Fodors - Fodors Vancouver & Victoria. Full-color Travel Guide Series, Book 3

Separated from the rest of the country by the Canadian Rockies, Vancouver and Victoria have always marched to a West Coast rhythm that is in many ways more similar to Seattle, Portland, and even parts of California than to their Canadian heritage. Add to this their proximity to the sea and coastal mountains and you have winters that are mild, summers that are balmy, and landscapes lush with temperate forest and gardens. Nowhere else in Canada do daffodils bloom in February! And despite Victorias old-English facades, these are young cities with active, outdoorsy, and health-conscious populations. Residents may exude a slightly smug, laissez-faire attitude, but who can blame them? They live in a place that is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful and livable in the world.

... are booming. Ever since Vancouver hosted the Worlds Fair in 1986, the city had been waiting for the next big event to strut its stuff. The 2010 Winter Olympics literally reshaped the cityrapid-transit systems were expanded, infrastructure was upgraded, and Olympic venues redefined neighborhoods, upping already high real estate values to stratospheric heights (and it all happened during one of the worst global recessions). Theres no doubt that the Olympics showcased the unparalleled beauty of the region and that the area will continue to prosper. Although separated from Vancouver by the Strait of Georgia, Victoria also got an economic boost from Olympic activity. Condo developments that once attracted mainly Albertans and Vancouverites to Victorias more temperate lifestyle now have Americans, Asians, and Europeans lining up to buy. As a result, urban development is underway all along the coast, far beyond Victorias picturesque harbor, so as foundation industries like logging continue their downward slide in many island communities, there are pockets of growth in others.

... are greener than ever. West Coasters are more eco-conscious than your average bear. New construction embodies eco-oriented practices from thermal heating to energy-saving fixtures; rooftop gardens add to the relatively pristine air; and recycling is a daily ritual in business and at home. The areas hotels were among the first to introduce green practices when they started installing dual-flush toilets (thats two levels of flushes, not flushing twice) and asking guests to use linens more than once. Car pools are commonplace, bicycle lanes rule (there are about 3,500 two-wheel commuters daily), and many companies provide free bus passes to employees who give up commuting by car. To do as the locals do, be sure to carry an eco-friendly water bottle and a reusable carrying bag, and pick up your Day Pass (C$9), which is good on all the major public transportation, including SeaBus, SkyTrain, and local buses.

... are ethnically diverse. Although Victoria is still fairly WASPy, Vancouvers easy access to Asia-Pacific destinations has generated a great influx of Asian immigrants. News is delivered in 22 different languages; shops and ATM machines post signs in English, Mandarin, Cantonese (the Chinese are the regions largest visible minority group), Punjabi, Farsi, and even Vietnamese. Ironically, French, Canadas other official language, is rarely seen or heard except on the two Radio Canada stations. This diversity creates a cultural mosaic that comes vibrantly to life in various festivals (such as the Festival of Light) and community activities (including the Richmond Night Market) and, above all, in a range of superb restaurants.

... are very outdoorsy. Few cities in the world have mountains, oceans, and pristine rain forests all on their doorstep. Locals take full advantage of these options themselves, and have also realized the incredible opportunities in promoting ecotourism. Whatever your age or ability, the range of activities includes family spelunking and whale-watching excursions, stellar golf and fishing, white-knuckle rafting expeditions, and no-holds-barred extreme wilderness adventures. Victoria is a popular departure point for exploring the myriad culinary and eco-adventures on Vancouver Island, while Vancouver is the gateway to sophisticated Whistler and the more rugged interior regions of B.C. Its fair to say that all this fresh air makes for an extremely health-oriented population. Fitness clubs are part and parcel of most office and residential buildings, gym memberships are valued employee benefits, and health-gear outlets are plentiful. Is it any wonder that Vancouver and Victoria have some of the toughest smoking laws in Canada?

Vancouver. Many people argue that Vancouver is the most gorgeous city in North America and situated as it is, between mountains and water, its hard to disagree. The Vancouver area actually covers a lot of ground, but the central coreDowntown, Gastown, Yaletown, False Creek, English Bay, Stanley Park, and Granville Islandis fairly compact. An excellent public transportation system makes getting around a snap. When in doubt, remember the mountains are to the north.