Vancouver is the third most populated city in Canada and fifth in North America; a tad below San Francisco. It is considered one of the most diverse cities in all of Canada, with almost half of the populace native tongue being everything else except English. Also, it is ranked very high in terms of livability, and according to the Mercer's Quality of Living it is ranked 3rd; sharing the same spot with Auckland and Munich. Diversity might hold the secret ingredient in achieving this high standard of living.
This area of British Columbia was first settled by the Haida; a First Nation whose creation roots are carried in what is known today as the Haida Creation Story. This has been captured in the renown sculptures of Bill Reid called The Raven and The First Men. It is housed at the University of British Columbia's Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver.
The sculpture captures the Haida mythological story of human creation. We learn from this oral tradition that the Haida believe in a world that lives above them, an earth world in the middle, and a world below the earth. The story also tells us that the trees and land are sacred to the Haida. The Raven is also sacred. He is a trickster who is greedy and mischievous, but who also teaches humans how to live a good life. The Raven has supernatural powers and uses them to obtain important things for humans. He stole the sun, moon and stars for humans, as well as giving them fresh water, salmon and fire. When the Haida look at their country, they understand the story of Raven. His creation is all around them. This is the basis on which Vancouver became built upon over time.
The original name for the city was Gastown, named after Gassy Jack, a prominent bar owner from England. Gassy Jack, like the others, came here during the gold rush. There is a steam powered clock, called the Gastown Clock, that is prominently displayed at the city's central district of Gastown.
The city's humble beginnings started primarily with logging. As logs were felled in the mountains nearby, they were then floated down Burrard Inlet; where most of the saw mills were. The processed wood was then shipped out from it's deep sea port, making it one of the busiest sea ports on the Pacific Rim. But all good things must come to an end as more and more saw mills were shuttered at the turn of the century.
The famous Lion's Gate Bridge is one of the city's main attractions, and also the only route that connects the main city center to West and North Vancouver, two of the most expensive neighborhoods in greater Vancouver. There are plans to completely turn it into a pedestrian-only bridge. This bridge was completed in 1938 and was financed by the Guinness family (yes, the people that brought us Guinness Stout!). They wanted to bridge Vancouver and the land they owned on West Vancouver. The family was operating under the name British Pacific Properties Co. Ownership was transferred to the provincial government in 1955. Lions Gate is a beautiful suspension bridge that is very costly to upkeep. The name Lion comes from the two large horn shaped diorite rocks located on the Pacific Coast Mountain. These twin peaks are very prominently seen from the bridge on a clear day.
The city of Vancouver is world renown as it played host to many international events like the Winter Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and the FIFA 2015 Women's World Cup; which was held at BC Place in downtown Vancouver.
At night, the surrounding area around Falls Creek comes alive with technicolor lights, reflecting off the still waters of the creek. This is the focal point of the city center, where you can find people from all walks of life, mingling and chattering in a multitude of languages from near and afar. Numerous million-dollar condominiums lined the creek side especially around Yaletown.
The city of Vancouver is somewhat reminiscent of the city of San Francisco, though not as hilly, but similar in the way the neighborhoods are delineated. The primary neighborhoods are Kitsilano, Gastown, Yaletown, West End, Granville, Chinatown, West End and Coal Harbor, each with its own unique identity. Kitsilano is known for its beaches, while Granville for its shopping and markets.
With it's high density living neighborhoods, Vancouver has no shortage of public parks. The foliage burst into a myriad of colors during autumn. But as far as per enjoyment, these parks are fun to explore all year round.
The biggest and by far the most diverse, is none other than Stanley Park. This 1,000 acre park is surrounded by water and there is a pathway along its perimeter. It also houses a tea pavillion, an aquarium, sports facilities, and it even has a heated pool! Thousands of people frequent this park on any given day. There is also a cannon at Brockton Point on the park's seawall that goes off at 9 pm daily.
For those who enjoy plants and trees, head over to Queen Elizabeth Park. There is a conservatory at the top named Bloedell that houses many tropical fauna and flora. On a cold or rainy day, Bloedell is an ideal location to hang out in with tropical interior weather.
Just skirting east of Vancouver is Burnaby, a city on a hill and the location for Simon-Fraser University. Atop is a park called Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. There, you can browse through a well manicured rose garden, see the Kamui Mintara Playground of the Gods, or hike a series of intertwined trails that connects the campus buildings. The surrounding views of the inlet and the North Shore mountains aren't too shabby either.
Besides the sights and sounds of this vibrant city, Vancouverites, and people like myself, would head to the North Shore mountains for some great hikes, mountain bike trails, skiing or simply enjoying being outdoors. Whether be it Grouse Mountain, Cypress Provincial Park or Mt. Seymour Provincial Park, there is always something for everyone at all skill levels.
Vancouver is a great place to visit. Not just for its diversity in place but also in food and people. Regardless of whether you are a city or nature lover, you can have it all.
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