The City

Vancouver is a coastal city located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. The city had an estimated population of 2 328 000 in July 2009. Vancouver is also called the “city of neighbourhoods” because of the many neighbourhoods with their distinct character and ethnic mix.

Tourism

Vancouver has a lot to offer when it comes to sightseeing and tours. The city's scenic location makes it a major tourist destination. Visitors come for the city's gardens, mountains, ocean, forest and parklands surrounding the city. Over one million people pass through Vancouver on cruise ship vacations.

Airport

Coordinates: 49° 11′ 41″ N, 123° 11′ 2″ W

Vancouver International Airport is the second busiest airport in Canada, with aircraft movements of 313 984 and 16.6 million passengers in 2009.

Airlines

The following airlines have flights to Vancouver from Johannesburg, OR Tambo International Airport or Cape Town International Airport:

• Air France
  
• American Airlines
  
• BMA
  
• British Airways
  
• KLM
  
• Lufthansa
  
• SAA
  
• Virgin Atlantic
  

What to see:

• Cananda Place – Vancouver waterfront – amazing landmark and focus of downtown
• Stanley Park – Scenic gardens and largest city park in Canada.
• Capilano Suspension Bridge – Most spectacular suspension bridges (for the adventurous)
• Grouse Mountain – Skiing, nature trails and Birds in motion demonstrations
• Historic Gastown – Birthplace of Vancouver with many art galleries & studios etc
• The Vancouver Aquarium – 60 000 exotic and fascinating creatures from around the world
• Granville Island – Markets, Theaters, Restaurants, Bars and Farmers market
• Robson Street - Shopping for leading brands (fashion and retail industry)
• Chinatown – Markets with fresh seafood, vegetables, Chinese medicines etc
• Dr. Sun Yat Set Gardens – Lush gardens, a living treasure with a gift shop

Events

• Abbotsford Air Show – Largest Air Show in Canada
• Comedy Festival – 7 days of the best comedy in the world
• Crankworx Mountain Bike Fest – Free-ride mountain bike playground
• Festival Vancouver – 14 Days of outstanding classical, jazz and world music concerts in venues across the city
• Harmony Arts – Free exhibitions, demonstrations, studio tours, theatre, concerts, markets and hands-on activities
• Jazz Blues Weekend – Jazz and blues music, indoors and outdoors.
• Okanagan Wine Festival – One of the Top 100 Events in North America
• Pride Week – Celebrating the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender ("GLBT") community
• Symphony of Fire – Several nights of world class Fireworks displays and competitions.
• Theatre under the Stars – Summer musical theatre productions in the pastoral outdoor setting of historic Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park.

Accommodation

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General Info

Canadian money comes in the same denominations as American money, with the same names: penny, nickel, dime, quarter etc.

Tipping is usually 10 to 15% on the total bill before taxes, depending on level of service. It is normal to tip in Restaurants and for Taxis, Hotel Porters, etc.

Weather

The summer months are typically dry, often resulting in moderate drought conditions, usually in July and August. In contrast, most days during late fall and winter (November–March) are rainy. In winter, a majority of days receive measurable precipitation. Summer months are drier and sunnier with moderate temperatures, tempered by sea breezes. The daily maximum averages 22 °C in July and August, with highs rarely reaching 30 °C. The highest temperature ever recorded was 34.4 °C on 30 July 2009.