As the third largest city in Canada, Vancouver is a visual delight from every angle. The city has placed great emphasis on the harmony of its architecture, providing numerous windows, balconies, and buildings from which one can admire the mountains or the sea. From the bustling streets of the downtown area, it is common to be treated to the spectacular sight of the mountainous coastline, the splendors of Stanley Park and its aquarium (one of the best in North America), the waters of Burrard Inlet, or all three at once! Vancouver's urban area, vibrant and popular among visitors, is impeccably clean. Choosing to learn English in Vancouver is an excellent decision for students who want to study a language abroad.
603,500 inhabitants
Skyscrapers, Mountains, Sea
12 hours and 30 minutes from Geneva
Vancouver is located in the southern part of British Columbia, where it serves as the largest city. Situated on the Pacific coast and the Fraser River delta, between the Strait of Georgia separating the city from Vancouver Island, Howe Sound, and the Coastal Range, it is a region where relatively abundant precipitation has given rise to lush vegetation. The climate is classified as oceanic, with warm and sunny summers, and it is among the mildest in Canada, with temperatures rarely dropping below 0°C in winter.
Originally inhabited by the Wu'muthkweyum ("People of the Grass") and Squamish First Nations, the region was discovered by European explorers in 1791, and Vancouver was named in 1886 in honor of British Captain George Vancouver, who was part of the early expeditions in British Columbia. The city's initial industry was timber logging along the coast, primarily for ship masts, and Gastown was one of the first settlements that led to the establishment of Vancouver. The arrival of the railway later ensured the city's expansion by providing access to Asian and continental markets, ultimately making it the largest city in the region in terms of population.
Take a leisurely stroll amidst the impressive Anglican and Catholic cathedrals of the city and admire the architecture of this beautiful city, from the Law Courts designed by Canadian architect Arthur Erickson to Canada Place with its magnificent sail-like structures. You won't get bored during your language trip to Vancouver, known as the "Canadian San Francisco," where outdoor activities take center stage: skiing, hiking, and mountain biking in the Coastal Range, water sports in the ocean and rivers, or leisurely walks and picnics on the island. The city also hosts numerous festivals every year, such as the Tsawwassen Sun Festival.
Vancouver is served by 4 SkyTrain lines (the metro system), and cycling is highly encouraged. Entire avenues are dedicated to bicycles, known as Bikeways. Motorcycles, on the other hand, are less common. The cost of living in Vancouver is reasonable, slightly lower than in Paris: expect to pay around €24 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant compared to €27 in Paris. Additionally, you'll find shopping centers and various boutiques throughout the metropolis.
The Greater Vancouver Convention and Visitors Bureau, Suite 210 - 200 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 3L6.
Phone: +1 604 682 2222