Settlement Patterns of Western Canada

Many physical, cultural, and economic factors led to settlement in British 

Columbia’s lower mainland. One of the main reasons people settle in B.C. is the 

landscape, and nature. B.C. is filled with beautiful mountains, which can be used for 

winter sports, summer hiking, or both. The lower mainland of B.C. is close to the pacific 

ocean, which is great for fun activities, or just to go sight-seeing. There are still parts of 

B.C. where it is deeply forested, lush, and green, which attracts people for the wildlife or 

just being in a natural surrounding. The climate here is very reasonable. There are no two 

extremes, you don’t have to drastically change your lifestyle from winter to summer. 

Also, in the lower mainland, there are great opportunities for economical stability. There 

are many trees which can be turned into lumber, there is an abundance of fish from the 

ocean, and there is oil, minerals, and ores to be collected and sold for good economic 

advantages. There are also several cultural factors which intrigue visitors to settle in 

B.C.’s lower mainland. In B.C., you can go hike on a mountain, and go swimming in the 

Pacific Ocean on the same day. You can go mountain biking, or sail boating, there is an 

endless list of ideas to do. You can go camping out in the middle of the woods, or walk 

around in a large city, peering into store windows. All of these factors greatly attract 

people from all over the world to settle in the lower mainland of B.C. You can enjoy the 

beautiful views, the temperate climate, or start a business with the great economic 

opportunities. Ultimately, there are many physical, cultural, and economic factors that led 

to settlement in B.C.’s lower mainland.