Vancouver
City guide · Lower Mainland, British Columbia · Canada
Stanley Park and Lions Gate Bridge · Canada Place
About Vancouver
Vancouver is a major city in Western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. It is the most populous city in the province, with the 2021 Canadian census recording 662,248 people in the city, up from 631,486 in 2016. The Metro Vancouver area had a population of 2.6 million in 2021, making it the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada. Greater Vancouver, along with the Fraser Valley, comprises the Lower Mainland with a regional population of over 3 million. Vancouver has the highest population density in Canada, with over 5,700 inhabitants per square kilometre, and the fourth highest in North America (after New York City, San Francisco, and Mexico City). The city is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse in Canada: 49.3 percent of residents are not native English speakers, 47.8 percent are native speakers of neither English nor French, and 54.5 percent of residents belong to visible minority groups. Vancouver is known as an urban centre surrounded by nature, making tourism its second-largest industry after forestry. Major film production studios in Vancouver and nearby Burnaby have turned Greater Vancouver into one of the largest film production centres in North America, earning it the nickname 'Hollywood North'. The city has hosted many international events, including the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, held in Vancouver and Whistler, a resort community 125 km north of the city.
Who this destination fits
Highlights worth planning around
Strong fit
- Surrounded by nature with mountains, ocean, and green spaces, making it a classic nature gateway
- Highly diverse and multicultural city with significant visible minority population
- Consistently ranked one of the most liveable cities in Canada and the world
- Major film production centre known as 'Hollywood North'
- Hosted major international events including the 2010 Winter Olympics
Tradeoffs
- One of the most expensive cities in Canada and the world in terms of housing affordability
- Highest population density in Canada, which may feel crowded to some visitors
- Tourism is the second-largest industry, so popular areas can be busy
- Limited current evidence on specific costs, safety, or transport details for travelers