2008 Vancouver Official Visitors Guide - (Page 4) ExpEriEncE VancouVEr natural Setting Situated on the western shore of the continent, near a large inlet protected from the open ocean by the largest island on the West Coast, Vancouver has easy access to the sea and all its associated activities — whale watching, sea kayaking and scuba diving to name just a few. And since the city also sits at the foot of the towering Coast Mountain range, it has a mountainous wonderland full of hiking trails, waterfalls, ski resorts and endless vistas located just minutes from the city centre. With comfortable year-round temperatures, Vancouver’s mild climate adds to the appeal. The city sits at sea level and enjoys a nearly constant jet stream of warm air flowing into the region from the South Pacific, making snow in the city a rare occurrence. unique Heritage The land occupied by present-day Vancouver has been a site for human settlement for thousands of years. Various local tribes, known today as First Nations Peoples, were first to inhabit the area. Calling themselves Stó:lô or “People of the River,” these tribes enjoyed a way of life that was mostly supported by hunting, fishing and the gathering of fruits and berries. In 1827, the Hudson’s Bay Company set up a trading post at Fort Langley, 50 kilometres east of present-day Vancouver. The Fraser River Gold Rush of 1858 soon followed, bringing more than 25,000 prospectors to this tiny outpost. Ten years later, Vancouver took its first steps towards prominence with the emergence of Gastown, giving explorers and prospectors a place to relax and unwind. When Canada’s transcontinental railroad arrived in 1886, the population surged again, growing steadily through the Second World War when the city became a major player in the defense industry. Subsequent decades have seen Vancouver grow at astonishing rates, with the World Expo bringing millions of visitors to Vancouver in 1986. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of British Columbia. Today, Vancouver is one of Canada’s largest cities, and the area continues to grow. New immigrants from all over the world have given Vancouver a rich international flavour, making it a diverse, cosmopolitan city where everyone feels welcome. 4 tourismvancouver.com http://tourismvancouver.com
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