Located in British Columbia and Canada's third-largest city, Vancouver nestles between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. It is a fascinating city that has a long history of settlement. It was home to the Coastal Salish population for at least 6,000 years. It only became a modern settlement in 1792 when Captain George Vancouver sailed through the First Narrows. Gastown is where the first settlers lived and today is Vancouver's historic heart. Logging originally brought wealth to the city. Gigantic beams were shipped to China and even used in the construction of the Imperial Palace in Beijing.
Vancouver remained a small settlement until the railway arrived in the late 19th-century. Today, more than half of British Columbia's population call the city home. It also has one of the most diverse populations in the world. This adds to the city's fascination. It is definitely a place where cultures and gastronomy from around the globe meet. As well as history and culture, Vancouver is also a place of spectacular scenery and outdoor adventures. Ski in the mountains, windsurf in the ocean and play golf in the countryside. They are all possible within a few miles of each other.
Despite its young age, Vancouver has plenty of historic and cultural attractions for visitors to enjoy. The distinctive sail design of Canada Place and the Art Deco Marine Building are in the city centre while the popular Vancouver Aquarium is in Gastown. Museums cover everything from maritime history to space travel while parks provide hiking, cycling and all the fun of the beach.
The Museum of Anthropology: This museum gives you a fascinating glimpse into the history and lives of the indigenous populations of the Northwest Coast. Part of the University of British Columbia, its exhibits include thousands of artifacts documenting the state's First Nations. There is also ethnographic material from around the globe.
Telus World of Science: Housed in a shiny geodesic dome, the Telus World of Science aims to make science fun for youngsters and is a great place to spend a few hours if you are visiting Vancouver with your family. Its galleries and outdoor park are crammed full of hands-on activities. If you are visiting without children, it is still a fun destination offering adults-only After Dark events with live entertainment.
BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum: British Columbia has a proud sporting heritage and this is recognized in its Hall of Fame and Museum. Not only can you marvel at the sporting heroes and their achievements, but it may also inspire you to achieve your own sporting goals. There are galleries full of memorabilia, interactive fun for the kids and even an Indigenous Sport Gallery featuring traditional games, some of which were the forerunners of hockey and lacrosse.
Live theatre including a celebration of Shakespeare, music both classical and contemporary and festivals of food and light are all part of Vancouver's buzzing annual calendar of events.
Khatsahlano Music and Arts Festival: Taking place every summer, this festival is one big street party that features over 50 bands and a range of stalls selling everything from beachwear to street food. Relax in beer gardens while listening to some of the state and city's best musicians perform.
Dine Out Vancouver: Good dining is part of the fun of any holiday, so visit in January to dip into Dine Out Vancouver. Over several weeks, restaurants across the city and suburbs offer special set menus showcasing the diverse gastronomy of the city.
Honda Celebration of Light: This extravaganza is held over four nights in late July and early August. Countries compete to stage the winning fireworks show choreographed to music. The best place to watch is from Sunset Beach or Kits Beach.
Unpredictable is one thing you can say about Vancouver's climate. It can be wet and windy or warm enough to encourage palm trees to grow. The best advice is to pack for all weather conditions. While Vancouver is a safe city that welcomes visitors, as in any city stay safe by using your common sense when out and about. Should you need any of the emergency services, dial 911. Vancouver's currency is Canadian dollars ($) and tipping is widely expected for services. Average tips are 1$ for bar servers, up to 18% in restaurants and up to 15% for taxi drivers.
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The city is perched between sea and mountains, reflections of which appear in the soaring skyscrapers that dot the skyline. It does not matter whether you want to laze on a beach, enjoy winter skiing, visit the theatre, take part in watersports, pop into a museum or enjoy a spot of shopping, Vancouver has it all.
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