Quick Area Guide
Vancouver is located in the southwest corner of Canada in the province of British Columbia, at about 49° Latitude and 12° Longitude, next to the Pacific Ocean.
Vancouver is surrounded by water on three sides and overlooked by the Coast Range - mountains that rise abruptly to more than 1,500 m. Its climate is one of the mildest in Canada. Temperatures average 3°C in January and 18°C in July. Vancouver's average annual precipitation is 1,219 mm. Most rainfall occurs in winter.
With a present population of about 560,000 (estimated), Vancouver lies in a region of more than 2 million people. Vancouver is the largest city in the province and the third largest in Canada. It covers an area of 113 sq km.
As the main western terminus of Canada's transcontinental highway and rail routes, Vancouver is the primary city of western Canada, as well as one of the nation's largest industrial centers.
Vancouver's Central Area has 60% of the region's office space and is home to headquarters of forest products and mining companies as well as branches of national and international banks, accounting and law firms. In recent years, Vancouver has expanded as a centre for software development and biotechnology, while film studios and the streets provide a backdrop for the developing film industry.
Vancouver is a major tourist destination. In addition to the city's scenic location, visitors enjoy beautiful gardens and world-famous Stanley Park, one of more than 180 city parks, and a combination of natural forest and parklands near the city center.
Vancouver is Host City of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Olympic Winter Games take place February 12 to 28, 2010 and the Paralympic Winter Games take place March 12 to 21, 2010.
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Attractions
Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre
The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre is a self-supporting, non-profit association dedicated to effecting the conservation of aquatic life through display and interpretation, education, research, and direct action.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
The World Famous Suspension Bridge
Bungy Walking! The Suspension Bridge spans 450 feet across and 230 feet above North Vancouver's spectacular Capilano River. But don't worry, even though it sways and creaks, it's very, very strong. Strong enough to support the weight of ten heavy-duty military fighter planes. Strong enough to handle the 850,000 visitors each year.
Gastown
Gastown is a refreshing mix of old and new, downhome and upscale, a place for tourists, Vancouver residents and office workers alike. Various shops have the streets buzzing during the day. A host of restaurants and nightspots keeps the area humming into the wee hours. And, more and more, Gastown is becoming home to permanent residents - just like in the old days
Granville Island
The whole island includes a hotel, several theaters, a huge market place, numerous galleries and shops. It also contains a 'Kids only Market', with many shops geared towards the younger. Other attractions you find on the island is an indoor play station and a Water Park with movable water cannons. You can also get a tour in the Granville Island Brewery, a well-known cottage brewer. But the best way to get the feel of Granville Island is to stroll through its renovated streets.
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Golf and Tennis
Furry Creek Golf & Country Club
Furry Creek is not a course that one merely plays - it is an enriching adventure to be savoured. Considered one of the most beautifully landscaped playgrounds in the province, Furry Creek delivers an unforgettable experience with its breathtaking beauty, dramatic play and first-class facilities. Be sure to visit the Sea to Sky Grill - serving the best in West Coast cuisine.
Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club
Located minutes from downtown and the airport, this 18-hole, 6,641-yard course is simply breathtaking. The towering Coast Mountains to the north, the Pacific Ocean breezes from the west and shimmering stretches of water add both beauty and excitement to your game. Designed by Les Furber, Mayfair Lakes is known for fast, well-protected greens, lush fairways and distinctive water. Its inspired layout offers a unique challenge on every hole.
The Falls
Our world-class golf course surrounds golfers in towering cedar trees, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking views in a unique mountainside setting. Eagles Bar & Grill offers relaxed, upscale dining and an unforgettable experience for weddings, banquets, meetings or special events of all kinds. If you are looking for the home of your dreams, visit Emerald Ridge for an exclusive real estate opportunity.
Northlands
Northlands is located in the Deep Cove area of North Vancouver, 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, 5 minutes from the Second Narrows Bridge. It has been built by the District of North Vancouver for play by the public. Sculpted from a 100 year old forest at the foot of Mt. Seymour, Northlands provides challenging golf, scenic beauty and the peace and quiet of wilderness. Huge granite outcroppings bursting through lush green fairways, a mountain stream, mountain peaks as a back drop to sweeping downhill shots all make Northlands an outstanding memorable golf experience "where nature is your playing partner".
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Museums
Vancouver Art Gallery
The Vancouver Art Gallery, the largest art gallery in western Canada, presents national and international exhibitions of works by a range of artists, from groundbreaking contemporary visionaries to historical masters. Founded in 1931, the Gallery has more than 7,900 works in its collection, valued at over 0 million
UBC Museum of Anthropology
The Museum houses some 535,000 ethnographic and archaeological objects, many of which originate from the Northwest Coast of British Columbia. Massive totem poles, carved boxes, bowls, and feast dishes are featured in the Museum's Great Hall, while smaller (but no less magnificent) pieces in gold, silver, argillite, wood, ceramic, and other materials are exhibited elsewhere in the galleries.
Maritime Museum
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is the principal maritime museum on the Pacific Coast of Canada, and one of the major maritime museums on the West Coast of North America. A member of the Council of American Maritime Museums and the International Congress of Maritime Museums, the Vancouver Maritime Museum interprets the story of Canada's great Pacific port and its links with the Pack Rim. The Vancouver Maritime Museum is the greater Vancouver region's link to maritime history, art, culture and technology, relating the past to the present and looking to the future through its programs and exhibitions.
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Neighborhoods
West Point Grey
West Point Grey retains most of its original homes, and features some older mansions, notably two 1913 Tudor revival mansions designed by well-known local architect Samuel Maclure. Rear House is now the Aberthau Cultural Centre while Brock House, on Jericho Beach, is a senior's activity centre and a restaurant.
West Vancouver
West Vancouver is one of Canada's most beautiful and most affluent communities. Located just five minutes from downtown Vancouver, at the base of the North Shore mountains, the municipality boasts magnificent views of the ocean, the beach, Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the city.
Coal Harbour
Many new high-rise buildings have recently been built in this area and are mainly private condominiums. Access to parks, the Sea Wall, mountain and harbour views make the Coal Harbour area very attractive. Coal Harbour, like Yaletown, is an area under major development. Coal Harbour is located along the north-west shore of downtown Vancouver. It is now loosely described as the area between Canada Place Pier and Stanley Park.
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Preserves and Parks
Stanley Park
Stanley Park, Vancouver's first park, is an evergreen oasis of 400 hectares (1,000 acres) close to the heart of Vancouver's downtown core. Its natural west coast atmosphere offering a back drop of majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees embraces visitors and transports them to an environment rich in tranquility.
Grouse Mountain
"Going up Grouse Mountain isn't just something to do. It's a way of life. Once you've tasted it...you'll never entirely forget it. Because there's something about being on top - whether you hike or ski or just stand and stare - that makes you and the mountain belong."
- Joan Greenwood, The Standard, 1951
People who love nature and the outdoors have been finding inspiration on Grouse Mountain for over 100 years. Discover our rich and varied history and interesting facts and statistics that have made the mountain so special to the people of Vancouver and visitors alike.
Lighthouse Park
Of all the numerous parks in the Lower Mainland Lighthouse Park could be considered the most spiritual. The park contains the last stand of old growth forest in the area. Standing amongst these quiet giants and looking straight up to see their tops it is easy to be open to nature's many blessings and to wish their continuity. It becomes understandable why so many individuals have devoted their lives to preserve what's left of these survivors.
Queen Elizabeth Park
The top of this beautifully maintained 52 hectare (130 acre) park is the highest point in the city, at 167m (505 ft) above sea level. From the lookouts, visitors have a 360 degree view of the Vancouver skyline. The park receives nearly 6 million visitors a year who marvel at its superior standard of garden plantings.
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Shopping
Robson Street
The place to see and be seen in Vancouver, energetic Robson Street boasts over 200 shops, cafes and services.
Spend a day on the strip - spoil yourself in trend-setting fashion boutiques or sip a latte as you relax and people-watch from a sidewalk cafe. With a weekend average of some 80,000 streetgoers, there are plenty of people to watch! Finish the day with dinner at one of Robson Street's many fine restaurants.
Granville Island
With more than 260 businesses, studios and facilities that cater to any age and interest, Granville Island's a friendly oasis that sees almost 8 million visitors a year.
Whether you're looking for fresh food, clothes, unique gifts or crafts - Granville Island is rich with options.
South Granville
South Granville Rise and its array of approximately 25 galleries welcome both the serious collector and fascinated window shopper. In fact, this area is such an art lover's haven that locals refer to the vicinity as "Gallery Row."
Kitsilano West 4th Avenue
Shopping in Kits means a leisurely stroll along 4th Avenue or Broadway, taking in 300 shops and services. Funky cafes, charming boutiques, fine restaurants and popular sports shops line its streets. Day or night, this enclave boasts a lively and youthful vibe not found elsewhere.
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Theaters
Orpheum Theatre
Originally opened on November 7, 1927 as a vaudeville house, the Orpheum was the largest and most opulent theatre on the Pacific Coast. The City of Vancouver purchased the theatre on March 19, 1974 and undertook a complete restoration of the theatre's interior. The Orpheum re-opened on April 2, 1977 as the permanent home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and a restored concert hall that hosts a variety of pop, classical, choral and chamber recitals. It is also an ideal venue for concert recordings, conference sessions, seminars and film shoots.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Built in 1959 by the City of Vancouver, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre is the home of Vancouver Opera and Ballet British Columbia. The 70 foot wide proscenium arch stage is the perfect multi-purpose venue for Broadway shows, pop and rock concerts, opera and dance, as well as live broadcast gala award ceremonies and telethons.
Vancouver Playhouse
In anticipation of the Playhouse Theatre Company's 45th Anniversary Season, the Playhouse is assembling a special compilation of stories and first-person narratives from individuals whose lives have been touched by the magic of theatre.
Arts Club Theatre
The Arts Club Theatre Company, now in its 41st season of producing professional live theatre in Vancouver, is a non-profit charitable organization which operates two theatres on a year-round basis. Our popular productions range from musicals and contemporary comedies to new works and classics.
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