Vancouver is the largest city in the Province of British Columbia and the third largest city in Canada. Boasting one of the mildest climates in Canada, Vancouver is situated on the Pacific Coast surrounded by water on three sides and nestled in the Coast Mountain Range.

Temperatures average 3°C in January and 18°C in July. Vancouver's average annual precipitation is 1,219 mm. Most rainfall occurs in winter.

With a present population of about 560,000 (estimated), Vancouver lies in a region of more than 2 million people. It covers an area of 113 sq km.

Vancouver is a major tourist destination. In addition to the city's scenic location, visitors enjoy beautiful gardens and world-famous Stanley Park, one of more than 180 city parks, and a combination of natural forest and parklands near the city center.

Vancouver is Host City of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Olympic Winter Games take place February 12 to 28, 2010 and the Paralympic Winter Games take place March 12 to 21, 2010.