Vancouver Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / November 18, 2024
Vancouver Then
Vancouver, a vibrant city located in southwestern British Columbia, Canada, carries a rich historical and cultural significance.
Named after the British explorer George Vancouver, who charted Burrard Inlet in 1792, the city’s name has Dutch origins.
The surname “Vancouver” derives from “van Coevorden,” meaning “from Coevorden,” a city in the Netherlands, reflecting the explorer’s Dutch ancestry.
Before British settlement, the area was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, particularly the Squamish, whose name for the region, K’emk’emeláy̓, translates to “place of many maple trees,” a nod to the natural surroundings.
The Musqueam, another Indigenous group in the area, speak hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, and did not have a specific term for Vancouver itself. Instead, they used names for particular villages and landmarks.
The Stó꞉lō, another Indigenous group, called the region Lhq’á, meaning “wide at the bottom/end.”
In contrast, the Squamish people are associated with the names sqwx̌wam̓ush and skwóm̓esh, reflecting their presence and connection to the land.
The Indigenous names highlight a deep relationship with the local geography, which contrasts with the later British naming conventions, illustrating the historical layers that have shaped Vancouver.
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Vancouver History
Vancouver, a vibrant and diverse city on the west coast of Canada, has a rich history shaped by Indigenous peoples, European settlers, and waves of immigration.
The region was originally inhabited by several Native American (First Nations) groups before the establishment of a trading post by the Hudson’s Bay Company at Fort Langley in 1827.
The area remained sparsely populated until the 1850s when European settlers began to arrive, primarily drawn by the gold rush in the Cariboo Mountains.
By the late 19th century, Vancouver emerged as a vital port and sawmill settlement, incorporated as a city in 1886.
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A devastating fire shortly after its incorporation led to the city being rebuilt, which helped Vancouver grow into a prosperous trade hub, especially after the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914.
Over time, Vancouver evolved into Canada’s major Pacific coast port, expanding its role in international trade and commerce, particularly with Asia.
The city’s economy is built on its strategic location as a deepwater port and its thriving industries in forestry, tourism, mining, and manufacturing.
Vancouver’s port, the largest on Canada’s west coast, handles a variety of goods, including bulk commodities, steel, containers, and forest products.
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The city also boasts an ice-free harbor that supports a vibrant fishing fleet and cruise ship traffic, with Alaska as the most common destination.
Vancouver’s airport, Vancouver International Airport, links the city to destinations around the world, while a network of highways, ferries, and rail lines connect it to other parts of Canada and the United States.
The city’s transportation infrastructure, including the SkyTrain light rail system and the SeaBus, enables easy access to its suburbs and beyond, which has facilitated the growth of a dynamic metropolitan region.
Vancouver is known for its rich cultural diversity, with significant populations of East Asians, South Asians, and other ethnic groups contributing to its cosmopolitan atmosphere.
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The city’s ethnic Chinese community, in particular, has a long history, dating back to the mid-19th century, and continues to shape Vancouver’s cultural identity.
The city’s Chinatown, though no longer as prominent as in the past, remains an important cultural and historical landmark.
Vancouver’s neighborhoods reflect this diversity, with areas like Richmond, Surrey, and the downtown core hosting vibrant communities of immigrants.
The city’s cultural richness is also evident in its arts scene, with prominent institutions like the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, as well as a thriving film industry, making Vancouver a significant center for arts and entertainment.
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In the early 21st century, Vancouver became one of North America’s top locations for film production, offering a cost-effective alternative to Hollywood, and attracting both American and international productions.
Vancouver’s natural beauty, nestled between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, plays a key role in its appeal.
The city offers a combination of urban and outdoor lifestyles, with Stanley Park, Granville Island, and numerous other green spaces providing opportunities for recreation.
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The surrounding mountains, lakes, and forests offer quick access to hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
Vancouver’s picturesque setting, along with its cultural vibrancy and economic strength, made it an ideal host city for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, showcasing the city’s international stature.
As a modern metropolis, Vancouver continues to be a magnet for immigrants, tourists, and businesses, all while maintaining a connection to its Indigenous roots and natural surroundings.
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Vancouver Now
Vancouver is a dynamic and diverse city located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Western Canada.
With a population of over 662,000 within the city itself and 2.6 million people in its metropolitan area, it stands as the largest city in British Columbia and the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada.
The region also includes the Fraser Valley, which pushes the total population of the Lower Mainland to more than 3 million.
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Vancouver’s urban area is characterized by its high population density, making it the most densely populated city in Canada and the fourth in North America.
This density reflects the city’s attractiveness and economic opportunities but also presents challenges such as high housing costs, which make it one of the least affordable places to live.
Culturally, Vancouver is one of Canada’s most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities, with a significant portion of its population speaking languages other than English or French.
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Over half of the city’s residents belong to visible minority groups, contributing to the multicultural fabric that defines Vancouver.
The city’s diversity is also reflected in its wide range of cultural events, communities, and international conferences.
Vancouver is often ranked as one of the most livable cities globally due to its high quality of life, access to nature, and robust infrastructure.
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The city’s economy is driven by a mix of industries, with forestry and film production being two of the most significant sectors.
Vancouver is often referred to as “Hollywood North” because of its major film and television production studios, making it one of the largest film production centers in North America.
In addition, Vancouver’s port is the largest in Canada and one of the most diversified in North America, which plays a crucial role in the local and national economy.
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Vancouver’s geographic location on the Burrard Peninsula provides it with breathtaking views and natural surroundings.
The city is bordered by Burrard Inlet to the north, the Fraser River to the south, and the Strait of Georgia to the west.
This unique positioning allows Vancouver to blend urban living with easy access to nature, offering residents and visitors a mix of outdoor recreation and city life.
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Its close proximity to Vancouver Island, shielded by the Strait of Georgia, adds to its scenic beauty and enhances its appeal as a global tourism destination.
This balance between urban development and environmental preservation has become a hallmark of Vancouver’s identity, known locally as “Vancouverism.”
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FAQs
Vancouver is famous for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and vibrant economy.
It is known as “Hollywood North” due to its significant film production industry, and it regularly ranks as one of the most livable cities globally.
The city’s proximity to the ocean and mountains offers a unique urban experience surrounded by nature.
No, Vancouver is a city in Canada, located in the province of British Columbia, not in the United States. It is situated on the west coast of Canada, close to the U.S. border.
The primary language spoken in Vancouver is English, although the city is highly multicultural, with many residents speaking other languages, including Punjabi, Mandarin, and Cantonese, due to its diverse immigrant population.
Vancouver is expensive to live in due to its high demand for housing, limited land for expansion, and its reputation as a desirable place to live.
The city’s popularity, combined with a strong economy and limited housing supply, has driven up real estate prices and cost of living, making it one of the least affordable cities in the world.