Vancouver
British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver, British Columbia . . .
world-renowned for its breathtaking natural setting and a cosmopolitan flair, complimented by beautiful parks and gardens, beaches, and a variety of cultural and recreational facilities.

Whether the visitor chooses to laze on one of the many sandy beaches, enjoy the wide-open spaces, the majestic British Columbia rainforest and rugged West Coast mountains, join in the beach volleyball games or windsurf on the ocean, Vancouver's prime location is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors. In addition to the cities scenic location, visitors also enjoy beautiful gardens, the seawall and world famous Stanley Park, and the nearly 200 city parks.

Grouse Mtn. with Canada Place in foreground Photo provided courtesy of The Lookout at Harbour Centre Tower

For family fun there's the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, Science World, CN Imax Theatre, the Miniature Train, and the Kids Only M arket. Culture buffs can enjoy the entertainment at the many theatres including the Queen Elizabeth, Orpheum, and Vancouver Playhouse theatres. There is also the Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Vancouver Symphony, Ballet BC, and hundreds of heritage sites including the Gastown and Chinatown historic areas. Vancouver also offers world-class entertainment, fantastic cuisine, and malls and individual stores representing the many cultures of the city.

Canada Place. Photo courtesy of Alan Forseth

Within a 30 minute drive in any direction you arrive at one of the surrounding southwestern British Columbia communities which have much to offer those interested in recreation, shopping or culture. Local mountains offer winter skiing and summer hiking, biking and exploring.

Nearby North Vancouver offers the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Salmon Hatchery, Seymour Demonstration Forest, Lynn Canyon Park & Ecology Centre and Cleveland Dam. Take the skyride to the top of Grouse Mountain and view the entire British Columbia lower mainland.

To the east of Vancouver, BC, visitors to Burnaby can enjoy the Burnaby Lake wildlife sanctuary, Fraser Foreshore Park or Deer Lake Park. All the surrounding communities can offer excellent shopping, sightseeing spots, recreation opportunities and facilities plus first class accommodations.

Coastal Springs Float Lodge: A full service salmon fishing lodge in the protected waters of Knight Inlet and Blackfish Sound. We focus on large Chinook Salmon (King or Tyee) and cater to smaller groups offering a premier guided BC salmon fishing and wilderness experience. more

Fresh Adventures Ski Vacations: Ski vacations and guided tours in BC and Alberta. Experience legendary ski resorts, epic terrain, powder and vibrant ski culture. Enjoy multiple mountains in your Western Canada ski vacation. more

Great River Fishing Adventures: Imagine your line screaming off the reel - the heart pounding excitement as a world-class freshwater fish launches from the water. See & catch more salmon than you have ever dreamed of & even the purist fly anglers will be obsessed with the sturgeon fishing. more

Rocky Mountain Holidays: Rail Vacations in the Rocky Mountains & Western Canada! Rocky Mountain Holidays customize vacations that combine the romance of train travel with the magnificent scenery of Western Canada. more

Sewell's Marina: Our ocean playground provides you Sea Safaris, boat rentals, guided fishing, & premiere moorage / marine facilities. Minutes from downtown Vancouver, the best boating, fishing, sailing, marine parks, quiet bays, and island retreats are minutes away. more

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Vancouver waterfront Photo courtesy of Alan Forseth

With a population of approximately 550,000, Vancouver lies in a region of more than 2 million people. It is the largest city in the province of British Columbia, (third largest in Canada), and is located in the southwest corner of the province covering an area of 113 sq. km that is surrounded by water on three sides and by the Coast Range Mountains.

Vancouver has not only been voted the most beautiful city in Canada, it has also been voted the number one city in the world to live.

Vancouver, and the BC lower mainland area, has been inhabited for thousands of years by first nations peoples. Europeans first explored the area in the 1770s and 1780s. Captain George Vancouver sailed into Burrard Inlet in 1792 while searching for the legendary Northwest Passage. Fur traders followed, and in 1858 prospectors came in search of gold on the tributaries of the Fraser River. The area was rapidly settled, and the City of Vancouver was incorporated in 1886.

Downtown Vancouver Photo from The Lookout at Harbour Centre Tower

Climate - The areas climate is one of the mildest in Canada with temperatures averaging 3?C in January and 18?C in July. The average annual precipitation is 1,219 mm, with most rainfall occurring in winter.

Recreation Facilities & Activities: BC Place (the world's largest air-supported dome stadium and home to the CFL B.C. Lions), GM Place (home of the NHL Vancouver Canucks), Aquatic centres, golf courses, beaches, Grouse Mountain, Seymour Mountain, skiing, diving, sailing, swimming, windsurfing, sightseeing. Vancouver is currently bidding for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Local

Science World Photo courtesy of Science World

Attractions: Chinatown, Dr.Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Gastown & the Gastown Steam Clock, Granville Island, HR MacMillan Planetarium, Pacific National Exhibition, Science World, Stanley Park (largest city park in Canada), The Lookout at Harbour Centre, Vancouver Aquarium and Marine Science Centre, Vancouver Art Gallery, Maritime Museum, Police Museum, Queen Elizabeth Park, VanDusen Gardens, IMAX Theatre, University of British Columbia - Museum of Anthropology, Nitobe Japanese Memorial Garden, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the Marine Building, the Sam Kee Building (the world's thinnest office building), Robson Street, BC Sports Hall of Fame, Plaza of Nations (the heart of Expo 86), Yaletown

Accommodations: There are a variety of accommodations for the visitor to choose from; world class luxury hotels as well as moderately priced family hotels, motels, hostels and quaint bed and breakfasts. Through-out the region there are over 18,000 rooms with over 10,000 alone in the downtown core. The average rate is just over $100 per night, however rooms can be as economical as $60. Three diamond hotels can be as much as $1000 a night. Search a database of all Vancouver & area accommodations

Events:
May: New Play Festival on Granville Island, Vancouver International Children's Festival at Vanier Park
June: Vancouver International Children's Festival at Vanier Park, Dragon Boat Races, International Jazz Festival, Playland
June to September: Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
July: Folk Music Festival, Playland, Molson Indy
July / August: Celebration of Light International Fireworks Competition, International Comedy festival, Vancouver Early Music Festival, Enchanted Evenings (musical performances Fridays featuring traditional and contemporary Asian music) at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Bowen Island Sunday Market
August: Festival Vancouver (summer music celebration ), Vancouver Fringe Festival, Camber Music Festival, Playland & Pacific National Exhibition, Wooden Boast festival
September: Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver International Film Festival
October: New Music Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, BC Home Show (BC Place Stadium)
December: Christmas Carol Ship Parade of Lights