Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is a city in south-western British Columbia, Canada. The city is named after Captain George Vancouver, an English explorer.
Vancouver is located between the Strait of Georgia and the Coast Mountains. Its economy has traditionally relied on British Columbia's resource sectors: forestry, mining, fishing and agriculture. It was first settled in the 1860s as a result of immigration caused by the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush, and developed rapidly from a small lumber mill town into a metropolitan centre following the arrival of the transcontinental railway in 1887. The Port of Vancouver became internationally significant after the completion of the Panama Canal, which reduced freight rates in the 1920s and made it viable to ship export-bound prairie grain west through Vancouver. It has since become the busiest seaport in Canada, and exports more cargo than any other port in North America.
The economy of Vancouver has diversified over time, however. Vancouver has a growing tourism industry, for example, and has become the third-largest film production centre in North America, after Los Angeles and New York City, earning it the nickname Hollywood North. More recently, Vancouver has had an expansion in high-tech industries, most notably video game design. Vancouver is consistently ranked one of the three most livable cities in the world. In 2006, it was ranked the 56th most expensive city in which to live among 144 major cities in the world, and the second most expensive in Canada (after Toronto).
Day Prior Options
Marriott Vancouver Airport
Marriott Hotel Description Centrally located in the heart of Richmond, Marriott*s traditional consistency of product and service comes alive in the modern and sophisticated Marriott Vancouver Airport hotel. Only a short 5 minute complimentary shuttle ride from the Vancouver International Airport, the Marriott Hotel*s spacious rooms have been designed to guarantee the comfort of all travelers whether on business or pleasure--even the family pet. Every amenity and entertainment option is accessible for all guests by foot or by car. With easy access to the Richmond Centre Mall and Minoru Park or a short drive to local attractions such as Steveston Village, the Historic Gulf of Georgia Cannery. Whale watching, world class skiing, championship golf courses or the beach-guests with any interest will be treated to an experience to remember. The business traveler*s every need will be taken care of down to the last detail in our high speed internet accessible guest rooms and 4500 square foot state of the art conference facilities. Business Center available at this location. * Marriott*s luxurious new bedding package is now available at the Marriott Vancouver Airport. This comfortable, plush and stylish package addresses clean and fresh bedding concerns, is consistent with residential trends and is a key component of the *new look and feel of Marriott now*. The package includes a bed skirt and bed scarf, feather and foam pillows, sheeted duvet cover and comforter, softer fitted bottom and flat top sheets and *comfortable bed* standard mattress.*
Vacation Extension Option
Westin Bayshore Resort and Marina
Overlooking the 1000-acre Stanley Park, Westin Bayshore Vancouver is situated on Coal Harbour, near Robson Street and historic Gastown, and approximately 10 miles from Vancouver International Airport.
Amenities include Currents Restaurant, Seawall Bar and Grill, Stanley Perk (espresso bar), and health and fitness center with steam rooms, saunas, elliptical trainers, treadmills, massage therapists, hair salon, indoor pool, and outdoor pool. The hotel also provides complimentary shuttle service available on the half-hour to the downtown core, a business center with high-speed Internet access, and 24-hour room service.
All rooms feature harbor views, high-speed Internet access (fee), Westin Heavenly Beds, marble countertop bathrooms, designer toiletries, and multi-line phones. Some rooms have private step-out balconies.*