City Introduction

City of Vancouver is a coast seaport on the mainland of British Columbia, whose population ranked 8th in Canadian municipalities. Vancouver is the biggest metropolitan city in Western Canada, and the third-largest city in Canada. With beautiful natural environment and pleasant climate, winter is warm in Vancouver and sea ports won’t freeze in the whole year. Vancouver has the largest Chinese population in all of Canada.

 

 

 

 

History and Culture

The City of Vancouver was incorporated in 1886, whose name was from George Vancouver. In 1881, there were around 1,000 residents. The population grew to 20,000 in 1900 and 100,000 to 1911. With the Canadian Pacific Railway was completed, many Chinese laborers laid off. These Chinese laborers stayed in Vancouver and established Chinese communities. In the late Qing dynasty and the beginning of Republic of China, Vancouver was translated as “Yungaohua” or “Yungehua” in Chinese and “Yunbu” or “Yuncheng”(meaning "city of cloud") in short. Vancouver is a cultural melting pot, where aboriginal people, Europeans, and Asians friendly and inclusively live there. Thanks to its beautiful natural environment, tourism has become the second largest economic pillar for Vancouver, after the forestry industry. Vancouver is the third largest center for the film industry in North America -- hence its nickname is Hollywood North.

 

 

 

 

Natural Environment

Protected by Mountain Rocky (a major mountain ranging in North America) in the Northeast, Vancouver enjoys a warm and humid climate. As a famous tourist destination, Vancouver has been rated as the most livable cities in the world for many times.

 

 

 

 

Climate

Vancouver has a moderate oceanic climate with pleasant four seasons and full of green trees and beautiful flowers in all year. Average temperature is around 20℃ in summer, while above 0 ℃ in winter. The monthly average maximum temperature is 6℃(43 ℉) in January, while it is 22℃ (72℉) in July. Annual rainfall is half less than Tofino. Snow is rare in winter, but there are plenty of rainfalls, and thus, Vancouver is also called the “Canada’s Rain City”. In November, daytime temperatures remain 3-9℃, moist and comfortable. Snow is rare in winter, but there are plenty of rainfalls, and thus, Vancouver is also called the “Canada’s Rain City”.

 

 

 

 

Useful Information

Vancouver has no highway to downtown, but public transportation and bicycle facilities are very convenient. Public transportation is operated by Vancouver transport administration. TransLink is a regional transportation network, including bus, light rail and SeaBus. Public transportation could link through the whole city and also connect to neighbouring cities, north to Lions Bay and south to Langley and Maple Ridge, the eastern border with USA.

Information of Embassy and Consulate

Consulate-General of the P. R. China in Vancouver (Canada)

Address: 3380GRANVILLEST.,VANCOUVER,B.C.V6H3K3,CANADA,V6H3K3

 

 

 

 

Currency Exchange

Canadian dollar is the currency of Canada ($, CAD), called dollars or bucks for short.

 

 

 

 

Notes

Like other North American cities, tip is popular in Vancouver. If you are satisfied with services, please pay 15-20% of bill as tipping to express your appreciation. This is also a kind of etiquette. 6% federal tax is charged for most of products and services. Also, 7.5% of provincial tax is charged in Quebec. 3% of refundable accommodation tax is also applied in Montreal. However, non-local residents (visitors) could apply for federal tax refund for short-term accommodation fee and most of products used in Canada.

 

 

 

 

Festivals(Important/Historical/Folks Ones)

National Day (Canada Day)

Time: July 1st

Canada was formed on July 1st, 1867. On this day, large cities will organize carnival activities and firework performance. Ottawa, the capital city, is the most important place to hold celebration activities.

Maple Syrup Festival

Time: The end of March to the beginning of April

This is a traditional holiday in Canada. In spring (between the middle of March and the beginning of April), people will collect sap and turn it into maple syrup. Quebec and Ontario are two largest producers of maple syrup. Various celebration activities will be held in these two provinces. Local farms will offer their maple food for visitors as well as traditional dance performance, with distinctive local characteristics.