Vancouver, the warmest and third largest city in Canada, is a coastal city in the province of British Columbia just over the order from Washington state. This city mixes natural wonders with urban adventure. The skyline is a mix to skyscrapers and snow-capped mountains.

In summer, you’ll find warm, dry weather and sandy beaches in the shadow of mountains begging you to climb them. The city opens its windows in the summer and becomes a playground of outdoor dining, green parks for walking, and summer concerts.

Winters are mild and opportunities for getting cozy abound. The city is known for its micro brewpubs and coffee houses, art galleries, and theater venues.

With its laid-back atmosphere, natural beauty, delicious restaurants, and booming art scene, it’s no wonder Vancouver has frequently been voted one of the world’s most livable cities.

As in any coastal city, the seafood is not to be missed. Fresh off the boat Pacific seafood is in abundance here. Consider a plate of raw oysters followed by cedar plank salmon.

Fresh, local, and sustainable food is the focus in Vancouver. Beyond seafood, you’ll find many local restaurants that serve locally raised meats and produce from nearby farms. Some restaurants even have their own gardens. Much of the food in Vancouver is created from Asian and French influences; Japanese tapas bars have gained popularity in recent years.

Music, art, film, theater, and museums fill the dynamic city of Vancouver. Many internationally known musicians hail from Vancouver including Sarah McLachlan, Bryan Adams, and the band Heart. The music scene in Vancouver itself still churns out new and successful talent every year. Several punk bands and alternative rock bands have their origins in Vancouver. Today, the city is known for its independent bands like Teegan and Sara and The New Pornographers. If you prefer classical music or opera, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Vancouver Opera offer excellent performances.

Film lovers should plan their trip in September for the Vancouver International Film Festival, which runs for two weeks and shows over 350 films every year. At other times of the year, many popular theaters show independent films.

To learn a little history about Vancouver and the surrounding region as well as enjoy some art, check out the First Nations Artwork at the Museum of Anthropology. For something more modern, check out the Vancouver Art Gallery to see Emily Carr’s dramatic paintings many of which depict the landscape of British Columbia.

All images are used via Creative Commons Attribution rights. View the original images on Flickr at: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4