Vancouver is a city in Canada. Photos where on the map

Located on the coast of the province of British Columbia, Vancouver is the most multinational, multicultural and densely populated city in Canada. About 51.5% of local residents do not consider English their native language.

Vancouver is a major port, financial, economic, tourist and logistics center of the southwestern coast of the country.

Location, how to get there

The urban agglomeration of Greater Vancouver contains 20 densely populated suburbs. It occupies the northern part of the Fraser River Delta, the largest waterway in British Columbia. The US border is approximately 45 km away.

The urban agglomeration occupies both shores of the large Burrard Bay. Vancouver in Canada is located relatively close to the Pacific ports of the United States and the Asian continent, which determines its trade and transport and logistics importance.

The nearest major cities are:

• Calgary is a metropolis in the Canadian province of Alberta;
• Seattle is the port and logistics hub of Washington State;
• Portland is an economically significant city in Oregon;
• Edmonton is the administrative center of the province of Alberta.

Vancouver is surrounded by a covering of high–stemmed coniferous forests of mountain peaks – the coastal range in the north and east, Mount Baker in the south near the American border.

Vancouver has a large international airport that accepts daily flights from Europe, Asia, and Australia. The most convenient way to get here from another continent is by air flight.

The city is connected by regular airlines with:

• Zurich;
• Paris;
• Frankfurt;
• Istanbul;
• London.

The local airport ranks 2nd in the country in terms of passenger traffic. Structurally it consists of 3 terminals. Flights from Europe are serviced by the international section. The city center can be reached from here by bus or metro.

Climatic conditions

The southwestern coast of Canada is dominated by temperate oceanic weather according to the Köppen classification. The climatological characteristics of the region are applicable to the entire Greater Vancouver area.

The location on the shore of the long bay, the influence of Pacific breezes, and the high-altitude terrain have formed specific weather conditions here. The average annual precipitation is relatively low. Winter is mostly warm and rainy.

The summer period is often dry and cool. Occasionally, moderate aridity occurs in July and August. The largest amount of precipitation in the urban agglomeration falls from the end of October to the middle of March.

The main climatological characteristics of the Canadian metropolis are presented in the table.

The region is one of the warmest in the country. Vancouver is on the same parallel as Paris. This causes similar solar activity, the coincidence of sunsets and sunrises. Below are the climatic features by season.

In winter

The weather from December to February is mild compared to other parts of the country, with the exception of the Atlantic coast near the American border. Moderate amounts of winter precipitation are combined with low clouds.

Daytime temperatures at this time of the year rarely fall below -9 °C. It is recommended to go to Vancouver in winter for fans of skiing and hockey. Snow falls on the slopes and peaks of the ridges surrounding the metropolis in October and may remain until April.

According to statistics, the number of winter days with intense precipitation does not exceed 11. Within the agglomeration there are ski resorts, slalom and downhill trails. In winter, there are public ice pads in the city.

In spring

It is quite cool here in early March. Piercing winds blow from the oceanic waters. Closer to the middle of April, it gets warmer, the number of sunny days increases.

Vancouver in Canada is considered a city with favorable weather for walking and visiting parks in the second half of spring. Usually the daytime temperature is kept at +16…+18°C.

At this time, it is advisable to go on a trip for cultural and sightseeing purposes. In April-May, the weather is warm and dry. There are still not a lot of noisy Japanese and Chinese tourists in the city.

In the summer

Vancouver ranks 3rd in the country in terms of liquid precipitation. The approximate number of rainy days is 161. Most of them fall during the summer period. There are no sultry days here. Thunderstorms are extremely rare.

Average atmospheric air heating values range from +20…+25 °C. In summer, it makes sense to go to Vancouver for a cruise on a pleasure boat along the oceanic waters or the Fraser River.

In autumn

From the beginning of September, the weather becomes especially comfortable, mild, conducive to a promenade along city streets and squares. By October, the number of rainy days and cool nights is gradually increasing.

Fine drizzling precipitation can last for several days without stopping. In autumn, it is advisable to go to Vancouver for shopping in shopping malls, attending a theatrical performance or a film festival.

Historical data

The date of the city’s foundation is 1886. Archaeological excavations indicate the settlement of this territory by people about 8,000- 10,000 years ago. In pre-Columbian times, the primitive tribes of Muskweem, Squamish, and Tseleil-Votum lived here.

The coast was explored by the Spanish navigator Narvaes. The time of the so-called gold rush brought more than 25,000 migrants here, mainly from Europe. The most massive arrival of colonists dates back to 1858.

The urban settlement founded in the Fraser River Delta is named after George Vancouver, a British navigator and explorer of the southwestern coast of Canada. The first name of the city is Gastown. It formed around a local sawmill.

In 1870, the colonial authorities renamed Gastown Granville. Since 1884, the city has served as the terminus of the new Canadian Pacific Railway. He won the competition from the then larger New Westminster, Victoria and Port Moody.

The choice in favor of Greenville was made due to the availability of a convenient harbor for receiving cargo and passenger ships. Since 1886, the city has been dynamically developing throughout the XX and XXI centuries. the city is called Vancouver.

By 1911, at least 100,000 people already lived here. The last century in the history of the city was marked by the rapid development of industry, active economic growth, frequent strikes of militant workers’ fronts and social movements.

Attractions

Vancouver is not considered the main focus of tourist interest in the country. However, he has something to surprise curious guests with. The city has architectural monuments, noteworthy technical structures, outstanding park areas.

Marine Science Center

The facility, open to the public, is located on the territory of Stanley Park and is a large-scale aquarium.

It is considered the most visited tourist site in the city, here:

• Scientific seminars are held;
• Representative symposiums are held;
• Innovative methods of conservation of endangered species of aquatic fauna and flora are being implemented;
• Rehabilitation of injured marine animals is being carried out;
• students will learn the basics of oceanological literacy.

Vancouver is the city where Canada’s oldest aquarium is located. The Marine Research Center has been operating since 1956. It contains more than 300 species of fish, about 30,000 invertebrates, at least 50 types of amphibians and reptiles.

Visitors have the opportunity to observe life in its natural habitat:

• shark;
• dolphins;
• otter;
• octopuses;
• penguins;
• stingrays;
• killer whales;
• sea lions.

The highlight of the public part of the science center is the sensory pool. The giant aquarium covers an area of over 9,000 m2 and holds 9,500 000 liters of water. The number of exposures is 166.

The sections of the Vancouver Aquarium accessible to tourists are:

• Pavilion of the Pacific Coast of Canada. It is considered the main exposition of the complex. It is a transparent tank filled with 260,000 liters of ocean water.

The pavilion is located in the central hall near the entrance. It contains exclusively fish and invertebrates from the Strait of Georgia.

• The exposition of the Arctic Canada. Initially, only belugas lived here. In 2009, the section was expanded to include northern fish and Arctic invertebrates. In 2016, porpoises rescued in Steller’s Bay were added here.

The exhibition is under the patronage of the University of British Columbia.

• Penguin Point. The exhibition is inspired by the unique ecosystem of Boulders Beach, located on the oceanic coast of South Africa. The main attraction of the exhibition is the Cape penguins, known for their unique diving ability.

A survival program for this species is being implemented here.

• Wild coast. It is an open gallery consisting of a cascade of pools. It contains sea lions from Steller’s Bay, seals from the Arctic part of Canada and California eared representatives of the species.

Visitors are given the opportunity to touch invertebrates.

• The treasure trove of the British Columbia coast. The gallery features a series of individual exhibits that mimic the natural aquatic environments of a themed natural area.

A giant octopus from the Pacific ocean, sea bass, hedgehogs and stars, and anemones are on display here.

The tropical gallery deserves the attention of tourists. This section presents an extensive collection of variegated southern fish. It contains black-finned reef sharks.

Until recently, a green turtle named Shuna lived in the tropical gallery. In 2023, she was relocated to the Toronto Aquarium.

Stanley Park

The local oasis of ecological cleanliness is known all over the world. Stanley Park is the greenest and most refreshing attraction in the city. It is spread over an area of 405 hectares.

The famous Vancouver Dam is located here – a stone wall built to prevent soil erosion. The park smoothly turns into a forest area, which adds to its naturalness.

There is a freshwater lake called the Lost Lagoon on the territory. The area of the reservoir is 17 hectares. It serves as a breeding ground for Canadian wild geese and ducks. The park is named after Lord Stanley Preston, who made a significant contribution to the development of Canada.

A corner of pristine nature in the middle of the metropolis contains an extensive network of well-groomed walking trails and bike paths with a total length of about 250 km.

The park has a large number of:

• artificial reservoirs;
• natural ponds;
• volleyball courts;
• golf courses.
• tennis courts.

Japanese cherries grow on the territory, blue herons live. An outdoor theater is open here in the summer. Stanley Park regularly hosts concerts, art and technical exhibitions, and other cultural events.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Vancouver in Canada and beyond is known for a floating structure that crosses the river of the same name in the northern part of the metropolis. The original bridge, 140 m long and towering 70 m above the water surface, is visited annually by 1.2 million people. foreign tourists.

Initially, the structure, erected in 1893, was constructed from hemp ropes and equipped with a flooring made of thick cedar planks. In 1903, the bridge was replaced by a more durable cable-stayed one. It is the longest structure of its kind in Canada.

Under the influence of the gusty wind common in these places, the bridge sways noticeably, but is considered absolutely safe. Since 2011, there has been an attraction in the form of a rock walk along wooden paths with sections of transparent high-strength glass.

Grouse Mountain

The relief object is called Vancouver peak. It is a resort and also a local natural attraction visited by tourists. Grouse Mountain is a 15-minute drive from the city center.

The height is 1,251 m above ocean level. There is a ski base at the top. The ascent is carried out on a chairlift funicular. The main elements of the resort and tourist infrastructure are located at an altitude of 275 m.

From here you can enjoy a fascinating view of:

• oceanic waters;
• the local subway;
• business districts of the city;
• Stanley Park with adjacent woodland.

In the summer, an extravagant lumberjack show is held on Grouse Mountain, demonstrating the hunting skills of tamed birds of prey.

Tourists can access:

• tandem paragliding flights;
• helicopter tours;
• mountain biking;
• eco-trips.

An outdoor theater with 100 seats and a wildlife sanctuary operate year-round on the top of the mountain. A 2.9 km long hiking trail is available from May to October.

Entertainment and recreation

Residents and guests of the city are provided with ample opportunities for an interesting pastime. There are 153 public playgrounds and sports fields on the territory of Vancouver. The total number of tennis courts available to everyone is 184.

The playing fields are designed for:

• football;
• field hockey;
• squash;
• volleyball.

Numerous fitness centers have modern fitness equipment, saunas, and hot tubs. Ice rinks are open all year round. The entrance ticket costs $7. Discounts are available for students and pensioners.

Vancouver is known for its theatrical scene in Canada and abroad. Famous institutions are the Arts Club, Bard on the Beach. The theatrical seasons go on continuously. In the summer, you can visit the mesmerizing show under the stars in Stanley Park.

The world-famous ballet company Ballet BC, founded in 1986, is based in Vancouver. Cinematographic festivals lasting 2 weeks are held in September. Vancouver is called North Hollywood.

There are numerous museums in the city. The most famous one is called the world of science. This is a real city in miniature, capable of arousing the interest of tourists of all ages and education.

The institution consists of 6 large-scale pavilions designed in the form of galleries. Educational and entertainment shows are constantly held, allowing visitors to expand their own knowledge about scientific disciplines and the structure of the world around them.

There are a huge number of shopping malls in Vancouver. For shopping, it is recommended to go to Granville Island, an area located on a peninsula in the bay of Falls Creek. There is a market with an area of 4.6 thousand m2.

The territory has a huge number of:

• stores;
• second-hand bookstores;
• souvenir stalls;
• boutiques;
• electronics supermarkets;
• rows with food products;
• catering establishments.

It is an eclectic area in which industrial enterprises and art galleries are adjacent to breweries and bakeries. In Granville Island, you can buy both mass-produced goods and handmade pieces.

Vancouver has its own symphony orchestra performing at Orpheus, a theater and music venue on Smith Street. The number of annual concerts exceeds 140.

With an operating budget of $16 million, it is considered the 3rd largest symphony orchestra in the country. Vancouver has its own opera, which performs on the stage of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

The city is marked by a vibrant nightlife. There are a huge number of bars and restaurants working around the clock, dance and disco clubs. The center of Vancouver is considered to be the center of night entertainment.

The district consists of 7 blocks. Entertainment is designed exclusively for an adult audience. Some establishments are open around the clock, others close at 3.00. Vancouver’s entertainment district is not accessible by car.

There are no less ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The mild climate and location on the Pacific coast have made Vancouver a popular destination for fans of extreme sports entertainment.

Here you can go diving or surfing, sailing regatta. Bicycle rental facilities are available in city parks and catamarans on the beaches. Thrill seekers can visit mysterious and mystical caves.

The rich cultural context, diverse cuisine, sports content, and numerous attractions will leave an unforgettable impression of visiting Vancouver. Located in the southwestern part of Canada, the metropolis offers tourists a huge amount of entertainment for every taste.

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Vancouver, Canada:

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