Vancouver, a bustling seaport on the west coast in British Columbia, is one of Canada’s most densely populated and ethnically diverse cities. A popular movie set, it is surrounded by mountains and also boasts a thriving arts, theater and music scene. The Vancouver Art Gallery is known for its works by regional artists, while the Museum of Anthropology features unique First Nations collections.
Vancouver is the largest city in the western part of the country and the province of British Columbia, with a metropolitan population of 2.3 million. It is known for its striking location between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. In addition, the city is exceptionally green, has a very international flair and a high quality of life. To the international public, Vancouver was most recently brought back to mind by the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Vancouver has been inhabited by Native Americans for over 8000 years. It was discovered by the western world by the British navigator George Vancouver, from whom the city also takes its name. He first charted the coastline in 1792 and took possession of what is now British Columbia for the British Empire.
The city was founded in 1861, significantly influenced by the gold rush.