British Columbia

It’s no surprise this beautiful province is hosting 2010 winter Olympics.  With its island-strewn coast, rich wine country in the Thompson-Okanogan region and the towering Rockies.

British Columbia has one of the mildest climates in the country, and in spring you can literally give your group the option to go skiing in the morning and golfing or sailing in the afternoon!

In winter international-calibre ski resorts offer skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and dog-sledding among many other activities. Best-known is four-season Whistler resort in the Coastal Mountains, 50 miles from Vancouver, a perfect destination for a twin centre programme. Whistler works all year-round and summer activities include trail riding, canoeing and rafting, mountain biking, heli-hiking and some of the most spectacular golf courses available.

Provincial capital Victoria sits on Vancouver Island and is linked to Vancouver by ferry and air services. Chartering a floatplane is a great way to get to the island, from where groups can head off in zodiacs to see the pods of grey and killer whales, that spend the spring and summer in the coastal waters.

BC's largest city and main gateway is Vancouver. A nine-hour flight from the UK, the city enjoys an amazing setting, surrounded by mountains, lakes, islands and a fabulous harbour. Vancouver includes modern skyscrapers, historic Gastown, Chinatown, shopping, major sports teams, a thriving theatre and entertainment scene and some unique venues.