[ Feature image courtesy of bluegoosebcpond.com ]
Vancouver. A Modern City
The first thing you notice upon arriving in Vancouver, if you happen to fly in, is the airport. It's in stark contrast to LA International ( an airport you should avoid at all costs and is fast becoming another reason not to visit the USA !...more on that below ). YVR, as it is designated, has a very welcoming feel as you walk from the aircraft through to security where you are greeted with an indigenous audio and visual display and immediately you sense there is Canadian pride in their First Nation culture.
Off the aircraft......to security, which took about 15 minutes only.
Vancouver's population is around 600,000 and the city reminds me of Melbourne, particularly in the Downtown area, mainly because the city streets are built on a grid.
Vancouver is a relatively young city...the original was almost completely destroyed by the Great Vancouver Fire in 1886.
...however, the backdrop is decidedly different.
...and on to the Skytrain with a dedicated line direct to Downtown Vancouver. About 20mins. 2 Minute walk to the hotel. [ try and do that in Sydney ! ]
Photo [above] : Jose Fuste Raga / Getty Images