to camp and cook over a log fire. Photograph: Chris Harris/All Canada Photos

Accommodation with a difference: Canadians are the masters of the eco-friendly, luxury lodge. British Columbia is full of such places, that sit on the edge of the wilderness. To lower their environmental impact, some are built to float on the water and are towed in each summer. Photograph: Darwin Wiggett

Room with a view: The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is a grand feat of modern engineering, being both the highest lift (1,427ft) of its type and because it has the longest unsupported lift span in the world (1.88 miles). It takes you on a spectacular journey between the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Photograph: alamy.com

On the waterfront: Whether you want to hike, cycle or roller-blade along it, Vancouver's 14-mile Seawall provides a scenic route along the city's seashore, through Stanley Park and beyond. Photograph: Greg Probst/Corbis

Up, up and away: To explore the wilder areas of the province, a seaplane is likely to be the mode of transport you'll use to get around. Photograph: Steve Allen/Brand X

Smart living: Vancouver is a thriving, cosmopolitan city, with excellent restaurants, museums, galleries and shopping. Taking in the views down by the harbour over a sundowner is a must. Photograph: alamy.com

Flower power: British Columbia's capital Victoria sits on Vancouver Island, a one-and-a-half-hour ferry ride away from the mainland. Its beautiful, temperate climate is ideal for plants, and has given it its nickname “City of Gardens”. Photograph: alamy.com

Up close and personal: The waters off the coast of British Columbia are abundant in sealife. In summer months you can be hopeful of seeing Pacific grey whales, orcas, and porpoises on one of the tours that takes you right to the heart of the action. Photograph: PR

Grape expectations: The sub-Mediterranean climate of southern British Columbia and Vancouver Island produces some excellent and award-winning wines. Follow a wine trail and drop in on a big mix of styles from boutique producers to the larger estates. Many have superb restaurants, and accommodation, attached. Photograph: Patrice Halley/Tourism BC