BC Fast Facts

Capital city: Victoria on Vancouver Island

Population: 3,907,738 (Concentrated in: Vancouver pop. 2 million and Victoria pop. 326,000)

Canada's third most populated province (after Ontario and Quebec

Only province in Canada to experience a "West Coast special": ski and golf in the same day

Westernmost of Canada's 10 provinces

History: Entered Canadian confederation in 1871

Total Area: 944,735 sq km (364,764 sq mi)

Highest Point: Fairweather Mountain, 4,663 m (15,299 ft)

Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean, sea level

Longest River: Fraser River, 1,368 km (850 mi)

Largest Lake: Williston Lake (reservoir), 1,761 sq km (680 sq mi)

Largest Island: Vancouver Island, 32,137 sq km (12,408 sq mi)

Provincial Flower: Pacific dogwood

Provincial Tree: Western redcedar

Provincial Bird: Steller's Jay

Provincial Gemstone: Jade

Provincial Motto: "Splendour without diminishment"