Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada)

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Vancouver is young, beautiful and blooming in its lovely natural setting, the mild climate fostering a relaxed outdoors lifestyle that is drawing increasing numbers of visitors to enjoy the hospitality. The city, named for a Royal Navy sea captain who sailed into Burrard Inlet on the British Columbian coast in 1792, was barely even a town 100 years ago. Today more than two million souls call this exquisite spot home, and the shiny downtown towers contrast dramatically with the snow-capped mountain backdrop. Business is booming in the retail stores, chic and unusual shops and excellent restaurants.

The city's green heart is Canada's largest city park, Stanley Park, which covers hundreds of acres filled with lush forest and crystal clear lakes in the city centre. The city's past is preserved in Victorian Gastown with its cobblestoned streets lined with unique shops and galleries. Exotic flair is added by Chinatown, a maze of colourful markets, restaurants and shops.

Vancouver is an exciting and lively city, boasting an impressive number of activities and attractions for both the one-time visitor and the everyday resident. Enjoy the variety of festivals and events Vancouver has to offer. Visit the widely known and not-so-widely known Vancouver attractions yourself, or go on an organized tour with a knowledgeable guide.

Experience recreational activities both exhilarating and relaxing. Finish off your day with a night out on the town, featuring some of the best dining and nightlife in Canada. In Vancouver! is your source for What's Happening throughout the lower mainland region. Listed are upcoming events, live theatre, musical concerts, nightlife venues, recreational activities, attractions, and more.

Vancouver is consistently voted one of the ten best cities in the world to live in. Little wonder that it's Canada's fastest-growing city.

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Vancouver has long since been considered one of nature's gift to the people. There are many locations located throughout British Columbia that are so breathtaking and beautiful and at the same time challenging to overcome. The following adventures and sports are provided for those who yearn to challenge the extreme and at the same time, take in the wonders that is Canada.

Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak Centre (North Vancouver) - Rentals and lessons in canoes and kayaks on beautiful Indian Arm.

Vancouver Nature Adventures Inc (Multiple Locations)
Join us for an unforgettable half day guided paddle adventure and salmon beach barbecue in a beautiful mountain inlet. Experience or fitness are not required. This trip is suitable for children and active seniors. Complimentary hotel pick-up. Half day Orca Whale watching safari on comfortable & covered high-speed Zodiaks. Sighting chances 85%. Includes hotel-pick-up and on board lunch.

During the winter months snowsports are the order of the day on nearby Grouse Mountain, perfect for skiing, snowboarding or ice-skating, although the city itself usually escapes a snow frosting and remains green all year.

Vancouver's diversity and combination of mountains, sea and city bustle, offers families an endless supply of things to see and do no matter what time of the year or what the budget. Big sky, big ocean, big snow-capped mountains - it's got the lot.

Science World: There is a whole world of wonder waiting for you at Science World, which has a wide range of activities and shows suitable for all family

The Lookout: Ride straight to the top in the glass elevator at the Harbour Centre Tower. You'll have a spectacular 360-degree view of Vancouver.

CN IMAX Theatre: IMAX and IMAX 3D films provide people of all ages and backgrounds with larger-than-life experiences that motivate, enrich and inspire. Most film are 45min.

Gastown: Named after "Gassy" Jack Leighton, who opened the first bar in 1867. The area has cobbled streets, interesting lighting, a steam clock and reataurants.

Chinatown: Largest in Canada, and largest on the continent, Vancouver's Chinatown is a brilliantly colored, exotic adventure in dining, shopping and sightseeing.

Granville Island: There are an interesting mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and live theatres. And a local brewery is also located here.

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Population: 32.805.000
Languages: English 59.3%, French 23.2% (both official); other
Currency: Canadian dollar
Currency code: CAD
Local Times:
Canada - Ontario - Toronto

Canada - British Columbia - Vancouver

Canada - Quebec - Montreal

Canada - Alberta - Calgary

Canada - Yukon Territory - Whitehorse

Country Dialling Code: +1
Voltage: 120V 60Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 parallel flat prongs

2 Parallel flat prongs with an earth connector

The second largest country on earth (only the Russian Federation is bigger), it stretches over 3,400 miles from Atlantic to Pacific coast, spans six of the world's 24 time zones and could fit most of Europe within its borders.

Yet 90 per cent of the population lives within 100 miles of the US border, leaving huge tracts of unspoilt wilderness elsewhere.

It's the edginess between Canada's indigenous, French and British traditions that gives the nation its complex three-dimensional character. Add to this a constant infusion of US culture and a plethora of traditions brought by migrants, and you have a thriving multicultural society.

With its history, people, landscape and natural beauty, Canada offers an abundance of well-known cities, attractions, parks and regions that make for wonderful destinations whether you're looking for a trip that's educational, inspiring or just plain fun. But don't pass up a chance to explore the less-travelled areas, too - at the fringes of the inhabited world, great challenges, eye-opening experiences and hospitable people await.

From its large cosmopolitan cities to its frozen northern tundra; its snowy mountain peaks to its rugged coastlines; and its rich farmlands to its pioneering outposts, Canada offers something to suit the taste of every traveller. Canada is bound in the west by the Pacific Ocean and Alaska, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the north by the polar ice-cap, and in the south by the United States of America.

It is a country renowned for its stunningly beautiful scenery and love of the outdoors. Even the cities have been carefully designed to preserve metropolitan green belts and parklands, ensuring that Canadians are never far from their natural heritage. The country has a French and British colonial heritage, which is reflected in its cuisine, culture and customs, mixed in with the legacy of the country's own enigmatic aboriginal First Nations history.

In the south the Rocky Mountains intrude into Canada across the border with the United States, separating Canada's two main tourist provinces, British Columbia and Alberta. The mountains abound with winter sports resorts. Throughout the nation the most popular venues for outdoor pursuits, year round, are the country's huge national parks. There are more than 41 of these, one of them, Wood Buffalo National Park in Alberta, being larger than the country of Switzerland. Canadian national parks are unique in that they have cities and towns inside the protected areas, which provide comfortable bases for exploring the natural and manmade attractions of the reserves.