Welcome to Vancouver, a sprawling, ethnically diverse, seaport city surrounded by the beauty of nature on the mainland of British Columbia. With mountains and rolling forested hills in the background, Vancouver has grown to be one of the largest cities in the Americas. Offering a vast array of activities that range from extreme sports to cultural offerings, this city is bound to have something for everyone.
The original settlement was known as Gastown. The humble beginnings of Vancouver actually consist of a plank being placed on two tree stumps by a man known as Gassy Jack who served drinks. He then went on to convince mill workers and loggers to build him a tavern on July 1, 1867. The tavern was all it took and a city began to grow. Once the transcontinental railway extended to the city to take advantage of the large seaport the city took on the name of the explorer, George Vancouver, who had once explored the inner harbors of the inlet in 1792. Soon Vancouver was a shipping port for goods from all over the world that could then be transported by train.
Now, Vancouver has become known for way more than an impressive array of taverns and a train stop. The film and television industry, for example, has become well represented in Vancouver, which has become known as Hollywood North due to its ability to represent cities from around the world for film purposes, most especially U.S. cities. Offering incentives and great shooting locations has continued to help Vancouver evolve.
Vancouver also has a goal of being the greenest city in the world by 2020. They have begun an impressive program of living green by using alternative methods for energy purposes and utilizing ambitious recycling programs. All of this leads to one of the cleanest cities you'll ever visit along with a vast selection of bike trails, hiking trails and more, both in and around the city.
The weather in Vancouver is typically dry during the summer months, but lots of precipitation November through March. Temperatures average a comfortable mid 70s range during the summer months of July and August.
The languages are varied, but English can always be relied upon when visiting. When attending theatrical and film performances, English is what will be spoken unless otherwise indicated.
Speaking of theater and film, there are a variety of film festivals throughout the year with the most famous being the Vancouver International Film Festival, which is held for two weeks every September. You might well recognize many street locations too, since, as mentioned, a multitude of television shows and films have used Vancouver as a shooting location.
You'll find many excursions that will help you to explore this beautiful region. Whether you are interested in museums or sightseeing, sports or culture, music or nightlife, you are sure to find an excursion that will match your needs. We hope you enjoy your stay in one of the largest, and most beautiful cities in the Americas, Vancouver.
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