Description: Many visitors take advantage of Vancouver’s beautiful seaside, wide-open spaces and mountain backdrop. Named after Royal Navy captain, George Vancouver, the history of this city, from the cobblestone late-Victorian Gastown, exotic Chinatown and the sleek modern buildings of downtown, is quite evident. The ocean and mountains create a dramatic contrast with downtown’s shiny towers of commerce.
The two official languages of Canada are English and French; however, English is the predominant language in British Columbia. Over the years, many Asians have migrated to Vancouver, mostly from Hong Kong, but other cultures are represented as well. More than 30 percent of Vancouver’s households speak Cantonese or Mandarin making the Chinese the dominant minority ethnic group.
Vancouver’s diversity offers families an endless supply of things to see and do no matter what time of the year or what budget. Whether you choose to stay within the city limits or to venture along the coast and mountains there are plenty of activities to suit everyone.