Located between the Pacific Ocean and the mountains, Vancouver is the capital of British Columbia. Concentrated on a peninsula, downtown Vancouver resembles those of other cities in North America, characterized by high glass towers and parallel streets. Vancouver is considered one of the most enjoyable cities in the world because of its multiculturalism. During your stay in a hotel in Vancouver, you will then live a dream mixing natural purity and cultural saturation. Flowering parks and gardens, a sea and its picturesque coast, bright and airy streets, omnipresent restaurants, modern ski resorts, a dolce vita nocturne, lush vegetation, modern urban planning and gigantic skyscrapers... It is not surprising that the city, although relatively young, has experienced such an explosion in terms of tourism and migration. The Asian influx gave him the nickname of Hongcouver. Indeed, it is a mixture of multiple ethnic groups and religions that share the city peacefully, with mutual respect. Thanks to a developed cinematographic activity, linked to idyllic settings for films, Vancouver is also called the Hollywood of the North. The Olympic Games also contributed to its development and worldwide glory. The city was named in honour of Captain Georges Vancouver who prospected British Columbia in 1792. With a pleasant climate and a rich environment, Vancouver and its surroundings were already home to a large population of Amerindians before its arrival. 3000 years ago, the "Wu'muthkweyum" tribe, or "Grass People", occupied the area, specifically at the mouth of the Fraser River. In 1774, the Spanish were the first Westerners to arrive on the territory. They very quickly began to negotiate skins with the natives, seasoned seal and whale hunters. Captain Cook's arrival on Vancouver Island in 1778 heralded the beginning of commercial hostilities between the Spanish and English. Following the discovery of gold in the Fraser River, Vancouver attracted an increasing number of researchers from California and other countries. Vancouver was officially notified as a British colony in 1859. Its economy is also growing with the felling of trees to make ship masts and the exploitation of wood for construction. British Columbia's incorporation into the Dominion of Canada was decided in 1875 with the advent of a transcontinental railway system. The latter was established in 1885 although its realization in the Rocky Mountains was a challenge. In full economic expansion, the city grows in the 20th century, partly due to the massive arrival of immigrants from the rest of the country and Asian countries. Vancouver hosts the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games The sportsmen (snowboarders, skiers, hikers and others) will know how to appreciate its assets, because they will be really spoiled there. Surrounded by many beauties, the city cannot extend to infinity. Given its density, it then tries to gain height; when you fly over it, you notice its vertiginous buildings. In summer, when the sun enchants the city, you may even guess the shapes of Mount Baker volcano. You will agree that this dynamic city can be visited at any time of the year, even several times, and that each time it will fill you again... Fill up on adrenaline as you descend the snowy slopes of Vancouver's ski resorts. Take a walk in Stanley Park, get a beautiful view of Vancouver at False Creek, football fans will not miss the Stadium Square. A flight to Vancouver during the sunny summer months allows various activities: hiking, cycling, canoeing... In town, admire the cathedral, the Marine Building, the Museum of Anthropology or the Vancouver Art Gallery. In Vancouver you will be spoilt for choice. Take for example the very popular Granville Street. Two "musts" of the moment on the dance floors: Le Roxy and The Cellar. Have a drink at Dollin's, Granville Room, Ambrozia, The Famous Warehouse, and Speakeasy. We suggest you make a stopover in Vancouver as soon as possible by yourself, to convince yourself of its riches. British Columbia's capital has many sights to see. Tourists will mainly visit Stanley Park on Grandville Island to discover its market and art galleries, Grouse Mountain, accessible by cable car, the Capilano suspension bridge, the highest and longest pedestrian bridge in the world, and Gastown, Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood, to see its famous steam clock.