What you didn’t know about Vancouver, British Columbia.
Vancouver sits at one of the most complex and extraordinary intersections of geography, ecology, and culture in North America.
The rainforest surrounding the city is part of the Pacific temperate rainforest, one of the rarest ecosystems on Earth, home to centuries-old cedars, rushing salmon streams, moss-draped branches, and wildlife that thrives shockingly close to downtown. The city rests on the unceded territories of several Coast Salish Nations, whose presence and traditions shape everything from local art to architectural choices to the preservation of natural spaces that still feel wild and sacred. Vancouver’s mild climate is the result of a warm Pacific current, meaning winter can bring rain, cherry blossoms, and mountain snow all in the same week. Beneath the city, an intricate system of waterways, buried streams, and ancient glacial routes still shape how neighborhoods flood, bloom, and breathe each season. Even its skyline holds secrets: those iconic glass towers are built to reflect the surrounding ocean and mountains, an intentional effort to blur the boundary between city and nature. And while Vancouver looks serene, its food scene is wildly global, shaped by Asian, Indigenous, and European influences that turned the city into one of the most diverse culinary hubs on the continent. Once you understand these layers, Vancouver stops feeling like “a city with great views” and becomes something far more compelling, a living ecosystem disguised as an urban playground.
Five fascinations about Vancouver.
5. Stanley Park is bigger than Manhattan’s Central Park.
At over 1,000 acres, Stanley Park wraps Vancouver in a green embrace, offering rainforest hikes, beaches, and a seawall path beloved by cyclists and joggers alike.
4. You can ski and sail in the same day.
With ocean access and nearby peaks like Grouse and Cypress, it’s entirely possible to hit the slopes and paddleboard before sunset, a flex few cities can offer.
3. Vancouver has one of the largest urban Indigenous art collections.
The city showcases Coast Salish art throughout public spaces, bridges, and galleries, honoring the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples who’ve stewarded the land for millennia.
2. It’s a Hollywood favorite for filming.
Nicknamed “Hollywood North,” Vancouver stands in for New York, Seattle, and even Tokyo in film. Its diverse scenery and generous tax credits make it a production powerhouse.
1. The city banned highway construction through its core.
Unlike most major cities, Vancouver never allowed an inner-city freeway. This decision preserved neighborhoods and helped shape its reputation for walkability and livability.
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