Vancouver

With ocean on three sides, clean streets, low crime, a fantastic transport system, and a famously tolerant population, Vancouver is a regular fixture on 'World's Best Cities' lists. It's always been an active place, home to one of the world's busiest ports, but it was hosting Expo '86 (and the necessary infrastructural changes that came with it), that really put Vancouver on the map. With the recent success of the 2010 Winter Olympics, the city is rightly enjoying its time in the world spotlight.

Vancouver is home to an incredibly diverse population, including Canada's largest Chinese community, and this ethnic spread also means that some of North America's best restaurants are here. There's an exciting bar and club scene, and a thriving movie and TV industry. Shoppers can browse for hours in the famous Robson Street and the Metrotown mall, whilst nature lovers have Stanley Park, Canada's largest urban park. Across the Burrard Inlet are the North Shore Mountains with numerous hiking trails and ski slopes, while the West Side has the best beaches and cafe culture. With a plethora of museums, art galleries, festivals, big business, and the iconic Downtown skyline as your postcard backdrop, Vancouver promises to surprise and amaze, and make you seriously think about moving here.

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  Grouse Mountain

  Take the SkyRide up the peak for unforgettable Vancouver views

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  Vancouver Aquarium & Marine Resource Centre

  See marine monsters up close at Canada's largest sea life center

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  Senhor Rooster

  Spicy Portuguese cuisine with a dash of live salsa

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  Kafka's Coffee & Tea

  Laid back, informal cafe that is easy like Sunday morning

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