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Economic Regions of British Columbia

British Columbia (B.C.) has eight distinct economic regions, each with advantages in various sectors. Importantly, B.C. is home to over 200 First Nations communities that are actively involved in economic development within their traditional territories.

Diverse communities, an energetic and educated workforce, powerful transportation and communication networks, an abundance of natural resources, and an unmatched quality of life makes B.C. naturally easy to love.

Explore Regions & Major Cities in B.C.

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Cariboo

Located in central B.C., the Cariboo region is an area of vast landscapes of mountain ranges, lakes and rivers. It includes the city of Prince George, which acts as a major service centre for the northern half of the province.

Population: 169,600
Key Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Seafood & Food Processing, Clean Energy, Forestry, Critical Minerals, Clean Tech, Agri Tech
Key Cities: Prince George, Williams Lake, Quesnel, Mackenzie

Cariboo Region

Kootenay

Located in the southeast corner of B.C., bordering the United States and Alberta, the Kootenay region is one of Canada’s leading destinations for outdoor adventures. Coal production, critical minerals and logging are important industries in this area. Tourism also contributes to the economy.

Population: 163,100
Key Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Seafood & Food Processing, Clean Energy, Critical Minerals, Clean Tech, Agri Tech
Key Cities: Nelson, Cranbrook

Kootenay Region

Lower Mainland/Southwest

The Lower Mainland/Southwest is B.C.’s most populous region, home to over 3 million people, about 60 percent of the provincial population. This dynamic metropolitan area offers numerous economic opportunities, a mild climate, an active lifestyle, and all the amenities of a vibrant urban centre.

Population: 3,200,000
Key Industry Sectors: Aerospace, Agriculture, Seafood & Food Processing, AI, Clean Energy, Digital Media, Forestry, ICT, Life Sciences, Marine, Mass Timber, Agri Tech, Clean Tech, Hydrogen
Key Cities: Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond

Lower Mainland/Southwest Region

Nechako

The second largest region in the province by land area, Nechako is also the least populated. It is an area of vast and remote wilderness. Natural resources, particularly critical minerals and forestry, have a critical role in the area’s economy and development. Many companies are actively exploring for minerals in the area.

Population: 40,400
Key Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Seafood & Food Processing, Critical Minerals, Agri Tech
Key Cities: Smithers, Burns Lake, Vanderhoof

Nechako Region

North Coast

Bordering the Pacific Ocean, the North Coast region is an area of spectacular forests, majestic mountains, and rugged coastlines. The economy has diversified in recent years as a result of new capacity at the Port of Prince Rupert, and ports in Kitimat and Stewart. Major investments in the aluminum smelter in Kitimat and new large liquified natural gas plants and other large infrastructure projects are economic drivers.

Population: 59,300
Key Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Seafood & Food Processing, Critical Minerals, Clean Tech, Agri Tech
Key Cities: Prince Rupert, Kitimat, Terrace

North Coast Region

Northeast

The Northeast Region is growing through rapid development of the energy sector, driven by opportunities in natural gas production and critical minerals. Capital investment in the natural resource industries, including natural gas, shows consistent growth.

Population: 72,300
Key Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Seafood & Food Processing, Clean Energy, Critical Minerals, Agri Tech
Key Cities: Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson

Northeast Region

Thompson/Okanagan

Located in the interior of B.C., the Thompson-Okanagan region is popular destination, renowned for its sunny climate, beautiful landscapes, and relaxed lifestyle. Its diverse economy is based on agriculture, the service sector, forest products and manufacturing.

Population: 609,300
Key Industry Sectors: Aerospace, Agriculture, Seafood & Food Processing, Clean Energy, Digital Media, ICT, Life Sciences, Critical Minerals, Mass Timber, Agri Tech, Clean Tech, Hydrogen
Key Cities: Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops

Thompson/Okanagan Region

Vancouver Island and Coast

The Vancouver Island and Coast economic region is found on the west coast of B.C. and includes B.C.’s capital city of Victoria, several medium-sized cities and many smaller oceanside communities. The services sector plays a major role in the region’s economy, including health care, public administration, accommodation and tourism. Logging and fishing are also important industries.

Population: 881,700
Key Industry Sectors: Aerospace, Agriculture, Seafood & Food Processing, AI, Clean Energy, Digital Media, Forestry, ICT, Life Sciences, Marine, Mass Timber, Agri Tech, Clean Tech, Hydrogen
Key Cities: Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay

Vancouver Island & Coast Region

Exploring B.C. Communities using Data

British Columbia (B.C.) is a large and diverse province, and a great starting point involves becoming familiar with each of B.C.’s eight economic regions. Familiarity with regions will help lead you to individual communities and local economic development resources.

For more location information to support site selection or simply exploring communities in-depth, the province provides the Community Information Tool, which offers deep data insights into communities across B.C. comprising integrated socioeconomic, infrastructure, and community assets data.

British Columbia Community Information Tool

Connect With A Regional Expert

Regional experts can help familiarize you with the amenities, infrastructure, and opportunities in each region. They can introduce you to the economic development offices and industry associations that will support the integration of your business into the province.