Iconic symbols that make B.C. what it is
From Lulu leggings to OG White Spot meals, there are many objects that capture the charm of B.C.
Canada's western-most province is known for a range of things, including expensive yoga pants and beautiful nature. (Diego Minor Martínez)
Sky-high mountains covered in snow, dense forests dripping with rain, and the Pacific Ocean’s waters are all postcard-perfect images of British Columbia.
Even if such natural beauty deserves the spotlight, it doesn’t capture the day-to-day realities of the province. In actuality, B.C.’s identity lies not only in its scenery but also in the surprising symbols that its citizens recognize immediately.
Considering the CBC is appealing to the public to determine the province’s best symbol, here are my two cents on the top contenders.
It’s only fair to begin with what could be considered the province’s unofficial uniform: a pair of Lululemon leggings. These flexible pants, which were designed in Vancouver, have turned into a lifestyle statement rather than just exercise apparel.
It doesn’t matter if you haven’t worked out in weeks or just freshly finished a hot yoga session, slipping into Lulu leggings strangely feels like a suitable option for anything from grocery shopping to coffee dates. They are a combination of casual elegance, comfort, and a slight nod to B.C.’s affluence.
The orca is undoubtedly our most magical figure. The black and white whales are an iconic sight in the coastal seas — and as much a part of B.C.’s identity as the mountains themselves. For tourists, seeing an orca is a once-in-a-lifetime event. For locals, they are a reminder of our close connection to the ocean and the need to protect it. It feels good to know these amazing animals live in our waters.
In terms of shopping, Aritzia’s shopping bags have turned into a separate cultural icon. Its minimalist and elegant making is the ideal representation of Vancouver’s subtle yet unquestionably fashionable style.
But maybe nothing brings back childhood memories like the Pirate Pak from White Spot. The chain, which started in B.C., is more than just a restaurant — it’s a part of our culture. The Pirate Pak is meant for kids, but adults often order it, too, smiling with nostalgia. Eating a burger and fries from a little cardboard pirate ship, finished with ice cream, is fun, simple, and totally B.C.
Of course, nature is a big part of what makes B.C. special, and only a few animals are as loved as the sea otter. These cute, playful creatures, which often float on their backs and hold hands so they don’t drift away, is a sight that always warms hearts. Sea otters show the calm, relaxed life many people imagine on the coast, even if city life is a bit busier.
Not all of B.C.’s icons are cute or fun. Some are a bit more complicated. Take the housing market, for example. A tiny studio apartment in downtown Vancouver can cost as much as a big house in another province. While this is frustrating, almost everyone in B.C. has a story about rent, mortgages, or bidding wars, and talking about high housing prices might be one of B.C.’s most common pastimes.
And then there’s the Stanley Cup — yup, the one the Canucks haven’t won, but that Vancouver hockey fans always dream about. Every season brings new hope, along with a mix of loyalty, excitement, and sometimes disappointment. This emotional ride is, in a way, part of what makes B.C. what it is.
Together, these icons — from trendy leggings and nostalgic kids’ meals, to amazing wildlife and the never-ending struggle for affordable housing — show a province that is stylish, loves nature, quirky, and sometimes a bit strange.
You won’t find these symbols in history books, but anyone who has lived in B.C. will recognize them right away. That’s what makes them truly special.
