9 Fun Facts About Vancouver Explained With Video
Vancouver is a Canadian seaport city in the province of British Columbia. With a population of 2.4 million, the city is the third most populous metropolitan area in Canada. Vancouver has an ethnically and linguistically diverse society and one of the most liveable cities in the world. If you are planning a stopover in the city, here are some fun and interesting facts about Vancouver, Canada.
General Facts About Vancouver
1. Vancouver is named after a British captain
According to archaeological reports, Aboriginal people lived in the modern-day Vancouver area from 8,000 to 10,000 years ago.
In 1791, José María Narváez of Spain became the first European to reach mainland Vancouver. British captain George Vancouver explored and mapped the Pacific northwest coast and named the modern-day city area after his name.
2. Vancouver is one of the most liveable cities in the world
One of the most amazing facts about Vancouver is that is often considered one of the best cities to live in the world.
Vancouver was the first city to be on the Economist Intelligence Unit’s most well-living cities in the world for ten consecutive years.
Factors such as quality safety, health care, infrastructure, the environment, and educational resources make Vancouver ranked at the top among the most liveable cities. Decades of thoughtful planning and design are some reasons for Vancouver being a liveable city.
3. More than 40% of Vancouver’s population is immigrants
According to the 2016 census, Vancouver's population was 631,486, and immigrant residents represented 42.5% (262,765).
Vancouver has a history as an excellent immigration destination and has a reputation as a happy place for immigrants. The economy, education, and multicultural population make the city such an attraction for immigrants.
Interest Facts About Vancouver
4. Vancouver is one of the warmest cities in Canada
Canada, in general, becomes a wonderland to visit during the winter. However, not every part of Canada spends the winter in deep snow.
An unknown fact about Vancouver, is that it is one of the warmest cities during the winter.
The average temperature is about 3 degrees Celsius (37 degrees Fahrenheit) during the winter months. If you prefer to visit a warmer city during the winter, Vancouver is one of the best places to visit.
5. Vancouver is known as the Hollywood of the North
Probably one of the most interesting facts about Vancouver is that it is the Hollywood of the North
Vancouver is the second biggest film production city in North America and one of the best cities to live and work as a moviemaker.
In 2019, out of all films and television programs filmed in Canada mainly by foreign producers, British Columbia and Vancouver accounted for 58% ($2.81 billion) worth of productions. Unfortunately, most of these movies don't feature Vancouver city itself.
6. Vancouver has some of the best eateries in Canada
Vancouver has many eateries serving Canadian as well as international dishes. Some of these restaurants can be expensive as the cost of living in Vancouver is high compared to other Canadian cities.
Fritz European Fry House, Japadog, Pokedoki, YiFang Taiwan Fruit Tea, Snowy Village, Purebread, and Marutama Ra-men are some of the most famous cheap eats in Vancouver.
7. California roll was invented in Vancouver
Not a lot of people know this but one of the most interesting facts about Vancouver is that is the birthplace of California roll.
Sushi chef Hidekazu Tojo invented California rolls as the majority of his customers didn't like seaweed. He made a unique Sushi with an outer rice layer to hide the seaweed.
Later he named this style of Sushi California rolls as it became popular with people who came to his restaurant from LA.
8. Vancouver’s pride parade attracts over 1 million crowd
The Vancouver pride parade is an annual LGBT event held to celebrate LGBT people and their allies. This parade is the largest in Western Canada and one of the largest in North America.
The first parade was held in 1978, and Vancouver granted official civil status to the parade in 2013. In 2016, Justin Trudeau made history as the first Canadian sitting prime minister to march in the parade.
9. A couple is living on a homemade island in Vancouver
Catherine King and Wayne Adams are living off-grid on a homemade floating compound for more than 30 years.
This home is floating off the coast of Vancouver Island and has many features such as the main living house, dance floor, four greenhouses, and a lighthouse building, built by Wayne and Catherine themselves.