Vancouver is a relatively young city located in British Columbia and is the third largest city in Canada. It is growing and developing rapidly and it consistently ranks as one of the most liveable cities in the world. When judged on infrastructure and availability of goods and services, it scores highly in a number of different surveys. It is also less expensive than many top European cities.

It's unlikely that the kids will get bored in Vancouver as there is a wide choice of attractions and things to do. The huge Playland has plenty of rides and gets busy during the summer, while the Children’s Library Square has some excellent educational resources. The water slides at Splash Down Water Park are great fun and there is a special Water Fun area for the toddlers. The Science World is the place to head to for the latest in science and technology and Maplewood Farm has some good shows and demonstrations.

Vancouver International Boat Show: This busy event is the biggest in Western Canada and features everything from fishing boats, cruisers, canoes, kayaks, to motor-yachts, sailboats and deck boats. There are some fun boating activities and a good seminar programme consisting of over 30 seminars for both the experienced and the novice.

Vancouver has a wide range of attractions that cater for most tastes and ages. The natural beauty of the area has been taken into consideration with the city planning. There are several notable parks to relax in including Stanley Park with its beautiful surroundings and many gardens. The H.R. Macmillan Space Centre and the Aquarium are great places for the family, while those with an interest in architecture will appreciate Christ Church Cathedral and the Museum of Anthropology.

One of the busiest airports in Canada, Vancouver International Airport is a modern facility located close to the city centre. The three terminals handle over 15 million passengers every year and are served by most major airlines. Connections with the downtown area are straight-forward and reliable.

Banks: 10:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08.30:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 18:00, daily, some closed on Sundays
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, some open on weekends
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday