Located in British Columbia, Vancouver is the largest city in Western Canada and third largest in Canada. It is known for its natural beauty as it is nestled between the mountains and the ocean. Vancouver is one of my top ten favorite cities in the world. Vancouver’s proximity to the ocean and the mountains provides for an excellent location: within minutes you can be from the downtown to in the mountains or at the beach. Vancouver is a dream for city dwellers who need some fresh air but can’t quite move into a rural area.
Vancouver is just over 100 years and it’s namesake Captain George Vancouver sailed through the First Narrows in 1792. The first settlement on the downtown peninsula was Granville, located on the spot of today’s Gastown. It’s location and harbor made it an excellent spot as a port and Vancouver soon became the biggest port in the region. Today it is still Canada’s main western point and the launching ground for all cruises up the inside passage.
Vancouver is perhaps best known for its scenic beauty and the opportunities afforded by its natural environment. Surrounded by water on three sides, and crowned by the North Shore mountains, Vancouver is a great starting point for discovering the area’s many outdoor activities. In less than an hour, I went from downtown to the mountains, exploring the Capliano area, overcoming my fear of heights on the Capiliano bridge, hiking across rivers, and ending up in random sea ports because I forgot what bus stop I needed to get off at. Vancouver’s true appeal comes from this blend of nature and man. From city to mountain and back all in one day.
Vancouver’s main park is a gem among city parks worldwide. It may not be the biggest but Stanely Park is second to none. Perched on the edge of the city, this park is an oasis of calm in an already relaxed city. The park has an aquarium, beaches, and miles of trails that let you dissolve into nature while still being a stone’s throw away from the city. It makes for a great mid day break location, a place to walk or hike, and relax. In the park, you hear none of the sounds of the city. It’s easy to relax without the crowds you see in Central Park or Hyde Park.
For foodies, Vancouver represents a delight for those who love Asian cuisine. As Canada’s major western port, immigrants from the Far East called Vancouver home. This has lead to a city with a high Asian population and Asian food on very corner. Sushi, Chinese, and some amazing Korean food are all too be found. Vancouver is home to the second largest Chinatown in North America after San Francisco.
Vancouver is a hip city- it reminds me a lot of Seattle, and cross between Melbourne and Sydney. Walking around, everyone is relaxed, friendly, and very “cool.” The buildings are ultra modern, there’s cafes everywhere, outdoors restaurants when the weather is nice, and the wonder Granville Park, a collection of eclectic shops and eateries for the yuppy liberal in all of us. I found some amazing food while I was there and even stumbled across a great local artist. I watched her set for a half hour. Good food, good music, and good wine is a lovely way to spend a weekend afternoon.
I’ve never heard anyone say anything bad abut Vancouver and I suspect I probably never will. With so much to like there- from its food to its atmosphere to its wilderness location- there’s little bad you can really say. There are many cities I like the world but few I would move too. Vancouver is one I would move too. It’s that great.
Hi Matt! Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the Pacific! And your post shows…
Meanwhile, <Blogtrotter just said goodbye to Mykonos 2007!! It shows the famous sunset scene at Little Venice, and the Pelican mascot of the island…
Hope you enjoy, comment and have a great weekend!
Thank you for that lovely account about Vancouver. I fully agree with you, and I always love to show off the city to visitors as if it would be mine (I am an expat). But believe it or not – this summer I experienced what you thought would never happen to you. After 3 days of exploring the city with visitors, we sat down at the beach to relax after an other eventful day, and – what I thought – where enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, me beaming with delight at the view – when that 23-year old women summed up her experience with an almost disgusting expression on her face: “Vancouver is so disappointing.” My jaw is still hanging…
I think you’re great. Which has nothing to do with Vancouver and is just a general fan-mail type of statement.
Matt, it sounds and looks awesome. I have always wanted to go to Canada. I’ve never thought about going to Vancouver, it’s always being about Toronto, but I might have to change my mind now.
Hopefully I am going to get to the US and Canada in 2009. Depends how weaker the pound gets.
Any tips for places to see in Vancouver anyone?
I love Vancouver too – we visited a couple of years ago for a friend’s wedding at Easter – it was the perfect time of year as we had sunny weather to explore the city for a few days then headed to Whistler for some late season ski-ing – the perfect combination.
I like your city guides..they are so much more interesting and real than those we find in guide books
I LOVE Vancouver! It is my favourite Canadian city. I can’t say in the world…yet – but it would surely be hard to beat.
You really nailed Vancouver in this post…it truly is a wonderful city. What’s not to love!
I’d love to go and it has been on my list for some time. Similar to your last comment, I have only ever heard good things about Vancouver by people who have been there. A mix of Sydney and Melbourne can’t be bad (depending on which bits you pick from each place!!).
This is a city I have wanted to see for a long time. The quality of life looks excellent in terms of living there.
I agree with Wendy, the quality of life does look outstanding compared to other American cities. So far I’ve never heard anyone say anything bad about the city either.
One of my favorite cities, spent a week there last summer. What’s great is the opportunities inside AND outside the city…
Never been there, always been into Toronto, instead. I think I need to explore our upward neighbhors more. My roommate, who’s Canadian, said she’d never been there either. She said they were about to move there at one point because her father was so in love with it.
As a native Vacouverite I couldn’t agree with you and all of your commenters more Matt!
Vancouver is a great city and while I’m not often homesick (I currently am living the expat life in Tokyo), I often find myself reminded of how lucky I was to be born and raised in the city and eagerly await my opportunities to go ‘home’ and visit family and friends.