Visit Beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia

My city, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is blessed witha spectacular setting where the mountains meet the sea, and a mild climate that allows it to e a year-round paradise for outdoor activities. 

Vancouver is sometimes known as “Lotus Land”.  Surrounded by lush forests and recreational facilities of every description: beaches, bike paths, hiking trails, parks, golf courses,  Vancouverites never let a little inconvenience like rain, dampen their enthusiasm for the outdoors.  You don’t have to go far from Vancouver to enjoy the wilderness of the mountains, like Grouse Mountain where you can get a panorama view of the city from The Peak.

I love the exotic mix of cultures here, where residents come from around the world, creating colorful neighbourhoods that provide a diverse selection of restaurants, shopping areas and cultural activits.  From Chinatown,  the Punjabi Market of Little India, the Italian,Portugese and Latino flavor of Commercial Drive, Kitsilano’s Greek community and beaches, to the downtown core that is the densest populated area, and the influence of the First Nations people who settled on these shores Vancouver has a rich history that makes the city unique. 

Vancouver has one of the world’s most beautiful, busiest harbours where cruise ships and freighters arrive from around the world.  You can walk, hike or take public transit including the sea bus that connects the city to the North Shore.  Boating and kayaking are popular sports here.

Walk around downtown from Gastown, where the city first grew, to the West End where you’ll see landmark heritage buidlings alongside modern glass skyscrapers and high rises.  Picni at one of Vancouver’s many parks or beachs, most notably Stanley Park, Vancouver’s favorite urban playground since the days the city was first settled.  The park is 404 hectares (1,000 acres) and provides entertainment and exercise for people of all ages.  Walk or cycle the seawall or stroll the many trails through the forest.  Take your kids to visit the aquarium.

In February 2010, Vancouver is hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.  We look forward to welcoming the world to our beautiful city.  Why don’t you come for a visit too?