British Columbia's scenic attractions, combined with its clean, safe image, serve to make it an attractive destination for Canadian as well as international tourists.

In addition, there are a wide variety of urban and cultural attractions, ranging from the performing and visual arts, to professional sports, amusement parks and shopping.

British Columbia's national, provincial, regional and local parks provide a spectrum of natural beauty, breathtaking scenery and opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and recreation.

International Overnight Customs Entries* - 2009
Origin	British Columbia	Canada	% Canada
North America
US	2,901,670	11,764,925	24.7
Mexico	58,199	168,724	34.5
Overseas
Asia Pacific	725,971	1,510,251	48.1
Europe	458,049	2,202,890	20.8
Total International Visitors	4,179,100	15,804,842	26.4
Source: Tourism BC
*Figures do not account for all visitors to BC since domestic visitors are excluded as well as international visitors who cross Canada Customs outside B.C.

The 972 parks and protected areas (provincial parks, ecological reserves, recreation areas and other protected areas), covering over 13.5 million hectares, are diverse in their features and facilities. There are more than 340 campgrounds, 11,000 campsites, 263 day-use areas and 6,000 km of hiking trails within the provincial parks.

Nearly one-tenth of the province's parks are wilderness, largely untouched and frequented mostly by back-packers and mountaineers. Inland and coastal waters are dotted with marine parks intended primarily for water-borne users.

The abundance and variety of wildlife in British Columbia reflect the great diversity of the province's environment. There are more species in total, and more unique species of birds and mammals, than in any other Canadian province.

In British Columbia, the salt and fresh water resources of the province provide both recreational and tourism opportunities for such activities as sport fishing, boating, sailing and wildlife viewing.