Vancouver, British Columbia - A Popular Destination for Tourists

Vancouver, British Columbia is a coastal seaport with a population, in 2011, of 603,502 people. It is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in all of Canada with 52% of the population having English as their second language. Because of this diversity, there is a vast assortment of ethnic restaurants making eating out a taster's delight and with a meal to tantalize every appetite.

Vancouver is the fourth most densely populated city in North America behind New York City, San Francisco and Mexico City. As of 2009, Vancouver has been considered to have the busiest and largest port in Canada and the most diversified in North America. Forestry is the province's largest industry with tourism coming in second place. In recent years, Vancouver has become known as Hollywood North becoming one of the largest film production centers in North America.

Tourists visiting the city will enjoy its mild weather, lush, green beauty and mountain and ocean vistas. There are many attractions and activities that make Vancouver popular with tourists. Besides the opportunity to enjoy an ethnic food experience, there are many fine dining restaurants, museums, galleries, theaters and wine tours that can be taken. Because of the proximity to several mountains there is the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snowshoe or hike at Grouse or Mount Seymour Mountains, Cypress Provincial Park and Whistler, a relatively short drive away.

Also because of the ocean and many lakes there is an opportunity for swimming, boating, or spending time relaxing at one of the beautiful beaches in the area after a busy day of shopping. There are many parks in Vancouver and the outlying district which include Stanley Park with a chance to walk or bike along the Sea Wall. (There is a bike rental shop at the entrance to Stanley Park).

Among the many attractions available there is the Sea Bus to Lonsdale Quay and the opportunity to spend an afternoon at the Lonsdale Quay Market; the Aquarium at Stanley Park; a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge; Granville Island Market; a visit to Canada Place with a view of Stanley Park across the water and an enjoyable experience on 'Fly Over Canada'; MacMillan Space Center; Science World; Playland; the Vancouver Game Farm; Chinatown; Museum of Anthropology; U.B.C. Botanical Garden; Vancouver Art Gallery; Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden; Nitobe Memorial Garden; Van Duesen Gardens, and Burnaby Village Museum.

Besides this smorgasbord of attractions, a visitor can take the gondola up Grouse Mountain, hear the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, go to a casino or a sporting event, go camping, caving or play golf at any of the many golf courses in the Vancouver and outlying areas. Available also is skydiving, gliding, bungee jumping, a chance to go on a wildlife exploration or enjoy Vancouver's night life.

Occasionally there are concerts, if your timing is right, or you might even catch the Bard on the Beach Festival. Hotels and B & B's are plentiful and are situated making the many attractions easily accessible.

No one could be bored on a visit to Vancouver and the variety of attractions and activities would keep any visitor busy, only wishing they had more time. I have lived in the Vancouver area almost all my life and still have not tired of seeing what Vancouver has to offer. Although Vancouver has much to offer its visitors in the way of entertainment and enjoyment, these probably will take second place to its beauty.

As a Vancouverite, and on behalf of other Vancouverites, we welcome you to visit our city. There are many who come, and many who stay.