|
|
The City
 A spectacular city surrounded by majestic Coastal Mountains, sparking Pacific Ocean, lush forests, parks and sandy beaches. Vancouver boasts a rare blend of natural splendour, cultural attractions, ethnic neighbourhoods and cosmopolitan amenities. It is consistently ranked one of the World’s Most Liveable Cities and considered Canada’s Top Destination by the readers of Travel Weekly for five years running. Visitors will find an abundance of world-class arts and entertainment, international cuisine, outdoor adventure, great shopping, and unparalleled hospitality. As the proud host of the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games, Vancouver is set to welcome the world like never before.
History
Vancouver is named after Captain George Vancouver, a British explorer and was incorporated as a city in 1886.
Population
587,891
Greater Vancouver Regional District, 2,100,000
Weather
Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected the Coastal Mountains, Vancouver enjoys mild temperatures year-round. From high 70's Fahrenheit (low 20's Celsius) in summer to a mild mid 40's Fahrenheit (0º to 5º Celsius) in winter, the climate is always hospitable.
Summer
Vancouver enjoys warm, comfortable summers that are rarely scorching. June to August daytime temperatures linger just above 20º Celsius (70º Fahrenheit). Evenings, especially in the surrounding mountains, can be cool, so it's best to pack a light jacket and sweater.
Fall
 Autumn on the coast is very mild with summer-like weather often stretching into October. By November, the air turns crisp in the mornings and leaves start to fall. Bring warm, waterproof clothing if visiting at this time of year, and expect to see some spectacular fall foliage!
Winter
Our winters are mild and wet - it rarely snows in this part of Canada except, of course, at our local ski hills. From November to February, temperatures average from 0º to 5º Celsius (around 45º Fahrenheit). To stay cozy and dry, you'll need warm clothes, a raincoat and an umbrella. Waterproof footwear is always a good idea.
Spring
 The fresh spring air blows in early to our coastal city. By February or March, you'll see early crocuses and daffodils popping up, quickly followed by an eruption of spring blossoms. Active locals suddenly emerge from hibernation, flooding the streets on bicycles, inline skates, and running shoes. Pack light clothing along with a few sweaters for good measure.
Activities/Sights
Capilano Suspension Bridge
 Breathtakingly suspended 230 feet above and 450 feet across Capilano River, the Capilano Suspension Bridge takes you to towering evergreens, serene trails and Treetops Adventures - seven suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 100 feet above the forest floor for thrilling encounters within the heart of the forest. Guided eco-walks, a First Nations cultural experience and voices from the past at the Story Centre mingle with the ever-present sounds of nature. Shopping, dining and seasonal entertainment complete this entertaining West Coast experience. Open year-round.
Stanley Park
 A beautiful 1000 acre park (Vancouver's first- established in 1886) at the edge of the city's downtown core featuring a majestic back drop of cedar, hemlock and fir trees plus a new salmon demonstration stream. Amenities include a totem pole visitor centre, bathing beaches, tennis courts, playgrounds, seawall, refreshment stands and restaurants, miniature railway, children's farmyard, horse & carriage rides and the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre.
Alaskan Cruise
Vancouver serves as the ideal port to begin an Alaskan adventure. Some of the most luxurious and largest ships afloat sail from Vancouver to Alaska. Vancouver is the only port on the Pacific Coast that will provide you a choice – a choice to choose from northbound, southbound and roundtrip seven day itineraries. Vancouver is the only Port that will allow you to visit Whittier and Seward and experience the unforgettable landscapes of College Fjord, Glacier Bay, Prince William Sound and the Inside Passage.
Dining
 Lots of cities have local ingredients that play a part in their culinary scene. But not every city has a unique combination of ingredients - seafood, wines, cheeses and produce - that combine to make a truly distinct cuisine. In Vancouver, West Coast cuisine is the name of the game. A fusion of Asian, French and California cooking styles, West Coast cuisine is marked by the world's freshest seafood, organically grown fruits and vegetables, cheeses produced locally and wine from B.C. vineyards to complement the flavours of the food.
Local chefs have made a big splash in the ever-changing international culinary scene, wining prestigious awards and bringing world-wide acclaim to a number of Vancouver's top restaurants. Other chefs have won accolades for their innovative recipes and their support of sustainable fishing programs.
Fun Facts
- The narrowest building in Canada, located on Pender Street, is only 4' 11" wide and 96' long.
- Vancouver was named the "Best City in the World to Live" in 2007 by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
- The United States border is just 25 miles south of Vancouver.
- On July 2, 2003, the International Olympic Committee selected Vancouver as the Host City for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games
- Stanley Park, located just steps from downtown Vancouver has over 500,000 trees and is larger than New York’s Central Park.
Explore Vancouver Vacations
|