Vancouver
Vancouver, Coast and Mountains Region of British Columbia

accommodations,  places to eat,  things to do and see

Vancouver seen from Kitsilano Beach

Congratulations Vancouver! The city has been selected as the host for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Vancouver. The gateway to the Orient. And until the world's fair in 1986, that's just what Vancouver was viewed as... a stepping stone to other places. Expo 86 changed that. Over 20 million visitors discovered a city for all seasons and all activities and the love affair has never ended. Vancouver is now looking forward to enthralling a whole new generation of visitors.

Nestled between the mountains and the ocean, Vancouver has the unique distinction of being able to offer visitors the chance to ski mountain slopes in the morning, walk through old growth forests in the afternoon then watch the sun set over the ocean while relaxing on a dinner cruise in the evening.

Vancouver behind False Creek

Long a secluded and pristine habitat of Coastal First Nations peoples, the west coast of British Columbia was originally discovered by Spanish explorers. It wasn't until 1792 when Capt. George Vancouver charted the Burrard Inlet while searching for the Northwest Passage that the land was claimed as a British territory. Trade was established with the First Nations peoples and due to using tools from the European traders, coastal native artwork reached new heights in both quantity and quality. Native artwork is still in high demand and is sold in many places around the city.

Trade and commerce increased steadily over the next 60-odd years as the North West Company and the Hudson's Bay Company were drawn to the area by the abundance of sea life, wild life and lumber. But in 1858, not long after the California gold rush fizzled out, gold was discovered near Vancouver and over 50,000 prospectors from the United States descended on the area, prompting Britain to declare British Columbia a colony.

Granville Island Market

In 1885, the town which was previously called Granville, was selected as the western terminus of the transcontinental railway by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) who suggested changing the name to Vancouver so as to better market the town to eastern and European businessmen. Vancouver continued to grow in an unplanned sprawl that some viewed as a grave mistake. Then, in 1886, this “mistake” was erased by a great fire that razed the town. City Hall was swiftly resurrected in a one-pole tent and a council meeting within hours of the disaster laid plans for building a better town.

The CPR continued to play a major role in the development of Vancouver for many years by building rail yards, constructing hotels and encouraging housing development. The city grew into North America's major port for grain and lumber exports. Immigrants also started to arrive from Europe and Asia to work on the railway, the sea port and the many mills and logging camps. The smoke generated from the mills and processing plants soon had the Native people calling Vancouver The Big Smoke.

Entrance to Granville Island

Today the smoke is gone. Visitors can look up to the mountains in a clear blue sky or look out over the ocean to see the islands. Or wander around Stanley Park, the beautiful park in the city's heart. Vancouver's casual, west coast lifestyle invites a leisurely, relaxing vacation at any time of year, whether mountain skiing or scuba diving, hiking through rain forests or one of the many other hiking trails, enjoying the beaches, kayaking on Indian Arm or sailing in English Bay. Wander through the unique atmosphere and boutiques of Granville Island then stroll along False Creek. Visit Chinatown, or Gastown with its unusual steam clock. Wander through Stanley Park and visit the aquarium or stroll, jog, blade or bike along the seawall surrounding the park. Visit Robson Street with its stimulating atmosphere, shops of every kind, sidewalk cafés, and performers and artists. Or attend some of the cultural events and festivals... the dragon boat races, the film festival, the fringe theatre festival, Chinese New Year, the folk music festival, the Powell St. Japanese cultural festival, the Shakespearean Bard on the Beach Festival. In December you can watch, or even better, take part in the annual Carol Ship parade through English Bay and into False Creek.

Annual Events in Vancouver

January	Polar Bear Swim in English Bay on New Year's Day
February	Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown
March	International Wine Festival: a major wine-tasting event
April	Baisakhi Day Parade: Sikh Indian New Year celebration The Sun Run: Canada's largest 10km race
May	Vancouver International Marathon
June	International Children's Festival held at False Creek Van Dusen Flower and Garden show Dragon Boat Festival on False Creek International Jazz Festival Bard on the Beach Shakespearean Festival: runs through Sept.
July	Canada Day: day-long celebration of Canada's birthday Vancouver Folk Music Festival Powell Street Festival: a festival of Japanese culture
August	Vancouver Gay Pride Parade International Comedy Festival Pacific National Exhibition: one of North America's largest country style fairs
September	The Fringe Theatre Festival Mid-autumn Moon Festival at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden
October	Vancouver International Film Festival Vancouver International Writers Festival
November	Christmas Craft and Gift Market at Van Dusen Botanical Gardens
December	Carol Ship Parade Festival of Lights at Van Dusen Botanical Gardens First Night: Downtown Vancouver's alcohol-free New Year's Eve party and performing arts festival.

So how do I get there?
Vancouver is easily reached by car, bus, rail, boat or plane. From the United States, the I5 through Washington State turns into Highway 99 at the Peace Arch border crossing and this turns into Oak Street which leads straight into Vancouver (but follow the signs carefully). Coming to Vancouver from the east you'll likely use Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Hwy) which will bring you into the city from North Vancouver. Again, follow the signs to downtown. Bus service to Vancouver is provided by Greyhound Bus Lines, Pacific Coach Lines and Quick Coach Lines. Vancouver is a still a major rail terminus for traffic from both the east and the south for VIA Rail, Amtrak and BC Rail. If arriving by private boat, there are plenty of marinas and Vancouver is also a terminal for several major cruise ship lines. In addition, BC Ferries provides service between Vancouver, Vancouver Island and many coastal communities. Vancouver and its surrounding areas boast several small airfields, while the Vancouver International Airport near the border of Vancouver and Richmond is a world class airport that is only 20 minutes from the downtown core.

Approximate distances to Vancouver

144 miles (232 km) from Seattle, WA 426 miles (686 km) from Spokane, WA 316 miles (509 km) from Portland, OR 659 miles (1061 km) from Boise, ID

Bed & Breakfasts/Country Inns Places To Eat Things To Do & See

Cities, Towns & Other Destinations List Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Region