Vancouver

Vancouver is easy to explore. Neighbourhoods are clean and safe and connected by public transportation (bus, sea-bus, and sky-train). Most tourist attractions and other places of interest are within walking distance of downtown. In an afternoon one could visit historic Gastown, picture-perfect Kitsilano, artistic Commercial Drive, see the world's narrowest building in Chinatown, and continue through the West End to see the totem poles in 400-hectare Stanley Park. People in Vancouver are friendly and will help you with directions and suggestions of places to go. Vancouver's climate is mild, with seasonal temperatures ranging between about 3 and 28 degrees Celsius.

Arts and Culture

In addition to the ongoing calendar of events hosted by Vancouver's many theatres, galleries, clubs, and concert halls, Vancouver hosts over 35 festivals per year. These include the Vancouver International Film Festival, the Readers' & Writers' Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, International Jazz Festival, Celebration of Light international fireworks competition, and more.

Vancouver is also the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Many cultural festivals offer free outdoor shows and venues often have evenings where shows can be enjoyed at reduced rates or by donation.

Outdoor Activities

Vancouverites enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. The Pacific Ocean, lakes, and rivers offer opportunities for rafting, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, and swimming. Vancouver's famous "Seawall" curves around the Stanley Park from Coal Harbour to False Creek and is perfect for cycling, running, walking or inline skating. Free public courts for tennis, basketball, and beach volleyball are common and fields for soccer, baseball, and other sports are located in every neighbourhood. The easily accessible local mountains (Whistler, Cypress, Seymour, and Grouse among others) offer opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the winter and hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing in the summer. Vancouver Island is just a quick ferry ride away for those to want to go surfing or whale watching.

Shops and restaurants

People who visit Vancouver are often amazed at the variety of goods that are available here. Being a port city, Vancouver has access to the best of all worlds. Several neighbourhoods boast chic boutiques and many local designers are beginning to receive international recognition. Souvenirs by local Native American carvers and artists are available. For visitors with culinary interests, the selection of fresh produce, seafood, and other exotic foodstuffs available at markets like Granville Island Market and Lonsdale Quay make Vancouver an attractive destination. The wide range of dining opportunities, from inexpensive cafes to award winning restaurants, give everyone a chance to dine out regardless of their budget or preferences. There truly is something for everyone!

Hollywood North

Travellers who love the silver screen may not know how many TV shows and movies have been made in Vancouver: The X-Files, MacGyver, Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda, Highlander, The Outer Limits, Smallville, and Stargate SG-1 are just a small fraction of the popular TV series that have been shot in Vancouver! Vancouver is also home to over 100 feature length films every year. The Sixth Day, Rambo, Rumble in the Bronx, Rocky 4, Happy Gilmore, Jumanji, Free Willy, The X-Men movies, Legends of the Fall, and Romeo Must Die were all shot in Vancouver!

Business and Education

Just as there are many entertainment festivals, there are also many international business, educational conferences, and exhibitions all year round in Vancouver. Vancouver is an international business centre, bringing together Asian, European, South American, and North American markets. There are many opportunities to learn more about trade and commerce. Vancouver is on the cutting edge of many new technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, IT solutions, biotechnology, and animation. Vancouver is also on the leading edge of educational research and the application of multicultural and English Language (ESL) education. Ballard Power Systems (a world leader in fuel cell technology) and Electronic Arts (the world's largest video game maker) are just two of Vancouver's large group of international businesses.

Come and experience Vancouver while studying at St Giles International!