Vancouver


 * Vancouver **

**The Essential Guide to the Nation** The official name of the country is the Dominion of Canada, the name //Canada // originating from a St. Lawrence Iroquoian word, //kanata //, meaning "village" or "settlement". The Dominion of Canada was created in 1867 and is the second largest country in the world. According to the **Official Languages Act ** of 1969, the official languages of Canada are English and French. The neighbouring nations of Canada are the United States of America, Alaska (USA), and Greenland (CAN). As of March 2010, the population of the country of Canada is approximately 34,020,000 people, and yet this number still continues to rise each day.

There is a diverse collection of cultures and ethnicities that are represented by the ceaselessly increasing number people who live in Canada. Consequently, one can efficiently say that Canada is multicultural. Yet historically, Canadian culture has been influenced by the various cultures and traditions of the British, French, and Aboriginal peoples. It was not until the turn of the twentieth century when other countries from around the world came to newly cultivate the land. The **Canada 2001 Census ** efficiently states that the ethnic origins of Canada range from English (21%), French (15.8%), Scottish (15.2%), Irish (13.9%), German (10.2%), Italian (5%), South Asian (4%), Chinese (3.9%), Ukrainian (3.6%), First Nations (3.5%), and Black (2.5%).

Similarly, there is a wide array of different faiths, religions in the prosperous country of Canada. The most dominant religions include Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism.

**The Essential Guide to the City ** The geographic orientation of the city of Vancouver comprises of the site and situation of the city itself. The site of the city of Vancouver is first of all mountains and steep hills of the Rockies. Forests full of thick, evergreen trees make up the site of the city as well. The site of Vancouver also includes an advantageous access to water, as the city is located near the Fraser River, which is an excellent transportation route. The situation of the city of Vancouver is the closeness to the USA, which provides an exceptional trade route. Additionally, Vancouver’s major primary industries consisting of fishing, logging, and mining uniquely situates the city. Just the same, a number of tourist attractions such as Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge situate Vancouver at its current location.



Vancouver is a relatively liberal, cosmopolitan city located near the Pacific Ocean in the province of British Columbia. Indeed, Vancouver’s culture and lifestyle is ultimately tied to its coastal location and flourishing multicultural population. The different areas of the city reveal the many vibrant communities that make Vancouver one of the most comfortably diverse cities in the world. There have been no racial riots or anti-immigrant protests of any sort in Vancouver for the last one hundred years. In fact, the city’s diversity is annually celebrated in the form of festivals, arts, fashion, cuisine, and music.

There are many ways of how Vancouver differs from other Canadian cities and one of these ways is Vancouver’s fashion statement: The relaxed, stylish west coast lifestyle of Vancouver is reflected in the residents’ clothing; while the most of Canada bundles up in multiple layers to withstand the cold, the mild weather of the west allows for fashion to outweigh function. Therefore, bizarre seasonal wear, such as open-toed shoes during the winter, can be worn. International influence also calls for lush fabrics, contrasting colours, and boundless experimentation. Vancouver is known worldwide for its individuality in the cultural fashion industry and, in turn, can be referred to as a revolving door of trends, labels, and perceptions of fashion.

Another distinction between Vancouver and other Canadian cities is Vancouver’s divine cuisine. Comparatively, residents of Vancouver dine out more than the residents of any other Canadian city. This is primarily because of the large volume, variety, and quality of Vancouver’s eating establishments, due to the favourable climate, the abundance of local produce, and the number of top chefs originating in Vancouver. Vancouver is mainly famous for its wide variety of seafood, locally caught and prepared fresh, right on the spot. However, fusion food has recently stirred the popular demand in accordance with the increasing cultural diversity of the city: One can now taste a variety of different cuisines, ranging from Italian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Korean, Indian, French, Greek, Afghan, to Moroccan. In addition, Vancouver is vastly known for its love of coffee. Yes, coffee is considered to be a part of Vancouver’s culture. There are more Starbucks and other coffee franchises in Vancouver than in any other city in Canada! Vancouver is also recognized for its pub culture – microbreweries and brewpubs are now open late, offering an endless selection of cocktails, beer, and wine. A number of wines are produced in British Columbia’s own Okanagan Valley. A must-try cocktail is a “Bloody Caesar.”

The first-ever known music entertainments come from the people of the First Nations. Today, the music of Vancouver is diverse, representing the many people that live in the city. Vancouver’s music ranges from classical, pop, rock, jazz, country, folk, and punk. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver Opera are both major professional groups based in the city. Additionally, world music is now extremely popular due to the multicultural population of Vancouver. Vancouver’s Asian population has produced several Cantopop stars and Indo-Canadian artists in Bollywood. Large musical performances can be seen at the GM Place, the BC Place Stadium, the Pacific Coliseum, and the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The Vancouver Folk Music Festival and the Vancouver International Jazz Festival also annually showcase the cultural music of Vancouver via live performances done by talented individuals.

The currency used in Vancouver is the Canadian dollar, which is made up of one hundred cents to the dollar. Coins of the Canadian currency include the penny (one cent), nickel (five cents), dime (ten cents), quarter (twenty-five cents), loonie (one dollar), and the toonie (two dollars). Paper money of the Canadian currency include the five-, ten-, twenty-, fifty-, one hundred-, five hundred-, and the one thousand-dollar bill. As of March 2010, the exchange rate of the Canadian dollar is 0.9684.

Although Vancouver is a relatively safe city, there is some security information regarding safety that is vital for a safe trip in Vancouver: One must have with him his possessions at all times. It is never safe to leave valuables in rental cars as car break-ins are common in Vancouver; one should take cameras, watches, CDs, passports, purses, and wallets with him, roll up the windows completely and lock all car doors. Also, one should avoid the Downtown’s Eastside as it is made up of a community of lower income families, undeveloped properties, drug addicts, begging prostitutes, and other features that may be disturbing to out-of-town tourists. This is why this area is referred to as “Vancouver’s dark side” and consequently, one is better off keeping away from this portion of Vancouver. One should additionally avoid late-night walks in Stanley Park: Though Stanley Park is considered a safe attraction for all tourists, there has been a series of random attacks that have happened after dark. Go to Stanley Park during the day and keep nighttime visits to a minimum. On the whole, one must be on his guard at all times and be wary of overly helpful strangers who might want to take valuable possessions.

A few tips addressed before the trip will be sure to maximize the level of enjoyment during one’s stay in Vancouver: Ø Although Vancouver has a relatively mild climate, the city now and then experiences an unpredictable downpour of rain. Hence tourists should always have umbrellas with them everywhere they go. In cases of extreme precipitation, tourists are advised to get indoors until the rain clears up. Ø Smoking is banned in all public places, as it is in all Canadian cities. Ø It is illegal to have open alcohol in a vehicle or in public places. Ø One should plan ahead the schedule for each day in order to build extra time into the trip in the event that one should come across periods of exceptionally heavy traffic while on the road. Ø All restaurants and bars will generally charge additional gratuities (tips) of 15% upon each visit. Ø Dress warmly for the cold weather during winter travel to the city of Vancouver. Always bring along extra clothes and blankets to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Ø Canada imposes a 6% **goods and services tax (GST)** on most consumer products. The government of British Columbia also imposes its own 7.5% tax **(PST)** on most purchases. Ø When using the telephone in Vancouver, be sure to add the **604 or 778 area codes** for all long-distance calls.

**Itinerary ** Budget: $20000 Couple: Allocentric & Psychocentric


 * Day 1 (Friday, February 26th, 2010) **
 * Flight Details: **
 * Pearson Airport **** à **** Vancouver International Airport (Direct Flight) **
 * Air Canada Executive Class (09:30-11:38) **
 * AC1175 ($1712/each) **


 * Arrive at the Vancouver International Airport. Catch the YVR Airporter Bus to Downtown Vancouver ($13/each). Have lunch at The Old Spaghetti Factory ** ** ($15/each). Check into the Vancouver Fairmont Hotel. **


 * Accommodation Details: **
 * Fairmont Vancouver Hotel **
 * Deluxe King NS ($249/night) **
 * $249/night for 3 nights = $747 **


 * Explore the Historic Gastown and **** its historic buildings, courtyards and mews. Walk along the cobbled streets and browse through exquisite stores - do some shopping. Have coffee at Trees Organic Coffee ($10/each). Take a Seaplane tour over Greater Vancouver ($171/each). Have dinner at the Water Street Café ($30/each). **


 * Subtotal: ( **** $1712*2) + ($13*2) + ($15*2) + $747 + ($10*2) + ($171*2) + ($30*2) = $4649 **

breakfast. Be sure to check out the 22km Seawall that beautifully lines Vancouver’s waterfront. **
 * Day 2 (Saturday, February 27th, 2010) **
 * Take a cab in front of the hotel to the International House of Pancakes for breakfast ($15/each). Take a cab to Stanley Park, Vancouver’s first ever park to be opened. Enjoy walking around in the 400 hectares of wildlife admiring the beautiful late-winter scenery and tranquility to digest that big




 * Have coffee nearby at Caf **** é Artigiano ($10/each). Walk over to the Vancouver Aquarium and observe the wide variety of sealife on display ($22/each). Have lunch at the Yoshi Japanese Restaurant ($30/each). Catch the SkyTrain to Canada Place ($3/each). Kill the rest of the daytime there and take a cab back to the Fairmont Hotel to have dinner at the Griffins Restaurant ($35/each). **

Day 3 (Sunday, February 28th, 2010) **
 * Subtotal: **** $4649 + ($15*2) + **** ($10*2) + ($22*2) + ($30*2) + ($3*2) + ($35*2) = $4879 **
 * Take a cab in front of the hotel to the Eat Here Café for breakfast ($15/each). Hurry back into a cab and go to the Canada Hockey Place in order to watch the Gold Men’s Hockey Game for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. The match features Cananda against the US (12:15-14:15). The seats are “A” seats – the best seats in the house ($775/each). Cheer until one’s voice goes hoarse for Canada’s stunning victory! **

Walk over to Chinatown and have a late lunch at The William Tell Restaurant ($35/each). Spend the rest of the afternoon in Chinatown browsing through the unique flea shops, maybe buying a few things, and altogether experiencing the cultural atmosphere. Have dinner at Wild Rice ($30/each). Spend the evening in Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Garden and experience a taste of 15th century China right in Vancouver **** ($35/each). **


 * Subtotal: $4879 + ($15*2) + ($775*2) + ****($35*2) + ($30*2) + ($25*2) = $6659 **


 * Day 4 (Monday, March 1st, 2010) **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Check out of the Vancouver Fairmont Hotel and have a quick breakfast at Crepes & Gelato ($15/each). Take the SkyTrain to Vancouver’s Waterfront ($3/each) and board the Vancouver Island Seaplane to Lagoon Cove, Vancouver Island. **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Flight Details: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Waterfront **** à ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"> Lagoon Cove (Direct Flight) **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Vancouver Island Seaplane (11:30-14:17) **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">($401/each) **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Check into the Best Western Barclay Hotel. **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Accommodation Details: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Best Western Barclay Hotel **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">King NS ($109/night) **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">$109/night for 2 nights = $218 **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Have lunch at the nearby Clam Bucket Restaurant ($11/each). Take a cab to the Strathcona Provincial Park. Hike along the Tennent Creek Trail through the snow and see if one can make it all the way to the end of the trail despite the chill. Take a one-hour cab ride to the 1875m tall Rugged Mountain to do some mountain climbing ($200/each). Go back to the hotel to have dinner at Pandra Gardens ($15/each). **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Subtotal: ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">$6659 ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">+ ($15*2) + ($3*2) + ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">($401*2) + $218 + ($11*2) + ($200*2) + ($15*2) = $8167 **
 * Day 5 (Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010)**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Take a cab in front of the hotel to Smitty’s Pancake House to have breakfast ($20/each). Take the Seaplane Glacier and Alpine Lakes Aerial Tour ($349/each) that will end near Elkhorn Mountain, the second highest peak on Vancouver Island. Rent mountain gear and climb the 2195m tall Elkhorn Mountain ($200/each). Have lunch at Booster Juice ($20/each) not far away. Participate in some Strathcona camp crafts ($12/each) and enjoy a cup of coffee at the Gel Gelato & Coffee House to warm up ($15/each). Go back to the hotel to rest and later have dinner at the nearby Stonegrill ($45/each). **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Subtotal: $8167 + ($20*2) + ($349*2) + ($200*2) + ($20*2) + ($12*2) + ($15*2) + ($45*2) = $9489

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">**Day 6 (Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010)**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Have breakfast at the hotel at Carmichael’s ($30/each) before checking out. Take the Vancouver Island Seaplane back to Waterfront. **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Flight Details: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Lagoon Cove **** à ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"> Waterfront (Direct Flight) **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Vancouver Island Seaplane (11:30-14:17) **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">($401/each) **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Take the ferry to Granville Island ($5/each). Visit Grouse Mountain: Be sure to go on the “Screaming Eagle” chairlift ride ($30/each). Have lunch at the Agro Café ($50/each). Make way to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Face one’s fear of heights and test one’s wits when crossing it ($30/each). **




 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Take the ferry back to Downtown Vancouver ($5/each) and have some light snacks at Mink, A Chocolate Café ($15/each). Check into the Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel. **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Accommodation Details: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">King NS ($239/night) **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">$239/night for 1 night = $239 **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Have a fancy, final dinner in Vancouver at the French restaurant Le Crocodile ($50/each). **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Subtotal: $9489 + ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">($30*2) + ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">($401*2) ($5*2) + ($30*2) + ($50*2) + ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">($30*2) + ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">($5*2) + ($15*2) + $239 + ($50*2) = $10960 **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Day 7 (Thursday, March 4th, 2010) **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Sleep in and have some brunch in Yaletown at Cito Espresso ($30/each). Walk around Yaletown and browse through the hip stores and boutiques. Make way to Robson Street, Vancouver’s most trendy shopping district. There are many brand names, including Banana Republic, Levi’s, Guess, and Club Monaco. Do some last-minute shopping and buy some souvenirs for friends and family. Go back to the Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel via the ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">YVR Airporter Bus ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"> ($13/each) and check out. Catch the flight back to Toronto, Ontario. **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Flight Details: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Vancouver International Airport **** à ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"> Pearson Airport (Direct Flight) **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Air Canada Executive Class (13:00-20:25) **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">AC1166 ($1712/each) **

Taxi = $1276 ** Total: ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">$1 ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">4444 ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"> + ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">$1276 + $4280 = $20000 **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Subtotal: ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">$10960 + ($1712*2) + ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">($30*2) = $14444 **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Shopping = $4280 (shopping for cosmetics, clothing, souvenirs, jewellery, and mountain-climbing equipment) **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">