Greater Vancouver - Introduction

Canada's gateway to the Pacific is Vancouver, British Columbia. The city and its neighbours sit at the mouth of the Fraser River. There are moutains to the north, the river delta to the south, the ocean in the west and a valley in the east.

Nearly 2 million people call this area home. No wonder. The Coast Mountains provide a majestic backdrop to the glistening glass skyscrapers of downtown. The mighty blue waters of the Fraser River blend into the lush green forests in the area.

Weather is temperate in Vancouver. The summers are warm and mostly dry. The winters are mild and extremely wet. A strange combination for a Canadian city.

Vancouver is the economic and cultural centre of British Columbia. Headquarters of provinicial companies are stationed here. The branch offices of many multinational corporations are built here. Art galleries, museums and civic theatres all ply their trade here.

Vancouver is Canada's connection to the Pacific Rim. It is the last stop before flying over to Asia. It is the home to many different culture groups including Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Vietnamese, and more.

Vancouver is also a city of neighbourhoods. As one travels across the city, one notices distinct styles in houses, stores, and people.

Greater Vancouver itself is a large urban area that stretches for about 50 kilometres inland from the tip of Point Grey. The Greater Vancouver Regional District is made up of 18 different cities, towns, districts, and villages. Each municipality is very different from the next.

Vancouver is a city that struggles to be a small quiet city and a large bustling metropolis at the same time. The city wants to sprawl, but at the same time it tries control its growth. It wants to grow, but it wants to the stay the same. It wants to be a world class city, but still be the good old hometown.

Tune in...