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Vancouver
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- Vancouver is the largest
metropolitan centre in western Canada and the
third largest in the country. Vancouver is one
of the cities of the Greater Vancouver Regional
District (GVRD) and of the larger geographic
region commonly known as the Lower Mainland of
B.C. The Port of Vancouver is significant on a
world scale, and Vancouver is the third largest
film production centre for US-based productions
in North America after Hollywood and New York.
Geography
- Vancouver is adjacent to
the Strait of Georgia, a body of water that is
shielded from the Pacific Ocean by Vancouver
Island. It is in the Pacific Time Zone, and the
Pacific Maritime Ecozone. The city itself forms
part of the Burrard Peninsula, lying between
Burrard Inlet to the north and the Fraser River
to the south. Those unfamiliar with the region
may be surprised to learn that Vancouver is not
on Vancouver Island. However, both the island
and the city (and its U.S. counterpart) are
named after Royal Navy Captain George Vancouver
of Great Britain, who explored the region in
1792.
Vancouver has an area of 114.67 km² (44 sq.
miles), including both flat and hilly ground.
Vancouver has a wet climate and is surrounded by
water; while early records show that there may
have been as many as fifty creeks and streams in
the area, currently only four are left.
Vancouver "proper" is quite a bit smaller than
many assume. Many citizens of nearby cities,
such as North Vancouver, the District of North
Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Burnaby will
often identify themselves as being "from
Vancouver." The Greater Vancouver Regional
District is a political organization composed of
several neighbouring cities to Vancouver with
common interests.
Climate of
Vancouver
Vancouver's climate is unusually temperate by
Canadian standards; after Victoria, it is the
second warmest major city in Canada during the
winter, with temperatures rarely dropping below
0°C. Precipitation varies from about 1,100 mm
(43 inches) at Point Grey to 3,500 mm or more
(137 inches) near the north shore mountains.
Summer months are generally sunny and dry, with
moderate temperatures. The daily maximum
averages 22°C in July and August, however
temperatures often rise above 30°C during the
summer months.
A diverse range of plants and trees, by Canadian
standards, can be found growing throughout
Vancouver and South-Western British Columbia,
lending to the city's year round greenery.
Various species of palms have proven to be hardy
to this climate, and are a common sight.
