Vancouver is located on the Pacific west coast of Canada in the Province of British Columbia, known for its environmental appeal. The city is surrounded by water on three sides and mountains part of the Coast Mountain Range.

Canada's third largest city, Vancouver has the most temperate climate in the country and is consistently rated one of the top three of the world’s most livable cities by the Economist Intelligence Unit survey.

The metro area is divided into multiple self-governing municipalities which are together referred to as the Lower Mainland or the Greater Vancouver Regional District.

Settlement: Coastal Indians settled in the region by 500 B.C. In 1792, British naval captain George Vancouver explored the area. The city was incorporated in 1886, the same year the Canada-wide railroad was completed, and named after Captain Vancouver.

Area Codes: 604, 778

Time Zone: Pacific time, GMT-8

Legal: Drinking age is 19; no smoking in restaurants & bars; possession of small amounts of marijuana may be decriminalized.

Law Enforcement: Vancouver City Police & RCMP

Crime: Pervasive heroin and crack cocaine addiction has led to increases in property crime and theft. The competitive drug business has resulted in sporadic gang-related killings.

For revenue Tax information visit the Canada Revenue Agency.