Amid towering, snow-peaked mountains, shimmering Pacific Ocean waters and lush British Columbia rain forest lies Vancouver, a bustling cultural and industrial centre on the southeastern coast of British Columbia.

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

Built primarily on a peninsula, Vancouver is surrounded by water on three sides. The Coast Mountains rise steeply on the eastern horizon (some rising 5,000 feet above sea level), making Vancouver a contender as one of the most scenic cities in the world.

Vancouver is the largest city in the province of British Columbia and one of the largest in Canada. The cityscape is marked by skyscrapers and intriguing architecture, like Canada Place on the waterfront with its unique sail-like roof, and the geodesicdome, a remnant from the Expo '86 world fair. Stanley Park, the largest city park in Canada, occupies 1,000 acres on the Vancouver waterfront. The Lion's Gate Bridge connects the downtown to the north shore. Lights outline the bridge, making it an eye-catching landmark by day or night.

CLIMATE

Vancouver's climate is mild for a Canadian city, due mostly to the warming effect of the Pacific Ocean. Vancouver Island, across the Strait of Georgia, shields Vancouver harbour from harsh ocean storms, though rain is a fact of life through much of the autumn, winter and spring. Summers are typically sunny and hot, with only sporadic precipitation. Vancouver's temperatures average 2 °C in January to 17 °C in July. The mild temperatures allow trees and grass to remain green throughout the year.

ECONOMY

Vancouver stands as one of Canada's most important industrial center west of Toronto. Industry related to forestry, international trade, mining and tourism are Vancouver's bread and butter. The Port of Vancouver is the busiest in Canada serving as a shipping gateway to other Pacific Ocean ports, particularly in Asia. Vancouver is also a popular stop for cruise ships en route to Alaska.

PEOPLE

People of British decent comprise the bulk of the population, but Vancouver is home to a wide ethnic mix, including a many Asians. Vanouver's Chinatown is the largest in Canada and third largest in North America. Chinatown is a popular destination, known for its exotic cuisine, open-air markets and sightseeing opportunities. There are also large populations of Irish, German and French descent.

We're Accessible, a newsletter for travelers with disabilities, ranked Vancouver as the most accessible city in the world.

CULTURE AND RECREATION

Vancouver is a cultural smorgasbord featuring world-class entertainment to suit every taste. The Vancouver Opera, the Vancouver Symphony, a planetarium and a myriad of museums and live theatre groups offer choice for the culturally refined. The major-league sports teams--the NHL's Vancouver Canucks and the CFL's B.C. Lions--entertain fans at venues such as the domed BC Place Stadium. Nightclubs and restaurants fill trendy downtown areas like Gastown. Nearby mountains, forests, rivers and lakes are a short commute for outdoor enthusiasts. Skiing, golfing, hiking and boating are popular activities.

Two major daily newspapers, three local television stations and nine radio stations serve Vancouver.