Discovering Vancouver – Introduction to the City of Dreams

Vancouver is a modern, bustling, and vibrant city full of hustle and bustle. With its cosmopolitan culture, stunning natural landscape, and ever-growing population, Vancouver is becoming more of an attractive destination than ever before. Fortunately, it’s no longer a secret, but is instead a hot spot for travelers, who flock to its cityscape to enjoy everything the city has to offer. But before you jump in, there are a few things you should know about Vancouver. If you’re curious about the City of Dreams, read on for everything you need to know about staying in and exploring the city.

What Is Vancouver Known For?

Vancouver is actually ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world for its high quality of life, only beaten out by Amsterdam and San Francisco for their affordability metrics. This means it is arguably one of the most desirable places to live in the world – especially when considering its beautiful landscapes, volcanic surroundings and foodie mecca culture. Vancouver is renowned for its natural beauty, boasting one of the best spots in Canada for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and unbeatable views along the Sea-to-Sky Corridor in the summer months. Moreover, Vancouver has become a destination due to its eclectic neighbourhoods and fantastic food culture – including sushi spots like I Love Maki and trendy restaurants like The Acorn. Being close to the Pacific Ocean also makes for a unique seafood selection.Fashionistas and shopaholics often head here for some retail therapy; Stanley Park is always a great place to wander on a sunny afternoon; and cultural enthusiasts take part in festivals that take place throughout the year, such as the Vancouver International Film Festival. As you can see, there’s so much to do if you’re visiting this city.

A Short History of Vancouver

Before it was discovered by European traders and settlers, Vancouver was settled by the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. The city has been multicultural since it was established in 1886, with immigrants from all around the world creating the diverse culture we know today. Vancouver quickly became an important port city known as the “Gateway to the Pacific”. It was first known as Granville until it was rebranded to Vancouver in 1886 – named after Captain George Vancouver who surveyed the area in 1792. This name also pays homage to one of its namesake’s crewsman Peter Puget – hence the neighbourhood of Point Grey being so named.

Getting Around Vancouver

Being the third most densely populated city in Canada means that Vancouver is quite small and incredibly easy to get around. Easy access to buses, SkyTrain networks and ferries make it an ideal place to be if you’re hoping to explore areas outside of the downtown Vancouver core. However, if you’re looking for ways to get around within the downtown area in particular, it’s one of the most walkable cities in Canada – with incredibly high scores for walkability according to Walk Score rankings. If walking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of bike lanes that span the entire downtown area meaning cycling is a great way to explore too. Plus, with an array of bike rental companies popping up throughout Vancouver, cycling is becoming an increasingly popular mode of transport among locals – especially as more bike lanes are being built each year.

Town Planning and Architecture

Vancouver has many great architectural marvels dotting its skyline. Of course there are plenty of iconic buildings downtown like Harbour Centre Tower and Library Square but there’s much more happening throughout the city. Two of the best examples are Nepture Terminal on the North Shore and Bentall Tower near Yaletown. This historic port building is arguably one of Vancouver’s most photographed attractions; it was built in 1914 by celebrated Canadian architects John Teague and Thomas Hooper. The use of glass in Vancouver’s newer skyline is stunningly refreshing when compared to older giants like Bentall Tower. Iconic residential skyscrapers like Harry Hertzberg’s Electric Avenue capture urban living with class much like their east coast counterparts like Governor Cromwell Towers in Toronto or Montreal’s Tour des Ecluses (Locks Tower).

Weather and Climate

Vancouver has a unique climate compared to other parts of Canada – it has mild winters and cool summers making it a remarkable place for outdoorsy activities all year round. The wet season runs from November to February where rain is frequent but rarely heavy; however, mild temperatures mean you won’t need too much extra layering during this period for a visit here. July and August are generally warmer in temperature and drier months that span from March through October see much less rainfall around Vancouver than most other Canadian cities. Overall, while snowfall isn’t common in Vancouver’s coastal city limits, nearby mountains are frequently covered due to colder temps as you get higher up in elevation making these great spots to ski or snowboard!

Notable Festivals

Aside from common Canada-wide events like Canada Day or Victoria Day – which local restaurants host their own special events with activities like street bloc parties – Vancouver has its own set of annual festivals that you won’t want to miss: ● Vancouver Fireworks Festival at English Bay – An annual event that features live music performances and an epic fireworks display hosted at English Bay Beach. ● Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) – This annual 10 day event showcases some of the world’s best films from both established artists and promising talent across all genres from drama to animation. ● HSBC Celebration of Light – Whether it’s catching one of the nightly performances or simply watching from afar at various view points throughout Vancouver, make sure you’re ready to take part in this spectacular display! ● Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) – This is one of Vancouver’s longest running traditions with the city holding this annual exhibition since 1910 at Exhibition Park where you can enjoy rides, performances and more!

Tips for Visiting Vancouver

Exploring Vancouver is an amazing experience that everyone should get out of their system at least once! Make sure to heed these vital tips; they will give you a great heads up for your travels: ● Start your exploration around Stanley Park or Granville Island; during summer months these two neighbourhoods will give you beautiful views across False Creek with lots of history and culture along the way. ● Even if you’re climbing Grouse Mountain or visiting some other popular sightseeing spots be sure to dress in layers; this hourglass shaped city has fog lurking down beyond Burrard Street even if it’s sunny above 25th Avenue. ● If you’re planning on taking transit make sure you get an efficient compass card as it will be cheaper than buying multiple transit tickets while giving you access on buses and SkyTrain networks throughout Vancouver. ● Eat all your meals before 10pm; many restaurants close earlier than expected so plan ahead if you’re planning on dining late at night! ● Always carry an umbrella with you; while Summer months appear sunny mornings will usually be overcast so having rain protection just in case is essential when out exploring! That’s some general info about visiting Vancouver! What are you waiting for? It’s time to book your flight or drive into this amazing city for your very own adventure – just make sure that wherever you go during your travels there’s something worth discovering. There’s no better way to experience all that this unique city has to offer than taking part in all its activities first-hand!