Mining Most of British Columbia lies within the Western Cordillera, a geological formation known to contain a wide variety of valuable minerals. Over the past three decades, mineral products production, including oil and natural gas, have significantly increased due to technological advances in exploration and mining and new domestic and foreign markets. Copper, which is mined in the interior and on Vancouver Island, was the most valuable metal, followed by gold and zinc. Total Mineral Production 4,707 100.0 Tourism 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.
Tourism is a major part of the provincial economy.
22,257 100.0 British Columbia's national, provincial, regional and local parks provide a spectrum of natural beauty, breathtaking scenery and opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and recreation. 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 and sailing.