Country : Canada
Population : aprox. 620.000

Geography :

This city is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, with a total metropolitan area of over 2,800km2, with over 2,5 million Vancouverites resident there. Vancouver is a mere 2 m above sea-level. The city was incorporated in 1886. The city of Vancouver was named after a British explorer, Captain George Vancouver - which in fact is of dutch origin, "van Coevorden". The city is ethnically diverse with over 47% (average) residents of the city and metro having a different first language than English.

Transportation :

Vancouver gained significance as a seaport after the construction of the Panama Canal, and is currently the busiest seaport in Canada, and exports more cargo than any other port in North America, and is one of Canada's largest industrial centers, due to its Pacific Rim location.

History :

Simon Fraser and his crew from the North West Company, were the first known Europeans to set foot in the area where the city is now located in 1808. The Cariboo Gold Rush, in 1861, is attributed as the main influx of residents to the area. The Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 boosted Vancouver's retail trade, in that a lot of merchandise was sold to prospectors headed for the Klondike.

Tourism :

Modern day Vancouver has many attractions for visitors and residents alike. It offers one of the mildest climates in Canada, it has beautiful parks and beaches. Stanley Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world, with a 150 year old forest contained in the park. Other parks include the Queen Elizabeth and Hastings Parks, and the Bloedel Conservatory - with a collection of exotic and tropical plants and exotic birds flying around in the dome. Eighteen kilometers of beaches are easily accessible in Vancouver, including both ocean and lake side frontage. Authorities have designated three beaches as 'quiet' beaches which prohibit amplified music, these include Locarno, Spanish Banks West and Sunset Beaches.

Culture :

There are numerous cultural activities via the museums (Vancouver and Vancouver Maritime museums), as well as galleries in and around Vancouver, thereby providing something for everyone in this beautiful metropolitan area.

Famous Why? Venue of the 2010 Winter Olympics
_{Image Source : thecompletevancouvertour.com}

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Tags: canada, pacific, europe, olympics games

Date Added: 19 October '08

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