B.C.’s economy is rich and diverse, generating a wide range of trade and investment opportunities across multiple sectors.
British Columbia is home to many innovative, world-class companies.
About British Columbia
On the West Coast of Canada, British Columbia (B.C.) offers opportunity in expansion and capital investment across a wide range of industries, with trade representatives specializing in facilitating opportunities with investors from nations around the world.
Advantages
Explore
Regions in B.C.
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, Food & Beverage, Forestry, Mining
- Key Cities: Prince George, Williams Lake, Quesnel, Mackenzie
Explore
Regions in B.C.
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. Hiking, mountain biking, skiing, fishing, and river rafting are all popular activities. Coal production, mining and logging are important industries in this area. Tourism also contributes to the economy.
- Population: 163,100
- Key Industry Sectors: Forestry, Mining
- Key Cities: Nelson, Cranbrook
Explore
Regions in B.C.
Lower Mainland/Southwest
The Lower Mainland/Southwest is B.C.’s most populous region, home to over 2.8 million people, about 61 per cent of the provincial population. This dynamic metropolitan area offers 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, Food & Beverage, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality, Digital Media & Entertainment, ICT, Life Sciences
- Key Cities: Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond
Explore
Regions in B.C.
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 that includes mountains, glaciers, valleys, and plateaus. Natural resources, particularly mining and forestry, have played 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, Food & Beverage, Forestry, Mining, Natural Gas
- Key Cities: Smithers, Burns Lake, Vanderhoof
Explore
Regions in B.C.
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, ports in Kitimat and Stewart, major investments in the aluminum smelter in Kitimat, and plans for liquefied natural gas plants, and other large infrastructure projects.
- Population: 59,300
- Key Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Food & Beverage, Forestry, Mining, Natural Gas
- Key Cities: Prince Rupert, Kitimat, Terrace
Explore
Regions in B.C.
Northeast
The Northeast region is one of the fastest-growing thanks to the rapid development of the energy sector. The province’s highest employment rate drives the region’s economy, fueled by opportunities in natural gas production and coal mining. Capital investment in the natural resource industries, including clean energy, shows consistent growth.
- Population: 72,300
- Key Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Food & Beverage, Mining, Natural Gas
- Key Cities: Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson
Explore
Regions in B.C.
Thompson/Okanagan
Located in the interior of B.C., the Thompson-Okanagan region is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its sunny climate, beautiful landscapes, and relaxed lifestyle. Its diverse economy is based on agriculture, the service sector, logging, and manufacturing.
- Population: 609,300
- Key Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Food & Beverage, Forestry, ICT, Mining
- Key Cities: Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops
Explore
Regions in B.C.
Vancouver Island and Coast
The Vancouver Island and Coast economic region is found on the west coast of B.C. and includes the provincial capital of Victoria, all of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and some of the coastal regions of the mainland. Driven by tourism and a healthy population, the service sector plays a major role in the region’s economy. Other important industries include logging and fishing.
- Population: 881,700
- Key Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Food & Beverage, Forestry, ICT, Marine
- Key Cities: Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay
Take The Next Step
Dive into the active Canadian West Coast business culture to expand your operations to British Columbia, to invest capital or buy B.C. goods and services. Welcoming communities, lucrative opportunities, and a dedicated team in British Columbia, as well as a network of Trade and Investment Representatives around the world are ready and waiting to help when you are ready to take the next step.