With a population of 2.6 million, Vancouver is the largest metropolitan area in Western Canada, and the third largest in Canada. The city of Vancouver is located near the mouth of the Fraser River; at the southwestern corner of the coastal province of British Columbia, Canada. Spanish captain José María Narváez was the first European to explore the area in 1791. Later the British naval Captain George Vancouver explored the Strait of Georgia in 1792, but the area was not settled till 1862.

Vancouver had its first non-native settlement in about 1862 at McCleery's Farm; now known as the Southlands area. Once the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) transcontinental from Eastern Canada line had completed in 1887, it brought a boom of expansion and growth in all directions. Initially Chinese had migrated there in large number followed by Europeans moving towards the area.

In a very short span of time, Vancouver has become the main West coast seaport of Canada. Besides being a reputed seaport, it has also been known as centre of meeting for trade and settlements for many centuries. Though furs and gold no longer inspire or attract tourists to visit the city, ever-expanding industries of British Columbia in Vancouver attract a large number of crowds. With ongoing development, Vancouver today boasts itself with a rich past and a keen eye for a bright future.