Major Industries in British Columbia: A Friendly Guide to BC’s Economy

British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, boasts a diversified economy driven by several key industries that capitalize on the region’s abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and strategic location.
According to the B.C. government, the province’s thriving economy is supported by vibrant sectors such as agriculture, clean technology, construction, film and television, forestry, and high technology. These industries not only contribute significantly to the province’s GDP but also provide employment opportunities for thousands of British Columbians.
As we delve deeper into the major industries that shape British Columbia’s economic landscape, it becomes clear that the province’s success is built upon a foundation of sustainable resource management, a commitment to innovation, and a skilled and adaptable workforce.
Overview of British Columbia’s Economy
British Columbia (B.C.) boasts a robust and diverse economy, ranking as the third largest by population and the fourth largest by economic output among Canadian provinces. Key sectors contributing to its economic strength include agriculture, forestry, technology, film and television, and fisheries.
The province’s economy has shown resilience and growth, with a significant rebound in 2021, achieving a real GDP increase of 6.2% according to the 2022 British Columbia Financial and Economic Review. In recent years, B.C.’s GDP has grown at an annualized rate of 3.3%, reflecting its dynamic economic environment as reported by IBISWorld.
The province continues to attract investment and business expansion due to its favorable business climate and strategic location, making it a critical economic hub in Canada.
Major Industries in British Columbia
1. Forestry Industry
The forestry industry is a cornerstone of British Columbia, covering 55 million hectares of forested land. B.C. holds a global reputation for sustainable forest management. In 2022 the top exporters of Wood Products were China ($20.4B), Canada ($20.1B), Germany ($13B). British Columbia has been a big part of Canada’s total global wood product exports and is one of the world’s largest exporters of wood products, including pellets, pulp, and biofuels.
B.C.’s forest sector heavily focuses on exporting, with 2021 forest product exports valued at $16.3 billion. This represents 30% of B.C.’s total commodity export value. Softwood lumber alone, making up 54% of this value, surged 64% from 2020, reaching $8.9 billion.
In 2022, forest product exports decreased slightly to $15.6 billion. Softwood lumber export value dropped by 18% to $7.3 billion due to falling lumber prices and lower export quantities. Despite this dip, the industry remains vital.
Key Figures
- Exports (2021): $16.3 billion
- Exports (2022): $15.6 billion
- Softwood Lumber (2021): $8.9 billion
- Softwood Lumber (2022): $7.3 billion
- Total Forested Land: 55 million hectares
Employment
The forestry sector supports over 50,000 workers and more than 7,000 businesses. Many regions in B.C. rely on forestry as a primary employer.
By promoting the use of mass timber, B.C. is transitioning from high-volume to high-value production. This shift aligns with the province’s environmental initiative, CleanBC.
2. Mining Sector
The mining sector in British Columbia plays a significant role in the province’s economy. Mining in BC is rich with various resources, including gold, silver, and coal. BC has the world’s largest concentration of exploration companies and mining professionals.
Many mining firms choose BC as their base of operations. Over 700 mining and mineral firms operate here due to the favorable business environment.
BC’s coal production is a major part of its mining industry. It employs thousands of people and generates billions in revenue each year. Over 95% of the coal produced in BC is exported.
Key Facts:
- Employment Growth: Employment in BC’s mining sector has increased by 13.3% over the past ten years.
- GDP Contribution: The mining, quarrying, and oil and gas sector accounted for nearly 5% of BC’s total GDP in 2021.
- Workers: In 2021, the sector employed 28,300 people, with most workers located in the Kootenay region.
Mining companies must comply with strict regulations. The Province ensures that BC remains a leader in mining regulation and oversight, with natural resource ministries working collaboratively to maintain compliance.
You can find more data on the British Columbia mining industry figures. The job market reports provide further insights into employment trends.
3. Aquaculture and Fishing
The aquaculture and fishing industry is a vital sector in British Columbia. It supports not only the local economy but also provides numerous jobs and resources for coastal communities.
You’ll find a diverse range of seafood sourced from both marine and freshwater environments. From salmon farming to shellfish aquaculture, B.C. offers a variety of products. The industry ensures responsible management practices that protect the environment and maintain viable, healthy fish stocks.
Aquaculture in British Columbia creates close to 6,000 jobs, contributing $224 million in wages. There are about 740 aquaculture operations across the province, showcasing the scale and impact of this sector on local communities.
To learn more about fish health, fish health reports, and marine commercial fisheries, you can visit the Province of British Columbia’s fisheries and aquaculture page or the Fisheries and Oceans Canada page dedicated to aquaculture in B.C.
4. Agriculture

Agriculture in British Columbia is incredibly diverse, benefiting from the province’s varied terrain, long coastline, and temperate climate. You can find everything from fruit orchards and vineyards in the Okanagan to mixed farms in the Bulkley Valley.
Primary agriculture in B.C. generated $4.56 billion in FCR in 2022. The agriculture sector’s contribution to GDP rose from $2.12 billion to $2.25 billion (+6.2%) accounting for 0.8% of B.C.’s total GDP.
Top 10 Commodities by Farm Cash Receipts (FCR):
- Dairy products
- Chicken
- Floriculture
- Beef
- Mushrooms
- Greenhouse vegetables
- Eggs
- Blueberries
- Nursery products
- Apples
Employees in the agriculture sector earned a median hourly wage of $20.00/hr in 2021. The sector involves growing fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and crops, as well as animal husbandry and various support activities.
B.C. is also notable for its fish and seafood industry, leveraging its long coastline to provide high-quality products. The quality, safety, and sustainability of this sector are continuously emphasized.
For more detailed information, visit the B.C. Agriculture Sector Profile.
5. Tourism
Tourism is a significant industry in British Columbia, contributing substantially to the provincial economy. With 16,910 tourism businesses in operation, it generates $18.5 billion in revenue.
The sector’s economic input, measured through gross domestic product (GDP), added $7.2 billion to B.C.’s economy.
Key Highlights
- Revenue: $18.5 billion
- Provincial taxes contribution: $2.2 billion
- GDP contribution: $7.2 billion (2.4%)
Tourism supports local communities across the province, making B.C. an attractive place to live and visit.
The Tourism Industry Association of BC, plays a vital role in promoting tourism. Its vision is for tourism to be recognized as a leading and sustainable industry.
You can access the Tourism Industry Dashboard by Destination BC to get the latest data and updates about the industry.
Note: The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the tourism sector, causing economic activity to decline significantly between 2019 and 2020. Business revenues and employment in tourism also fell by around 65%.
6. High Technology

British Columbia is a leader in the high-tech industry, amalgamating innovation and talent to drive substantial advancements.
Key Sectors
- Software Development: B.C. hosts numerous software firms creating everything from enterprise solutions to gaming applications.
- Clean Technology: Companies in this sector focus on renewable energy sources, such as the hydrogen and fuel cell industry.
- Biotechnology: Innovative solutions in health and agriculture based on biological advances.
Tech Ecosystems
Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna are the province’s main tech hubs. These cities provide fertile ground for tech clusters, fostering collaboration and growth.
Major Companies
- Telus: This communications giant, headquartered in Vancouver, consistently ranks high among top tech companies in B.C.
- Take-Two Interactive Software: Develops, publishes and markets video games for players around the world.
- Hootsuite: A pioneer in social media management tools, revolutionizing how brands interact online.
- Electronic Arts: Known for its game development, it has a significant presence in the region.
Employment Opportunities
The demand for tech talent in B.C. is soaring. According to the High Opportunity Occupations report, many tech roles are in high demand, offering promising salaries and growth opportunities.
British Columbia’s tech industry thrives on innovation, research, and a community-building approach, making it an exciting field to explore and contribute to.
7. Film and Digital Media
British Columbia is a major hub for the film and digital media industries. Situated on Canada’s West Coast, B.C. attracts numerous productions due to its vibrant creative community and stunning landscapes.
In 2020, the film and television industry contributed $3.4 billion to the local economy. The industry’s resilience during the pandemic demonstrated its robust infrastructure and talented workforce. In 2021, the industry witnessed a record-shattering $4.8 billion spend. This reflects the continuous growth and importance of B.C. as a top destination for film and television production.
Key Sectors
- Film and Television Production: B.C. is a hotspot for international and local productions.
- Visual Effects and Animation: The province is known for its cutting-edge VFX and animation studios.
- Post-Production Services: High-quality post-production services for editing, sound, and special effects.
Notable Projects
Many blockbuster movies and hit TV series have been filmed in B.C. This includes popular titles like “Deadpool” and “Supernatural,” showcasing the province’s versatility as a filming location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources Related to Major Industries in British Columbia
About the author
Maurice