Vancouver

The peninsula on that extends into the Straits of Georgia and is bordered by the confluence of the Pitt and Fraser Rivers has been inhabited for many thousands of years. Vancouver, considered by many to be Canada’s most liveable city, now occupies that region.

Like much of coastal Canada, the city owes its early success to fishing and the fur trade. In 1858, the Fraser Gold Rush brought a flood of inhabitants to the city and it continued to grow from there. Peoples from all over the globe have flocked to Vancouver making it a culturally diverse as well as a historically rich city.

Here are a few things you can expect to see:

City Points of Interest

The city’s coastline, parks and museums are part of the reason to visit. These along with many important Canadian historical sites make this a region worth exploring.

Alaksen National Wildlife Area preserves avian habitats for migrating birds. The area is open to day use, hiking and wildlife observation.

A historic cannery is at the center of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. Operated by a non-profit organization, it preserves an aspect of this important piece of the region’s history.

Located on the banks of the Fraser River, the Fort Langley National Historic Site has been restored to help preserve this important Hudson Bay Company fur trading hub.

Sea to Sky Highway

Connecting to Interstate 5 at the US border, this major artery begins south of Vancouver and extends 234 miles to Whistler. This route begins by traversing coastline and ends in the Canadian Rockies. Don’t visit this area without driving at least part of the road. In an area with no shortage of things to see, this should be high on your list.

Strait of Georgia

The Strait extends north between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, which shelters the waterway from the Pacific Ocean. It’s mountainous coastline offers stunning vistas that can be accessed by road or boat tours, which also allow exploration of the strait’s many islands.

Point Roberts

This slice of the United States that is surrounded by the Strait of Georgia on three sides and Canada to the north. Land access is only possible through Canada.