Canada is a huge country divided into provinces and territories. Here you’ll find out all about the Western region of the country which is made up of only one province – British Columbia. Canadian refer to the region as ‘the West’ and the people are referred to as Western Canadians. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains and is famous for its incredible natural beauty.
What is Western Canada like?
Location and demographics
British Columbia, sits on the Pacific coast of Canada as can be seen in the map below.
Western Canada’s coastline runs for more than 27,000 kilometres and includes thousands of uninhabited islands the largest of which is Victoria Island. The province of British Columbia (or B.C as it’s called locally) is 944,735 square kms which makes it bigger than New Zealand and Thailand. Despite its size, the population of the region is relatively small at just over five million people.
As mentioned above the region has the Pacific Ocean to its left, Alaska to the north, the Prairie provinces of Canada to its right, and Western USA to its south. Its landscape ranges from beaches to mountains and forests.
In terms of its people, B.C is the most multicultural province in the country with nearly 30 per cent of the population coming from other countries such as Japan, Korea and India. Five per cent of the population of B.C is indigenous First Nations, Inuit and Metis people.
Culture and history
The First Nations people arrived in the region many thousands of years ago. When the Europeans arrived in the area indigenous people experienced illness; Smallpox spread throughout the coast in the 1770s killing over 30 per cent of First Nations. It was also in the late 1700s that the American War of Independence was fought. American soldiers loyal to the British empire fled the USA north to the territories in Canada still under British control. They demanded that they be given land to compensate for having to leave the USA. First Nations experienced the loss of their land, their homes, communities and language.
Today Canada celebrates the culture and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples of Canada with National Indigenous Peoples Day every year on June 21st.
As you might expect with such a multicultural population, the culture and history of Western Canada is both rich and varied. From food such as Japadogs (Japanese fusion hot dogs), Wild Pacific Salmon and Okanagan Valley fruit salad, there’s sure to be something for you. Living in such a beautiful region, Western Canadians are naturally passionate about preserving the environment and how to save the planet.
What cities are in Western Canada?
The capital city of this large province has a relatively small population of just under 400 thousand. This gives you an idea of the size and space of the areas. Here’s an overview of some of the main cities in Western Canada:
- Victoria – the capital is quite small; you can walk between most of its main attractions. With beaches, beautiful parks and great food this city is a must-see.
- Vancouver is the largest city in the region with a population of 2.6 million. It’s also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
- Surrey calls itself ‘one of the fastest growing, culturally diverse cities in Canada.’ City of Surrey. It holds the Surrey Fusion Festival each year to celebrate multiculturalism.
- Richmond is home to Vancouver International airport and is only 25 minutes from Vancouver.
- Kelowna is a mix of city life in a rural setting. Kelowna means grizzly bear in the syilx First Nations language.
To get a better understanding of some of these locations and others, take a look at our guide to the top cities in Canada for international students.
How much does it cost to live in Western Canada?
Depending on which part of Western Canada you choose to study in, the cost of living will vary. Major cities like are popular with people from all over the world, meaning that you may find it more expensive to stay there than elsewhere.
In general, however, you should consider budgeting around CAD 2,500 per month. Remember to also include the cost of flying home for the holidays and travelling. For more detailed information, read our guide to student living costs in Canada.
What services are there in Western Canada?
An important service for international students is healthcare. In British Columbia you need to register for a B.C Medical Services Plan (MSP) to be entitled to basic health services. You should apply as soon as you arrive.
To travel around the region hiring a car would be a good idea as you can explore the areas that public transport cannot get to. However, there are very good rail, bus and boat services in the region. For example, you can get the Swartz Bay ferry for the 90 minute ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria.
A good way of saving money while travelling and studying in Canada is with an ISIC. This is a student identity card that can offer you discounts on all kinds of purchases, and it is available for free at most Canadian universities. It could even help when you go back home, as it can be used in countries across the world.
What are the post-study options?
To stay in Western Canada after you graduate you will have to make sure that you have the legal right to do so. For most people, this will mean needing a work permit, and for students, that will most likely mean a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). The amount of time that a PGWP will allow you to stay in Canada varies depending on the amount of time you spend studying there, but when you have one, you will be able to live and work freely in the country.
For a more detailed guide to the system, read our advice on how to apply for a post-graduation work permit in Canada.
If you do stay in Western Canada, you’ll have access to a wide range of fantastic career opportunities. Major employers are based in the healthcare industry. Companies in the region include Medical Services Plan, Jim Patterson Group, Lulumelon and Amazon to name only a few.
Inspired? Discover the top five graduate jobs in Canada.
What universities are in Western Canada?
Despite only having one province, Western Canada has a range of top ranking universities. A few of the most notable are:
- University of British Columbia ranked 40th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023. Its two campuses are in Vancouver and Kelowna. The university is proud to have had 8 Nobel laureates and 3 Canadian prime ministers as alumni.
- University of Victoria has over four thousand international students and has a number of scholarships open for international undergraduate students.
- University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is Canada’s Green University TM and is recognised as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers.
- Simon Fraser University is based in three cities, Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver. 40 per cent of the university’s faculty have international backgrounds.
What are the main attractions in Western Canada?
You can’t visit British Columbia without spending some time in Victoria the ‘City of Flowers’ which has also been names as one of the top friendliest cities in the world. Visit the world-known National Historic site of Butchart Gardens and have tea at the luxury hotel Fairmont Empress.
Walk the nine kms around Vancouver’s Stanley Park and see the world-famous Indigenous Totem Poles or watch the Dragon Boat Festival which is a three-day dragon boat race even taking place in June every year.
With its stunning location there is no shortage of beautiful places to visit and outdoor activities to take part in such as cycling, sailing, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, river rafting and skiing and snowboarding. There’s definitely something for everyone.
What must you see in Western Canada?
As well as the main attractions mentioned above you should not miss the following:
- Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in Tofino on Vancouver Island. You can hike the 75 km West Coast Trail or go surfing, sailing, kayaking. You could also just choose to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery, restaurants and shops.
- Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish experience the 10 minute gondola ride up to the height of 850 metres above sea level. Enjoy the views over Howe Sound, walk the trails and walk the suspension bridge.
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is another must if you’d love to walk 70 metres above the Capilano River from First Nations totem pole through to the West coast rainforest.
- Granville Island used to be an industrial site but today it’s an artistic, cultural hub on the waterfront in Vancouver. From art galleries to boutiques, cafes and entertainment spaces you’ll be sure to find something you love.
It is very difficult to show you all Western Canada has to offer, this guide is just a small ‘taster’ for travellers and any future international students. If it has increased your interest in studying at a university in Western Canada, take a look at our site search tool to find the perfect pathway for you.
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