The pines are widely distributed throughout Canada. In British Columbia, there are five western species, two of which, Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and Western white pine (Pinus monticola), are commercially important. Lodegepole pine is found over most of British Columbia, in the southern part of the Yukon and on the eastern slope and foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. Western white pine grows in the southern coastal area of British Columbia, including Vancouver Island, and in the wet belts of the southern interior.


The wood is light in color, ranging from cream to yellow to pale reddish-brown. It is straight-grained, non-porous with a fine and uniform texture.


These species have similar properties. They are light in weight and of moderate to medium strength and hardness. The wood should be treated in used in situations favourable to decay.


In general, the wood dries rapidly with small dimensional movement and little tendency to check. It is relatively easy to work, with good machining qualities. It turns, planes and shapes well and can be sanded to a smooth finish. The wood glues easily, has moderate nail and screw holding ability and takes a good finish.