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Cariboo Wagon Rd, Barkerville, BC V0K 1B0
Wild, mountainous and bursting with unique culture, the Yellowhead Highway in British Columbia offers travellers two stunning, scenic routes.
The northwest route begins along BC’s north coast on the misty islands of Haida Gwaii featuring the Gwaii Haanas National Park, the Haida Heritage Centre, and endless, untouched beaches. On the mainland, Prince Rupert is home to one of the largest and deepest ice-free seaports on the north coast, and near Terrace, you will find the inspiration for famed artist Emily Carr at the Hazeltons historic totem pole site.
The city of Vanderhoof boasts fantastic hiking and biking trails, while the thriving city of Prince George explores the future at Exploration Place Museum, and history at Huble Homestead. Fly-fishers can head to Houston to try their luck at two legendary steelhead rivers, the Bulkley and the Morice. And, be sure to stop for a photo in Mount Robson Park!
The southern leg begins near the picturesque mountain town of Hope, where visitors can take a tram over the famous Hell’s Gate gorge. Merritt offers the Nicola Valley Museum and there are incredible volcanic cliffs in Monck Provincial Park. Kamloops boasts Lac du Bois Grasslands — one of the largest grassland parks in Canada, while Wells Gray Park is the perfect spot to cool off with its hundreds of waterfalls. Be sure to stop at George Hicks Park — home to the world’s longest Chinook salmon run!
Provincial Motto: Splendor Sine Occasu «Splendour without diminishment»
British Columbia was named by Queen Victoria in 1858. Columbia refers to the Columbia River named by American Captain Robert Gray for his ship Columbia.
Provincial Flower: Pacific Dogwood
Provincial Mammal: Spirit Bear
Provincial Tree: Western Red Cedar
Area: 944,735 km2 (364,764 sq mi) (Natural Resources Canada, 2001)
Population: 4,631,300 (Statistics Canada, 2014 Census)
Capital City: Victoria
Largest City: Vancouver
Date British Columbia Entered Confederation: July 20, 1871