As one of Canada’s premier business centres and a gateway between North America and the Pacific Rim, Vancouver provides unique access to business opportunities in North America, China, Hong Kong, Japan and the burgeoning markets of the Asia-Pacific.
West coast entrepreneurial spirit
Nicely positioned not too far up the coast from Silicon Valley, there's something in the air in Vancouver that inspires people to develop creative ideas and start new businesses. In the tech sector in particular, Vancouver is gaining global kudos as a start-up town. Notable local success stories include Hootsuite, Lululemon and Recon Instruments, a smart sportswear company started by a UBC Sauder grad.
Extraordinarily liveable
Vancouver is one of the world’s most liveable cities, offering a temperate climate and tempting options for unlimited outdoor adventure on the mountains and ocean. It's also a cosmopolitan city that is small enough to make its many attractions accessible. The local ocean offers kayaking, sailing and swimming. Nearby mountains provide superb skiing, hiking and mountain biking.
A sustainable city
As you'd expect from the city where Greenpeace was founded, Vancouver has gained international recognition for its efforts to grow in a sustainable fashion. There's even a term for it - "Vancouverism". Stanley Park, the Seawall, the liveable (and highway-less) downtown core and Granville Island all stand as examples of the desire to create a liveable city.
Vibrant neighbourhoods and inclusive festivals
Multicultural Vancouver has many distinctive neighbourhoods: Chinatown is one of North America’s largest; Commercial Drive is home to Vancouver's "Little Italy"; Kitsilano has a laid back beach vibe; Granville Island hosts artistic and theatre attractions; and Main Street is hipster heaven. Annual festivals bring the city together, including the Vancouver Pride Parade, the Powell St Festival, Greek Day, and Khatsahlano.
Diverse culture and cuisine
Because of its diverse cultural mosaic, Vancouver is a great place to eat your way around the world - from local side street eateries to award-winning, high-end restaurants. Home to the Vancouver Art Gallery, a symphony, an opera and countless smaller galleries and artistic endeavours, Vancouver is a town blooming with first-class cultural attractions.
