Monday, September 1, 2008

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (August 13-14, 2008)

Vancouver is a port city in southwestern British Columbia, surrounded by water on three sides, and nestled in the shadows of the Coast Mountain Range. The native Coast Salish people lived in the area for thousands of years before Captain George Vancouver first explored the Burrard Inlet in 1792.

In 1858, a gold rush on the Fraser River east of Vancouver drew thousands of prospectors, and European settlement of the region began in earnest. The development of the cross-country Canadian Pacific Railway during the 1880s brought additional immigrants and further boosted the economy.

Today, Vancouver is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a spectacular natural backdrop. Vancouverites like to brag that at the right time of year, they can ski in the morning and then relax on the beach in the afternoon. Because of its international population, the compact city also boasts a diverse cultural scene and a mouthwatering variety of ethnic restaurants. With all it has to offer, it’s not surprising that Vancouver consistently ranks among the world’s best places to live.
A water taxi carries passengers across English Bay from downtown Vancouver to nearby Granville Island. Overflowing with unique galleries, shops, restaurants and a bustling Public Market, Granville Island is a wonderful place to while away an afternoon.
Children enjoy the water park at Granville Island; the island also has a huge covered market with toys, books and activities just for children
One of Granville Island's more than 50 independent arts-and-crafts studios and galleries
Granville Island's famous Public Market, where shoppers can find fresh produce, local seafood, homemade products and a tempting array of snack stalls
The Capilano Suspension Bridge, built in 1889, stretches 450 feet across and 230 feet above the Capilano River in north Vancouver

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