BORN and raised in BC’s lower mainland and now living in what I consider to be one of the most beautiful places on the planet (the Kootenays) yeah, I’m biased. But I’ve done my fair share of exploring and I can honestly say that not a day goes by when I don’t look around and feel entirely blessed, grateful, and privileged to call this place home, above anywhere else that I’ve been on Earth.

To celebrate this gorgeous piece of paradise, Destination BC is running an Instagram contest called Project Wild. To submit your own entry go here and register, then start uploading and tagging your Instagram videos of BC with #15secondsofBC. You can win an assortment of prizes as well as have your vid featured by Destination BC.

Below are some of my favourites so far that showcase the ruggedness, wildness, and rawness that is British Columbia. See them all here.

Wildlife

Tanner Whidden – My British Columbia. #15secondsofbc @hellobc

A video posted by Tanner Whidden (@gtotaxidermy) on

#15SecondsofBC

A video posted by Pauline (@karlen_t) on

Wild people

Last night drums circle waiting for the sunset! So cool! 😎🌅🎶

A video posted by Jorge Cortes Poblete (@jorge_cortesp) on

Well, Squam, it’s been a slice🍕Had such a rad weekend full of vibes🌄 Big shout out to the ones sharing it with me🎉💥😍 #SVMF #svmf2015 #15secondsofBC #britishcolumbia #squamishlife #ExploreBC #squamishvalley #squamishisawesome #festivalsummer @slowmagic @odesza @wearegalantis

A video posted by Ingvild Sofie B.L. (@skibeck) on

Water

Mountains

Highest peak in Vancouver. Brunswick Mountain. The best hike I’ve done so far. The views from the top are just impeccable. #explorebc #explorecanada #enjoyvancouver #hikebc #hellobc #hiking #hikingbc #latergram #loves_canada #nofilter #15secondsofBC

A video posted by Aldo Enrico (@aldoevoto) on

Forests

Wandering the Great Bear Rainforest with @twheat @jordanherschel and @julescrawf @hellobc #15secondsofbc

A video posted by Kalum Ko (@kalumko) on

Adventure

(this one was the first week’s winner)

Climbing in the Kootenays. #15secondsofbc

A video posted by David Colhoun (@davidcolhoun) on

Northern Lights

Northern Lights over Horse Lake, BC. #15secondsofBC

A video posted by Matt Harper (@matt.harper) on

Beaches

Last weekend @irishtemples, @ig2b, and I dammed off a small stream leading into the ocean so that we could skim something new. Bails were had…

A video posted by Mike Morash (@cambiguous_productions) on