Vancouver From 2000 through 2004, Vancouver was rated as the city with the best quality of life in the world (surveys by the William M. Mercer company). Those of us who live in the area can't argue with that statement. Allthough the area had been populated for centuries, the city of Vancouver began as a fur trading post after Don Jose Narvaez discovered the Straight of Georgia & English Bay in 1791 and when Capt. George Vancouver discovered Burrard Inlet in 1792. Today Vancouver is a bustling city of over two million, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the majestic coastal mountain range. Termed the 'Crown Jewel of Western Canada', Vancouver is the financial, shipping, industrial and cultural centre of Canada's west coast. Be sure to see the landmark conference centre Canada Place where cruise ships dock while in Vancouver. Go to the world famous Stanley Park, and the Vancouver Aquarium. Visit Gastown and Chinatown. Go shopping at Lonsdale Quay and Granville Island. Take the gondola up Grouse Mountain. Don't miss Vandusen Botanical Gardens or the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. There is nothing like Stanley Park at Christmas time. There is a train ride and decorations that people of all ages can enjoy. In 2010, Canada's greatest city will play host to the winter olympics games. The best beach is out past UBC, the University located on the western outskirts of town. Located down a trail, it is stuck between the trees & the ocean. Called Wreck Beach, it is clothing optional, but you really should not bother if you are not going to get naked.
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