The Attraction That is Vancouver
Of course, these days the world focus is on Vancouver. It is a stunningly beautiful city and, of course, it was so long before the Olympics came to town.
The city is named after the British Captain George Vancouver who explored the area in the 1790's. It is the largest metro area in Western Canada and the 3rd largest in all of Canada. 52% of it's residents do not speak English as their first language.
In 1887 the Transcontinental Railroad reached Vancouver to take advantage of it's natural port. Logging was a huge industry. The port is now the busiest in Canada and a vital link to trade with the Orient. Forestry is still the largest industry with tourism second. Most people don't know that it is known as Hollywood North due to being the 3rd largest film production center behind Los Angeles and New York. It's natural beauty and gleaming modern downtown no doubt influence filmmakers.
Contributing to it's natural beauty is the fact that the downtown area is surrounded by water on 3 sides. It also has one of the largest urban parks in North America, Stanley Park, which is 1000 acres. Of course, not to be missed are the North Shore Mtns, the famous backdrop of the city.
Due to it's temperate climate, you will see many types of plants and trees that perhaps you would not expect at this latitude. There are palm trees, magnolias, azaleas, rhododendron and other more exotic plants such as the Monkey Puzzle tree and Japanese maples. In the spring, you would notice many flowering Japanese cherry trees that the Japanese government gave to the city in the 1930's and since. The summer months average around 72 degrees with warmer spikes into the 80's and 90's. Summer is also the dry period whereas the remainder of the year sees more rain. Snow falls on average 11 days of the year. Average lows are in the 30's. Yearly precipitation averages 47 inches.
Vancouver is a very diverse city ethnically. Historically, Scottish, Irish and English were the dominate ethnic groups. Germans were the 4th largest and were the leading force in society and the economy until WW1. Nowadays the Chinese are the largest visible ethnic group. Overall, Vancouver is the second most ethnically diverse city in Canada behind Toronto. In spite of this diversity, Latin and black African segments of the population total only about 7%.
The economy centers on forestry and mining to a lesser degree. The port activities generate about $75 billion Canadian in trade. The city has also become an increasingly important center for software development, biotech and has a vibrant film industry. Tourism also plays big as each year over a million people pass through Vancouver on cruise ships, many on their way to Alaska. But, other tourists come to Vancouver for it's scenic beauty, the cities' gardens, mountains, ocean, lakes and parklands.
Vancouver is an outdoor lovers paradise. The mild climate and proximity to mountains, lakes, rivers, the ocean and over 3200 acres of parks provide something for nearly everyone. There are also several large beaches and, of course watersports and boating are very popular. Within a 30 min. drive of downtown are the North Shore Mtns. with 3 ski areas, Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain and Mt. Seymour . Mountain bikers have created world class trails across the North Shore. There are also places where whitewater enthusiasts can play. Hiking trails abound, including the 26 mile Baden- Powell Trail.
