Vancouver Information

Vancouver is one of the few places in the world where a combination of big city lifestyle comes together with outdoor activities in such a way. Ski in the morning, sail in the afternoon and still make it into town for a cocktail or three. If there's one drawback to this place it's the rain, particularly in winter when it rarely stops. Even in summer a soggy spell can last for weeks, but when it clears and the mountains come into view on a sunny day, all is forgiven.

Vancouver is still a city of new immigrants - wander the streets and you'll hear a dozen different languages. Vancouver also attracts young professionals and artists from the eastern provinces who come here to enjoy the city's recreation and laid-back atmosphere.

These days Vancouver is more dynamic than ever. In just five years, between 1987 and 1992, the population grew by an extraordinary 17%. The downtown population, currently over half a million is the fastest growing on the continent. In response the downtown area is expanding to the older and previously run-down districts to the southeast of the city core. Development over the last decade is symbolized by a superb library and performing-arts complex which constitutes the most expensive capital project ever undertaken in the city. Real estate here is now more expensive than that in Toronto, and in the 1990s became North America's largest film and TV production centre after Los Angeles and New York, The X-Files being one of the most famous films and television shows filmed in Vancouver. Yet the changes are being handled in a way that is enhancing the city rather than compromising the city's beguiling combination of pleasure, culture, business and natural beauty.