FIVE REASONS TO LOVE VANCOUVER
British Columbia, Canada
City of Views- No matter where you go  in Vancouver,  British Columbia, there are spectacular views. Vancouver is an international harbor situated on the English Bay at the base of the mountains.  The coast range rises straight up from sea level for a dramatic 3,000 foot view, snow-capped and covered in beautiful Douglas Fir trees with fresh ocean breezes.  You can literally live anywhere and discover a fantastic view whether you are West towards the University of British Columbia campus, living in Northern Vancouver across Lion’s Gate Bridge, situated on the West End of Downtown near Stanley Park or residential living near Kitsilano Beach.  Look out your window or simply step outside where the big city and nature merge, Vancouver is something to see.

Live-able City- Vancouver lives up to it’s name as world’s most “live-able city.”  Residents living in quaint neighborhoods are able to walk a few blocks to the beach, a café, or downtown Vancouver.  Residences, work, cafes, markets and shops are integrated within the city.  And it’s beautifully done, with trees everywhere including downtown where Vancouver’s spectacular high rises and skyscrapers adorn the city.  Yaletown’s high-rise designs are curved and tiered with patio gardens high in the sky.   At the base of buildings you will find shops, bright green grassy parks, water views with sailboats, people on bikes, public art and people out and about enjoying the city. It’s truly a spectacular city.

International City- Vancouver in it's one hundred and twenty-five year history, has grown from a small Indian village to an amazing metropolis. This contemporary city attracts people from all over the world.  It is not uncommon to hear a variety of languages just walking down the street.  This incredible diversity is reflected in restaurants where you can enjoy continental cuisines.  There is something for everyone including natural foods, High Tea, Vietnamese Pho, Eastern Indian food, Japanese Sushi, Italian and more.

Canadian Courtesy- One of the first things you’ll notice while driving around in Vancouver is driving courtesy.  If you indicate with a blinker you need to change lanes in heavy traffic, guess what? the driver behind you lets you in.  I think I was in shock about this since I’m a Los Angeles driver where it’s pretty speedy and you might get lucky only about half the time to change lanes. Kudos to the Canadians for being consistently polite not only as drivers, but also in customer service providing excellent information and courtesy at hotels, shops and restaurants.  It was quite refreshing in Canada to receive such a high level of customer service.  People were genuine and attentive.

Historical City- Vancouver is not only a place of natural beauty, but one of cultural diversity.  In 1792, Captain George Vancouver explored the Burrard Inlet meeting the  First Nation Coast Salish people who have inhabited Vancouver for thousands of years.  In 1827, east of Vancouver, the Hudson's Bay Company set up a trading post on the Fraser River.  But it was the Gold Rush in 1858, that brought thousands of prospectors to the area. “Gassy" Jack Deighton established a saloon on the north side of Vancouver Downtown, and this became known as Gastown.  On the western shore of Downtown, Stanley Park was opened in 1888.  Today visitors rent bikes and ride around the park. It is also a favorite walk and picnic area hosting a tea house and visitors center with stunning view’s of the Lion’s Gate Bridge.  The park was named for Lord Stanley, the former Governor General of Canada.  In 1886, Chinese workers arrived with the development of the Canadian Pacific Railway.  The railway opened the doors to Vancouver and established it as a transportation hub, economic and social center.
A city of diverse nationalities reflects Vancouver's culture and cosmopolitan appeal.  There are Aboriginal populations, British descendants, Chinese, Irish, Japanese, German, Indo-Pakistani, French, Italian, Dutch, Scandinavian, Ukrainian, Filipino, Greek and more.  Vancouver is no doubt a world class city.


Official Flower is the rose.

Special thank you to our Vancouver hosts Calli O'Brien and Zdenka Cajthamlova "Zee,"  of Ecotrend Ecologics and Domatcha Tea.
(Zee (left), Higgy Vasquez (middle), Calli (right))

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