Vancouver – city of many facets

Sprawling Canada has many wonderfully kept cities. Vancouver is one of them. This coastal city, located in the southeastern part of the country in British Columbia province, played a major role as a site of prospecting during the Gold Rush of the late 19th century. This turned out to be one of the signal events in the history of the nation’s native-settler relationship.

Incidentally, this event was one of the earliest in the city’s history, having taken place just over a decade after its incorporation in 1886.

The city was one of several discoveries the 18th century British explorer, Capt. George Vancouver made. He is also credited with the discovery of several other cities in North America, and was known to have a cordial relationship with both the Natives and the Spanish, who were competing at that time with Britain to colonize North America.

Back to the present, Vancouver is one of the best planned Canadian cities. It is a very richly endowed city whose economic character has changed considerably since the 1980’s. Initially dependent on all that the province was famous for, namely natural resources like fishing, mining and forestry, it has graduated to becoming a service provider of the highest class. It is now a leading producer of films in North America. A major part of its exchequer is filled by tourism. So, that gives a great reason to visit the city!

There is a long list of attractions in this city. These include Vancouver Library Square, modeled on the Colosseum of ancient Rome; Robson Square; Canada Place, a unique pavilion and Harbour Centre. There are also innumerable structures of the previous century.

Vancouver is also a great treat for the art lover, with several music academies and art galleries being located here.

A tourist is bound to find this a place that will leave sweet memories. It is, after all, ranked one of the most livable cities in the world. The standard of living can be a little on the higher side, but the lifestyle is generally laidback, but very cosmopolitan and amazingly open. So, there is a lot on offer in this lovely city!