Peeking out into the Strait of Georgia, bordered by water on three sides, and backed by the untouched beauty of the Coast Mountain Ridge and the rest of the province, the largest city in British Columbia is truly a beautiful place to live, work and play. The city of Vancouver, British Columbia has one of the mildest climates in Canada, and combines a diligent and fast-paced metropolis with a relaxing and awe-inspiring background of natural scenery. There is always something to do in Vancouver, from relaxing on one of the ten Oceanside beaches to exploring the many events that the city hosts, from the Polar Bear Swim to the Musicfest Vancouver.

As of June 5, 2009, the biggest buzz in Vancouver continues to be all about the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, which the city will be hosting. 6,850 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and officials will be gathering in Vancouver and nearby Whistler ski resort to celebrate sporting excellence and compete for their countries. The three official mascots designed for the games are inspired by the legends of the area's First Nations people, whose influence remains a strong and important part of British Columbia culture. A sasquatch, a sea bear (a legendary creature which can transform from an orca into bear), and a spirit animal combining the traits of the bear, orca, and legendary thunderbird will be common sights throughout the games, and sure to put smiles on the faces of visitors and residents alike. There is also a sidekick mascot, a Vancouver Island marmot, whose purpose is to cheer on his 'official mascot' pals and to raise awareness about the endangered status of his species, which is unique to the mountains of Vancouver Island.

For entertainment and recreation before and after the winter games, Vancouver still has plenty to offer. For the most adventurous and brave of souls, the city is home to some truly nerve-shattering experiences, such as bungee jumping over the Cheakamus River in Whistler, skydiving in the Fraser Valley, or mountain climbing on The Black Tusk. For the less adventurous among us, there are awe-inspiring activities such as whale watching, wandering a classical Chinese garden, and visiting the Vancouver Aquarium, home to 70,000 fascinating creatures. And that's only a sampling of the city's attractions and amenities. From the Strait to the mountains, and all throughout the city, Vancouver has hundreds of amazing things to see and do, with selections for every age and interest. No matter which Vancouver zip code you find yourself in, you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime!