Vancouver

... was named after Cptn. George Vancouver who in 1792 explored this area on his two tall ships HMS Discovery and HMS Chatham. Also it is NOT the Capital of the Province British Columbia, it is  undoubtly the most famous town in BC.

Cited for years as the fastest growing town in North America and said to have the highest living standards, Vancouver is still a "small" metropole with only around 600.000 inhabitants. Its the surrounding towns like Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond and Surrey that make the Greater Vancouver Regional district sum up about 2,2 Million inhabitants.

Vancouver is a multicultural city with people from all over the world living here. The multicultural society resembles in the broad cultural offer but also in the great variety of excellent international restaurants.

During the last decades Vancouver also became very attractive for the movies industry and a lot of award winnig "Hollywood" movies were actually shot in and around Vancouver. Recently the movies of the "Twilight Saga" were filmed around North Vancouver and brought a lot of attention to the town.

Another event that places Vancouver in the spotlight of worldwide attention are the 2010 Olympic Wintergames held in Whistler and on the "Peaks of Vancouver".

Points of interest in and around Vancouver

• Stanley Park next to Downtown Vancouver offers beautiful nature walkways, beaches, lakes and panoramic views over the harbour area and the Georgia Strait. Within the Park you can also find the Vancouver Aquarium and a "First Nation" Center.
• Vancouver Aquarium is known worldwide for its Beluga population. The large Beluga tank comes with large basement windows for underwater viewing. During the last two years 2 Beluga calves were born at Vancouver Aquarium!
• Vancouver Lookout takes you up into the sky over Vancouver and gives you a 360º view of the city and surrounding areas. Great photo location!
• Granville Island can be reached by water taxi from Downtown and False Creek. It's one of the oldest parts of Vancouver and its nice to stroll around the island and visit the shops or take a coffee break.
• Gastown is said to be the oldest Vancouver town area, located near the harbour and the cruise terminal. Visitors from all over the world gather around the old "Steam Clock" to listen to its pipes sound. A lot of souvenir shops are located here and gastown has some good restaurants and small breweries serving home brewed beer and local food.
• Vancouver's China Town not only comes with chinese restaurants and shops but also wiht a beautiful Chinese Garden with ponds and walkways. An oasis of relaxation and meditation right in the city center.
• Not only kids enjoy a visit to the Vancouver Science Museum. Pack your explorer's gear and you and your kids will spend hours filled with experiments, awe and laughter.
• Vancouver Cruise terminal ... the "Gateway to Alaska" is one of the most dominant structures of downtown Vancouver. Its form and the white "sails" resemble a Tall Ship. During the summer season from May to October a large variety of cruise ships start and end there Alaska cruises in Vancouver. The terminal also houses Vancouver's IMAX theater!
• West Vancouver is known for its seawalk ... The Pallisades and the Million Dollar Homes along the shoreline. From the shore you enjoy scenic views over to Stanley Park and Downtown Vancouver.
• Robsons Street is Vancouvers most famous shopping road. Luxury boutiques and souvenir shops attract tourist and locals alike. On Robson and around the neigbouring streets you also find a variety of restaurants and various museums and galleries.