|
Home > BC's Trans-Canada Highway > Cities & Towns > Vancouver.htm
TransCanadaHighway.com Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is nestled around the eastern end of Burrard Inlet, a natural
deepwater harbour, and the mouth of the huge Fraser River. Vancouver became the
base for exploration into BC's interior, and became the head office for
companies that exploited the province's timber and mineral resources. The
city's British heritage still pervades the downtown area, as well as
the holder established neighbourhoods.
Vancouver forms the core for the 1.7 million people that live in the "Lower
Mainland" of British Columbia. Because of the constraints of
mountains to the north, water to the west and the US border on the south, the city has
experienced growth in the only two directions left: east and up! The city
has, over the last decade experienced phenomenal population growth and
expansion into its eastern suburbs including Surrey, Langley and Pitt Meadows.
The recently built SkyTrain Light Rail Transit system to Surrey has eased
commuter traffic (and it's currently being expanded again, headig south to Vancovuer Airport in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics).
Vancouver combines the cultural
sophistication of Los Angeles with the rainy-foggy charm of San Fransisco, with the
added plus of having mountains RIGHT THERE! Its the only city in Canada where
you can snow-ski and go sailing on the same day, almost year-round. The
city's moist climate gives the city its year-round green color.
The fine weather has also attracted several new audiences: the leisurely and
recreation-oriented yourth, those of retirement age who no longer want to
deal with harsh Canadian winters, and Asians looking for a North American base.
In fact half of Vancouver's population is now non-white and very Asian. It has
Cnada's biggest Chinatown, and very strong communities of those of Korean,
Vietnamese, Philipine or Japanese descent.
Whether it's a visit to the zoo, an art gallery or the mountains, Vancouver offers its visitors and residents lots to do every day of the week. And don't just stick to the typical downtown and Kistsilano, which are the typical tourist hangouts.
There is lots to see in the outlying communities: North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler on the North Shore,
Richmond, Delta, Twawwassen and White Rock to the South, and
Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam & Port Moody, and Surrey to the East.
More about Vancouver & Whistler, at  .
More about the Fraser Valley, from Langley east-wards, at including restaurants, accommodation, shopping, events.
More about the Okanagan, at including restaurants, accommodation, shopping, events.
Highway Notes
From Horseshoe Bay east, the #1 Trans-Canada Highway is a divided highway west all the way to Hope, while the scenic #7 Lougheed Highway winds through the gently rolling farmlands of the north shore of the Fraser Valley and has views of the snow-capped Mount Baker (a dormant volcano) in Washington state.
Bicylists getting off the Ferry from the Island, should take the first right, into Horseshoe Bay to get off the #1, and take Marine Drive (which has some significant ups & downs) eat until either the Lion's Gate Bridge or take the Seabus across the Burrard Inlet form Lonsdale Quay. The Lion's Gate Bridge has a significant climb (best view is on the est side, facing downtown), and cyclists would ride on the pedestrian sidewalks. The Seabus is inexpensive and provides great views of the downtown as you cross the water.
Head east on Hastings until you get to the #7, though we've marked a shortcut through Coquitlam on the map below. The #7 Lougheed Highway is a gently rolling route, and has a number of towns, cities and fruit-stands along the way for sustenance.
Community Map
Blue = Trans-Canada Route| Green = bicycle friendly scenic route | red = downtown detour from TCH
|
