TRAVEL: ON THE PACIFIC'S RIM

Vancouver City

Poised on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is a unique city of fusions.

As Canada's third largest city, Vancouver is renowned for its breathtaking natural setting and laid back west coast vibes. Situated on the southwest corner of Canada in the province of British Columbia, 95% of the region's population reside in Vancouver.

The city is surrounded by water on three sides and is carved from lush rainforests leading up the towering Coast Mount Range.

The Port of Vancouver, Canada's largest port is a gateway to East Asia trading more than $43 billion in goods annually. As such, the city sports a double identity. Swathed in skyscrapers, Vancouver is one of the most visually stunning cities in the world with its array of open spaces and meticulously planned modern metropolis. Its glittering skyline reflects a backdrop of dazzling coastal mountains sloped in steep green forest. With its mild temperate climate, Vancouver is a perfect destination for sport enthusiasts all year round.

SNOW SLUSH

Visitors to Vancouver are enthralled with its dynamic offering of recreational outdoor sports. From traditional cross-country skiing to extreme snow sports, the Vancouver region and its diverse terrain offers a winter wonderland for sports enthusiasts. Vancouver will be a popular destination in 2010 as it hosts the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

While the city itself is only 120 years old, Vancouver has been a hotpot for many immigrant groups, particularly those from Hong Kong. Its counterculture reveals a rich tapestry of multicultural influences in and around the city.

ALPINE PLAYGROUNDS

INTO THE BLUE

FOR DIVING FANATICS, WINTER IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT VANCOUVER AND TO DELVE INTO THE WATERS OF THE STRAITS OF GEORGIA.

At this time of year, the body of water between Vancouver and British Colombia mainland is crystal clear, offering visibility of up to 100 feet. Home to a vast array of marine life and underwater cliffs, these waters are also renowned for wreck diving. Since 1991, six decommissioned warships have been sunk to create artificial reefs for marine life.     For further information, contact the Underwater Council of British Columbia at 001 604/675-6964 or visit www.ucbc.ca

Now is the time of year to explore the many snowboarding and skiing venues within driving distance of Vancouver:

CYPRESS MOUNTAIN

Cypress Mountain comprises Mount Strachan and Black Mountain and boasts the longest vertical drop in the North Shore Mountains. In 2010, the mountain will host the Snowboarding and Freestyle Skiing competitions during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

• Season: December to mid-April
  
  
• Location: Cypress Mountain islocated 45 minutes from
  downtown Vancouver
  
  
• Web: www.cypressmountain.com

MANNING PARK

Located in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, Manning Provincial Park is a winter destination for downhill skiing and vast cross country trail and is renowned for its dry snow and fresh mountain air. Snowshoeing is a popular winter activity here.

• Season: December to early April
  
  
• Location: A three-hour drive east from Vancouver, Manning Park is located between Hope and Princeton
  
  
• Web: www.manningpark.com

ALLURE OF WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

Whistler is known as the greatest vertical rise ski mountain range in North America. With an average snowfall each year of 9m (30 ft), Whistler Backcomb has three glaciers and more than 200 marked trails. This is the only resort in North America where you can ski or ride on a glacier in the core of the British Columbia Mountains.

• Season: November to June with summer glacier skiing continuing until August
  
  
• Location: Approximately two hours from Vancouver
  
  
• Web: www.whistlerblackcomb.com

MOUNT SEYMOUR

Mount Seymour has panoramic views of the city along with mountain vistas as it's only a short drive from downtown Vancouver. Located on the east side of the North Shore mountains, Mount Seymour has a generous snowfall in midwinter and warm but skiable conditions in spring.

• Location: 45 minutes from Vancouver
  
  
• Web: www.mountseymour.com

GROUSE MOUNTAIN

Known as the Peak of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. Expert skiers and snowboarders enjoy the challenging runs accessible by the Olympic Express while freestylers also experiment on the range. Grouse Mountain delights visitors with rides on old-fashioned sleighs gliding through snow-powdered forests.

• Location: Grouse Mountain is located 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
  
  
• Web: www.grousemountain.com