Vancouver, the largest city in British Columbia (B.C.), Canada, is renowned for its breathtaking setting nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains of B.C. A 2006 study even ranked it the third city globally for its exceptional quality of life, trailing only behind Zürich and Geneva. However, it’s important to note that Vancouver was also tagged as the second most expensive city in Canada to live in, trailing only Toronto.

Captain George Vancouver, an English explorer, lends his name to this city. Its origins trace back to the 1860s during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush, which spurred immigration, particularly from the United States.  However, many settlers didn’t stay beyond the rush. Vancouver’s transformation from a modest lumber mill town into a thriving metropolis took off with the arrival of the transcontinental railway in 1887.

Notably, the completion of the Panama Canal in the 1920s catapulted the Port of Vancouver to international prominence, as it offered reduced freight rates and a viable route for shipping prairie grain westward. Today, it ranks as Canada’s busiest seaport, surpassing all other North American ports in cargo exports.

Nature enthusiasts find paradise in Vancouver, where the Seawall winds along picturesque beaches, towering trees, and modern skyscrapers, offering a stunning blend of natural beauty and urban energy. Adventure-seekers can ski, sail, bike, or golf, all before indulging in the city’s culinary delights, from eclectic food trucks to upscale restaurants.

The diverse menu options, featuring everything from ramen to locally sourced seafood, are complemented by a growing array of craft distilleries and microbreweries. Whether sipping and savoring on the waterfront, beneath cherry blossoms, or atop a mountain, Vancouver offers a day filled with exceptional experiences.