From early explorers and Gold Rush days to modern times, British Columbia has always attracted visitors. Its rich landscape is filled with forests, glaciers and rivers that draw outdoor enthusiasts; more rugged adventurers ride the Alaska Highway, an engineering marvel that cuts across the territory amid stunning scenery. Visit Vancouver, the biggest city in the province, or Victoria, considered by many to be the nicest spot in North America. Scenic railways offer a unique opportunity for relaxed sightseeing. Offshore are the Queen Charlotte Islands, where kayaking is a popular sport. Written by the authors of our best-selling Adventure Guide to the Inside Passage & Coastal Alaska.