This list was first published in the Vancouver Sun on December 30, 2000.

Every year the United Nations declares Canada to be the best place in the world to live. But no one ever says exactly what part of Canada. Resolute in February? Winnipeg during mosquito season? Ottawa during Question Period? We don't think so.

In the interests of clarity (and controversy), we'd like to propose that the honour belongs to BC. As evidence we present this list of 100 of the best things about living here, 100 things that make us stick out our chests with pride. Things like Nanaimo bars, and Kermode bears, and Triple O sauce. Things that contain the flavour of life west of the Rockies.

Everyone has their own reasons for appreciating the province. For the sake of argument (any list of the 100 best things about BC had better start with those words!), these are some of our reasons, based on a combined 88 years of living here, the last 10 of which we have spent compiling the Encyclopedia of BC. During the time we worked on the EBC we were reminded every day of a new "best thing" about BC, so it was a challenge to pick an even 100 and call them the best.

What do you think? We're ready for all the second guessing--in fact, we invite it. Contact us and tell us exactly where we went wrong. Meanwhile, here is our list of local heroes and remarkable places. We hope it reflects something of the unique character of the province. Have some fun with it.