When you travel to Vancouver, British Columbia, the first thing you’ll notice is its magnificent geographic location: the city is surrounded by the clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean’s Strait of Georgia and backed by the mile-high peaks of the Coast Range. Located on the Canadian mainland – not on Vancouver Island as many people think – Vancouver is an attractive place to visit for a single person or a family, with beaches and marinas within easy walking distance of the bustling heart of the city. Vancouver is consistently ranked within the top 3 cities in the world in which to live. After you visit, you’ll see why. Scenery and urban prosperity are a mix of everything good.

Vancouver is known throughout the world for its beautiful scenery. Geography aside, it has one of North America's largest urban parks, Stanley Park. The North Shore mountains have a prominent place in the city landscape, and on a clear day you can climb to the top of Harbour Centre Tower and see the snow-capped volcano Mount Baker in the State of Washington to the southeast; Vancouver Island across the Strait of Georgia to the west and southwest and the Sunshine Coast to the northwest.

Contrary to the countryside it’s located near, Vancouver is the largest metropolitan center in western Canada and the third largest in the country. Vancouver is one of the cities of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) and of the larger geographic region commonly known as the Lower Mainland of B.C. 

Shipping is an important part of life here, as the Port of Vancouver is significant on a world scale. It’s interesting to note that Vancouver is nicknamed “Hollywood North” for the fact that is the third largest film production centre for US-based productions in North America after Hollywood and New York!

Come to Vancouver if you want to get away from the stresses in your life. Because amidst the progressive urban scene, you’ll find that Vancouver is a relaxed city, particularly by North American standards. There is a lively cultural scene, many diversions, and year-round access to outdoor activities such as:

• Hiking
• Cycling
• Boating
• Skiing

Some have called it a "city of neighborhoods", each with a distinct character and ethnic mix.

Festivals and special events abound in Vancouver, and its location makes it the perfect place for international events. Vancouver will be the host city for the 2007 Memorial Cup, the 2009 World Police and Fire Games and is getting ready to be the host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

So grab your walking shoes, your camera and your enthusiasm – an amazing vacation in Vancouver is right around the corner!