FACTS ABOUT VANCOUVER

Vancouver is located in the province of British Columbia on Canada's west coast. It is North America's second largest port and one of the world's major cruise ship ports.

Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia and the third largest city in Canada. Greater Vancouver is home to almost 2 million people, with a little over half a million within the downtown area. The city is very multicultural, with 35% of the population born in a foreign country. Most notably, Vancouver has the highest proportion of people of Asian heritage of any North American city and it has one of the largest and oldest Chinatowns in North America.

Vancouver has been internationally recognized as one of the best places in the world in which to live and work. In addition to a quality of life second to none, Vancouver has received global acclaim for the excellence of its long range planning for urban design. Vancouver's crime rate is well below most American cities.

Some other facts about Vancouver:

It is one of the largest film production centres in North America;
There are two professional major league sport teams: the BC Lions (CFL Football) and the Vancouver Canucks (NHL Ice Hockey);
It is one of the most densely populated areas in North America (West End, Downtown);
It is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to ski, play golf, and go sailing all in the same day;
Alcoholic beverages cannot be bought in grocery stores, but have to be purchased in a government liquor store;
Most public places are non-smoking, including all restaurants and bars.

The Premier of British Columbia is Gordon Campbell. The capital of British Columbia is Victoria, located on Vancouver Island. The Mayor of Vancouver is Sam Sullivan.

Weather
Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by a range of mountains, Vancouver enjoys mild temperatures year-round. In June, the average daily temperature is around 21�C (69�F).

June can see some showers throughout the month and evening can still be cool, especially in the surrounding mountains so pack light clothing, a few sweaters and a light rain jacket for good measure!

Links
City of Vancouver
Province of British Columbia
Tourism Vancouver
Virtual tour of Vancouver