Vancouver

Introduction

Vancouver is located on the Pacific Coast in southwestern British Columbia. Covering 114 square kilometers (44 square miles), it is the second-smallest area of eight major Canadian cities. The metropolitan area of 2,787 square kilometers (1,076 square miles) is the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada. In March 1995, the city of Vancouver won a silver medal as the second-best city in the world.

Vancouver was incorporated in 1886 and named after Captain George Vancouver (1757–98), who first sailed round Vancouver, exploring and charting Burrard Inlet and adjacent waters.

Vancouver is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Fraser River, the Burrard Inlet, and the Coast Mountains to the east, the city is surrounded by shimmering waters and towering trees.

With 44 percent of its population comprised of visible minorities, Vancouver is truly a multicultural city. It is home to Canada's largest Chinatown, its largest gay community, and boasts numerous ethnic neighborhoods, such as Little India and Little Italy. However, all Vancouver residents are called Vancouverites.

In 1986, the city played host to the World Expo. Since then, tourism has grown considerably and now draws more than five million visitors to the region each year.

The Port of Vancouver, a world-class port situated on Burrard Inlet, is one of the busiest in North America. The port situates Vancouver as Canada's gateway to Asia. By hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) in 1997, the city cemented its place in Pacific Rim trade.