Hailed by reputable sources such as the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Livability Ranking and Report, and The Huffington Post, Vancouver is one of the world’s most interesting cities. Read below to discover five ways in which this Canadian hub’s magnetic components and values combine to create an undeniably attractive destination.
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Welcoming arts and culture
Delighting locals and visitors alike, Vancouver features a thriving arts and cultural scene. The Ensemble Theatre Company and the indigenous Full Circle: First Nations Performance deliver classic and contemporary theater productions to complement New Works, a non-profit devoted to the promotion, advancement and management of dance, and Ballet British Columbia. In addition, Vancouver holds several festivals, including the summer TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival and Vancouver Folk Music Festival as well as the annual Vancouver International Film Festival each fall.
Environmental stewardship
Vancouver’s commitment to environmental health lets everyone in the city breathe easy. Although already considered one of the cleanest and greenest cities when Mayor Gregor Robertson was elected, he has since strengthened sustainability measures by forming the Greenest City Action Team.
Since the initiative’s launch, Vancouver has seen a steadily increase in ride-sharing, composting containers, and community gardens. Streetlights glow with LED globes and residents are encouraged to keep chicken coops. Many Vancouver businesses have also implemented eco-friendly initiatives to support the city’s green reputation, including the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Vancouver Downtown and Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites North Vancouver, which both use the IHG® Green Engage System.
Beautiful weather
Vancouver natives enjoy a milder climate than much of Canada throughout the year. In the summer, temperatures can reach the low 70s and 80s–conditions warm enough to inspire a visit to Kitsilano Beach. The Rocky Mountains shelter Vancouver from the cold, making winters the warmest of all major cities. However, snow does fall on Vancouver’s mountains, offering skiers the opportunity to hit the slopes.
Excellent education opportunities
Vancouver dedicates itself to educating the next generation with personalized style, offering diverse public, independent, and distributed learning schools. Many schools feature French and Mandarin immersion, Montessori-style learning and other specialized enrichment programs to help Vancouver students study in unique ways. In 2014, Washington Achievement Awards were awarded to the Eisenhower, Harney, and Hough elementary schools, and Vancouver School of Arts and Academics. Additionally, Vancouver is home to a number of tertiary institutions, including the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, which both earned a place in the QS World University Rankings 2014/15.
There are many reasons to make the trip to enjoy this loveable, livable Canadian city. Book a great room at one of several IHG Vancouver hotels in the area today.
