48 Cool Vancouver Facts: Learn All About The North American City

Located in western Canada in the region of British Columbia, Vancouver is a large city.

The large natural seaport on the Pacific ocean played a key role in linking this city with eastern Canada, Europe, and Asia and is among the most densely populated cities in British Columbia.

This great city in Canada is not to be confused with the one on the banks of the Columbia River in Washington, United States. It's a unique and outstanding city, as you will find out.

Here are some interesting facts about this city. Whether you are visiting Vancouver as a tourist or you plan to move here, this Canadian city has a lot to offer. Read on to find out more.

History Of Vancouver

Check out these interesting facts about the history of Vancouver:

According to archaeological records, Aboriginal people were living in the area of this city about 8,000-10,000 years ago. This city began as a settlement on the western edge of a tavern in Hastings Mill. This was built in 1867 and owned by Gassy Jack. This site is marked by the Gastown steam clock that can be seen today.

This area was first explored by José María Narváez in 1791. In 1792 Captain George Vancouver spent a day on board his ship HMS Discovery in the Burrard Inlet.

This city grew very quickly once it was linked with eastern Canada in the 1880s by the Canadian Pacific Railway.

The city of Vancouver was incorporated in the same year as Coca-Cola, 1886. The name was chosen by the president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, William van Horne.

Greenpeace, the well-known environmental group, was founded here in 1971 in a café.

The first McDonald’s to open in Canada in 1967 was located in Richmond, in metropolitan Vancouver.

The California Roll was invented in Vancouver by sushi chef Hidekazu Tojo.

Botox, a popular cosmetic treatment, was invented in this city.

Vancity is a popular nickname for this modern city.

Other names of this city were Gastown, Granville, and Burrard Inlet.

Until it was renamed in 1885, Vancouver was known as Vancouver Island.

In June 1886, the Great Vancouver Fire destroyed most of the city but it was quickly rebuilt.

Famous Tourist Destinations Of Vancouver

Vancouver is a popular and safe tourist destination. It has many parks and gardens including Queen Elizabeth Park and Stanley Park and many popular tourist hotspots. Check out some more famous tourist destinations in Vancouver.

Granville Island is a famous market here that is open seven days a week and deserves a visit.

Another interesting site to visit is Canada Place, which is home to the Vancouver Convention Center.

The white sail-like roof of this building is unique. Here are a few interesting facts about some of these famous places.

The cruise ship terminal in Vancouver is the fourth largest in the world.

The city of New Westminster, in the Metro Vancouver area, is home to the largest tin soldier in the world. It weighs 10,009 lb (4540 kg) and is 32 ft (9.75 m) tall.

This city has the largest port in Canada.

The largest retractable roof in the world is at the soccer stadium BC Place in downtown Vancouver.

The largest urban park in North America is Stanley Park, and it is a major tourist attraction. It is 10% larger than Central Park, New York.

All the gray squirrels in this park are descendants of the eight pairs of squirrels that came from New York in 1909 as a gift.

The wind turbine at the top of Grouse Mountain, known as 'eye of the wind', is the only working turbine in the world that has a viewing platform.

The Vancouver Aquarium is among the top five aquariums in the world and has over 65000 animals and 30 unique exhibits.

The Kitsilano saltwater pool is the longest outdoor pool measuring about 450 ft (137 m) which are about three Olympic swimming pools.

An apple tree planted in 1826 at Fort Vancouver is believed to be the oldest apple-bearing tree in this region.

Wreck beach is the largest and only beach in North America where clothing is optional.

The Skybridge is the longest cable-supported transit-only bridge in the world. This bridge across the Fraser river connects New West and Surrey.

The Nine O’clock Gun fires every night at nine. It was made in Woolwich, England in 1816.

The Guinness Beer Company built the Lions Gate Bridge.

The Vancouver Art Gallery in downtown Vancouver has a collection of about 10,000 exhibits and has some notable works by Canadian artist Emily Carr.

You can’t buy alcohol or beer in a grocery store in Vancouver.

It is the third-largest movie and TV production city in North America.

Blockbuster movies such as 'Deadpool' and 'Godzilla' and popular TV shows such as 'Bates Motel' and 'Arrow' have been shot here earning it the name 'Hollywood North'.

If you love hiking and skiing then North Vancouver is the area that you should visit. South Vancouver is mainly a residential area with plenty of malls, eateries, and theatres whereas west Vancouver has plenty of parks to enjoy a leisurely stroll. West Vancouver is also known for its many beaches.

You can easily visit most of the top attractions in Vancouver by transit. This includes the buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and the West Coast Express commuter train service all operated by the regional transportation authority TransLink.

Weather And Population Of Vancouver

Listed below are some facts about the weather and population of Vancouver.

The weather in Vancouver is warm and dry in the summer.

The downtown peninsula is where most of the people of this vast city live.

It is one of the most diverse cities in Canada and is sometimes called the city of neighborhoods, as each area has a distinct ethnic group.

With over 5400 people per 14,226 sq mi (36,845 sq. km.), this major city has the highest population in Canada and 40% of the city’s population is immigrants.

The city of Vancouver has the highest real estate prices in Canada.

It's ranked as the third most livable place in the world.

The Chinatown here is the largest in North America.

Vancouver's climate is very mild, and it is listed among Canada's warmest cities.

It is estimated that about 52% of the residents of Vancouver city and 43% of those in the Vancouver Metro area have a first language that is not English.

It is home to the largest LGBTQ community in Canada with the Pride Parade being one of the biggest in the world.

It's home to many celebrities, including Ryan Reynolds, Carly Rae Jepsen, and others.

Homelessness is a significant issue in this large city.

Famous College And Universities Of Vancouver

Check out these interesting facts about the colleges and universities of Vancouver.

The Greater Vancouver area is home to five public universities. The University of British Columbia is ranked among the top 50 best universities in the world. Its main campus is located on Burrard Peninsula. Simon Fraser University is another well-known educational institution.

Other public universities of note in the metropolitan area of this city are Capilano University and the Emily Carr University of Art and Design. 

There are a few private universities in the area as well, including Trinity Western University and the University Canada West.

FAQs

Q. What language do they speak in Vancouver?

A. English and French are the main languages that are spoken in Vancouver.

Q. When was Vancouver, BC founded?

A. In 1791, parts of present-day Burrard Inlet and Point Grey were explored by José María Narváez, a Spaniard. The city gets its name from Captain George Vancouver who explored various places in this region and gave them its names. The city was incorporated in 1886.

Q. What makes Vancouver unique?

A. Vancouver is a unique city as it has both skyscrapers and natural beauty. It has an interesting history and the many immigrants here have also made it popular for its amazing cuisine.

The city also experiences mild weather compared to other Canadian cities, as it is protected from cold winds by the North Shore Mountains. The government subsidies offered here also make this city a preferred location for many movies and hence, it is sometimes referred to as 'Hollywood North'.

Q. What is Vancouver, BC is known for?

A. Vancouver is known for the swimming, hiking, and surfing that it offers.

Q. Is Vancouver better than Toronto?

A. It depends on what you're looking for. Vancouver has mild weather compared to Toronto, however it is the most expensive Canadian city to live in. Toronto has better job opportunities and vibrant nightlife.

Q. Is Toronto cheaper than Vancouver?

A. Yes, Vancouver is the most expensive city in Canada.

Q. What is the main religion in Vancouver, Canada?

A. Christianity is the main religion of Vancouver. With Roman Catholics forming the largest segment in this group.

Q. Does Vancouver get snow?

A, Yes, the first winter snowfall usually starts in December, but it can sometimes be early in October or November. Snowfall usually stops between February and April. Vancouver does not receive any snow from May to September.

Q. Which city is best for Indians in Canada?

A. The best cities for Indian immigrants to Canada are Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary.

Q. Which is the warmest city in Canada?

A. The warmest city in Canada is Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.