British Columbia, the westernmost province of Canada, is home to Vancouver, one of the county's largest metropolitan areas.
For those looking to explore the province, there is definitely much more to British Columbia outside of Vancouver.
Here are five other cities worth exploring when in this province.
Abbotsford
First on the list is the city of Abbotsford, which is right next to the Canada–United States border. It's considered one of the most beautiful agricultural areas in the country that also offers a lot in terms of culture.
Among the attractions that are a must-visit when in Abbotsford are Mill Lake, The Reach Gallery Museum, and Castle Fun Park. Of course, visitors must also check out the Abbotsford Tulip Trail to view colorful and beautiful flowers.
Burnaby
Burnaby may be British Columbia's third-largest city, but did you know it has only been an official city since 1992? Despite it being pretty young compared to many other cities in Canada and the rest of the world, there's much to see in Burnaby.
You have Burnaby Lake and Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area for those who like the outdoors. For those who want to explore the culture side of the city, there's also the Burnaby Village Museum and the Simon Fraser University Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.
And for those who love cherry blossoms, Burnaby has them too!
Kamloops
Speaking of the outdoors, for those who love ice skating, skiing, golf, biking, and everything in between, you won't go wrong with visiting Kamloops. For those who are into biking, in particular, you cannot miss the Kamloops Bike Ranch, which has been often called the birthplace of freeride mountain biking.
Kamloops is also home to a number of art galleries and studios, museums, and theatres. It's also recommended to visit Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park to learn more about Kamloop's heritage and ancestry.
Nanaimo
Found east coast of Vancouver Island, Nanaimo is also known as the "Harbour City" due to its location on the western side of the Nanaimo Harbour. A city full of art and heritage, Nanaimo is home to the Nanaimo Museum, Art 10 Gallery, and Saysutshun, also known as Newcastle Island Marine Park, where you can learn the rich history of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.
For outdoor activities, Nanaimo offers numerous beaches, diving and snorkeling sites, and hiking and biking trails.
Victoria
Of course, no list on the cities of British Columbia will ever be complete without its capital, Victoria. It is the southernmost major city of Canada and, as you might have already guessed, it is named after Queen Victoria.
Like many cities in British Columbia, there is an abundance of nature and outdoor attractions to be enjoyed in Victoria. Specifically, it is a popular destination for those who want to go whale watching. The city is also a cruise destination for those who like to travel by sea.
For those who enjoy architecture, check out the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, Craigdarroch Castle, and the Empress Hotel.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
