Vancouver

Although not the capital of British Columbia, Vancouver is certainly the largest and most populous city in the province. Named after Captain George Vancouver who explored the area in 1792, the city has a particularly diverse history and ethnicity with only around half the population speaking English as a first language.
Vancouver is recognised for its quality of life, green spaces and accessibility to nature. One of the metropolitan highlights is Stanley Park, an urban oasis first officially opened in 1888 which is a pleasure to explore by foot, bicycle or horse-drawn cart. The park has surprising wildlife viewing potential as it is inhabited by beaver, racoon, striped skunk, river otter, pacific harbour seal, bald eagle and even a few coyotes.
Vibrant downtown Vancouver supplies many visitor attractions such as the fascinating Museum of Anthropology, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Gastown Markets and the Vancouver Lookout Tower. A little further out of town are the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain Cable Car, a must for its wonderful vistas.
Vancouver is the natural starting point for trips into the Great Bear Rainforest and Vancouver Island.